How To Install Steam on openSUSE

Steam is a powerful digital distribution platform that has revolutionized gaming on Linux systems. For openSUSE users looking to dive into gaming, Steam provides access to thousands of titles ranging from indie gems to AAA blockbusters. This comprehensive guide explores multiple methods to install Steam on your openSUSE system, whether you’re running the stable Leap version or the rolling release Tumbleweed. By following these instructions, you’ll be gaming on your Linux system in no time, with full access to Steam’s extensive library and features.

Understanding Steam and Its Features

Steam, developed by Valve Software, stands as the premier software distribution service for video games on multiple platforms, including Linux. Since its launch, Steam has evolved from a simple game delivery platform to a comprehensive gaming ecosystem. This closed-source application offers numerous features that enhance the gaming experience for Linux users.

The platform provides an extensive online game store with thousands of titles, many of which now run natively on Linux or through compatibility layers. Steam automatically updates your games, ensuring you always have the latest versions without manual intervention. For achievement hunters, the platform tracks in-game accomplishments across your game library.

One of Steam’s most appreciated features is its synchronized savegame and screenshot functionality, allowing you to seamlessly continue your gaming experience across different devices. The social aspects of Steam are equally impressive, featuring a robust friends list, instant messaging capabilities, and voice chat for coordinating with teammates during multiplayer sessions.

Remote play via game streaming represents another standout feature, enabling you to play your games on various devices throughout your home network. With Valve’s continued commitment to Linux gaming, Steam has become essential for gaming enthusiasts using openSUSE and other Linux distributions.

Prerequisites for Installing Steam

Before diving into the installation process, ensuring your system meets certain requirements will help avoid potential issues. Steam demands specific hardware and software configurations to run optimally on openSUSE.

For hardware, a 64-bit processor is recommended, along with at least 4GB of RAM for smooth operation. While Steam itself doesn’t require significant storage, modern games can be quite large, so having at least 20GB of free space is advisable for your initial game installations.

Graphics capabilities are particularly important for gaming. Integrated graphics can run Steam and some less demanding games, but a dedicated GPU from NVIDIA or AMD will provide a much better experience for modern titles. For NVIDIA users, the proprietary drivers typically offer better performance than open-source alternatives.

Your openSUSE version also matters. Both Leap (the stable release) and Tumbleweed (the rolling release) can run Steam effectively, though with some differences. Leap provides a reliable environment with tested packages, while Tumbleweed offers the latest software and drivers for cutting-edge performance. Tumbleweed users should note that since February 2025, SELinux comes enabled by default, which may cause loading issues with Steam.

Before installation, update your system to ensure compatibility:

sudo zypper refresh
sudo zypper update

You’ll also need a Steam account, which you can create either during the first launch or beforehand on the Steam website. An active internet connection is essential for the installation process and for downloading games afterward.

Method 1: Installing Steam from Official Repositories

The most straightforward approach to installing Steam on openSUSE is through the official repositories using the command line. This method ensures compatibility and simplifies the installation process.

Open your terminal and use zypper, openSUSE’s package manager, to install Steam:

sudo zypper install steam

When prompted, enter your password and confirm the installation by typing ‘y’ and pressing Enter. The package manager will handle dependency resolution automatically, ensuring all required components are installed.

After installation completes, verify it by checking the installed package:

rpm -q steam

This method offers several advantages, including simplicity and reliability. Since Steam comes directly from the official openSUSE repositories, it integrates well with the system and receives updates through the standard system update process.

If you encounter missing dependencies, you can submit a bug report or contribute to the `steam.spec` file by branching the Steam package in OBS (Open Build Service). For most users, however, the dependencies should resolve automatically.

Command syntax may vary slightly between openSUSE versions, but the basic installation command works across both Leap and Tumbleweed distributions.

Method 2: Installing Steam via YaST Software GUI

For those who prefer graphical interfaces over command lines, openSUSE’s YaST Software provides a user-friendly alternative for installing Steam.

YaST (Yet another Setup Tool) is openSUSE’s comprehensive system administration tool that includes software management capabilities. To install Steam using YaST:

1. Open YaST Software either from your application menu or by running sudo yast2 sw_single in a terminal
2. In the search field, type “steam” and press Enter
3. When the Steam package appears in the results, select it by checking the box next to it
4. Click “Accept” to begin the installation
5. Enter your authentication credentials if prompted
6. Wait for the installation to complete

The YaST interface provides progress indicators during installation, making it easy to monitor the process. This method handles repository management and dependency resolution through the graphical interface, which many users find more intuitive than command-line options.

If any issues arise during installation, YaST typically provides informative error messages and suggestions for resolution. The graphical approach also makes it easier to browse and install additional gaming-related packages that might enhance your experience.

