How to Install Steam on Linux Mint 21 or 20

This guide will demonstrate how to install Steam on Linux Mint 21 or 20, providing a straightforward approach for gamers and enthusiasts to access a vast library of games and software. Steam, developed by Valve Corporation, is a renowned digital distribution platform that revolutionizes the way we buy, play, and discuss games. Its Linux client ensures that even open-source operating system users can enjoy a rich gaming experience.

Key Features of Steam:

• Extensive Game Library: Access to thousands of games, from indie titles to major releases.
• Community and Multiplayer: Connect with a global community, join multiplayer games, or chat with friends.
• Automatic Updates: Games are updated automatically, ensuring you always play the latest version.
• Cross-Platform Support: Purchase games once and play them on any supported platform.
• Workshop and Mods: Explore user-created content, mods, and community-driven enhancements.
• Cloud Saves: Your game progress is saved in the cloud, allowing you to pick up where you left off from any device.

The following sections will guide you through the installation process, ensuring you can quickly set up Steam on your Linux Mint system and dive into its extensive features. The focus is on providing clear, concise instructions to enhance your computing and gaming experience on Linux.

Steam Pre-installation Steps on Linux Mint 21 or 20

Step 1: Update System Packages

Before installing Steam, it’s crucial to update your Linux Mint system. This step helps avoid any conflicts with existing packages.

Execute the following command in your terminal:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

This command refreshes your package list and updates all installed packages to their latest versions, ensuring a smooth installation process for Steam.

Step 2: Install Necessary System Packages

Linux Mint requires specific packages for the Steam installation. These packages are standard across many Linux distributions.

Install them by running this command:

sudo apt install dirmngr ca-certificates software-properties-common apt-transport-https curl -y

This command installs essential tools and libraries, such as dirmngr for managing keyrings, ca-certificates for security, and curl for data transfer, which are vital for the next installation steps.

Step 3: Enable 32-bit Support (Optional)

If you’re aiming for broad compatibility with both 32-bit and 64-bit games in Steam, enabling 32-bit support is beneficial. This is especially advantageous for systems that might run older, 32-bit games. High-performance systems will also remain unaffected by this addition.

To add 32-bit architecture support, input this command:

sudo dpkg --add-architecture i386

Activating 32-bit support broadens your gaming options, ensuring you can run a diverse range of games on your Linux Mint system.

Install Steam on Linux Mint 21 or 20 via APT or PPA

Option 1: Install Steam with the Default Repository

Using the Default Repository for Installation

Install Steam using Linux Mint’s default repository. This method, while straightforward, might not provide the latest Steam version. Use the following command to install:

sudo apt install steam-installer -y

This command installs the Steam installer package from the default repository, which is a suitable option for standard installations.

Option 2: Install Steam with Steam APT PPA

For the latest Steam version, use the official repository. This method involves a few extra steps but ensures an up-to-date installation.

Import Steam GPG Key

First, import the GPG key to verify the authenticity of the Steam package:

curl -s http://repo.steampowered.com/steam/archive/stable/steam.gpg | sudo tee /usr/share/keyrings/steam.gpg > /dev/null

This command downloads and stores the GPG key, necessary for secure package installation.

Add Steam APT Repository

Add the Steam repository with this command:

echo deb [arch=amd64 signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/steam.gpg] http://repo.steampowered.com/steam/ stable steam | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/steam.list

This command creates a new source list file for the Steam repository, enabling APT to fetch packages from it.

Update APT Package Information

Update your APT package database to recognize the new repository:

sudo apt update

This step ensures that the APT package manager recognizes the newly added Steam repository.

Install the Steam Launcher

Install the Steam Launcher along with necessary libraries:

sudo apt install \
  libgl1-mesa-dri:amd64 \
  libgl1-mesa-dri:i386 \
  libgl1-mesa-glx:amd64 \
  libgl1-mesa-glx:i386 \
  steam-launcher

This command installs the Steam Launcher and OpenGL libraries for both AMD64 and i386 architectures, ensuring compatibility with various games.

Example output what you may see similar in your terminal:

Handling Installation Prompts

During installation, a prompt to replace /etc/apt/sources.list.d/steam.list may appear. To maintain default settings and continue the installation, respond with “N”.

Example of the prompt in your Linux Mint terminal when installing Steam:

Verifying the Installation

After installation, check the installed version:

apt-cache policy steam-launcher

Example apt-cache policy:

This command displays the installed Steam Launcher version, ensuring you have the desired version.

Launch Steam on Linux Mint 21 or 20

CLI Command to Launch Steam

After installing Steam, you can launch it directly from the terminal. This method is efficient for users already working in a command-line environment. Use this command:

steam

This command initiates the Steam client, providing a swift way to access your gaming library.

