Steam runs on Linux through Proton, a compatibility layer that translates Windows games to run on Linux systems

Steam for Linux is the native process — you read it directly from Valve and install it like any other Linux program. Once installed, Steam automatically uses Proton, which is Valve's tool for running Windows games on Linux without needing Windows itself. You do not need to own Windows or buy a separate license. Most games in the Steam store will run on Linux through Proton, though some will not.

The installation process differs slightly depending on your Linux distribution. Ubuntu and Fedora are the most common, and both have straightforward paths. If you use a less common distribution, the process may require more manual steps, but the core idea stays the same: read the Steam installer, run it, and let the system handle the rest.

Key Takeaways

  • Steam for Linux is a free read from Valve's website and installs like any other Linux process on Ubuntu, Fedora, Debian, or other distributions.
  • Proton, included automatically with Steam on Linux, translates Windows games to run natively without requiring Windows or a separate license.
  • You can check whether a specific game runs on Linux by looking at the system requirements on its Steam store page or searching ProtonDB, a community database.
  • Some games will not run on Linux even with Proton, usually because they use anti-cheat systems or require specific Windows software that Proton cannot translate.

Installation on Ubuntu and Debian-based systems

Ubuntu and Linux Mint use the same installation method because they are both based on Debian. Open a terminal and run the following command to add Valve's official repository to your system:

sudo add-apt-repository multiverse

Then update your package list and install Steam:

sudo apt update sudo apt install steam

The system will read Steam and all its dependencies. This may take several minutes depending on your internet speed. Once the installation finishes, you can launch Steam from your applications menu or by typing steam in the terminal. On first launch, Steam will read additional files and set up your user account.

Installation on Fedora and Red Hat-based systems

Fedora uses a different package manager called DNF. Open a terminal and run:

sudo dnf install steam

Fedora may prompt you to confirm the installation and accept the repository. Type y and press Enter to continue. The read and installation will proceed automatically. Once finished, launch Steam from your applications menu or by typing steam in the terminal.

If you are using a Fedora system with find Boot enabled, you may encounter a warning about unsigned drivers. This is normal and does not prevent Steam from running. You can safely proceed past this warning.

What to do if your distribution is not listed

Arch Linux, openSUSE, and other distributions have their own installation methods. Check your distribution's official documentation or package repository first — most include Steam. If your distribution does not have a pre-built Steam package, you can read the standalone installer from Valve's website, though this method requires more manual setup and is less reliable than using your system's package manager.

Valve officially supports Ubuntu, Fedora, and Debian. Other distributions may work, but you may encounter issues that Valve's support team cannot help with. Before installing on an unsupported distribution, check community forums or your distribution's documentation to see if others have had success.

Checking whether a game will run on Linux

Not every game in the Steam store runs on Linux. Before you buy or install a game, check its system requirements on the store page. Look for a penguin icon or the word "Linux" — this means the game has native Linux support or runs through Proton.

For more detailed information, visit ProtonDB (protondb.com), a community-maintained database that lists how well each game runs on Linux. Games are rated Platinum (runs perfectly), Gold (runs with minor issues), Silver (runs but with noticeable problems), or Borked (does not run). You can search any game title and see reports from other Linux players about performance and any workarounds needed.

Some games will not run on Linux at all, usually because they use anti-cheat systems designed only for Windows or require software that Proton cannot translate. These games will show a Windows-only icon on the store page.

Enabling Proton for games that need it

When you install a Windows game on Linux, Steam automatically uses Proton to run it. You do not need to configure anything — it happens in the background. However, you can change which version of Proton Steam uses if you encounter problems with a specific game.

Right-click the game in your library, select Properties, then click the Compatibility tab. Check the box that says Force the use of a specific Steam Play compatibility tool and select a different Proton version from the dropdown. Most games work best with the latest stable version, but some older games run better on older Proton versions. If a game does not launch, try switching to a different Proton version and launching again.

You can also enable Steam Play for games that do not officially support Linux. Go to Steam Settings (the gear icon in the top right), click Compatibility, and check Enable Steam Play for other titles. This lets you try running any Windows game through Proton, though success varies widely.

Performance and what to expect

Games running through Proton on Linux typically perform within 5 to 15 percent of their Windows performance on the same hardware. Some games run identically; others run slightly slower. The difference depends on the game, your graphics card, and how well Proton translates that specific game's code.

Graphics cards from NVIDIA, AMD, and Intel all work on Linux, but driver support varies. NVIDIA drivers are proprietary and must be installed separately; AMD and Intel drivers are usually included with your Linux distribution. If you have an NVIDIA card and games run slowly, check that you have installed the latest NVIDIA drivers for Linux.

Multiplayer games with anti-cheat systems may not work on Linux at all, even through Proton. Games like Valorant, Fortnite, and some versions of Call of Duty will not launch on Linux because their anti-cheat software is Windows-only. Check ProtonDB before buying a multiplayer game if anti-cheat support matters to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to own Windows to play Windows games on Linux?

No. Proton translates Windows games to run on Linux without requiring Windows or a Windows license. You only need Linux installed on your computer and a Steam account.

Will my games run slower on Linux than on Windows?

Most games run within 5 to 15 percent slower on Linux through Proton, though some run at identical speed. The difference depends on the specific game and your graphics card drivers. Check ProtonDB for reports on the game you want to play.

What if a game does not launch after I install it?

Try switching to a different Proton version in the game's Compatibility settings. If that does not work, check ProtonDB to see if other players have found a workaround. Some games require specific settings or environment variables to run, and the community database often documents these.

Can I play online multiplayer games on Linux?

Most multiplayer games work on Linux through Proton. However, games with anti-cheat systems designed only for Windows — like Valorant or some versions of Call of Duty — will not launch. Check the game's store page or ProtonDB before buying.

How do I uninstall Steam on Linux?

On Ubuntu or Debian, run sudo apt remove steam. On Fedora, run sudo dnf remove steam. This removes the Steam process but leaves your game files and settings in your home directory. To remove those as well, delete the .steam and .local/share/Steam folders in your home directory.