thelinuxvault blog

Installing Steam on Fedora 25 Linux: A Comprehensive Guide

Fedora Linux is a popular, community-driven distribution known for its cutting-edge features, robust security, and adherence to open-source principles. While Fedora excels in productivity and development, it also offers a solid platform for gaming—thanks to tools like Steam. Steam, developed by Valve Corporation, is the world’s largest digital distribution platform for PC games, with thousands of titles available, including many optimized for Linux.

If you’re running Fedora 25 (released in November 2016) and want to dive into Linux gaming, this guide will walk you through installing Steam step-by-step. We’ll cover prerequisites, enabling necessary repositories, installing Steam, launching it for the first time, and troubleshooting common issues. Let’s get started!

2026-02

Table of Contents#

Prerequisites#

Before installing Steam, ensure your system meets the following requirements:

  1. Fedora 25 Installation: This guide is specifically for Fedora 25. While newer Fedora versions follow a similar process, repository URLs and package names may differ.
  2. 64-bit System: Fedora 25 supports 64-bit architectures, which is required for Steam (though Steam itself includes 32-bit components).
  3. Internet Connection: To download Steam, dependencies, and initial updates.
  4. Sudo Privileges: You’ll need administrative access to install packages and modify system settings.
  5. Updated System: Ensure your Fedora 25 system is up-to-date to avoid dependency conflicts. Run: 
    sudo dnf update -y

Step 1: Enable RPM Fusion Repositories#

Steam is not available in Fedora’s default repositories due to licensing restrictions (it includes proprietary software). Instead, we use RPM Fusion, a third-party repository that provides free and non-free software for Fedora.

What is RPM Fusion?#

RPM Fusion combines two repositories:

  • rpmfusion-free: Open-source software not included in Fedora (e.g., codecs).
  • rpmfusion-nonfree: Proprietary software (e.g., Steam, NVIDIA drivers).

Install RPM Fusion on Fedora 25#

To enable RPM Fusion, install its release packages using dnf:

  1. Install RPM Fusion Free:

    sudo dnf install -y https://download1.rpmfusion.org/free/fedora/rpmfusion-free-release-25.noarch.rpm

  2. Install RPM Fusion Non-Free:

    sudo dnf install -y https://download1.rpmfusion.org/nonfree/fedora/rpmfusion-nonfree-release-25.noarch.rpm

  3. Verify Repositories:
    Confirm RPM Fusion is enabled by checking the repository list:

    dnf repolist | grep rpmfusion

    You should see entries for rpmfusion-free and rpmfusion-nonfree.

Step 2: Install Steam#

With RPM Fusion enabled, installing Steam is straightforward. Steam is a 32-bit application, so Fedora will automatically pull in required 32-bit libraries (via Fedora’s multilib repository, enabled by default).

Install Steam via DNF#

Run the following command to install Steam and its dependencies:

sudo dnf install -y steam

What Happens During Installation?#

  • dnf will resolve dependencies, including 32-bit libraries (e.g., mesa-libGL.i686, libX11.i686).
  • The Steam client (a small installer) will be downloaded. The full client (~200MB) will download during the first launch.

Step 3: Launch Steam for the First Time#

After installation, launch Steam using one of these methods:

From the Application Menu#

  • Open the Activities overview (Super key or click the “Activities” button in the top-left).
  • Search for “Steam” and click the icon.

From the Terminal#

Run:

steam

First Launch Setup#

  • Initial Update: Steam will download the latest client updates. This may take 5–10 minutes (depending on your internet speed).
  • User Agreement: Accept the Steam Subscriber Agreement.
  • Login: Sign in with your existing Steam account or create a new one.
  • Library Sync: Steam will sync your game library (if you’ve used Steam on another device).

Troubleshooting Common Issues#

1. Steam Fails to Launch (Missing 32-bit Libraries)#

If Steam doesn’t start, it may be missing critical 32-bit libraries. Fedora’s multilib repository provides these, but ensure it’s enabled:

  • Check if multilib is enabled:

    dnf repolist | grep fedora

    Look for fedora and fedora-updates (these include 32-bit packages).

  • If missing, enable multilib (rare on Fedora 25):

    sudo dnf config-manager --set-enabled fedora  
sudo dnf config-manager --set-enabled fedora-updates

  • Install missing 32-bit libraries (example for graphics):

    sudo dnf install -y mesa-libGL.i686 mesa-libGLU.i686 libX11.i686 libXrandr.i686

2. Graphics Driver Issues (Black Screen, Glitches)#

  • NVIDIA Users: Install proprietary NVIDIA drivers via RPM Fusion for better performance:

    sudo dnf install -y akmod-nvidia xorg-x11-drv-nvidia-libs.i686

    Reboot after installation.

  • AMD/Intel Users: Open-source mesa drivers are included by default. Update them:

    sudo dnf update -y mesa\*

3. SELinux Blocks Steam#

Fedora uses SELinux (Security-Enhanced Linux) by default. If SELinux blocks Steam:

  • Check audit logs: 
    sudo sealert -a /var/log/audit/audit.log
  • Follow the suggested fix (e.g., ausearch -c 'steam' --raw | audit2allow -M my-steam then semodule -i my-steam.pp).

Conclusion#

Installing Steam on Fedora 25 is simple with RPM Fusion. By enabling the right repositories, resolving dependencies, and troubleshooting common issues, you’ll be gaming on Linux in no time. While Fedora 25 is older, this guide highlights the core process—adjust repository URLs for newer Fedora versions (e.g., rpmfusion-free-release-38.noarch.rpm for Fedora 38).

Enjoy access to thousands of Linux-compatible games, including AAA titles and indie gems, right from your Fedora desktop!

References#