Steam For Linux Finally Goes 64-Bit

Valve has recently launched a beta version of Steam for Linux that now supports 64-bit architecture. This update also includes the Steam runtime environment within a container. Nonetheless, users on the Linux platform still require 32-bit libraries and graphics drivers for optimal compatibility, hence 64-bit-only systems are still not compatible.

According to Valve, their updated requirements explicitly state that 64-bit-only installations are not supported. In order to run the new client, users need a Linux kernel version 5.6 or higher and glibc 2.31 or newer. Apart from this architectural change, the new client also introduces Steam Achievement Sets. This feature allows developers to categorize achievements into separate groups for base games, downloadable content, and seasonal updates.

Players can earn achievements from individual sets without losing their existing progress when developers add more achievements. These achievements can be tracked on a dedicated achievements page, which displays progress across all groups. The 64-bit Linux client and the Achievement Sets are currently only available in the Steam Client Beta.

Valve has not yet announced when these changes will be rolled out to the stable Linux release. Until then, users on the regular Steam client will continue to use the current architecture.