This is the README for the Steam for Linux beta client.
Steam for Linux requires the following:
- 1 GHz Pentium 4 or AMD Opteron with 512 megabytes of RAM and 5 gigabytes of hard drive space, or better
- Internet connection (Cable/DSL speeds recommended)
- Ubuntu 12.04 LTS, fully updated
- Latest graphics driver
- NVidia driver support - For recent cards (e.g. series 8), you will need to install 310.x. For older cards, driver 304.x supports the NVidia 6 and 7 GPU series. To access these drivers, first update your cache and then install the specific driver you need from the list in Additional Drivers.
- AMD driver support - For recent cards (e.g. series 5 and above), we recommend installing the 12.11 driver. For older cards, Catalyst 13.1 Legacy supports the HD 2400 Pro card and is the latest for the 2 and 4 GPU series.
- Intel HD 3000/4000 driver support - you will need to use the latest Mesa drivers, Mesa 9 or later. For installation instructions, see here.
Install the Steam for Linux client:
- Download the steam.deb package from this location.
- Open a graphical file manager (for Ubuntu 12.04, click the folder icon on the Unity Launch bar).
- Navigate to the directory containing steam.deb and double-click it. This launches Ubuntu Software Center and installs the package.
- If you prefer to install from the command-line, use gdebi. Install the gdebi-core package (apt-get install gdebi-core) and then install the Steam for Linux package (gdebi steam.deb).
- For a list of games supported by Steam for Linux either vist this page or click Store (from the client) and then the Linux tab on the far-right. We recommend that you join the Steam for Linux official game group, located here. You will find future beta announcements and other information posted here as well as an active discussion forum.
If you encounter an issue while using Steam for Linux, first search the issue list to see if it has already been reported. Include closed issues in your search.
If you have encountered issues with a Source game (HL2:DM, HL2, HL2:EP1, HL2:EP2, TF2, DoD:S, CS:S), please visit our Source issue list, the same goes for GoldSrc-based games (HL, HL:BS, HL:OF, TFC, DoD, DMC, CS, CS:CZ or Ricochet) and the halflife issue list.
If you have encountered issues with Portal 2, please visit our Portal 2 Issue List.
If it has not been reported, create a new issue with at least the following information:
- a short, descriptive title;
- a detailed description of the issue, including any output from the command line;
- steps for reproducing the issue; and
- your system information.*
Please place logs either in a code block (press M
in your browser for a GFM cheat sheet) or a gist.
* The preferred and easiest way to get this information is from Steam's Hardware Information viewer from the menu (Help -> System Information
). Once your information appears: right-click within the dialog, choose Select All
, right-click again, and then choose Copy
. Paste this information into your report, preferably in a code block.
There are basic rules of conduct that should be followed at all times by everyone participating in the discussions. While this is generally a relaxed environment, please remember the following:
- Do not insult, harass, or demean anyone.
- Do not intentionally multi-post an issue.
- Do not use ALL CAPS when creating an issue report.
- Do not repeatedly update an open issue remarking that the issue persists.
Remember: Just because the issue you reported was reported here does not mean that it is an issue with Steam. As well, should your issue not be resolved immediately, it does not mean that a resolution is not being researched or tested. Patience is always appreciated.