How To Install Steam on Rocky Linux 9

Rocky Linux 9 stands as a robust enterprise Linux distribution that offers stability, security, and excellent community support. For many users migrating from other operating systems or distributions, the availability of a wide range of software—particularly gaming platforms—can be a determining factor. Steam, the digital distribution platform by Valve, serves as one of the most popular ways to access and enjoy thousands of games on Linux. This guide explains how to install Steam on Rocky Linux 9 in a clear, step-by-step manner. It covers everything from system preparation to post-installation configuration, troubleshooting, and even introducing Proton for Windows games. Follow along to turn your Rocky Linux 9 environment into a capable gaming station.

Prerequisites

System Requirements

Before proceeding, it is essential to ensure that the hardware and software setup is sufficient for running Steam and, by extension, any games you plan to install. Check that you have:

• A 64-bit processor (Steam also supports certain 32-bit libraries for compatibility).
• At least 2 GB of RAM, though 4 GB or more is recommended for modern games.
• Several gigabytes of free disk space, not just for Steam but also for any additional games.
• A supported GPU capable of running games with updated drivers.

Dependencies

Since Steam runs many 32-bit binaries, installing 32-bit libraries is mandatory. Some of the critical packages include glibc.i686 and libstdc++.i686. Additionally, other basic utilities are required to fetch and extract packages. Use the following command to install necessary dependencies:

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

These packages ensure compatibility with games and the Steam client itself. Missing any of these libraries can lead to installation errors or issues while launching certain games.

Keep the System Updated

It is also highly advisable to keep your Rocky Linux 9 system up to date before installing new software. Execute:

sudo dnf update

This command ensures that your distribution has the latest security patches and software versions, avoiding conflicts during the Steam installation process.

Methods to Install Steam on Rocky Linux 9

Rocky Linux 9, as a member of the RHEL family, comes with multiple options for installing Steam. Each method offers its own advantages, so choose the one that best suits your workflow. Below are three widely used approaches: Flatpak, native packages, and manual installation with dependencies.

1. Using Flatpak from Flathub

Flatpak is a universal package management system that works consistently across different Linux distributions. Many users prefer it for its sandboxing features and ease of updates. Rocky Linux 9 supports Flatpak out of the box, or it can be installed quickly if not already present.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Install Flatpak:

   sudo dnf install flatpak
   

   This command installs the Flatpak framework on Rocky Linux 9.

2. Add the Flathub Repository:

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

   Flathub is the primary repository for Flatpak applications, including Steam.

3. Install Steam via Flatpak:

   flatpak install flathub com.valvesoftware.Steam
   

   Confirm any prompts to complete the installation.

4. Launch Steam:

   flatpak run com.valvesoftware.Steam
   

   This command starts Steam in a Flatpak sandbox environment.

Advantages: You get a self-contained package with minimal interference on your primary system libraries. Updates are also straightforward, as Flatpak regularly checks for new versions.

Limitations: Because Flatpak apps operate in a sandbox, you might need additional configuration for game controllers, external drives, or other hardware integrations. However, many of these can be resolved by granting permissions through Flatpak commands.

2. Installing Steam Using Native Package Managers

In some cases, a direct installation from Rocky Linux or third-party repositories can be the quickest option. While Rocky Linux 9 might not include Steam in its default repositories, certain enabled repositories—like EPEL (Extra Packages for Enterprise Linux)—can facilitate the process.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Enable Additional Repositories (If Required):
   Some Rocky Linux 9 setups may already have EPEL or RPM Fusion repositories enabled. However, if Steam is not found, enable EPEL:

   sudo dnf install epel-release
   

2. Search for Steam Packages:

   dnf search steam
   

   This command checks whether “steam” is available in the currently enabled repositories.

3. Install Steam:

   sudo dnf install steam
   

   Confirm the installation and allow the package manager to handle dependencies.

4. Launch Steam:
   Look for Steam in your desktop application menu or run:

   steam
   

If you encounter dependency conflicts—particularly with 32-bit libraries—try adding the --nobest or --skip-broken flags:

sudo dnf install steam --skip-broken

This approach lets the package manager work around certain dependency issues, although it is recommended to address missing libraries directly if possible.

3. Manually Installing Steam with Dependencies

For users who prefer more control or find that official repositories do not meet their needs, manual installation offers another route. This method can resolve library conflicts and is helpful when official repositories lag behind the latest Steam build.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Download Steam Installer:
   Use the official Valve website or the direct link to get the Steam installer. Typically, Valve provides a .deb file for Debian-based systems, which can be converted into an .rpm if needed.

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

   An alternative approach is to search for an available .rpm package if it is officially provided.

