How to install SteamCMD on a Linux VPS

SteamCMD is Valve's command-line tool for downloading and updating Steam dedicated server files. Use it on a Linux VPS when the game provides a Linux dedicated server build.

Connect with SSH first, then install SteamCMD using the method that matches your Linux distribution. If the game only provides a Windows server build, use a Windows VPS instead.

1. Connect to the VPS over SSH: How to connect to a Linux VPS with SSH.
2. On Ubuntu or Debian, enable 32-bit package support and install SteamCMD:

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

3. If Ubuntu says the package cannot be found, enable multiverse, update the package list, then install again:

   sudo add-apt-repository multiverse
   sudo apt update
   sudo apt install steamcmd

4. On Debian, make sure the repository line includes contrib and non-free or non-free-firmware, then run sudo apt update again.
5. On AlmaLinux, Rocky Linux, Oracle Linux, or CentOS-style images, use the manual Valve archive method because SteamCMD is usually not available from the default dnf repositories.

Manual install method

1. Install the basic tools:

   sudo mkdir -p /opt/steamcmd
   cd /opt/steamcmd

2. Download and extract SteamCMD:

   sudo curl -o steamcmd_linux.tar.gz https://steamcdn-a.akamaihd.net/client/installer/steamcmd_linux.tar.gz
   sudo tar -xvzf steamcmd_linux.tar.gz

3. Run SteamCMD from the folder:

   cd /opt/steamcmd
   ./steamcmd.sh

4. Install a dedicated server by replacing APPID with the game server app ID:

   login anonymous
   force_install_dir /home/steam/myserver
   app_update APPID validate
   quit

   

Some games require a Steam account instead of anonymous login. Check the game-specific dedicated server documentation before assuming anonymous login will work.