Install SteamCMD on Linux — Help Centre

SteamCMD is a command-line interface for Valve's Steam content delivery system. It allows you to download and update game server files directly from Steam, without needing a graphical interface.

Step 1: Update your system packages

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

Step 2: Install required dependencies

SteamCMD requires 32-bit library support and some base tools:

sudo apt install -y lib32gcc-s1 lib32stdc++6 curl wget

If you're on an ARM-based system or encounter library issues, also install:

sudo apt install -y libc6:i386 libstdc++6:i386

Step 3: Create a dedicated user for SteamCMD (recommended)

Running Steam as root is not recommended. Create a dedicated user:

sudo useradd -m -s /bin/bash steam
sudo su - steam

Step 4: Download and install SteamCMD

From the steam user account, download SteamCMD:

cd ~
mkdir steamcmd
cd steamcmd
wget https://steamcdn-a.akamaihd.net/client/installer/steamcmd_linux.tar.gz
tar -xvzf steamcmd_linux.tar.gz
rm steamcmd_linux.tar.gz

Step 5: Run SteamCMD for the first time

The first run will extract and update SteamCMD itself:

./steamcmd.sh +quit

This command starts SteamCMD and exits immediately. Accept the Steam subscriber agreement when prompted.

Step 6: Test the installation

Verify SteamCMD works by checking its version:

./steamcmd.sh +login anonymous +app_info_update 1 +app_info_print 740 +quit

This fetches info for Counter-Strike 2 (app ID 740) as a test. If it completes without errors, your SteamCMD is ready.

Tips and Notes

Firewall: SteamCMD downloads from Valve's CDN; no inbound ports needed, but ensure outbound HTTPS (port 443) is open.
Storage space: Game files can be large. Ensure your server has 50+ GB free, depending on which games you plan to host.
RHEL/CentOS/Fedora: Use dnf install glibc-devel.i686 libstdc++.i686 instead of the apt commands above.
Subsequent runs: You can now use SteamCMD to download game files (see the Counter-Strike 2 or Rust setup guides).
Path reference: If you followed this guide, SteamCMD is at ~/steamcmd/steamcmd.sh relative to the steam user's home.