Steam's Linux client goes 64-bit as Achievement Sets reach every player
The client now runs in a Steam Runtime container, though 32-bit libraries are still needed. DLC achievements can no longer break a 100% completion.
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Valve's Steam client update of November 11, 2026 makes the Linux version of Steam a 64-bit application for the first time and moves it into a Steam Runtime container. The same stable update ships Steam Achievement Sets to all users on every platform, a month after the feature entered beta.
Linux players do not need to do anything: the client updates itself. GamingOnLinux notes that 32-bit system libraries are still required for now, so this is not yet the end of 32-bit support on Linux desktops.
What's confirmed
Linux client. Valve's patch notes say the Steam client on Linux is now 64-bit and runs inside a Steam Runtime container, the same technology Steam already uses for games. Valve says this should give a more consistent experience across distributions. The notes also list a restyled updater window, a fix for the updater window not appearing for some users, a crash fix when resuming from suspend, and a crash fix when creating lobbies in games that use the ISteamNetworking interface, such as Sons of the Forest.
Achievement Sets. Developers can now group achievements into sets, for example base game and DLC. New DLC achievements no longer break an existing 100% completion, completed sets stay completed when new sets are added, and seasonal or unobtainable achievements can be archived. PCGamesN describes the visual split: blue for base-game achievements and purple for DLC, with DLC sets only counting toward your progress if you own that DLC. It also reports a new page to compare progress with up to three friends, and that the old Perfect Games tab is now called Completed.
Early adopters. PCGamesN lists Portal 2, Team Fortress 2, Left 4 Dead 2, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, Forza Horizon 5, Crusader Kings 3 and Against the Storm among the games that supported sets during the beta.
Remote Play HDR. HDR streaming got an overhaul, with Automatic, On and Off modes and a brightness slider. HDR capture now works with PipeWire on desktop Linux and when streaming from macOS, HDR is enabled again on Steam Deck OLED, and Android 15 phones get HDR in the beta Steam Link app.
Other changes. Steam Input supports GameInput v4, game invites get their own widget in Big Picture chat, and the Hardware Compatibility dialog now shows average Steam Deck frame rates. Valve also lists a workaround for downloads hanging at 99% and another round of startup speed work.
Background
TechPowerUp notes that the 64-bit Linux client first appeared in the beta branch in October, after Valve's earlier runtime work began the move away from 32-bit. Windows users got a 64-bit Steam client well before Linux did, so desktop Linux was the last major platform still on the old build.
The timing matters because more players are on Linux than a few years ago, through Steam Deck, SteamOS handhelds and the Steam Machine. Valve's container approach mirrors how it already ships games on Linux, where the Steam Runtime gives every game the same base libraries regardless of distribution.
My take: what it means for players
I have wanted this since Steam first arrived on Linux in 2013 and installing it meant pulling in a pile of 32-bit libraries on a 64-bit system. It is overdue, but it is a real cleanup. Running the client in the same container as the games is the sensible choice: one known environment instead of whatever each distribution happens to ship. If this ends the "works on Ubuntu, breaks on Arch" support threads, it pays for itself.
Achievement Sets are the bigger change for most PC players. Anyone who chased completion in an MMO or a live-service game knows the feeling of an expansion turning your 100% into 87% overnight. Splitting base game and DLC, and letting seasonal achievements retire, is close to how PlayStation has grouped DLC trophies for years, and Steam finally catches up.
My one concern is that sets are optional. PCGamesN notes that only a small number of games use them so far, and developers who never update old games will leave the old mess in place. Valve should push its own back catalogue first, then make sets the default for new releases.
What we don't know yet
- 32-bit retirement. Valve has not said when Steam on Linux will stop needing 32-bit libraries.
- Developer uptake. Valve has not published how many games now use Achievement Sets.
- Older games. It is not clear whether Valve will convert achievement lists for games that are no longer updated.
- Distribution issues. Valve has not listed known problems with the container on specific Linux distributions.
Quick facts
| Key | Value |
|---|---|
| Update | Steam Client, Stable channel, November 11, 2026 |
| Linux | 64-bit client in a Steam Runtime container |
| Still needed | 32-bit libraries (GamingOnLinux) |
| Achievements | Sets for base game and DLC, archiving for seasonal ones |
| Remote Play | HDR overhaul; HDR back on Steam Deck OLED |
| Controllers | GameInput v4 support |
FAQ
Is Steam on Linux 64-bit now?
Yes. Valve's November 11, 2026 stable update made the Linux client a 64-bit application running inside a Steam Runtime container.
Can I remove 32-bit libraries from my Linux PC?
Not yet. GamingOnLinux reports that 32-bit dependencies are still required after this update.
Will DLC achievements ruin my 100% completion?
Not in games that use Achievement Sets. DLC sets only count toward your progress if you own that DLC, and completed sets stay completed.
Do all Steam games support Achievement Sets?
No. Developers must set them up, and only a small number of games use them so far.
More: Steam now shows average Steam Deck framerates before you buy.
Sources: Steam (Valve client update notes); GamingOnLinux; PCGamesN; TechPowerUp. Image: TechPowerUp feed image.