Method 3: Using 1-Click Install with YMP File

The 1-Click Install method represents one of the most convenient ways to install Steam on openSUSE. This approach uses a YMP (YaST Metapackage) file that streamlines the installation process.

To install Steam using the 1-Click method:

1. Visit the openSUSE official website and download the steam.ymp file
2. Open your file manager and navigate to your Downloads folder
3. Locate the downloaded steam.ymp file
4. Right-click the file and select “Open With YaST 1-Click Install”
5. In the installation wizard that appears, click “Next” to begin
6. Review the repositories that will be added and click “Next” again (or “Customize” if you wish to modify any settings)
7. If a warning message appears, click “Yes” to proceed
8. Enter your root password when prompted and click “Continue”
9. Wait for the installation to complete, then click “Finish”

This method is particularly beneficial for new Linux users because it handles repository additions and package installations through a guided process. The YMP file contains all necessary information about repositories and packages, eliminating the need for manual configuration.

One potential limitation is that this approach might add repositories you don’t need for other purposes. However, for most users, the convenience outweighs this minor drawback.

Method 4: Installing Steam using Flatpak

Flatpak provides an alternative installation method that offers advantages in terms of compatibility and isolation. This container-based approach packages Steam with all its dependencies, potentially avoiding conflicts with system libraries.

To install Steam via Flatpak:

1. First, install Flatpak support on your openSUSE system:

sudo zypper install flatpak

2. Add the Flathub repository, which hosts numerous applications including Steam:

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

3. Restart your system to ensure Flatpak is properly initialized:

reboot

4. After reboot, install Steam using Flatpak:

flatpak install flathub com.valvesoftware.Steam

5. When prompted, confirm the installation

To run Steam installed via Flatpak, you can either launch it from your application menu or use the command:

flatpak run com.valvesoftware.Steam

Flatpak installations offer several benefits for gaming. The sandboxed nature provides better isolation from your system, potentially increasing security. Additionally, Flatpak packages include their dependencies, which can solve compatibility issues, especially on Tumbleweed where system libraries evolve rapidly.

For user-level installation rather than system-wide, you can add the --user flag to your commands:

flatpak install --user flathub com.valvesoftware.Steam

The performance impact of Flatpak’s sandboxing is generally minimal for gaming applications, making this a viable option for most users.

Method 5: Installing Steam via Snap

Snap packages offer another containerized solution for installing Steam on openSUSE. While not as deeply integrated into openSUSE as other methods, Snap provides a straightforward installation process with automatic updates.

To install Steam using Snap:

1. First, add the Snap repository appropriate for your openSUSE version. For Leap 15.5, use:

sudo zypper addrepo --refresh https://download.opensuse.org/repositories/system:/snappy/openSUSE_Leap_15.5 snappy

For Tumbleweed, modify the command accordingly:

sudo zypper addrepo --refresh https://download.opensuse.org/repositories/system:/snappy/openSUSE_Tumbleweed snappy

2. Import the repository’s GPG key:

sudo zypper --gpg-auto-import-keys refresh

3. Update your package cache to include the new Snap repository:

sudo zypper dup --from snappy

4. Install the Snap daemon:

sudo zypper install snapd

5. Enable and start the required services:

sudo systemctl enable --now snapd
sudo systemctl enable --now snapd.apparmor

6. Reboot your system or log out and back in to ensure proper path configuration
7. Finally, install Steam using Snap:

sudo snap install steam

Snap packages automatically update in the background, which keeps Steam current without manual intervention. The sandboxed nature of Snap packages also provides isolation from system libraries, which can prevent compatibility issues.

Desktop integration for Snap applications has improved significantly, though you might notice some minor differences in theme integration compared to natively installed applications. Performance is generally comparable to other installation methods for gaming applications.

First-time Setup and Configuration

After installing Steam using any of the methods above, the initial setup process remains similar. Launch Steam either from your application menu by searching for “Steam” or from the terminal by typing steam.

On first launch, Steam will download and install necessary updates before presenting the login screen. This process might take a few minutes depending on your internet connection speed. If you already have a Steam account, enter your credentials; otherwise, click “Create New Account” to register.

After logging in, you’ll need to configure a few settings for optimal performance:

1. In the Steam client, go to Steam > Settings > Downloads to configure your download location and bandwidth limits
2. Under Settings > Steam Play, enable “Steam Play for supported titles” to play games officially tested with Proton
3. For wider compatibility, you can also enable “Steam Play for all other titles” and select the latest Proton version

If you plan to install many games, consider setting up additional library folders, especially on separate drives with more space. Go to Settings > Downloads > Steam Library Folders and click “Add Library Folder” to configure additional locations.

For controller users, navigate to Settings > Controller > General Controller Settings to configure your input devices. Steam supports most popular controllers, including Xbox, PlayStation, and generic models.

