How To Download Steam On Linux – Steam Linux Native Client

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Installing Steam on Linux is easiest through your distribution’s package manager or the official website. If you’re wondering how to download Steam on Linux, you’ve come to the right place. This guide covers every method, from Ubuntu to Fedora, so you can start gaming fast.

How To Download Steam On Linux

Steam is the biggest PC gaming platform, and it works great on Linux. You can install it using a few different ways, depending on your distro and preference. Below, we break down each method step by step.

Method 1: Using Your Distribution’s Package Manager

This is the simplest way for most users. Your package manager handles updates and dependencies automatically.

On Ubuntu, Debian, And Linux Mint

  1. Open your terminal (Ctrl+Alt+T).
  2. Update your package list: sudo apt update
  3. Install Steam: sudo apt install steam
  4. Press Y when prompted, then wait for the download to finish.
  5. Launch Steam from your applications menu.

On Fedora And RHEL-Based Distros

  1. Enable the RPM Fusion non-free repository first: sudo dnf install https://mirrors.rpmfusion.org/nonfree/fedora/rpmfusion-nonfree-release-$(rpm -E %fedora).noarch.rpm
  2. Install Steam: sudo dnf install steam
  3. If you get a 32-bit library error, run: sudo dnf install steam-devices
  4. Launch Steam from your app menu.

On Arch Linux And Manjaro

  1. Open terminal.
  2. Install Steam from the official repos: sudo pacman -S steam
  3. If you’re on Manjaro, you can also use the Pamac GUI.
  4. Launch Steam after installation.

On openSUSE

  1. Add the Packman repository: sudo zypper ar -cfp 90 https://ftp.gwdg.de/pub/linux/misc/packman/suse/openSUSE_Tumbleweed/ packman
  2. Install Steam: sudo zypper install steam
  3. Launch from your menu.

Method 2: Downloading From The Official Steam Website

If your distro isn’t listed above, or you prefer the official package, use this method. It works on almost any Linux system.

  1. Go to store.steampowered.com/about in your browser.
  2. Click the “Install Steam” button (green, on the right).
  3. Choose your distribution from the dropdown (Ubuntu, Fedora, etc.).
  4. Download the .deb or .rpm file.
  5. Double-click the downloaded file to install it. On Ubuntu, this opens the Software Center. On Fedora, it opens the package installer.
  6. If double-clicking doesn’t work, open terminal and run: sudo dpkg -i ~/Downloads/steam_latest.deb (adjust path if needed).
  7. Launch Steam from your applications.

Method 3: Using Flatpak (Universal Method)

Flatpak works on all Linux distros and sandboxes Steam for extra security. This is a good choice if you want isolation from your system.

  1. Ensure Flatpak is installed. Most distros have it pre-installed. If not, run: sudo apt install flatpak (Ubuntu) or sudo dnf install flatpak (Fedora).
  2. Add the Flathub repository: flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo
  3. Install Steam: flatpak install flathub com.valvesoftware.Steam
  4. Launch Steam from your app menu or with: flatpak run com.valvesoftware.Steam

Method 4: Using Snap (Ubuntu And Others)

Snap is another universal package format, popular on Ubuntu. It’s easy but may have slightly slower startup times.

  1. Open terminal.
  2. Install Steam snap: sudo snap install steam
  3. Wait for the download to complete.
  4. Launch Steam from your applications.

Post-Installation Steps

After installing Steam, you need to set it up properly. Follow these steps to get gaming quickly.

  • Launch Steam: Click the Steam icon in your menu or run steam in terminal.
  • Log In Or Create Account: Enter your existing Steam credentials or sign up for a new account.
  • Update Steam: Steam will download updates automatically on first launch. This can take a few minutes.
  • Install Drivers: For NVIDIA GPUs, install proprietary drivers. For AMD or Intel, open-source drivers usually work fine. Check your distro’s driver manager.
  • Enable Steam Play: Go to Settings > Compatibility > Enable Steam Play for all titles. This lets you run Windows games on Linux.
  • Install Your First Game: Browse your library, click a game, and hit Install.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes Steam doesn’t work right away. Here are fixes for the most common problems.

