Steam Beta for October 15 brings a 64bit Linux client, Achievement Sets and more

Steam Beta October 15: 64-bit Linux Client Arrives

Valve updated Steam Beta. Key change: native 64-bit Linux client. 32-bit legacy dependencies removed. Ubuntu users gain performance, stability, reduced multiarch clutter.

Core Impact: System no longer requires i386 multilib packages for Steam core process. Proton compatibility intact.

What New

Native 64-bit Binary: Steam client runs purely under x86_64. Eliminates legacy 32-bit driver conflicts. Lowers RAM footprint.
Achievement Sets: Redesigned achievement viewer. Groups progress modularly. Tracks completion tiers.
Desktop UI Framework Update: Embedded Chromium updated. Faster library rendering. Smooth scrolling Wayland sessions.
Crash Reporting: Modern crashpad implementation replaced old breakpad system. Faster dump generation.

Installation and Setup Guide

To install Steam on Ubuntu and opt into the 64-bit Beta channel, follow these ordered steps:

Open your terminal and ensure system repositories are up to date:
```
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
```
Install the official Steam package from the Ubuntu multiverse repository:
```
sudo apt install steam -y
```

Alternatively, if you prefer the sandboxed Flatpak package, run:

flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo
flatpak install flathub com.valvesoftware.Steam -y

Launch Steam from your application menu or terminal:
```
steam
```
Navigate to Steam > Settings > Interface.
Locate the Client Beta Participation dropdown menu.
Select Steam Beta Update.
Click Restart Now when prompted to download and apply the 64-bit build.

Hands-on Observations

Wayland performance improved. Native scaling eliminates blurry UI fractionals. Verification via terminal:

file ~/.local/share/Steam/ubuntu12_32/steam

Binary shows ELF 64-bit LSB pie executable, x86-64. Games retaining 32-bit runtimes execute via standard Proton wine wrappers. Host OS clean.

Notice: Third-party theme skins incompatible. Delete ~/.local/share/Steam/skins/ contents launch fails occur.

Summary Reference

Major milestone Linux gaming. Multiarch cleanup enables lean Ubuntu installs.

Source: GamingOnLinux Coverage
Changelog: Steam Client Beta Group Announcements
Packages: Ubuntu Multiverse, Flathub