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Steam

Steam icon Steam logo

Overview

Steam runs through Flatpak on REG-Linux, offering access to Linux-native and Proton-powered Windows titles. The platform uses the steam metadata group so EmulationStation displays the Steam icon and launches Steam’s Flatpak shortcut.

Technical specifications

  • Manufacturer: Valve
  • Platform tag: windows

Quick reference

  • Launcher: Steam Flatpak (com.valvesoftware.Steam)
  • Shortcut folder: /userdata/roms/steam (contains .desktop-style entries)
  • Requirements: x86_64 CPU, Vulkan-capable GPU, /userdata on Linux-native storage (ext4/btrfs preferred)
  • System group: steam, windows

Installation

Install Steam via Flatpak:

  1. Run flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo.
  2. Install com.valvesoftware.Steam.
  3. Refresh EmulationStation to reveal the Steam entry (REG-Linux v40+). Launch it once to complete the first-time setup.

Alternatively, use the Flatpak Config tool ([F1] → Applications → flatpak-config) to add Flathub and install Steam via the GUI.

Configuration

Steam Play / Proton

Steam defaults to native Linux titles. To access Windows-only games:

  1. Open View → Settings → Steam Play.
  2. Enable Steam Play for supported titles.
  3. Optionally enable Steam Play for all other titles and select a Proton version (community builds often offer better compatibility).
  4. Use Manage Game → Set Steam Play Options per title when a specific Proton version is required.

Big Picture Mode

Steam is best used through Big Picture Mode when playing on a couch. Enable Start Steam in Big Picture Mode under Interface and keep the resolution at 720p or higher to avoid menu glitches.

ROMs & saves

Steam stores shortcuts inside /userdata/roms/steam. Game data installs under the Flatpak directories, and save games live inside /userdata/saves/steam.

  • Linux-native games compile shader caches on first launch—expect longer load times initially.
  • Windows games rely on Proton; consult ProtonDB for compatibility tips.

Controls

Steam can use Steam Input/Big Picture or custom controller mappings configured inside the client. Pair a controller through Steam’s settings and keep keyboard/mouse handy for the first launch.

Troubleshooting

  • Steam fails to start from EmulationStation: launch once manually from the command line to accept the Flatpak permissions.
  • Windows game crashes: try a different Proton version via Set Steam Play Options.
  • DualSense/DualShock pads not detected: use Steam’s controller settings to identify the pad as a generic controller or apply the PS4 workaround described in the Steam guide.
  • Flatpak install fails on NAS: keep Flatpaks on internal storage if /userdata is network-mounted.

For additional help, consult the generic support pages.