Epic Games Releases AI-Built Launcher Supporting Linux and Fast Performance
Epic Games has released a new version of its desktop client that the company built using artificial intelligence. Epic Games described the development process in a blog post, stating that programming is difficult. Instead of traditional coding methods, the company used AI to generate what it calls a vibecoded launcher designed to run significantly faster and more responsively than the current version.
The test version is currently available for Windows, macOS, and, for the first time, Linux. Epic Games began work on official Linux support in August. The initial release features a streamlined toolset that the company compares to a speedboat rather than a yacht, acknowledging that it currently includes few features.
The NEW @EpicGames Launcher is REALLY FAST… not joking… super responsive, a super fast cold-run… and now FINALLY auto detects the installed games (also supports games from other launchers)…1 – Much faster2 – Much Snappier3 – Detect Games Automatically4 – Shows games… pic.twitter.com/S9YEzq20Vc
User Reactions and Performance Comparisons
Several users on X responded with questions about how fast the program uninstalls, while others argued that Steam offers functionality gathered through several decades that a simpler client cannot match. Streamer Ms5000Watts posted that users prefer Steam over the client. Conversely, user Ancient Gameplays reported that the new client is very fast, noting that it automatically detects installed games, including titles from competing platforms. User Ancient Gameplays highlighted four specific improvements after testing the software: faster cold-run startups, snappier navigation, automatic game detection, and cross-platform library visibility.
New Features Included in the Test Build
The updated launcher introduces a lighter software footprint that reduces background system resource usage while expanding user interface options. Users can switch between grid and list views, organize custom collections, and pin favorite games to the top navigation line. Search and filtering tools now update dynamically as text is typed into the search bar.
Additional updates include a dedicated game page showing status, activity details, and launch buttons in a single view. The download manager displays speeds alongside active, queued, planned, and failed downloads. A new cross-platform voice chat feature allows users to communicate with friends across Fortnite, the Epic Games Store, and the Epic Games-appen. While the test version brings Linux compatibility to the launcher itself, Fortnite support for Linux systems will arrive at a later date.
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