Steam Won’t Launch

  • Try running Steam from terminal: steam. This shows error messages.
  • If you see “libGL error,” install 32-bit OpenGL libraries: sudo apt install libgl1-mesa-glx:i386 (Ubuntu).
  • On Fedora, run: sudo dnf install mesa-libGL.i686.

No Sound In Games

  • Install PulseAudio or PipeWire if missing. Most distros have these pre-installed.
  • Check your audio settings in Steam: Settings > Audio.
  • Try running Steam with: PULSE_LATENCY_MSEC=60 steam.

Steam Client Crashes

  • Clear Steam’s cache: rm -rf ~/.steam/ubuntu12_32/steam-runtime then restart Steam.
  • Update your graphics drivers.
  • Disable hardware acceleration in Steam settings.

Game Performance Is Poor

  • Enable Proton GE (Glorious Eggroll) for better compatibility. Install it via ProtonUp-Qt.
  • Lower in-game graphics settings.
  • Close background apps that use CPU or RAM.

Steam On Different Linux Distros

While the methods above cover most distros, here are specifics for a few popular ones.

Steam On Ubuntu 22.04 And 24.04

Ubuntu LTS versions work well with Steam. Use the apt method or download the .deb from the website. If you get a “32-bit libraries missing” error, run: sudo dpkg --add-architecture i386 && sudo apt update && sudo apt install steam.

Steam On Fedora 39 And 40

Fedora requires the RPM Fusion repo for Steam. After enabling it, the dnf install command works. Some users report missing fonts; install them with: sudo dnf install steam-fonts.

Steam On Pop!_OS

Pop!_OS is based on Ubuntu, so the apt method works. You can also find Steam in the Pop Shop. It’s pre-configured for gaming, so drivers are usually fine.

Steam On Linux Mint

Linux Mint includes a Software Manager. Search for Steam there and click Install. Alternatively, use the terminal method for Ubuntu.

Using Steam On Linux Without A Desktop Environment

If you run a minimal server or window manager like i3, you can still use Steam. Install it via your package manager, then launch it from terminal. You might need to install a display manager first, but Steam’s UI works fine in most WMs.

Steam Link And Remote Play On Linux

Steam Link lets you stream games from your PC to other devices. On Linux, you can install the Steam Link app from Flathub or your package manager. Remote Play works similarly—just enable it in Steam settings.

Why Use Steam On Linux?

Linux gaming has grown a lot. Steam’s Proton compatibility layer lets you play thousands of Windows games. Plus, Linux is free, secure, and customizable. You avoid Windows bloat and telemetry.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Don’t download Steam from random third-party sites. Use your package manager or the official website.
  • Don’t skip the 32-bit libraries. Many games need them.
  • Don’t use the Flatpak version if you have limited disk space—it uses more storage.
  • Don’t forget to enable Steam Play for non-Linux games.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I download Steam on Linux for free?

Yes, Steam is free to download and install. You only pay for games you buy.

Does Steam work on all Linux distros?

Steam officially supports Ubuntu and Fedora, but it works on most distros via package managers or Flatpak.

How do I uninstall Steam from Linux?

Use your package manager: sudo apt remove steam (Ubuntu) or sudo dnf remove steam (Fedora). For Flatpak: flatpak uninstall com.valvesoftware.Steam.

Why is Steam not opening after installation?

Missing 32-bit libraries are the most common cause. Install them as shown in the troubleshooting section. Also check your graphics drivers.

Can I play Windows games on Linux Steam?

Yes, with Steam Play (Proton). Enable it in settings, and most Windows games run well.

Final Tips For A Smooth Experience

  • Keep your system updated: sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade regularly.
  • Use a dedicated gaming partition if you have limited space on your root drive.
  • Join Linux gaming communities like r/linux_gaming for help.
  • Test games with ProtonDB before buying to check compatibility.

Now you know how to download Steam on Linux using multiple methods. Whether you choose the package manager, official website, Flatpak, or Snap, the process is straightforward. Follow the steps above, and you’ll be gaming in minutes. If you hit any snags, the troubleshooting section should help. Enjoy your Linux gaming journey.