Valve has launched a 64 bit client for Steam on Linux. The updated software runs inside the Steam Runtime container environment to improve stability across different distributions and introduces a redesigned Steam Achievement Sets system. The 64 bit build is currently restricted to beta testing, while the new achievement tracking system is available across all stable builds.
Valve shifted the core client from its legacy 32 bit foundation to modern 64 bit code. To ensure consistent behavior across various Linux distributions, the desktop application now launches inside the Steam Runtime container. This setup mirrors the isolated environment used to run native Linux games and Windows titles through Proton. The update addresses long standing distribution issues, patches memory leaks, and fixes rare client crashes.
The update introduces Steam Achievement Sets to alter how games manage unlockable rewards. Developers can now separate achievements between the base game and individual downloadable content packs. Studios can introduce new achievement collections without resetting player progress, and expired or seasonal milestones can be placed into a dedicated archive. The achievement interface also features a cleaner overview to monitor completion statistics.
According to Valve, Steam Achievement Sets are active across the public stable client on all platforms. The 64 bit Linux client remains limited to the beta branch while developers collect test data from community installations. Public rollout to the stable channel will follow once distribution stability targets are met.
