How To Install Steam on AlmaLinux 9

Steam is one of the most popular platforms for PC gaming, offering a vast library of games for users worldwide. While it’s traditionally associated with Windows, Steam has made significant strides in supporting Linux-based distributions like AlmaLinux. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of installing Steam on AlmaLinux 9. Whether you’re a seasoned Linux user or new to the platform, this guide will help you get started with gaming on your system.

Prerequisites

Before diving into the installation process, it’s essential to ensure that your system meets the necessary requirements and is properly configured. This section will cover what you need to have in place before installing Steam on AlmaLinux 9.

System Requirements

• 64-bit architecture: Steam requires a 64-bit system to run properly.
• Minimum hardware: A modern processor (Intel or AMD), at least 4 GB of RAM, and sufficient storage space for both Steam and your games.
• Graphics drivers: Ensure that you have up-to-date graphics drivers installed for optimal performance. This is especially important for NVIDIA and AMD GPUs.

Sudo Access

You’ll need administrative (sudo) access to install software packages and make necessary system changes. If you don’t have sudo privileges, contact your system administrator.

Enable Necessary Repositories

Steam requires certain libraries and dependencies that may not be available in the default AlmaLinux repositories. You’ll need to enable the Extra Packages for Enterprise Linux (EPEL) repository:

sudo dnf install epel-release

Preparing Your System

Before installing Steam, it’s crucial to update your system and install required dependencies. This ensures that your system is running the latest software versions and prevents potential conflicts during installation.

Update Package Repositories

Start by updating your package repositories to ensure that all available software packages are up-to-date:

sudo dnf update && sudo dnf upgrade

This command updates the list of available packages and upgrades any outdated packages currently installed on your system.

Install Required Dependencies

Steam requires several libraries to function correctly on a Linux-based system. Install these dependencies using the following command:

sudo dnf install wget unzip glibc.i686 libstdc++.i686

This command installs essential libraries such as glibc.i686 and libstdc++.i686, which are necessary for running 32-bit applications like Steam.

Installation Methods

There are several ways to install Steam on AlmaLinux 9. We’ll cover three common methods: using the DNF package manager, downloading the Steam binary directly from Valve’s website, and using Flatpak. Each method has its advantages depending on your preferences and system configuration.

Method 1: Using DNF Package Manager

The first method involves installing Steam directly from the DNF package manager. This is one of the simplest ways to get Steam running on AlmaLinux 9.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Add the RPM Fusion repository (required for multimedia support):

sudo dnf install https://download1.rpmfusion.org/free/el/rpmfusion-free-release-9.noarch.rpm

Install Steam using DNF:

sudo dnf install steam

Once installed, launch Steam from the terminal or application menu:

steam

If prompted, allow Steam to update itself automatically.

Troubleshooting Common Errors:

• If you encounter missing library errors, ensure that all required dependencies are installed using the command provided earlier.
• If Steam fails to launch, try running it from the terminal to view any error messages for further troubleshooting.

Method 2: Installing via Steam Binary (Manual Installation)

If you prefer more control over the installation process or encounter issues with DNF, you can download and install Steam directly from Valve’s website.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Download the latest version of the Steam installer from Valve’s official website:

wget https://steamcdn-a.akamaihd.net/client/installer/steam.deb

Extract and run the installer:

sudo dpkg -i steam.deb && sudo apt-get install -f

If necessary, resolve any missing dependencies by running:

sudo dnf install -f steam.deb

Launch Steam after installation completes:

steam

Troubleshooting Tips:

• If you encounter dependency issues during installation, ensure that all required libraries are installed by referring back to our prerequisites section.
• If launching fails due to missing graphics drivers, refer to our optimization section below for driver installation tips.

Method 3: Installing via Flatpak (Recommended for Compatibility)

If you prefer using containerized applications or want better compatibility across different Linux distributions, installing Steam via Flatpak is an excellent choice.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

If Flatpak isn’t already installed on your system, add it by running:

sudo dnf install flatpak

Add Flathub as a source repository for Flatpak applications:

flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo

Install Steam via Flatpak:

flatpak install flathub com.valvesoftware.Steam

Once installed, launch Steam using Flatpak:

flatpak run com.valvesoftware.Steam

If prompted, allow updates when launching for the first time.

Troubleshooting Tips:

• If Flatpak commands fail due to repository issues, verify that Flathub was added correctly by running:

  flatpak remotes

  Ensure “flathub” appears in the list.

• If performance issues arise when using Flatpak-installed applications like Steam, consider switching back to a native DNF installation method for better integration with your system libraries.

Initial Setup and Configuration

After successfully installing Steam on AlmaLinux 9 through any of these methods, there are a few additional steps required to set up your account and configure settings for optimal performance.

First-Time Launch Process

The first time you launch Steam after installation, it will automatically download updates. This may take some time depending on your internet connection speed. Once updated, log in with your existing account or create a new one if necessary.

Create or Log Into Your Account

If you’re new to Steam or haven’t used it before on other platforms like Windows or macOS, create an account by following the prompts within the client interface. If you already have an account simply log in with your credentials.

Congratulations! You have successfully installed Steam. Thanks for using this tutorial for installing the Steam on AlmaLinux 9 system. For additional help or useful information, we recommend you check the official Steam website.