Can I Play Epic Games on Steam Deck?
The Steam Deck is a revolutionary handheld gaming console developed by Valve Corporation, allowing users to play their favorite PC games on the go. With the Steam Deck, gamers can enjoy a wide range of titles from the Steam library, including popular games like Half-Life, Portal, and Counter-Strike. But what about Epic Games titles? Can you play games like Fortnite, Rocket League, and Unreal Tournament on the Steam Deck? Let’s dive in and find out.
The Short Answer:
Yes, you can play some Epic Games titles on the Steam Deck, but with some limitations. Epic Games Store games are not natively supported on the Steam Deck, but you can still play them using third-party emulators or by purchasing a separate copy of the game through the Epic Games Store.
Why Can’t I Play Epic Games Natively on Steam Deck?
The main reason you can’t play Epic Games titles natively on the Steam Deck is due to the Steam Deck’s operating system, which is based on SteamOS. SteamOS is designed specifically for Steam games, and Epic Games titles are not optimized for this platform. Additionally, Epic Games has not officially announced support for the Steam Deck, which means you won’t find their games in the Steam Deck’s library.
Workarounds to Play Epic Games on Steam Deck:
Don’t worry, there are still ways to play Epic Games titles on the Steam Deck. Here are a few workarounds:
- Third-Party Emulators: You can use third-party emulators like Lutris or Proton to run Epic Games titles on the Steam Deck. These emulators allow you to run Windows games on Linux, including those from the Epic Games Store. However, be aware that using third-party emulators may void your Steam Deck’s warranty and may not be supported by Valve.
- Purchase a Separate Copy: You can purchase a separate copy of the game from the Epic Games Store and then install it on your Steam Deck using a third-party launcher like SteamCMD. This method requires some technical expertise and may not work for all games.
- Native Support: If an Epic Games title is also available on Steam, you can purchase and play it through the Steam client on your Steam Deck. However, this method requires the game to be compatible with the Steam Deck’s hardware and software.
What About Other Epic Games Titles?
While the above workarounds allow you to play some Epic Games titles on the Steam Deck, there are some limitations to consider:
- Fortnite: Fortnite is available on both Steam and the Epic Games Store, but the Steam version is not optimized for the Steam Deck. You can still play Fortnite on the Steam Deck using the Steam client, but it may not be as smooth as playing on a PC or console.
- Rocket League: Rocket League is available on Steam, but not on the Epic Games Store. You can play Rocket League on the Steam Deck using the Steam client.
- Unreal Tournament: Unreal Tournament is available on the Epic Games Store, but not on Steam. You can play Unreal Tournament on the Steam Deck using a third-party emulator or by purchasing a separate copy from the Epic Games Store.
Conclusion:
While the Steam Deck does not natively support Epic Games titles, there are still ways to play some of these games on the device. Using third-party emulators or purchasing a separate copy of the game from the Epic Games Store can allow you to play Epic Games titles on the Steam Deck. However, be aware of the limitations and potential technical issues that may arise. For now, it seems that the Steam Deck is better suited for playing Steam games, but the workarounds above can help you enjoy your favorite Epic Games titles on the go.
Additional Tips:
- Make sure to check the system requirements for each game to ensure that it is compatible with the Steam Deck’s hardware.
- Use a third-party launcher like SteamCMD to install and manage your Epic Games titles on the Steam Deck.
- Be cautious when using third-party emulators, as they may not be officially supported by Valve or Epic Games.
- Keep an eye on the Steam Deck’s community forums and developer blogs for any updates on Epic Games support.
Table: Epic Games Titles on Steam Deck
| Game | Steam Deck Support | Workaround |
|---|---|---|
| Fortnite | Not natively supported | Use Steam client or third-party emulator |
| Rocket League | Natively supported | Use Steam client |
| Unreal Tournament | Not natively supported | Use third-party emulator or purchase separate copy |
Bullets List:
- Pros:
- Can play some Epic Games titles on the Steam Deck using workarounds
- Can use third-party emulators or purchase separate copies of games
- Can play a wide range of Steam games natively on the Steam Deck
- Cons:
- Limited support for Epic Games titles
- May require technical expertise to use workarounds
- May not be officially supported by Valve or Epic Games