How to install Steam on Ubuntu 20.10

Installing Steam on Ubuntu 20.10: A Comprehensive Guide

Steam is one of the most popular platforms for purchasing, downloading, and playing video games, housing a vast library that caters to gamers of all genres. It allows for easy management of your games and provides access to various social features, including friends lists, voice chat, and game sharing. If you’re using Ubuntu 20.10 and are eager to dive into the world of gaming, this guide will walk you through the complete installation process for Steam.

Understanding Steam and Its Compatibility with Linux

Steam originally launched for Windows, but over the years, the platform has significantly expanded its support for Linux operating systems. Ubuntu, being one of the most user-friendly distributions, has evolved into a popular choice for gamers. While Steam offers a dedicated Linux client, compatibility can vary based on the games you want to play. It’s essential to check whether your favorite titles are supported on Linux.

Step-by-Step Installation Process

Step 1: Update Your System

Before installing any software, it’s best practice to ensure that your system is up to date. Outdated packages can cause compatibility issues and may prevent new software from installing correctly. To update your Ubuntu 20.10 system, follow these steps:

1. Open a terminal window. You can do this by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T.

2. Run the following commands:

   bash
   sudo apt update
   sudo apt upgrade

3. After the installation of updates, it’s wise to restart your computer to ensure that all changes take effect.

Step 2: Installing Required Dependencies

To run Steam smoothly on your Ubuntu 20.10 system, you may need to install some necessary packages. Perform the following checks:

1. Make sure that multiverse is enabled in your sources. This repository contains software that isn’t free but is essential for various applications:

   bash
   sudo add-apt-repository multiverse

2. Next, install the required components:

   bash
   sudo apt install libgl1-mesa-dri libgl1-mesa-glx

This command installs the necessary OpenGL drivers that many games rely on.

Step 3: Install Steam Using the Ubuntu Software Center

One of the easiest methods to install Steam on Ubuntu is through the Ubuntu Software Center:

1. Search for “Ubuntu Software” in the application menu and open it.
2. Once inside, navigate to the “Search” section and type in “Steam.”
3. Click on the Steam entry from the search results, then click “Install.”

This method takes care of downloading and installing Steam along with any necessary dependencies automatically.

Step 4: Alternatively, Install Steam via Terminal

For users who prefer command-line interfaces, you can install Steam using the terminal:

1. Open the terminal.

2. Enter the following command to install Steam:

   bash
   sudo apt install steam

This will commence the installation of the Steam platform directly from the official repositories.

Step 5: Launching Steam

After the installation is complete, you can launch Steam:

1. Find Steam in your application menu, or you can type the following command into the terminal:

   bash
   steam

2. Upon launching Steam, it may prompt you to update. Allow it to download and install any available updates.

3. Once updated, you will be greeted by the Steam login screen. If you already have an account, you can sign in. If not, you can create a new account by following the prompts.

Configuring Steam for Optimal Performance

Once Steam is installed and you’re logged in, there are a few settings you might want to tweak for an optimized gaming experience:

Adjusting In-Game Settings

Go to “Steam” in the top left corner and navigate to “Settings.” Here you’ll find various options:

• In-Game: You can enable the Steam Overlay, which allows you to access Steam features while playing games.
• Downloads: Configure your download region for better speeds and set limits during specific hours if desired.

Installing graphics drivers

To enhance game performance, ensuring you have the correct graphics drivers installed is imperative, especially if you’re using NVIDIA or AMD hardware. For NVIDIA:

1. Use the following command to install the NVIDIA driver:

   bash
   sudo ubuntu-drivers autoinstall

2. Restart your computer after installation.

For AMD card users, the open-source drivers that come with Ubuntu are typically sufficient. However, you can check for specific optimizations available from AMD’s website.

Exploring Steam’s Library

Once you’re set up, the next step is exploring Steam’s library. You can browse different categories, purchase new games, and even access free-to-play titles. Additionally, Steam often offers seasonal sales, so keep an eye out for discounts on your favorite titles.

Fixing Common Issues

Steam Won’t Start

If Steam refuses to launch, try running it from the terminal to identify error messages:

bash
steam

Common fixes involve reinstalling libraries or ensuring your graphics drivers are up to date.

Game Not Launching

If a game fails to launch, check the game’s properties in the Steam client; some titles require additional settings or compatibility adjustments.

Conclusion

Installing Steam on Ubuntu 20.10 is a straightforward process, whether you prefer using the graphical Software Center or commands via the terminal. With its extensive library and support for Linux gaming, Steam can be a fantastic addition to your Ubuntu system. By following the above steps, you’re ready to enjoy thousands of games at your fingertips. Happy gaming!

FAQ

1. Is Steam available for other Linux distributions?
Yes, Steam supports several Linux distributions including Fedora, Arch Linux, and openSUSE, among others.

2. Can I run Windows-exclusive games on Steam for Linux?
You can use Proton, a compatibility layer developed by Steam, which allows many Windows-only games to run on Linux systems.

3. How can I check if a game is compatible with Linux?
Visit the game’s store page on Steam, and check the “SteamOS + Linux” label in the system requirements section.

4. Are there any performance differences between Steam on Windows and Linux?
Performance can vary depending on the title and your hardware, but many users find Linux gaming performance to be competitive when properly configured.

5. What should I do if my game crashes?
Try verifying the integrity of the game files through Steam to fix any corrupted data. If the issue persists, check community forums or the Steam support site.