Steam on Linux Usage Surpasses 3% for the First Time
Steam on Linux has reached a new milestone, exceeding 3% usage for the first time ever, according to data released today from the October 2025 Steam Survey.
The survey, published moments ago, indicates Linux now accounts for 3.05% of the Steam user base – a 0.41% increase from October 2024’s 2.00%. This growth is largely attributed to the continued popularity of Valve’s Steam Deck handheld gaming console and the success of Steam Play, a compatibility layer known as Proton. Windows remains the dominant operating system at 94.84%, marking the first time it has fallen below 95%, while macOS holds 2.11% of the market share.
Within the Linux ecosystem, SteamOS, the operating system powering the Steam Deck, represents approximately 27% of all Linux installations on Steam. CPU market share within Linux shows Intel gaining ground, reaching 32.89% compared to AMD’s 67.1%, a shift from the Windows data where Intel holds 57.8% and AMD 42%. This increase in Linux gaming adoption could signal a broader shift in the gaming landscape, potentially encouraging more developers to optimize their games for the platform. More detailed results from the October 2025 Steam Survey are available at SteamPowered.com.
Valve has not yet issued a statement regarding the new data, but the company continues to invest in both the Steam Deck and Proton, suggesting a continued commitment to expanding the Steam platform on Linux.
Steam on Linux use has hit an all-time high! With the Steam Survey results for October 2025 coming out this evening, Steam on Linux has finally cracked the 3% threshold! A few months back Steam on Linux was close to 3% before stumbling a bit but now it’s above that elusive threshold. The only time Steam on Linux use was close to the 3% mark was when Steam on Linux initially debuted a decade ago and at that time the overall Steam user-base was much smaller than it is today. Long story short, thanks to the ongoing success of Valve’s Steam Deck and other handhelds plus Steam Play (Proton) working out so well, these October numbers are the best yet.
The October 2025 numbers just published minutes ago put a hearty 0.41% increase to Linux for landing its overall marketshare at 3.05%. Windows meanwhile was at 94.84% (falling below 95% for the first time in a while) and macOS at 2.11%. For comparison, in October 2024 Steam on Linux was at 2.00%.
The Linux-specific data shows SteamOS commanding around 27% of all the Linux installs at large. SteamOS most notably being on the Steam Deck hardware.
The Linux-specific data shows Intel gaining 1% CPU marketshare for 32.89% against AMD”s 67.1% for October. Meanwhile for the WIndows data, Intel has 57.8% to AMD at 42%.
These Steam Survey numbers for Linux are the best yet with cracking the seemingly elusive 3% threshold and the overall Steam user base continuing to grow nicely.
Those wanting to dig into all the October 2025 numbers can do so via SteamPowered.com.
