How To Start Gaming On Linux With SteamOS
What Is SteamOS?
SteamOS is a Debian family build of Linux that is optimized for video games.
It is installed on standard PC hardware and provides a console-like experience via the Steam game client. For a console-like experience, Big Picture mode is recommended.
More specifically, SteamOS features a tweaked kernel that is designed to improve gaming performance. The latest graphics drivers are supported, but SteamOS features little in the way of additional applications. While it has the GNOME desktop and a version of the Chrome browser, little else is included.
After all, this is an OS that is all about gaming. While ChromeOS is dedicated to cloud computing, SteamOS is dedicated to gaming.
SteamOS Hardware Requirements
As of June 2020, the minimum hardware requirements for running SteamOS on your PC are:
- Intel or AMD 64-bit capable processor
- 4GB or more memory
- 250GB or larger disk
- NVIDIA, Intel, or AMD graphics card
- USB port or DVD drive for installation
Of course, for games with the full graphical and FPS settings, you’ll need more RAM and a top-of-the-range GPU.
Significantly, however, most currently available PCs are more than suitable for running SteamOS. Whether you choose an old device or a brand-new PC, most of the Linux-compatible Steam library can run.
Note that while the operating system is open-source, the Steam client and some of the third-party drivers are proprietary. If you’ve gamed on Linux before, you’ll understand that this isn’t unusual. But if you’re an open-source advocate, it might not be the ideal solution for you.
What Games Run on SteamOS?
A decent selection of Steam-hosted games run on SteamOS too many to list here. In June 2020 over 6,500 Linux-compatible games were available in the Steam library.
That’s an impressive library of titles that includes big hitters including Civilization 6, Saints Row IV, Rocket League, CS: GO, and Dota 2. Independent publishers also release games on Linux, resulting in the most diverse and vibrant games and community.
Meanwhile, around 250,000 people using Linux for Steam gaming daily. That figure is of course lower than the total number of Linux users with Steam installed.
In short, Steam is the future of Linux gaming, and SteamOS plugs you directly into that environment.
Does SteamOS Have Any Limitations?
SteamOS, while good, has some limitations.
For a start, there is the obvious flaw: not all games are available with Linux. While SteamOS has resulted in Linux compatibility increasing dramatically and indie games often support Linux, many major publishers ignore it.
It’s getting much better than it was, however. Often, games are released initially on Windows and macOS, then support is added for Linux down the line.
Another SteamOS drawback is that the operating system is geared up just for gaming. While additional software can be added via Apt, you’ll be waiting for a lot of dependencies to also install. If standard computing is required, SteamOS is best avoided in favor of a normal Linux desktop. You can still install the Steam client if needed.
Install SteamOS on Your PC
If you fancy installing SteamOS you’ll need a 4GB USB stick or black DVD to write the installer to.
The simplest option is the Automated Installation this will wipe your hard disk drive, however. For dual-booting, use the Expert Install option to create a new disk partition for installing SteamOS.
