How to Install Steam on Debian 12 or 11

Steam, developed by Valve Corporation, is a leading digital platform that offers a vast library of games and software to users worldwide. It provides features like cloud-based game saves, automatic updates, in-game voice and text chat, and active community forums. Steam supports multiplayer gaming and game streaming, making it a comprehensive solution for both gamers and developers seeking immersive experiences.

In this guide, we will show you how to install Steam on Debian 12 or 11 Linux using the command line. We will cover two methods: installing from Debian’s default repositories (which requires enabling the ‘contrib’ component) and installing from Steam’s apt repository mirror for those who prefer the latest version of the Steam client. By following these steps, you can set up Steam on your Debian system and start enjoying a wide range of games.

Steam Pre-installation Steps

Update Debian Before Steam Installation

Ensuring your Debian system is up-to-date before diving into Steam’s installation process is essential. This will help prevent any package conflicts during the Steam installation. To do this, follow the steps below:

Open a terminal window and run the following command to update all your system packages:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

Install Initial Steam Packages

Next, you need to install some additional packages that will assist in installing Steam on your Debian system. These packages are widely used and are commonly found on most Linux distributions. To install them, run the following command in your terminal:

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

These packages provide essential functionality, such as secure APT, certificate management, and HTTPS support, ensuring a smooth installation process.

Enable 32-bit Support (Optional)

Enabling 32-bit support is helpful for gamers who want to ensure compatibility with 32-bit and 64-bit games in Steam’s extensive library. This can be particularly useful for lower-end systems that often play 32-bit games, while high-powered systems won’t experience any negative impact from having the additional packages installed.

To enable 32-bit support on your Debian system, execute the following command in your terminal:

sudo dpkg --add-architecture i386

With 32-bit enabled, you can enjoy various games on your Debian system, regardless of their requirements.

Select Steam Linux Client Installation Method

Option 1: Install Steam with the Default Repository

The first approach to installing Steam on your Debian system is to use the standard default repository. While this method is commonly recommended, it might not provide you with the most recent stable release of the Steam client. You can opt for the second method if you prefer the latest version.

To install Steam using the default repository, execute the following command in your terminal:

sudo apt install steam-installer steam-devices -y

This command installs the Steam installer and required device packages from the Debian default repository.

Note: You will need to enable Debian’s contrib repository branch. If you do not have this enabled and want to learn how to do it, visit our guide: How to Enable Contrib and Non-Free on Debian.

Option 2: Install Steam with Steam Repository

The second method of installing Steam on your Debian system involves importing the official Steam repository using the APT package manager. While this approach requires a few more steps, it ensures that you always have the latest and most up-to-date version of Steam directly from the source.

Follow the steps below to install Steam using the official repository:

Import Steam GPG Key

First, you need to import the GPG key that verifies the authenticity of the Steam package installer. Run the following command in your terminal:

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

This command securely downloads the GPG key and stores it in your system’s keyring.

Add STEAM APT Repository

Next, add the official Steam repository to your system by executing the following command:

echo deb [arch=amd64,i386 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 adds the official Steam repository to your APT sources list, ensuring you can install packages.

Update APT Package Information

Now, update the APT package information to recognize the newly imported repository:

sudo apt update

This command updates your system’s package information to include packages from the newly added Steam repository.

Install the Steam Launcher via APT Command

Finally, install the Steam Launcher and its required dependencies with the following command:

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 the necessary OpenGL libraries for 64-bit and 32-bit architectures.

Verify the Installed Version

Check the version that was installed using the apt-cache policy command:

apt-cache policy steam-launcher

This command displays the installed version of the Steam Launcher, allowing you to verify that the installation was successful.

Fix Steam Extra Sources List

During the installation, Steam might have added two extra new sources.list files for the stable and beta clients. These must be removed, or you cannot update and upgrade your packages.

List Extra Sources Lists

Run the following command to list all current Steam sources lists in your /etc/apt/sources.list.d repository:

ls /etc/apt/sources.list.d/steam*

This command will display the Steam sources lists present in your /etc/apt/sources.list.d directory. The example output below shows the extra imported Steam sources on Debian:

Remove Extra Sources

Now you see three files. At the beginning of this guide, you imported the “steam.list”, which is correct. The others are not necessarily incorrect but are redundant. While some users may think of using the beta version, it often lags behind the latest Steam stable version. Do not install Steam from beta unless an actual beta is available and announced.

In your terminal, run the following command to remove the excess sources:

sudo rm /etc/apt/sources.list.d/steam-beta.list
sudo rm /etc/apt/sources.list.d/steam-stable.list

This command will remove the unnecessary Steam sources lists from your system.

If you accidentally delete all three, re-import the sources list from this guide at the beginning of the section.

Next, run an APT update to ensure your package list works correctly now:

sudo apt update

This command updates your system’s package information to reflect the removal of the extra Steam sources lists.

Now, your Debian system is set up correctly with the appropriate Steam sources list, and you can continue to update and upgrade your packages without any issues.

Launch Steam Client UI

Once you have successfully installed the Steam Launcher using either method, you can start the Steam client on your Debian system in several ways.

Terminal Command

First, if you’re already working in your terminal, you can quickly launch Steam with the following command:

steam

This command will initiate the Steam client, and the application’s window will open on your screen.

Graphical Icon Path

While the terminal option is helpful for quick access, most users prefer launching Steam directly from the desktop. To do this, follow the steps below:

1. Click on the “Activities” or “Applications” menu, depending on your Debian desktop environment.
2. Search for “Steam” in the search bar.
3. Click on the “Steam” icon to launch the application.

First-time Setup

Download and Update Steam Components

Once launched, you will observe a series of automatic pop-up windows showing Steam downloading and updating its components. Now, all you need to do is sit back and wait for the process to finish. For most users, this update should take only a few minutes.

Log in or Create a New Steam Account

Upon completing the updates, you will be greeted with the Steam Launcher login window. Here, you can either sign in with your existing Steam account or create a new one if you don’t already have one.

Enjoy Gaming on Steam

You can either sign in with your existing Steam account or create a new one if you haven’t already. Once logged in or registered, you have completed the Steam installation process and are ready to enjoy the platform’s vast games and features.

Additional Commands For Steam

Update Steam

For the most part, Steam can self-update itself, but desktop users should see notifications of upgrades due to all methods using the APT package manager if set up correctly in your system settings. However, we recommend using the terminal command to check for updates occasionally to ensure you are grabbing all available updates, as the command will never fail.

First, check for updates by running the following command:

sudo apt update

If any Steam updates are available or in the matter of any available updates for your system, run the following command:

sudo apt upgrade

Remove Steam

To remove the Steam software from your system, follow the steps below.

Uninstall Steam

Run the following command in your terminal to uninstall Steam:

sudo apt autoremove steam*

Remove the Repository

For users who installed the Steam APT repositories, remove the repository using the following command:

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

Remove the Imported GPG Key

Lastly, for users who remove Steam and may switch between the Steam APT repository beta and stable, use the following command to remove the imported GPG key:

sudo rm /usr/share/keyrings/steam*

Following these steps, you can update or remove Steam from your Debian system.

Conclusion

By completing these steps, you have successfully installed Steam on your Debian 12 or 11 system, unlocking access to a vast array of games and community features directly from your Linux environment. Whether you chose the stable version from Debian’s repository or the latest build from Steam’s repository, you are now ready to explore and enjoy the full capabilities of the Steam platform.

As a final recommendation, remember to keep your system and Steam client updated to benefit from the latest features and security improvements. Regularly check for updates, and exercise caution when installing additional software to maintain optimal performance and security. Enjoy your gaming experience!