How To Install Steam on Fedora 43

Gaming on Linux has evolved dramatically over the past few years, and Fedora 43 stands as one of the most capable distributions for PC gaming enthusiasts. Steam, the world’s largest digital game distribution platform, brings thousands of games to Linux users through native support and Valve’s innovative Proton compatibility layer. While Steam isn’t available in Fedora’s default repositories due to licensing considerations, installing it is straightforward with the help of RPM Fusion, a trusted community-maintained repository.

This comprehensive guide walks you through multiple installation methods, post-installation configuration, performance optimization, and troubleshooting common issues. Whether you prefer command-line tools or graphical interfaces, you’ll find step-by-step instructions tailored to your comfort level. By the end of this tutorial, your Fedora 43 system will be fully configured for gaming, complete with Windows game compatibility through Proton.

Prerequisites and System Requirements

Before diving into the installation process, ensure your Fedora 43 system meets the necessary requirements for running Steam and modern games.

What You’ll Need

You’ll need an active internet connection to download packages and updates. Administrative access through sudo privileges is essential for installing system packages. Steam and games require substantial disk space—allocate at least 10GB for the Steam client alone, with additional storage for your game library. Most modern games demand 40GB or more of available storage space.

Minimum System Specifications

Fedora 43 Workstation 64-bit serves as the foundation for gaming. Your processor should be at least a 2 GHz dual-core CPU, though quad-core processors deliver better performance. RAM requirements start at 4GB minimum, but 8GB or more is strongly recommended for smooth gameplay. Your graphics card must support OpenGL 2.1 or higher, with Vulkan support highly recommended for Proton games.

Before You Begin

Steam requires RPM Fusion repositories because it contains proprietary, closed-source software that doesn’t align with Fedora’s commitment to free and open-source software. The Steam client also needs 32-bit libraries to function properly, which the installation process handles automatically. Update your system before proceeding to avoid potential conflicts during installation.

Understanding RPM Fusion Repository

What is RPM Fusion?

RPM Fusion provides a comprehensive repository system for Fedora, offering both Free and Nonfree software packages. The Free repository contains open-source software with licensing restrictions, while the Nonfree repository hosts proprietary applications like Steam. This separation allows users to maintain control over the types of software they install on their systems.

Why Fedora Doesn’t Include Steam by Default

Fedora maintains strict policies regarding software licensing and exclusively includes fully open-source software in its default repositories. Steam, being a proprietary platform with closed-source components, doesn’t meet these criteria. Rather than compromise these principles, Fedora relies on community-maintained repositories like RPM Fusion to provide access to proprietary software for users who need it.

Safety and Trustworthiness

RPM Fusion has served the Fedora community for years with an established reputation for security and reliability. The project maintains close ties with Fedora developers and follows strict packaging guidelines. Third-party repository options are even integrated into Fedora’s Software Center, demonstrating the project’s trust in RPM Fusion as a software source.

Method 1: Installing Steam via Terminal (Command Line)

The command-line method offers faster installation with greater control over the process. Terminal installation also simplifies troubleshooting if issues arise later.

Step 1: Update Your System

Open your preferred terminal application and execute the system update command:

sudo dnf update --refresh

This command refreshes repository metadata and updates all installed packages to their latest versions. System updates ensure compatibility with new software and patch potential security vulnerabilities. After updates complete, reboot your system if kernel updates were installed.

Step 2: Enable RPM Fusion Repositories

Install both the Free and Nonfree RPM Fusion repositories with a single command:

sudo dnf install https://mirrors.rpmfusion.org/free/fedora/rpmfusion-free-release-$(rpm -E %fedora).noarch.rpm https://mirrors.rpmfusion.org/nonfree/fedora/rpmfusion-nonfree-release-$(rpm -E %fedora).noarch.rpm -y

This command automatically detects your Fedora version using the $(rpm -E %fedora) variable and installs the appropriate repository configuration packages. The -y flag automatically confirms the installation without prompting for user input. You’ll see download progress followed by confirmation that the packages installed successfully.

Step 3: Install AppStream Metadata (Optional but Recommended)

For Fedora 41 and later versions, including Fedora 43, enable AppStream metadata for GUI package managers:

sudo dnf install rpmfusion-*-appstream-data

This allows applications like GNOME Software to display RPM Fusion packages with proper descriptions and metadata.

Step 4: Install Steam Package

Now install Steam with the following command:

sudo dnf install steam -y

The package manager automatically resolves dependencies, including numerous 32-bit libraries required for Steam functionality. Installation typically downloads 100-200MB of packages depending on your system configuration. The process usually completes within 5-10 minutes on a stable internet connection.

