How to Install Steam on Arch Linux

Arch Linux is renowned for its simplicity, customizability, and rolling release model. While it’s primarily favored by advanced users and Linux enthusiasts, it can serve as a powerful gaming platform too. Steam, the world’s leading digital game distribution platform developed by Valve, supports Linux natively and brings thousands of games to the Linux ecosystem. Thanks to Proton and Steam Play, running even many Windows-exclusive games is now possible on Linux.

In this article, we’ll walk through a comprehensive, step-by-step process for installing Steam on Arch Linux. Whether you’re aiming to play native Linux games or use Proton to run Windows titles, this guide has you covered.

Prerequisites

Before we dive into the installation, let’s ensure your system is ready:

1. Up-to-Date System

It’s crucial to have an updated Arch Linux system before installing any major software.

sudo pacman -Syu

If this is your first update in a while, it may take some time. After updating, reboot your system to ensure all changes take effect:

sudo reboot

2. Enable Multilib Repository

Steam is a 32-bit application and requires the multilib repository to be enabled. This repository contains 32-bit libraries required for compatibility.

To enable it:

1. Open the pacman.conf file in a text editor with root privileges:

   sudo nano /etc/pacman.conf
   

2. Find the following lines:

   #[multilib]
   #Include = /etc/pacman.d/mirrorlist
   

3. Uncomment both lines:

   [multilib]
   Include = /etc/pacman.d/mirrorlist
   

4. Save and exit (Ctrl + O, Enter, then Ctrl + X).

5. Update your package database:

   sudo pacman -Syu
   

Installing Steam

With the multilib repository enabled, installing Steam is straightforward using Pacman.

sudo pacman -S steam

Pacman will resolve and install all the necessary dependencies. Once complete, you can launch Steam from your application launcher or by typing:

steam

Steam will update itself on the first run, just like it does on Windows. After that, you’ll be prompted to log in with your Steam credentials.

Installing Graphics Drivers

To have an optimal gaming experience, you need proper graphics drivers. Let’s briefly go over the options.

NVIDIA

If you have an NVIDIA GPU, install the official proprietary drivers:

sudo pacman -S nvidia nvidia-utils lib32-nvidia-utils

Also, install Vulkan support for NVIDIA:

sudo pacman -S vulkan-icd-loader lib32-vulkan-icd-loader

Optional but recommended:

sudo pacman -S nvidia-settings

AMD

For AMD GPUs, open-source drivers are usually sufficient:

sudo pacman -S mesa lib32-mesa

Vulkan support for AMD:

sudo pacman -S vulkan-radeon lib32-vulkan-radeon

Intel

For integrated Intel GPUs:

sudo pacman -S mesa lib32-mesa vulkan-intel lib32-vulkan-intel

⚠️ Ensure only the relevant Vulkan driver is installed to avoid conflicts. For instance, avoid installing both vulkan-intel and vulkan-radeon unless you are using hybrid graphics.

Enabling Steam Play (Proton)

Steam supports Steam Play through Proton — a compatibility layer that allows many Windows games to run on Linux.

Steps to Enable Proton

1. Launch Steam.
2. Go to Steam > Settings.
3. Navigate to the Steam Play section.
4. Check:
   • ✅ Enable Steam Play for supported titles
   • ✅ Enable Steam Play for all other titles
5. Select the latest stable version of Proton from the dropdown menu.
6. Click OK and restart Steam.

Now you can install and run many Windows games as if you were on a Windows system.

Running Steam on Wayland (Optional)

If you’re using Wayland (e.g., with GNOME or KDE Plasma), note that Steam currently runs more reliably under X11. However, you can try launching Steam under XWayland or with specific flags.

To force Steam to use XWayland, set the environment variable:

STEAM_FORCE_DESKTOPUI_SCALING=1 steam

Or, create a .desktop launcher override in ~/.local/share/applications/steam.desktop with that variable.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

1. Steam Won’t Launch

Check for missing 32-bit libraries or display errors. Try launching Steam from the terminal and read the output:

steam

You may see missing libraries. Install them using Pacman or AUR if needed.

2. Missing libgl or OpenGL Issues

Install the appropriate libgl packages:

sudo pacman -S lib32-libgl

Depending on your GPU, you might also need:

• lib32-nvidia-libgl (NVIDIA)
• lib32-mesa (AMD/Intel)

3. Game Crashes or Black Screen

Try a different Proton version. You can download alternate Proton versions via ProtonUp-Qt, which makes managing Proton versions easy.

Install ProtonUp-Qt from the AUR:

yay -S protonup-qt

Then run protonup-qt and add new versions of Proton-GE (Glorious Eggroll), which often has better compatibility with games.

Optional: Installing Steam via Flatpak

If you prefer containerized applications, Flatpak is an alternative method:

1. Install Flatpak:

   sudo pacman -S flatpak
   

2. Add Flathub repository:

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

3. Install Steam:

   flatpak install flathub com.valvesoftware.Steam
   

4. Run Steam:

   flatpak run com.valvesoftware.Steam
   

Flatpak keeps Steam isolated and has fewer dependency issues, but it can have performance drawbacks or limitations with controller support and overlay features.

Tips for Better Gaming Performance

1. Enable Game Mode: Install gamemode to optimize CPU governor, I/O priority, and other system settings during gameplay.

   sudo pacman -S gamemode lib32-gamemode
   

2. Use an FPS overlay: Steam’s built-in overlay can show FPS. Go to Steam > Settings > In-Game > In-Game FPS Counter.

3. Use performance tools: Install mangohud for an advanced HUD:

   sudo pacman -S mangohud lib32-mangohud
   

   Launch a game with:

   MANGOHUD=1 %command%
   

4. Optimize Proton: As mentioned earlier, use protonup-qt to install Proton-GE, which is updated more frequently and includes game-specific fixes.

Final Thoughts

Installing Steam on Arch Linux is more straightforward than it might initially seem. With the proper preparation—especially enabling multilib support and installing the correct GPU drivers—you can enjoy thousands of games directly through Steam, whether they’re native or running via Proton.

Arch Linux provides the flexibility to tailor your gaming experience precisely to your hardware and preferences. With constant updates and a vibrant community, it’s one of the most robust Linux platforms for gaming—provided you don’t mind getting your hands a little dirty.