How to Install a Native Version of Steam on Linux [3 Proven Methods]

Written by

Ojash

Reviewed by

Akshat

Last updated: June 28, 2024

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Are you a Linux user who wants to play your favorite games on Steam but isn’t sure how to get started? Installing Steam on Ubuntu can be simple, and I’m here to guide you through the process. In this guide, I’ll explain three easy methods to install Steam, from using the Ubuntu Software Center to the Terminal and the official Steam website. You’ll also find solutions for common installation issues and tips to optimize Steam for the best gaming performance. By the end, you’ll be all set to enjoy your favorite games seamlessly on Linux.

What is Steam?

Steam is a digital platform created by Valve Corporation. It lets you buy, download, and play video games on your computer. Think of it as an online store where you can find thousands of games. Steam also offers tools to make gaming more enjoyable and social.

Key Features

1. Huge Game Library: Steam has a vast collection of games, from big-budget titles to indie games. You can find almost any game you want.
2. Regular Sales and Discounts: Steam offers frequent sales and discounts, allowing you to buy games at lower prices. These sales happen during events like the Summer Sale and Winter Sale.
3. Automatic Updates: Steam keeps your games up-to-date automatically. You don’t have to manually download patches or updates.
4. Cloud Saves: Steam saves your game progress in the cloud. This means you can continue playing your games from any computer with Steam installed.
5. Cross-Platform Support: Steam works on multiple operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. You can play your games on different platforms.
6. Steam Play: With Steam Play, you can play Windows games on Linux and macOS using a compatibility layer called Proton.

Prerequisites

Before installing Steam on Ubuntu, you need to make sure your system meets certain requirements and is properly set up. Here are the key steps to prepare your system:

System Requirements

• Operating System: Any modern Linux distribution (e.g., Ubuntu 18.04+)
• Processor: You need a 64-bit processor (Intel or AMD).
• Memory: At least 4GB of RAM is recommended.
• Storage: Make sure you have at least 5GB of free space for Steam and game installations.
• Graphics: A graphics card that supports OpenGL 4.1 or better.

How to Install a Native Version of Steam on Linux

For the detailed step-by-step guide for this method and 2 more methods to install a native version of steam on Linux, read this guide:

1. Install Steam via Ubuntu Software Center

The Ubuntu Software Center provides a graphical interface to easily install software on your system. This method is ideal for users who prefer a simple, point-and-click.

1. Click on the Ubuntu Software icon in the dock or search for it in the Activities menu.

2. Use the search bar at the top of the window to type Steam. Click on the Steam application from the list of results.

3. Press the Install button to start the installation process.

4. You may be prompted to enter your password to authenticate the installation.

5. Once installed, you can find Steam in your applications menu.

6. Open Steam and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup. Steam will likely download and install updates upon first launch. Allow these updates to complete.

7. Ensure Steam is properly installed by logging in to your account and accessing your game library.

2. Installing Steam via Terminal

Using the Terminal provides a more direct and flexible way to install software. This method is suitable for users comfortable with command-line operations and those who prefer precise control over the installation process.

1. Press Ctrl + Alt + T to open the Terminal.
2. Ensure the Multiverse repository is enabled by running:

sudo add-apt-repository multiverse

sudo apt update

3. Use the following command to install Steam:

sudo apt install steam

4. Once the installation is complete, launch Steam by typing:

steam

5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the initial Steam setup. Steam will download and install any necessary updates.
6. Ensure Steam is properly installed by logging in to your account and accessing your game library.

3. Installing Steam via Steam Package from Official Website

Downloading the Steam package directly from the official website ensures you get the latest version of Steam. This method is beneficial for users who want to ensure they are using the most up-to-date version available.

1. Open your web browser and go to the official Steam download page.

2. Click on the Install Steam button to download the steam_latest.deb package.

3. Open your Terminal. Change to the directory where the downloaded .deb file is located. For example:

cd ~/Downloads

4. Use the dpkg command to install the package:

sudo dpkg -i steam_latest.deb

5. Once the installation is complete, launch Steam by typing:

steam

6. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the initial Steam setup. Steam will download and install any necessary updates.
7. Ensure Steam is properly installed by logging in to your account and accessing your game library.

Optimizing Steam Performance on Ubuntu

Optimizing Steam performance on Ubuntu can significantly enhance your gaming experience. This guide will walk you through adjusting Steam settings, applying system tweaks, enabling Game Mode, and benchmarking performance improvements. By the end, you’ll be able to enjoy smoother gameplay and better system responsiveness.

Adjusting Steam Settings for Better Performance

Fine-tuning Steam settings can directly impact the performance of your games. By adjusting these settings, you can ensure that Steam runs more efficiently on your system.

1. Launch Steam from your applications menu.

2. Click on Steam in the top-left corner of the window and select Settings from the dropdown menu.

3. Go to the In-Game tab.

4. Disable the Steam Overlay by unchecking Enable the Steam Overlay while in-game.

5. Go to the Downloads tab.

6. Limit the bandwidth for downloads if you experience slow performance during game updates.

7. Change the download region to the nearest server for faster download speeds.

8. Go to the Library tab. Disable Low Bandwidth Mode and Low Performance Mode if they are enabled.

Using Game Mode to Enhance Gaming Experience

Game Mode is a tool designed to optimize your system’s performance while gaming. It adjusts system settings to prioritize gaming performance over background tasks.

1. Open Terminal with Ctrl + Alt + T.
2. Install Game Mode using the following command:

sudo apt install gamemode

3. Create a configuration file if it doesn’t exist:

mkdir -p ~/.config

nano ~/.config/gamemode.ini

4. Add the following lines to configure Game Mode:

[general]

reaper_freq=60

[gpu]

governor=performance

5. Open Steam and go to your game library. Right-click on a game, select Properties.

6. In the Launch Options section, add:

gamemoderun %command%

Common Installation Issues and Fixes

When installing Steam on Ubuntu, you might run into some problems. Don’t worry, though—most issues are easy to fix. Here are three common installation issues and how to resolve them:

• 🚫 Steam Won’t Install: Ensure your system is up-to-date by running sudo apt update and sudo apt upgrade in Terminal. Install missing libraries with sudo apt install libgl1-mesa-dri libgl1-mesa-glx libc6.
• 💥 Steam Crashes During Installation: Remove Steam with sudo apt remove steam and then reinstall it using the Software Center or Terminal. This often fixes crashes that occur during the installation process.
• 🔄 Dependency Errors: Fix dependency errors by enabling the Multiverse repository with sudo add-apt-repository multiverse and running sudo apt –fix-broken install. This ensures all necessary dependencies are correctly installed.

Wrapping Up

In this guide, I walked you through three step-by-step methods to install Steam on Linux, ensuring you can choose the approach that best fits your comfort level—whether it’s using the Ubuntu Software Center, the Terminal, or downloading directly from the Steam website. 

For further learning, you might want to explore:

• How to install Proton for Steam on Linux, which allows you to play Windows games seamlessly on your Linux system.
• Fixing the “You Have Held Broken Packages” error on Linux, which helps resolve dependency issues that can prevent successful installations.
• Resolving the “No Wi-Fi Adapter Found” error on Ubuntu to ensure your network connectivity is stable for downloading and playing games.

Frequently Asked Questions