Step 5: Launch Steam for First Time

Start Steam from the terminal:

steam

Alternatively, search for Steam in your Activities menu and click the Steam icon. The first launch triggers automatic Steam client updates. This initial update process may take several minutes as Steam downloads and installs the latest client version.

Method 2: Installing Steam via GUI (Graphical Method)

Users who prefer graphical interfaces can install Steam through Fedora’s Software Center with just a few clicks.

Step 1: Open GNOME Software Center

Click Activities in the top-left corner of your screen and search for “Software.” Click the Software application icon to launch Fedora’s package manager.

Step 2: Access Software Repositories

Click the menu button (☰) in the upper-right corner of the Software window. Select “Software Repositories” from the dropdown menu. This opens the repository configuration interface where you can enable third-party software sources.

Step 3: Enable RPM Fusion for Steam

Scroll down to the “Fedora Third Party Repositories” section at the bottom of the window. Locate the entry labeled “RPM Fusion for Fedora 43 – Nonfree – Steam”. Toggle the switch next to this entry to enable it. You’ll be prompted to enter your administrator password to authorize the change. Close the Software Repositories window after enabling the repository.

Step 4: Refresh and Search for Steam

Close the Software application completely and reopen it to refresh the package cache. Click the search icon in the upper-left corner and type “Steam” in the search box. The Steam application should appear in the search results with its recognizable logo.

Step 5: Install Steam

Click on the Steam application from the search results to view its details page. Click the blue “Install” button. Enter your administrator password when prompted. Monitor the installation progress bar as Software downloads and installs Steam along with its dependencies.

Step 6: Launch Steam

After installation completes, you can launch Steam immediately by clicking the “Launch” button in Software, or find it later in your applications menu.

Which Method Should You Choose?

The terminal method provides faster execution and easier troubleshooting through verbose output. Command-line installation also allows you to quickly retry steps if issues occur. The GUI method offers a more intuitive experience with visual confirmation at each step, making it ideal for users less comfortable with terminal commands.

Alternative Installation Method: Steam as Flatpak

Understanding Flatpak

Flatpak technology provides sandboxed application environments that isolate software from the rest of your system. Fedora includes built-in Flatpak support, and many applications are available through the Flathub repository.

Installing Steam via Flatpak

First, ensure Flathub repository is enabled:

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

Then install Steam:

flatpak install flathub com.valvesoftware.Steam

Launch Flatpak Steam with:

flatpak run com.valvesoftware.Steam

Pros and Cons of Flatpak Version

The Flatpak version runs in an isolated environment, potentially improving security. It doesn’t require RPM Fusion repositories, simplifying the installation process. However, the Flatpak version has a larger download size due to bundled dependencies. Some users have reported codec issues and compatibility problems with certain games. The native RPM package generally provides better integration with Fedora systems and fewer compatibility headaches.

Post-Installation Configuration

First Launch and Account Setup

Steam’s first launch presents the Steam Subscriber Agreement. Review and accept the agreement to proceed. The client immediately begins downloading updates to ensure you’re running the latest version. Log in with your existing Steam account credentials, or create a new account if you’re new to Steam. The initial update and login process typically takes 5-10 minutes depending on your connection speed.

Enabling Proton for Windows Games

Proton represents Valve’s most significant contribution to Linux gaming. This compatibility layer, based on Wine, allows Windows games to run seamlessly on Linux systems. Enabling Proton unlocks thousands of Windows-exclusive games in your Steam library.

Enabling Proton Step-by-Step

Launch Steam and click “Steam” in the menu bar at the top-left corner. Select “Settings” from the dropdown menu. Navigate to the “Compatibility” section in the left sidebar (this was formerly called “Steam Play” in older versions). Check the box for “Enable Steam Play for supported titles” to run officially supported Windows games. Check the box for “Enable Steam Play for all other titles” to attempt running all Windows games.

Select your preferred Proton version from the dropdown menu. Proton Experimental offers the latest features and game fixes, while numbered versions like Proton 9.0 provide more stability. Click “OK” to save your changes. Restart Steam when prompted to apply the new compatibility settings.

Understanding Proton Versions

Proton Experimental receives frequent updates with cutting-edge compatibility improvements but may introduce occasional bugs. Stable numbered releases like Proton 9.0 or Proton 8.0 offer tested, reliable performance. Some users install ProtonGE (Proton – Glorious Eggroll), a community-enhanced version with additional patches and codecs not included in official Proton builds.

