How to Install Steam on Linux and Play Your Favorite Games [2023]

Gaming on Linux has come a long way in recent years, and Steam has played a major role in bringing thousands of high-quality games to the platform. With Proton and improved graphics driver support, you can now enjoy both native Linux titles and Windows games on a Linux PC.

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In this comprehensive guide, you‘ll learn how to fully utilize Steam for the best gaming experience on your Linux distribution.

Overview of Steam and Why Use It for Linux Gaming

For those new to it, Steam is a massive digital distribution platform developed by Valve. It gives you access to a library of over 50,000 games on any system running Steam client software.

Some key benefits of using Steam on Linux include:

Huge catalog of native Linux games and support for running Windows games. Over 8,000 titles now work flawlessly via Steam Play and Proton.
Automatic updates for games and the client software ensure you always have the latest patches and features.
Cloud saving syncs your game progress across multiple PCs seamlessly.
Robust community features like forums, guides, achievements, and friend activity feeds.
Customization via the Steam Workshop – download player-made mods, skins, textures, and content for compatible titles.

With an ever-growing selection, automated patching, cloud storage, community integration, and customizability, Steam is the definitive central hub for gaming on Linux.

System Requirements for Running Steam on Linux

Before installing Steam, make sure your Linux setup meets or exceeds the following system specifications:

Minimum Requirements

Dual-core 2.0GHz AMD/Intel processor
4 GB RAM
20 GB free disk space
NVIDIA GeForce 8 series/AMD Radeon HD 2000 graphics card
Broadband Internet connection

Recommended Specs

Quad-core 3.0+ GHz processor
8 GB RAM
50 GB disk space for multiple game installs
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 900/1000 series or AMD Radeon RX 400/500 graphics
High-speed fiber Internet connection

To enjoy the best performance in games, you should run a Linux distro updated to the latest kernel and graphics stacks. Ubuntu 22.04, Fedora 36, Arch Linux, and other rolling/recent releases are ideal.

Install the proprietary graphics drivers from NVIDIA or AMD that correspond to your GPU for maximum efficiency. Avoid the open-source Nouveau driver on NVIDIA cards.

How to Download and Install Games on Steam

Here is the full process for accessing Steam, finding games, and getting them installed on your Linux system:

First, create your free Steam account and sign in to the client software.
Browse or search for games that interest you. Note tags like "Linux" or the penguin icon indicating native support. Popular titles like CS:GO, DOTA 2, Terraria, and Kerbal Space Program have native clients.
Look at the Store page details of a game you want. Check minimum system requirements to ensure your PC specs are sufficient.
For free games, click "Play Game" to install. If it‘s a paid title, click "Add to Cart" and go through purchase confirmation screens.
Purchased and free-to-play games start downloading automatically. The progress displays in your account Library.
Once finished, find the game in your Library and click "Play" to launch!

With an immense catalog, purchasing process tied to your account, automatic downloads/updates, and cloud tracking of your playtime, Steam makes exploring Linux gaming easy.

Installing and Running Steam on Ubuntu/Debian, Fedora, and Linux Mint

The Steam client works across all common Linux distributions. But specific install instructions vary between distros based on their package managers.

Here are detailed guides for setting up Steam on Ubuntu/Debian, Fedora Workstation, and Linux Mint.

Install Steam on Ubuntu and Debian

There are several effective methods for getting Steam on the APT-based Ubuntu or Debian:

Install Using Software Center

Ubuntu‘s handy GNOME Software Center offers an intuitive GUI route for new Linux users.

Search for "Software Center" and launch the app.
Click the search button and lookup "Steam". Choose to install it.
Enter admin password when prompted and Steam begins downloading.

Install Via APT Command Line

To use APT repositories directly from the terminal:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install steam

Tickets get automatically downloaded upon entering your password.

Download Steam .DEB Package

You can grab the latest manual .deb installer from the Steam website.

Once it‘s copied to your filesystem, install the package using:

sudo dpkg -i steam_latest.deb

This places Steam files in the correct locations immediately.

