How to install and play Steam on Linux easily and completely

Universal Adventure » Steam » How to install and play Steam on Linux easily and completely

For years, playing video games on Linux had been a task reserved for the most advanced users willing to deal with emulators, endless configurations, and dubious compatibility. However, with the arrival of Steam for Linux, everything changed. Valve has made an impressive effort to democratize access to thousands of games from operating systems like Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, or Linux Mint, eliminating many of the barriers that previously existed. If you want to learn more about other video game devices, you can check out the article on Ataribox and Steam Machines.

Nowadays, configure Steam on Linux And enjoying your favorite titles is a fairly accessible process, even for those just starting out with this operating system. Throughout this article, we'll explain step by step How to install Steam on different Linux distributions, which are the minimum requirements for it to work properly, how to download the games and that characteristics additional features the platform offers. If you're a gamer interested in Linux, this article is for you.

What is Steam and why is it so important for Linux gamers?

Steam is a digital platform for distributing video games. Created by Valve in 2003. Over the years it has become one of the most used tools by the gaming community thanks to its huge catalogue of titles, both free and paid, its social functions and its cross-platform compatibility, including support for Linux.

The platform allows users to Install, update, and run games directly from the cloud, making it easier to maintain saved games. It also includes features such as:

• Integrated chat by voice and text with your friends while you play.
• Mod workshop, where you can download content created by other users.
• Live broadcast of your games with a single click.
• Forums and community hubs for each game.
• Cross-platform compatibility (Windows, Mac, Linux, mobile phones and TVs).
• Multi-language interface, including Spanish and up to 27 others.

All of this makes Steam the most complete and viable option for gaming on Linux without having to resort to hacks or complicated configurations.

What do you need to play Steam on Linux? Minimum requirements

In order for Steam to work properly on your Linux system, your computer must meet certain requirements. minimum hardware and software requirementsAlthough they are not very demanding, it is advisable to make sure before starting:

• Processor: AMD Opteron or Pentium 4 with 1 GHz (AMD64 compatible, CMPXCHG16B and SSE3 support).
• RAM: at least 512 MB.
• Disc space: minimum of 5 GB free.
• Internet connection: A broadband connection (DSL/Cable) is recommended.
• Operating system: preferably the latest LTS version of Ubuntu or equivalent in other distributions.
• Graphics drivers: updated according to the manufacturer (AMD, Nvidia or Intel).

The graphics drivers are critically important. Make sure you have the latest ones available for your card:

• AMD: Catalyst 13.2 Legacy for older cards or the 12.11 driver for current models.
• Nvidia: version 310.x for recent cards or 304.x for older models.
• Intel HD 3000/4000: at least Table 9 or later.

Installing Steam on Ubuntu or Debian step by step

Both distributions allow you to install Steam in several ways. You can choose the one that's most convenient for you: graphical (GUI) or command-line (CLI).

1. Through the Software Center

This is the most accessible method, ideal for those unfamiliar with the terminal:

• Press the key Super (Windows or equivalent on your keyboard) and search for “Software Center.”
• Type “Steam” into the search engine and select the app.
• Press on Install and authorize with your administrator password.

2. Using the terminal (CLI)

If you're comfortable with the command line, you can install Steam more quickly. Open the terminal and run:

sudo apt-get update
sudo apt install steam

You can also use the “steam-installer” package to manage dependencies automatically:

sudo apt install steam-installer

3. Via APT-URL

Steam provides a special URL that you can open directly from your browser to install the app with a single click. But first, make sure you have the repository enabled. multiverse:

sudo add-apt-repository multiverse

4. Direct download of the .deb package

If you prefer to have the file on your PC:

• Download the file steam_latest.deb.
• Open it from the terminal and run:

sudo dpkg -i steam_latest.deb

How to install Steam on Fedora

Fedora also makes it easy to install Steam, both via the CLI and GUI. Let's look at both methods.

1. Using the terminal

First update the system:

sudo dnf update

Next, install the RPM Fusion repository if you don't have it:

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

Finally, install Steam:

sudo dnf install steam -y

And run it by simply typing:

steam

2. From Fedora Software

This method is perfect if you are not comfortable with commands:

• Open the Fedora Software Center.
• In the settings, activate the “Third-party repository” option.
• Search for Steam, click on it and then tap on Install.

Steam on Linux Mint: Easy Methods

Linux Mint, due to its closeness to Ubuntu, offers several convenient options to its users.

1. Through the APT manager

Open the terminal and update the system:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

Then run:

sudo apt install steam

2. With the Synaptic package manager

This method does not require using commands:

• Open Synaptic from the menu and authorize with the root password.
• Click “Reload” to update.
• Search for “Steam” and select the package to install.
• Mark them required dependencies and click on “Apply”.
• When it's complete, close the window and you're done.

3. From the software manager (GUI)

• Open the program manager from the menu.
• Type “Steam” in the search bar.
• Click on the program and then on Install.

How to download games from Steam and start playing?

Once you have installed Steam and created your account, Download games It is very simple:

• Access the store from the Steam app.
• Find the game you want to play. You can filter by genre or use the "Free to Play" option.
• Before installing, check the minimum requirements of the system in the game tab.
• If it's free, click "Play." If it's paid, add it to your cart and continue the checkout process.
• The game will automatically download and appear in your library.
• From there, you can simply click “Play” to begin the experience.

How to Keep Steam Updated on Linux

To ensure you always have the latest version of Steam, follow these steps:

• Open the Steam app.
• Go to the top left menu and click on “Steam.”
• Select the “Check for client update…” option
• If there are any new features, they will be downloaded and installed automatically.

The ability to enjoy Steam's extensive catalog on Linux systems is now a solid reality. Through different methods and across multiple distros, you can access the best of gaming without having to change operating systems or experience frustration due to lack of compatibility. If you have the hardware and suitable drivers, the world of Linux gaming is more alive than ever.