Cloud saves are enabled by default but can be managed on a per-game basis. Right-click any game in your library, select Properties, and look for the Steam Cloud section to adjust these settings.

Managing Steam on openSUSE

Once Steam is up and running, several management tasks can help maintain optimal performance and organization.

Keeping Steam updated is crucial for compatibility and security. Steam generally updates itself automatically when launched, but you can manually check for updates by clicking Steam > Check for Steam Client Updates. For Flatpak or Snap installations, updates are handled through their respective systems:

# Update Flatpak installations
flatpak update

# Update Snap installations
sudo snap refresh

Steam allows adding non-Steam games to your library for unified management. Click “Games” in the menu bar, then “Add a Non-Steam Game to My Library” and browse for the executable.

Creating desktop shortcuts simplifies accessing frequently played games. Right-click any game in your library, select “Create Desktop Shortcut,” and confirm the action.

For advanced users, Steam supports various environment variables and launch options that can enhance performance or enable specific features. Right-click a game, select Properties, and click “Set Launch Options” to add these parameters.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Despite Steam’s excellent Linux support, you might encounter some issues, particularly on openSUSE Tumbleweed due to its rolling release nature. Here are solutions to common problems:

SELinux-related problems: Tumbleweed installations since February 2025 have SELinux enabled by default, which can cause loading issues with Steam. If you experience problems, try temporarily setting SELinux to permissive mode:

sudo setenforce 0

For a permanent solution, edit /etc/selinux/config and set SELINUX=permissive.

Missing dependencies: If Steam fails to launch with library errors, you can identify missing dependencies:

cd ~/.local/share/Steam/ubuntu12_32
LD_LIBRARY_PATH=".:${LD_LIBRARY_PATH}" ldd $(file *|sed '/ELF/!d;s/:.*//g')|grep 'not found'|sort|uniq

Install missing libraries using YaST or zypper. For 32-bit libraries on 64-bit systems:

sudo zypper in libvdpau_radeonsi-32bit libXtst6-32bit libvdpau_va_gl1-32bit libva-glx2-32bit

Loading issues: Some users report success by launching Steam without the local runtime:

STEAM_RUNTIME=0 steam

Or disabling DRI3:

LIBGL_DRI3_DISABLE=1 steam

AMD graphics issues: Users with AMD graphics may experience problems with the free drivers. Consider installing proprietary AMD drivers through YaST or one-click install methods.

No sound in games: This might occur due to library conflicts. Try starting Steam without the local runtime:

LD_PRELOAD=/usr/lib32/libudev.so.1 STEAM_RUNTIME=0 steam

User permissions: Make sure your user account belongs to the necessary groups for gaming. In YaST > User and Group Management, edit your user and check that it belongs to the video, games, audio, and cd groups.

Performance Optimization

Maximizing gaming performance on openSUSE requires some system-level adjustments and Steam-specific configurations.

For graphics settings, consider the following:

1. Enable game mode with GameMode, which optimizes CPU performance:

sudo zypper install gamemode

Then add gamemoderun %command% to game launch options in Steam

2. For NVIDIA users, install the proprietary drivers for better performance:

sudo zypper addrepo --refresh https://download.nvidia.com/opensuse/tumbleweed NVIDIA
sudo zypper install nvidia-glG05

3. For AMD users who experience issues with free drivers, consider proprietary alternatives

In Steam, adjust these settings for better performance:

1. Disable the Steam overlay for resource-intensive games (right-click game > Properties > uncheck “Enable Steam Overlay”)
2. For Windows games, configure Proton by adding specific parameters to launch options:
   • PROTON_NO_ESYNC=1 %command% (for games with threading issues)
   • PROTON_USE_WINED3D=1 %command% (may help with certain DirectX games)

For system-level optimization:

1. If using a compositor, consider disabling it while gaming for better performance
2. Adjust CPU governor for performance:

sudo zypper install cpupower
sudo cpupower frequency-set -g performance

3. Increase virtual memory by adjusting swap space if you have limited RAM

These optimizations can significantly improve your gaming experience, particularly for demanding titles or on systems with limited resources.

Uninstalling Steam

If you need to remove Steam from your openSUSE system, the uninstallation method depends on how you installed it initially.

For repository installations:

sudo zypper remove steam

For Flatpak installations:

flatpak uninstall com.valvesoftware.Steam

For Snap installations:

sudo snap remove steam

To preserve your game data for future reinstallation, back up the ~/.local/share/Steam directory before uninstalling. This folder contains your games, saves, and configuration files.

For a complete removal including configuration files:

sudo zypper remove --clean-deps steam
rm -rf ~/.local/share/Steam
rm -rf ~/.steam

After uninstallation, you may want to remove any unused repositories that were added specifically for Steam. Check and remove them using YaST > Software > Software Repositories or with zypper:

sudo zypper repos
sudo zypper removerepo REPOSITORY_NAME

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