# SteamCMD: how to install the command line client SteamCMD is quick to install on **Linux and Windows**. Simply download the appropriate installation package and unpack it to a directory of your choice. Initiate the installation via steamcmd.exe. In combination with the appropriate server hardware, you will generate the perfect basis for **hosting dedicated servers** of popular Steam games. ## Install SteamCMD: step-by-step tutorial for Windows and Linux SteamCMD is the **command line version of the Steam client**. The tool is used to download dedicated server applications of popular Steam games quickly and easily for running your own [Valheim server](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/server/know-how/set-up-a-valheim-server/ "Set up a Valheim server") or [Rust server](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/server/know-how/create-rust-server/ "Create Rust server"), for example. Below, we explain how to install the application on Windows and Linux step by step. ### Install and update SteamCMD on Windows First, create a directory for SteamCMD, for example, under *C:\\*. ```none C:\steamcmd ``` Download the installation package to the directory. To do this, click on the [SteamCMD download link](https://steamcdn-a.akamaihd.net/client/installer/steamcmd.zip "SteamCMD download: Installation Files"). Once downloaded, simply open the [ZIP file](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/server/configuration/opening-zip-files/ "Opening ZIP Files") or unpack it. Double-click on the steamcmd.exe to begin downloading the additional SteamCMD files and **installation of the command line client**. Windows automatically launches the command prompt for this purpose. [![Image: SteamCMD installation](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/_processed_/c/b/csm_steamCMD-install-1_b73d39cfb9.webp "SteamCMD installation")](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/DigitalGuide/Screenshots_2022/steamCMD-install-1.png) SteamCMD installation. Following installation, you’ll see the Steam input line “**steam>**”. To shut down the tool properly, type the command “quit” into this line. If you wish to **update** the software at some point later, simply restart *steamcmd.exe*. Each restart of the client is preceded by it checking for updates. --- ### Tip Looking to host a dedicated server of your favorite Steam game? With IONOS you can rent your own [Gameserver](https://www.ionos.com/cloud/game-server-hosting "Rent Gameserver with IONOS") to prepare the hardware for your online adventure. --- ### Installing SteamCMD on Linux It is recommended not to run SteamCMD as a root user on Linux devices. Therefore, first you should create a **new user** named “steam” and add a password for using the command line client. To do this, open the terminal and run the following commands: ```none sudo useradd -m steam sudo passwd steam ``` Then create and swap to a new designated directory for SteamCMD: ```none cd/ home/steam ``` If you are using a **64-bit system**, run the following commands in order to add the Multiverse repository, upgrade the system, and download the SteamCMD installation file: ```none sudo add-apt-repository multiverse sudo dpkg --add-architecture i386 sudo apt update sudo apt install lib32gcc-s1 steamcmd ``` --- ### Note In other system architectures, the command “sudo apt install steamcmd” is sufficient to install the command line application. --- Now link the downloaded file to run the SteamCMD installation on Linux to the new directory: ```none sudo ln -s /usr/games/steamcmd /home/steam/steamcmd ``` Log in with your previously created user account: ```none su steam ``` Once logged into the Steam directory, begin installation: ```none steamcmd ``` [![Image: Installation of SteamCMD in Ubuntu Linux](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/_processed_/8/a/csm_steamCMD-install-2_202519d3b0.webp "Installation of SteamCMD in Ubuntu Linux")](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/fileadmin/DigitalGuide/Screenshots_2022/steamCMD-install-2.png) Installation of SteamCMD in Ubuntu Linux. Following successful installation, you will see the Steam input line “Steam>”. Close the tool with “**quit**”. During each restart of SteamCMD, i.e., whenever you login using your account details and enter “steamcmd” in the SteamCMD directory, the **system is automatically updated**. --- ### Note Get the “SDL not found” message when you restart SteamCMD on Linux for the first time? This means that the library with the same name (**S**imple **D**irectMedia **L**ayer) is not installed. Under Ubuntu, use the “sudo apt-get install libsdl2-2.0” command to install it! --- ## Create your own gaming server with SteamCMD and IONOS As previously mentioned, SteamCMD is the best place to **download dedicated server applications of various Steam games**. In this capacity, the command line client is almost indispensable when setting up multiple [gaming servers](https://www.ionos.com/cloud/game-server-hosting "IONOS Game Server"). Usually, you just need the **appropriate server hardware and server operating system** and in rare cases a valid license for the desired game. --- ### Tip Want to host your own solution for group chats and calls? Learn [how to create a TeamSpeak server](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/server/know-how/teamspeak-server/ "TeamSpeak server") with our guide. --- In principle, you could install SteamCMD and the respective server on your PC. From a performance point of view, however, it is advisable to rent resources from a provider. IONOS, for example, offers three server models with different performance plans to this end. Find out more about them in our summary. ### Cloud Server Want to set up a new gaming server for a small group of players, **without committing** to using a server? You can’t go wrong with a [Cloud Server](https://www.ionos.com/cloud/cloud-servers "Rent a Cloud Server from IONOS") from IONOS. The **virtual resources** are shared with other users and billed **by the minute**. So, you only pay when the server is actually running. ### vServer (Virtual Private Server, VPS) Have a more **precise ideas** of the gaming server(s) you need? Want to host via SteamCMD and know how many players there are? Reach for a [vServer](https://www.ionos.com/servers/vps "Rent a low cost vServer from IONOS") from IONOS. The hardware of this server model is also virtualized. It is billed at a **fixed monthly rate** which makes the plan a better option for those **running servers all the time**. --- ### Note Virtualization technology of IONOS cloud servers and vServers lets you increase **CPU, RAM, and disk space** as and when you need them. You are just as flexible in scaling back on performance. --- ### Dedicated Server A dedicated server is recommended for an ambitious **multi-server scenario**. In this case, you access powerful hardware **reserved exclusively for you** that handles parallel operation of various server instances. Because of high single-core power, the dedicated server is the best choice for hosting gaming servers designed as **single-core applications** such as a [CS:GO server](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/server/know-how/csgo-server/ "CS:GO Server"). --- ### Tip 100 percent enterprise hardware, unlimited traffic, and billing by the minute. With a [Dedicated Server](https://www.ionos.com/servers/dedicated-servers "Rent a Dedicated Server from IONOS") from IONOS, you have access to state-of-the-art storage and processor technologies with top connectivity and flexible pricing structures. --- This is a markdown version of: [https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/server/know-how/install-steamcmd/](https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/server/know-how/install-steamcmd/) for AI/LLM consumption.