(How to Install Steam on Linux in 2025) Steam is an opportunity Valve gives for buying, downloading, and managing games that have become quite popular among users. While Steam was created specifically for Windows, the service provides good support for Linux, so people can play different games using an open-source OS. If you’re new to Linux, this step-by-step guide will enable you to install Steam.
1. Prerequisites
Before installing Steam, ensure the following prerequisites are met:
System Requirements: To do this ensure that you meet other minimum system requirements for using steam. As for modern Linux distributions with updated graphics drivers, most of them are support-capable.
Internet Connection: Steam does not come pre-installed on any device in use and is accessible online for its installation and utilization.
Admin Privileges: Linux is not like Windows where you can install packages without administrative rights.
2. Choose Your Linux Distribution
Steam is available for use on multiple Linux distributions: Ubuntu, Fedora, Arch Linux, and so on. These procedures differ depending on the flavors or distro you prefer using.
A. Check Distribution and Version
To determine your Linux distribution and version, open a terminal and run:
3. Install Steam on Linux
A. Ubuntu/Debian-Based Distributions
Ubuntu and Debian-based systems have Steam available in their official repositories.
Update the System:
Run the following commands to update the package list:
Install Steam:
Use the following command to install Steam:
Launch Steam:
After installation, launch Steam from the applications menu or by typing:
Login and Update:
Sign in with your Steam account and allow Steam to update itself.
B. Fedora
For Fedora users, Steam can be installed from the RPM Fusion repository.
Enable RPM Fusion:
Install Steam:
Once the repository is enabled, install Steam using:
Launch Steam:
Open Steam from the applications menu or type steam in the terminal.
C. Arch Linux
Steam is available in Arch Linux’s official repositories.
Update the System:
Install Steam:
Install Steam using the following command:
Launch Steam:
Start Steam by typing steam in the terminal or launching it from your desktop environment.
D. Other Distributions
For other Linux distributions, check if Steam is available in the official repositories. Alternatively, you can use Flatpak to install Steam.
Install Flatpak:
If Flatpak is not installed, follow your distribution’s instructions to install it.
Add Flathub Repository:
Install Steam via Flatpak:
Launch Steam:
4. Configure Steam
Once the software has been installed, you should start a Steam application, and log in to your Steam account. Set the client preferences such as downloading other compatibility tools like Proton for operating Windows Games on the Linux Operating system.
5. Troubleshooting Common Issues
Graphics Driver Issues: Make sure that your graphics processing unit drivers are current. Nvidia users should always install its proprietary drivers while AMD or Intel users should always use the open-source drivers known as Mesa.
Missing Dependencies: In case of missing libraries or packages, normally indicated by the installation process, one should follow the instructions that are given out during the installation.
64-Bit Compatibility: On 64-bit OS install 32-bit libraries for correct Steam work.
Conclusion
Linux setup of Steam is simple and gets Linux users closer to a gaming platform based on an open-source OS. Support has been constant, and with upcoming releases and help from Valve, the program only gets better with Linux support. No matter how well experienced you are in Linux gaming, no matter how novice you are for Linux gaming, it’s always a good sign if you follow a procedure to install Steam as described in this article. Happy gaming!
For first-time Linux gamers or even those who have been using Linux and have dabbled in Linux gaming, it is important to follow these steps to Linux Steam right. Happy gaming! So remember that Linux is flexible and has good community support to get you into the world of gaming.
