How to Install Steam on Fedora Linux

Steam is a leading digital distribution platform that offers a vast library of games, software, and other content. Developed by Valve Corporation, it has become the go-to platform for millions of gamers worldwide. Fedora Linux users can also take advantage of the platform’s features, which include:

• Extensive Game Library: Steam hosts a diverse range of games, including popular titles, indie gems, and even Linux-compatible games, providing Fedora users with an abundance of gaming options.
• Cross-Platform Compatibility: With support for various platforms, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, Steam offers a seamless gaming experience across different devices.
• Community Features: Steam provides an engaging community experience, with features such as friends lists, chat, user profiles, and community groups, fostering a social gaming environment.
• Automatic Updates: Steam ensures that your games are always up-to-date by automatically downloading updates and patches, keeping your gaming experience fresh and optimized.
• Steam Workshop: This platform allows users to create and share custom content, mods, and add-ons for supported games, further enriching the gaming experience on Fedora Linux.

In the following guide, we will demonstrate how to install Steam on Fedora Linux using two popular methods: RPM Fusion and Flatpak with the Flathub repository. By doing so, Fedora users can access a world of gaming possibilities and enhance their Linux experience.

Step 1: Update Fedora

Before installing Steam on your Fedora desktop, it is important to ensure that your Fedora system is updated. This can be achieved by opening the command line terminal and executing the following command.

sudo dnf upgrade --refresh

Step 2: Install Steam Launcher

Method 1. Install Steam with RPM Fusion

One of the most efficient and recommended ways to install Steam on Fedora is by utilizing the RPM Fusion third-party repository. This repository provides additional software packages not included in the official Fedora repositories. Using the DNF package manager and importing the free and non-free repositories of RPM Fusion, you can easily install Steam on your Fedora system.

To import the free and non-free repositories, open the command line terminal and execute the following commands.

Import the RPM Fusion Free repository.

sudo dnf install \
  https://download1.rpmfusion.org/free/fedora/rpmfusion-free-release-$(rpm -E %fedora).noarch.rpm

Secondly, import the RPM Fusion Non-Free repository. This is required for Steam.

sudo dnf install \
  https://download1.rpmfusion.org/nonfree/fedora/rpmfusion-nonfree-release-$(rpm -E %fedora).noarch.rpm

After importing the RPM Fusion repositories, installing Steam on your Fedora system is next. To do this, execute the following command in the command line terminal.

sudo dnf install steam

What is RPM Free and Non-Free? What does Non-Free mean

The RPM Fusion repositories are a collection of additional software packages for Fedora and other Red Hat-based distributions. Both the RPM Fusion free and non-free repositories are free to use, but the difference is the type of software they offer.

The RPM Fusion free repository contains software licensed under open-source and free software licenses, such as the GPL. These packages are generally considered safe to use and are legally redistributable.

The RPM Fusion non-free repository contains software not covered by open-source or free software licenses, such as proprietary software. These packages may not be considered safe due to legal or ethical issues. However, they can be helpful in specific scenarios.

Method 2. Install Steam with Flatpak

Another popular option for installing Steam on Fedora is utilizing the Flatpak package manager. Flatpak is a software deployment and package management system for Linux. It is designed to provide a more flexible and secure way to distribute and manage software applications on Linux systems.

Flatpak is already installed by default in Fedora unless you have removed it, making it a convenient option for users who prefer a natively installed package manager.

First, if Flatpak has been removed, reinstall it.

sudo dnf install flatpak -y

Next, you must enable Flatpack for Fedora using the following command in your terminal.

sudo flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo

Install Steam using Flatpak; you will need to execute the following command in the terminal:

flatpak install flathub com.valvesoftware.Steam

Flatpak Steam Troubleshooting Tips

A common issue users may face when installing a Flatpak package from Flathub is the following error.

"error: Unable to load summary from remote flathub: Can't fetch summary from disabled remote 'flathub,"

The resolution to this issue is straightforward. Running the command below will enable Flathub will allow the package installation.

flatpak remote-modify --enable flathub

Another potential issue when installing a Flatpak package from Flathub is access to system files. It is recommended to use the override command to ensure that the package has proper access to the necessary system files. However, it is important to note that this command requires the user to have proper permissions and access to the system files. Therefore, using this command only if the user has the necessary access permissions is recommended.

sudo flatpak override com.valvesoftware.Steam --filesystem=host

It is important to note that the override command should be avoided unless necessary. As it requires the user to have proper permissions and access to the system files, it should only be used in cases where access to these files is necessary.

Step 3: Launch Steam Client

With the installation of Steam complete, you can now run it on your Fedora system in a few different ways. The most straightforward way to launch Steam is using the command line terminal.

steam

Flatpak users can use the following command.

flatpak run com.valvesoftware.Steam

Another way to launch Steam is by searching for it in your system’s applications menu. Once you have found it, you can launch it on the Steam icon. You can also create a shortcut for Steam on your desktop for easy access.