Configuring Game Settings

Steam offers several configuration options that impact gaming performance. Shader pre-caching compiles graphics shaders in the background, reducing stutter during gameplay. While beneficial for high-end systems, you may want to disable this feature on lower-spec machines to conserve resources. Set your download region in Settings → Downloads to optimize download speeds from nearby servers.

Enabling H.264 Codec for Remote Play

H.264 codec support enables Steam Remote Play, in-home streaming, and game broadcasting features. Enable it by opening this Steam protocol link:

xdg-open steam://unlockh264/

For Flatpak installations, use:

flatpak run com.valvesoftware.Steam steam://unlockh264/

Steam will download and install the necessary codec packages.

Optimizing Steam Performance on Fedora 43

Graphics Driver Installation

Proper graphics drivers significantly impact gaming performance and compatibility.

For NVIDIA Users: Install proprietary NVIDIA drivers through RPM Fusion:

sudo dnf install akmod-nvidia

After installation, reboot your system to load the new drivers. NVIDIA’s proprietary drivers provide substantially better gaming performance than the open-source Nouveau drivers.

For AMD Users: Fedora includes excellent open-source AMD drivers (AMDGPU) by default. These drivers typically require no additional configuration and provide excellent gaming performance.

System Tweaks for Better Gaming

Install Vulkan tools and Mesa drivers for optimal graphics performance:

sudo dnf install vulkan-tools mesa-vulkan-drivers

GameMode from Feral Interactive optimizes CPU performance for gaming:

sudo dnf install gamemode

GameMode automatically adjusts system performance when games launch, prioritizing gaming workloads.

Performance Monitoring Tools

MangoHud provides an in-game overlay displaying frame rates, CPU usage, GPU statistics, and temperatures. Install it to monitor performance:

sudo dnf install mangohud

Launch games with MangoHud by adding mangohud %command% to the game’s launch options in Steam.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Steam Won’t Launch After Installation

If Steam fails to start after installation, try launching from terminal with environment variables:

__GL_CONSTANT_FRAME_RATE_HINT=3 steam

This command helps resolve certain graphics initialization issues.

Some users experience problems due to GPU acceleration in Steam’s web views. Disable it by editing the Steam desktop file at ~/.local/share/applications/steam.desktop. Change PrefersNonDefaultGPU=true to PrefersNonDefaultGPU=false. Alternatively, launch Steam from the terminal and disable GPU acceleration in Settings → Interface → “Enable GPU accelerated rendering in web views”.

Reset Steam’s configuration if persistent issues occur:

steam --reset

Dependency Errors on Fedora 43

Users upgrading from Fedora Rawhide to stable Fedora 43 may encounter i686 (32-bit) package dependency conflicts. Resolve these by synchronizing to the stable Fedora 43 release:

sudo dnf distro-sync --releasever=43

This command ensures your system uses stable Fedora 43 packages rather than Rawhide development packages.

Games Won’t Start or Display Black Screens

Verify Proton is enabled in Steam Settings → Compatibility. If games show black screens with sound, particularly after updating to Fedora 43, launch Steam from the terminal instead of the graphical application launcher:

steam

This workaround resolves an environment variable issue where VK_LOADER_DRIVERS_SELECT is incorrectly set. For NVIDIA GPU users, ensure the variable is set to *nvidia* rather than *intel* in your desktop environment settings.

Try different Proton versions if specific games fail to launch. Right-click the game in your library, select Properties → Compatibility, and choose an alternative Proton version. Check ProtonDB (www.protondb.com) for game-specific compatibility reports and recommended settings.

Steam Updates Failing

Clear Steam’s download cache if updates repeatedly fail. Navigate to Steam → Settings → Downloads → Clear Download Cache. Network issues or repository problems may also cause update failures—verify your internet connection and RPM Fusion repository configuration.

Updating and Maintaining Steam

Automatic Updates

Steam automatically downloads and installs client updates when you launch the application. Game updates are managed through Steam’s download settings, where you can configure automatic updates, scheduled downloads, and bandwidth limits. These settings ensure your games stay current with minimal manual intervention.

System Updates

Maintain your Fedora 43 system with regular updates:

sudo dnf update

Kernel updates that affect graphics drivers may require a system reboot to take effect. After major system updates, verify that Steam and your games still function correctly, as occasionally driver or library updates can impact compatibility.

RPM Fusion Repository Maintenance

RPM Fusion packages update through Fedora’s standard update mechanism. When you run sudo dnf update, Steam and other RPM Fusion packages automatically receive updates alongside system packages. No special maintenance procedures are required for RPM Fusion repositories.

Congratulations! You have successfully installed Steam. Thanks for using this tutorial for installing Steam game on Fedora 43 Linux system. For additional help or useful information, we recommend you check the official Steam website.