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9

What is the best method to run Steam on Ubuntu?

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5 Answers

up vote 37 down vote accepted

Steam is now released for Ubuntu and there's no need to run Wine or any other thing to get it to work. Click this button and then click on the orange software button on the next page:

For 64 bit:

Install via the software center

For 32 bit:

Install via the software center

This offers the easiest method for installing Steam and Steam Games.

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Error: steam64: Depends: steam (= 1.0.0.27ubuntu1) but it is not going to be installed. – wok Feb 16 at 0:13
@wok That error could indicate problems with your system or config - you should probably open a separate question about it (after doing a search). – neon_overload Feb 18 at 4:25
up vote 7 down vote

I recommend you to use plain Wine without PlayOnLinux. Winetricks is helpful, however.

Steam Games on Linux website has detailed information about which games can be played successfully, and what you have to do for that.

  • First of all, make sure you have installed proprietary graphics drivers if they are available.
  • Install the latest Wine.
  • Configure Wine (look at STEAM + WINE CONFIGURATION section)
  • Go to Winetricks and follow these steps:
    • Select the default wineprefix OK
    • Install a Windows DLL or component OK
    • It is important to mark d3dx9 here. Optional packages that may be needed for some games: d3dx10, vb6run, vcrun2005, vcrun2008, vcrun2010, physx. OK
    • Install a font OK
    • Mark corefonts and tahoma. OK
  • Next, download Steam and go through the installer.
  • When you create an account or just log in, you should have no trouble downloading your games through Steam as usual and playing them.
  • Make sure to change video settings in the game to low ASAP (don't miss the "advanced" video settings for Valve's games). Windowed mode is mostly better. It is good to restart the game after this.
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+1 :) excellent post BlaXpirit. – Rinzwind Aug 28 '11 at 14:44
up vote 5 down vote

The easiest way to run Steam on Ubuntu is definitely Crossover Games. CX Games supports a lot of games like Starcraft II, Civilization V, Left4Dead and so on. Furthermore there is professional support you can contact if you run into problems. Try the trial version!

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Plus that money goes to Codeweavers who are the commercial backers of WINE – LFC_fan Nov 5 '10 at 7:55
up vote 4 down vote

A few hours ago the Steam Beta client for Linux has arrived. It can be found here. Everyone can install it, but only beta access users can use it at te moment.

Edit

A workaround to use Steam without beta access has been found. 

steam steam://open/friends

EDIT Steam is now in open beta.

EDIT

Steam is now in the Ubuntu Software Centre.

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up vote 2 down vote

I just install Steam on 10.10 this morning with wine and it was super easy. That said the actual games are another story. Just download the .msi file from steam and use the terminal to install it.

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You can also use playonlinux.com/en – User Oct 13 '10 at 23:59

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