2. Install alien (If Converting from .deb to .rpm):
   When dealing with a .deb package on Rocky Linux, use alien to transform it into an .rpm format. Install alien:

   sudo dnf install alien
   

   Then convert:

   sudo alien --to-rpm steam.deb
   

3. Install the Converted Package:
   After converting, install the .rpm:

   sudo dnf install ./steam-*.rpm
   

   Adjust the filename as necessary. This step automatically attempts to pull in relevant dependencies.

4. Address Missing Libraries:
   If errors highlight missing dependencies like libcurl(x86-32) or libnghttp2.so.14, these must be installed manually. Check for package names that might supply these libraries or consider enabling --nobest or --skip-broken. Some users have manually acquired these 32-bit dependencies from alternative RPM repositories in earlier Rocky Linux releases.
5. Launch Steam:
   Once installation completes, launch Steam from the application menu or by typing:

   steam
   

   Wait for the Steam client to update and then log in with your account credentials.

This manual approach allows for maximum flexibility, especially if certain older or specialized library versions are needed. However, always verify the integrity of downloaded files, and keep track of where packages are sourced to maintain system stability.

Note that SteamCMD, a command-line version of Steam for dedicated servers, requires similar dependencies, and the wget utility, unzip, and glibc.i686 are also essential. This is especially relevant if you plan to host game servers or automate game downloads. While SteamCMD is distinct from the main Steam client, both can coexist on the same system without conflict.

Configuring Steam After Installation

After successfully installing Steam, a few configuration steps can help optimize Steam for your Rocky Linux 9 environment, especially for gaming performance.

Logging Into Your Steam Account

Upon the first launch, Steam prompts for login credentials. Enter your existing account details or create a new one if necessary. Two-factor authentication might be enabled for security, so keep your mobile device or email accessible.

Initial Setup & Downloads

After login, Steam updates itself and synchronizes your cloud saves (if enabled). Depending on network speed, this process may take a few minutes. During this time, do not close the client, or the update may fail.

Enabling Proton for Windows Games

To play Windows-exclusive games on Linux, Valve’s Proton compatibility layer can be activated inside Steam:

1. Go to Steam > Settings from the top-left menu.
2. Select Compatibility.
3. Enable Steam Play for all titles by ticking the option.
4. Pick the latest Proton version from the dropdown menu.
5. Restart Steam when prompted.

This process unlocks a vast library of Windows-based games. Compatibility varies per title, but many popular games run smoothly with Proton.

Updating Drivers for Optimal Performance

Graphics drivers have a significant impact on gaming performance. Ensure your GPU drivers are up to date. AMD and NVIDIA each provide official driver packages compatible with enterprise Linux distributions. If experiencing poor performance or visual glitches, verify that hardware acceleration is working by installing the respective driver packages for your GPU.

Testing Installation By Running a Game

Once everything is set up, select any game in your library—preferably one known to be Linux-compatible or Proton-compatible—and click “Play.” Confirm that it launches, runs, and displays without errors.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Occasionally, users face minor roadblocks during installation or afterward. Below are common issues and their remedies:

• Dependency Conflicts: If the system reports missing 32-bit libraries, install or update them with dnf install glibc.i686 libstdc++.i686 --skip-broken. Also ensure that EPEL or other repositories are correctly enabled.
• Graphics Problems: Outdated drivers often cause graphical issues. Update GPU drivers to the latest version. For NVIDIA users, consider the “NVIDIA proprietary drivers,” and for AMD users, enable the official or Mesa drivers for better performance.
• Steam Not Launching: Try renaming or removing the ~/.steam or ~/.local/share/Steam folder (after backing up) to reset the Steam client. Then, relaunch Steam to allow it to download fresh configuration files.
• Skipping Broken Packages: Use the --skip-broken or --nobest flags. However, it is often better to locate and fix the specific library issues than to rely on skipping steps.

Benefits of Using Proton with Steam on Rocky Linux

Proton empowers gamers to access a larger library of titles that were primarily intended for Windows. Notable benefits include:

• Broad Game Compatibility: Proton’s continuous development means more Windows-based titles become fully playable on Linux.
• Seamless Steam Integration: Proton is built into the Steam client. Enable it in the settings, and the platform does the heavy lifting for you.
• Significant Community Support: Many users share tips and configuration tweaks on forums, and Valve’s frequent updates improve Proton with each release.
• Performance Parity: Many games run at near-native performance levels through Proton, especially popular titles optimized by Valve or third-party developers.

This technology closes the software gap on Linux, making distributions like Rocky Linux 9 more appealing for gamers without requiring dual-boot setups or full OS switches.

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