Get Steam on Fedora Linux

Fedora has its own RPM-based package manager in DNF, so install steps differ from Debian/Ubuntu.

Enable the RPM Fusion repository for access to non-free packages like Steam:

sudo dnf install https://mirrors.rpmfusion.org/nonfree/fedora/rpmfusion-nonfree-release-$(rpm -E %fedora).noarch.rpm

Install Steam package:

sudo dnf install steam

Alternatively, you can search "Steam" in Fedora Software and install from the GUI. Just be sure to have enabled RPM Fusion first.

Install Steam on Linux Mint

As Mint derives from Ubuntu, you can use APT to fetch and install Steam directly:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install steam

Or utilize Mint‘s Software Manager GUI, accessible from the main menu. Reload data, search "Steam", and install from the UI controls similar to Ubuntu‘s center.

In just a few moments you‘ll have Steam ready to launch system-wide!

Updating Steam and Installed Games

Steam perpetually improves security, fixes bugs, and enhances features. Having the newest Steam client and game patches leads to the best enjoyment.

Whenever Steam is running, it automatically checks and notifies you of pending updates.

To manually look for the latest versions:

Click Steam > Check for Steam Update in the upper left menu.
The dialog presents available Steam client and game updates. Click "Restart Steam" to install them.
Updates download in the background. Steam reopens once finished. Now latest content is ready!

Be sure to restart Steam after major updates to ensure changes apply properly.

Common FAQs and Troubleshooting

Having explained setup across Linux environments, here are answers to some frequently asked questions.

Can I install Steam games on a separate drive or partition?

Yes! By default Steam uses your /home/$USER/.local/share/Steam directory to store game files. But you can add other Steam library folders via the Settings > Downloads menu. Just point to the desired mounted filesystem.

Is it safe downloading games from Steam on Linux?

Absolutely. Steam has a robust content delivery network with mandatory verification checking file integrity. Downloads safely deliver intact games.

Will all my Steam games work properly on Linux?

Over 8000 Windows games now run on Linux via Steam Play compatibility tools. If you see the SteamOS + Linux icon or a Gold/Platinum rating on ProtonDB, that game will work through Steam Play!

Can I still mod and customize games via Steam Workshop on Linux?

Yes! Steam Workshop integration works the same across platforms. You can browse, download, and install player-made customizations for titles that support Steam Workshop. Mods apply properly on Linux.

If you encounter issues launching games, downloading content, or odd Steam behavior, some things to try are:

Ensure graphics drivers are fully updated
Verify integrity of game files
Restart your Linux distro
Reinstall Steam client as needed
Check for advice on ProtonDB and forums

Contact Steam Support for further troubleshooting.

Customizing Games with Mods Using Steam Workshop

One of Steam‘s most powerful features is Steam Workshop – a central hub to find, install, and manage custom player-made content.

If a game opts into Workshop support, you‘ll see a Workshop tab on its Store page and in your Library. Browse add-ons like:

Custom maps
Graphical overhaul mods
Sound packs
Full conversion mods altering gameplay
Helper tools and quality-of-life mods
Cosmetic items and skins

Click the Subscribe button on Workshop items to automatically download that content. It gets added to your active mods list. You can enable/disable mods from this list as desired.

Mods and customizations add tons of replay value. And the Workshop system handles mod management seamlessly across Linux and Windows.

Closing Recommendations for Gaming with Steam

I hope this guide gives you confidence to get Steam running and open up Linux gaming!

With 50K+ titles encompassing impressive native ports, Windows compatibility via Steam Play, mod support, and every storefront feature paralleling the Windows client, Linux truly is a premier gaming platform thanks to Valve‘s Steam ecosystem.

From hottest AAA epics to innovative indies, endless customization via Workshop, massive seasonal sales, and surround-sound home theater support, you have absolutely everything needed for an exceptional gaming experience on Linux.

Have fun exploring Steam‘s catalog and building out your ideal library of Linux games!