Epic Games Launcher is renewed: more speed, Linux support and AI-assisted development

Epic Games presents a new version of its launcher, rebuilt from the ground up to improve performance, navigation, and library management. The innovation doesn't just affect the user experience: the project also represents a concrete example of how artificial intelligence is transforming software development processes.

A new launcher built from the ground up

The Epic Games launcher is getting ready for a makeover.
On October 14, 2026, the company presented the new version of the Epic Games Launcher in Preview mode, introducing a redesigned application aimed at reducing wait times and making interaction with the store and its game library more fluid.

The new version is available in preview for Windows, macOS, and, for the first time, Linux, thus expanding official support to several desktop platforms.

Performance and interface: what's new?

One of the main goals of the project is to improve the responsiveness of an application that, over time, has often been criticized for slow startup and navigation.

Among the announced new features we find:

• Faster startup: the application promises reduced loading times and more immediate access to the main features.

• Redesigned library: you can alternate between a grid view and a detailed view, as well as organize games into custom collections.

• Centralized downloads: a dedicated section allows you to monitor installations, updates, transfer speed and download status.

• Quick access to recent games: the most recently used titles can be reached in fewer steps.

• Integrated social features: the launcher introduces tools to start parties and communicate with friends directly from the application.

• Customizable interface: The top bar can be configured for quicker access to your favorite games and applications.

Epic also claims a significant improvement in library and navigation performance.
The official website reports some comparisons with Steam, including a cold boot time of 5.47 seconds for the new launcher versus 10.07 seconds for the competitor.
These are results obtained in tests commissioned by Epic to Keywords Studios on a sample of machines; actual performance may therefore vary based on hardware and software configuration.

The real novelty: the role of artificial intelligence

The most interesting aspect of the news concerns the method used to develop the new launcher.

Epic said it used artificial intelligence tools to support code writing and review, replicate the key features of the previous version, and accelerate testing.

From the launcher to a new development strategy

The project is part of a larger context.
Epic Games is exploring ways of working increasingly oriented towards the use of AI, with the stated goal of enabling its teams to develop more ambitious features and improve existing products.

For those who work in software development, the issue goes beyond simple automatic code generation.
A complex system like a launcher requires the management of numerous dependencies, cross-platform compatibility, feature migration, testing, and problem resolution.

AI can help accelerate these activities, but the quality of the result continues to depend on the ability to define requirements, check the produced code, identify regressions, and verify the behavior of the application.

A Preview still evolving

The new version is currently in Preview phase and does not yet include all the features of the traditional launcher.
Epic encourages users to try it and report any issues using the feedback tools available in the application.

Before proceeding with the installation, it is important to note one detail: installing the Preview will remove the previous version of the launcher.
Epic states that purchased games, installations, cloud saves and progress will be retained, but those who depend on specific features or use the launcher for daily activities may prefer to wait for a more mature version.

Linux support is also an important step, although the launcher's compatibility does not automatically mean that all Windows games will run natively on this operating system.

To try the new version:Epic Games Launcher – Preview