Activities > Show Applications > Steam.

Example:

Steam will automatically check for updates and download necessary files upon initial launch. This process can be monitored through the Steam user interface (UI), which displays the status of the update. This ensures that you are running the latest version of Steam, providing access to the latest features and bug fixes.

Example:

It is important to note that depending on your internet connection, this process may take some time. You can continue to use your computer while Steam updates in the background. Still, keeping your computer connected to the internet during this process is recommended to ensure the update completes successfully.

Once the update is complete, Steam will launch and be ready for use to sign in or create a new account.

Example:

Once logged in, you can begin to use Steam.

Example:

Step 4: Getting Started with Steam on Fedora

Now that you have Steam installed on your Fedora system, it’s time to explore the platform’s features and maximize your gaming experience. This section will provide some general tips, customization options, and other suggestions to help you get started with Steam on Fedora.

1. Explore the Game Library

• Discover new games: Browse through Steam’s vast library of games, including Linux-compatible titles, by visiting the Store tab. Look for popular games, indie releases, and hidden gems that cater to your interests.
• Wishlist: Create a wishlist to keep track of games you’re interested in purchasing. Steam will notify you when the games on your wishlist go on sale so that you won’t miss any deals.
• Curation: Follow curators and user reviews to find games that suit your preferences, or explore the Discovery Queue for personalized game recommendations.

2. Customize Your Steam Client

• Interface Skins: Personalize your Steam client by applying custom skins, which you can find on various community websites. Download the skin of your choice and place it in the ~/.steam/skins/ directory, then select it within the Steam client settings under the Interface tab.
• Big Picture Mode: Steam offers a TV-friendly interface called Big Picture Mode, designed for use with a controller or remote. Enable it from the Steam client’s “View” menu for a console-like experience on your Fedora system.

3. Engage with the Steam Community

• Friends and Chat: Connect with fellow gamers by adding friends to your Steam friends list. Utilize the built-in chat system to communicate with your friends, create groups, and participate in voice chat.
• Community Groups: Join various groups based on interests, favorite games, or regional preferences. Participate in discussions, share content, and stay updated on the latest news and events.
• Steam Workshop: Explore the Steam Workshop for user-created content, mods, and add-ons for supported games. Subscribe to your favorite content, which will automatically be added to your game.

4. Optimize Your Gaming Experience

• In-Home Streaming: Stream games from a powerful gaming PC to a lower-end device within the same network, allowing you to enjoy high-quality gaming on your Fedora system without upgrading your hardware.
• Controller Support: Steam supports various game controllers, including the Steam Controller, Xbox, and PlayStation controllers. Configure your controller settings within the Steam client to enhance your gaming experience.

With these tips and customizations in mind, you’ll be well-equipped to enjoy the vast gaming world Steam offers on your Fedora Linux system.

Additional Commands & Tips

Update Steam

Keeping your Steam installation up-to-date is important for ensuring a smooth gaming experience. One way to do this is by manually checking for updates using the command terminal. Depending on your package manager installation, you can use one of the update commands provided below.

To update Steam and any other system packages using the DNF package manager, execute the following command in the command line terminal.

sudo dnf update --refresh

Another option for updating Steam, if installed using Flatpak, is to utilize the following command in the terminal. This command will check for updates across all your Flatpak installations, similar to the previous DNF command.

flatpak update

Remove (Uninstall) Steam

Select one of the following commands to remove Steam from your Fedora system according to the original installation method. This is useful for users who no longer require the application.

To uninstall Steam from your Fedora system if it was installed through the RPM Fusion package manager, use the following command in the terminal:

sudo dnf autoremove steam 

Alternatively, if you installed Steam using Flatpak, use the following command to remove it from your system.

flatpak uninstall --delete-data com.valvesoftware.Steam

Run the following command for any leftover packages to ensure that Steam is removed cleanly.

flatpak remove --unused

Conclusion

Installing Steam on Fedora Linux is straightforward, whether you use Fedora’s default repository or Flatpak with Flathub. Following the steps outlined in this guide, you can unlock a world of gaming possibilities on your Fedora system. Enjoy countless Linux-compatible games, engage with the Steam community, and personalize your gaming experience with various customizations.

Additional Resources and Links

To further enhance your Steam experience on Fedora, explore the following official resources:

• Steam Support: Visit the Steam Support page for assistance with account issues, technical problems, or any other inquiries related to the Steam platform.
• Fedora Documentation: Access the Fedora Documentation to learn more about the Fedora operating system, including software installation and system administration guides.
• Steam Community: Join the Steam Community to connect with fellow gamers, participate in discussions, and discover new games and content.
• Flatpak Documentation: Familiarize yourself with the Flatpak Documentation to learn more about how Flatpak works and how to manage your Flatpak applications.
• Flathub: Browse the Flathub website to discover more Flatpak applications available for your Fedora system.