Install SteamCMD

SteamCMD is the command-line version of the Steam client. It is used to install and update dedicated game servers for titles like Valheim, Palworld, ARK, Satisfactory, Counter-Strike 2, and many more.

This guide sets up SteamCMD with a dedicated steam user so you can run game servers without root privileges.

Requirements

• A VPS running Ubuntu 20.04+ or Debian 11+
• Root or sudo access
• At least 1 GB RAM and 20 GB free disk space (more depending on the game)

1. Connect to Your Server

ssh root@YOUR_SERVER_IP

Or use the web terminal in the Sitequest dashboard.

2. Enable 32-bit Architecture

SteamCMD requires 32-bit libraries:

dpkg --add-architecture i386
apt update

3. Install Dependencies

apt install -y lib32gcc-s1 lib32stdc++6 libsdl2-2.0-0:i386 software-properties-common

4. Create a Steam User

Never run game servers as root. Create a dedicated user:

useradd -m -s /bin/bash steam

5. Install SteamCMD

Switch to the steam user and install:

su - steam
mkdir -p ~/steamcmd && cd ~/steamcmd
curl -sqL "https://steamcdn-a.akamaihd.net/client/installer/steamcmd_linux.tar.gz" | tar xzf -

6. Verify the Installation

Run SteamCMD and let it update itself:

./steamcmd.sh +quit

You should see it download updates and exit cleanly. SteamCMD is now ready to install game servers.

7. Basic Usage

To install a game server, use the app_update command with the game's App ID:

./steamcmd.sh +force_install_dir ~/gameserver +login anonymous +app_update APP_ID validate +quit

Replace APP_ID with the game's dedicated server App ID. Most game servers allow anonymous login. Some require a Steam account with the game purchased.

Next Steps

Follow one of the game-specific tutorials to complete your server setup:

• Valheim
• Palworld
• ARK: Survival Ascended
• Satisfactory
• Counter-Strike 2
• Terraria
• Farming Simulator 25