How to Install SteamCMD on Linux

By Admin · Mar 1, 2026 · Updated Apr 23, 2026 · 27 views · 1 min read

What Is SteamCMD?

SteamCMD is the command-line version of the Steam client. It is used to install and update dedicated game servers for titles like Valheim, Counter-Strike, ARK, Rust, and many more.

Installation on Ubuntu/Debian

sudo dpkg --add-architecture i386
sudo apt update
sudo apt install -y steamcmd

SteamCMD will be available at /usr/games/steamcmd.

Installation on AlmaLinux/Rocky

sudo dnf install -y glibc.i686 libstdc++.i686
mkdir -p ~/steamcmd && cd ~/steamcmd
curl -sqL "https://steamcdn-a.akamaihd.net/client/installer/steamcmd_linux.tar.gz" | tar xzf -
./steamcmd.sh +quit

Basic Usage

# Login anonymously (most game servers)
steamcmd +login anonymous +quit

# Install or update a game server
steamcmd +force_install_dir /opt/gameserver \
  +login anonymous \
  +app_update APP_ID validate \
  +quit

Common App IDs

Game	App ID
Counter-Strike 2	730
Valheim	896660
ARK: Survival Evolved	376030
Rust	258550
Team Fortress 2	232250
Garry's Mod	4020
Project Zomboid	380870
Palworld	2394010
7 Days to Die	294420
Satisfactory	1690800

Automating Updates

Create a cron job to keep your server updated:

# Update game server daily at 4 AM
0 4 * * * /usr/games/steamcmd +login anonymous +app_update APP_ID +quit

Troubleshooting

Missing libraries: Install 32-bit compatibility libraries with dpkg --add-architecture i386
Disk space: Game servers can be large (10-50 GB). Check with df -h
Permissions: Run SteamCMD as a dedicated user, not root