GUI Method to Launch Steam

For a more graphical approach, use the desktop to launch Steam:

1. Navigate to: Taskbar > Games > Steam.
2. Click on the Steam application icon.

Example of Steam Application icon on Linux Mint desktop:

Upon launching Steam for the first time, a terminal notification appears. This message indicates the need to download additional packages for Steam’s initial setup, listing the specific packages required.

Example of installation Steam additional packages prompt on Linux Mint desktop:

Press the return key (enter key) to initiate the installation of these packages. During this process, you may be prompted to enter your password.

A secondary terminal window will appear, instructing you to press the return key again. This step is crucial for completing the package installation.

Example of the secondary window of Steam first-time installation prompt on Linux Mint:

Steam’s Self-Update Process

After the package installation, Steam automatically starts downloading and updating its components. This update process typically takes a few minutes.

Example of Steam updating itself on Linux Mint:

Steam Login Window

Once the updates are complete, the Steam Launcher login window appears. Here, you have the option to log in with an existing account or create a new one.

Example of Steam Login on Linux Mint:

After logging in or registering a new account, the installation process concludes, granting you access to Steam’s extensive game library and features.

First-Time Tips for Steam on Linux Mint 21 or 20

Now that you have successfully installed the Steam Client on your Linux Mint desktop, it’s time to explore its features and get the most out of your gaming experience. In this section, we will cover several tips and tricks that are specifically relevant to Linux Mint users.

Customize the Steam Interface on Linux Mint

The Steam Client provides various options for customizing its appearance, allowing you to personalize your gaming platform. To access these settings, follow these steps:

• Open the Steam Client.
• Click “Steam” in the top-left corner, then select “Settings.”
• Navigate to the “Interface” tab.

From here, you can customize various aspects of the Steam interface, such as:

• Skin: Choose from various pre-installed skins or download custom ones created by the community.
• Language: Set your preferred language for the Steam Client.
• Notifications: Enable or disable specific notifications to reduce distractions while gaming.

Optimize Game Performance on Linux Mint

To get the most out of your gaming experience on Linux Mint, follow these optimization tips:

• Update Graphics Drivers: Ensure your graphics drivers are up-to-date for optimal gaming performance. You can launch “Driver Manager” from the Linux Mint menu and select the recommended drivers.
• Enable Proton: Proton is a compatibility layer that allows you to run Windows games on Linux Mint. To enable it, go to “Steam” > “Settings” > “Steam Play” and check the “Enable Steam Play for all other titles” option.
• Opt for Native Linux Games: Whenever possible, choose games with native Linux support, as they generally offer better performance and compatibility on Linux Mint.

Steam Community Features with Linux Mint

The Steam community offers various social and interactive features that can enhance your gaming experience. Some notable features include:

• Friends List: Connect with friends on Steam to chat, share game recommendations, and join each other’s games.
• Groups and Forums: Participate in discussions, get help with technical issues, and share your thoughts about games and gaming-related topics.
• Steam Workshop: Access user-created content, such as mods and custom maps, to expand your gaming experience.

Manage Your Steam Game Library on Linux Mint

Steam offers several tools to help you manage and organize your game library:

• Categories: Create custom categories to group similar games, making finding and launching your favorite titles easier.
• Family Sharing: Share your game library with up to five family members or friends so they can access your games on their own devices.
• Backup and Restore: Safeguard your game progress by backing up your saved files and game settings. To do this, go to “Steam” > “Backup and Restore Games.”

Following these tips and customizations, you can maximize your gaming experience on the Steam Client while using a Linux Mint desktop.

Managing Steam on Linux Mint 21 or 20

Update Steam on Linux Mint

Steam usually updates itself, but manual updates are sometimes necessary on Linux Mint. Use terminal commands to keep Steam current:

Check for Updates

Open your terminal and enter the following command to check for any available updates:

sudo apt update

Install Updates

If any updates for Steam are detected, use the following command to upgrade:

sudo apt upgrade

Remove (Uninstall) Steam Launcher

If you wish to uninstall the Steam software from your Linux Mint system, follow the steps below:

Remove Steam Software

Open your terminal and enter the following command to remove the Steam software:

sudo apt remove steam*

Remove Steam Repository

If you installed Steam using the APT repositories, remove the repository with the following command:

sudo rm /etc/apt/sources.list.d/steam*

Remove Imported GPG Key

If you’d like to completely remove Steam, including the imported GPG key, use the following command. However, do not use this command if you plan to switch between the Steam APT repository beta and stable versions in the future.

sudo rm /usr/share/keyrings/steam*

Conclusion: Installing Steam on Linux Mint

In conclusion, our guide provided a comprehensive walkthrough for installing, managing, and updating Steam on Linux Mint 21 or 20. We covered the basics from initial installation using both the default repository and the Steam APT PPA, to launching Steam through CLI and GUI methods, ensuring you have a smooth start. Furthermore, we delved into maintaining Steam with updates and even detailed the uninstallation process, should you need to remove it. Remember, keeping Steam updated ensures the best gaming experience, and the flexibility of Linux Mint makes managing Steam straightforward.