Valve has released a major Steam Client update, bringing some significant improvements for Linux users alongside several new features for the platform. The November 11, 2026, update officially makes the Steam Client a 64-bit application on Linux, while introducing a new Steam Runtime container system designed to improve compatibility across different distributions.
The update also delivers faster startup times, a revamped achievement system, improved HDR support for Remote Play, and several quality-of-life improvements for Steam Deck users.
In Brief:
- Steam is now a native 64-bit application on Linux and runs inside a Steam Runtime container for better consistency across distributions.
- Valve has introduced Steam Achievement Sets, allowing players to track base game and DLC achievements separately.
- Remote Play receives major HDR improvements, including restored HDR support on Steam Deck OLED.
- Faster startup times, improved Big Picture Mode navigation, and numerous bug fixes are also included.
Steam Is Now a 64-Bit Application on Linux
One of the biggest changes in the latest Steam update is the transition to a 64-bit client on Linux.
Valve has also moved the Steam Client into a Steam Runtime container, which provides a more standardized environment across different Linux distributions.
Previously, differences between Linux distributions could sometimes create compatibility headaches. With the new container system, Steam can rely on a more consistent runtime environment regardless of the distribution being used.
According to Valve, the system uses the same technology already employed by Steam games.
The Linux-specific improvements include:
- Steam Client upgraded to a 64-bit application.
- Steam now runs inside a Steam Runtime container.
- Redesigned Steam updater interface.
- Fixed an issue where the Steam updater window failed to appear.
- Fixed a crash when resuming the system from suspend.
- Fixed crashes when creating multiplayer lobbies in games using the ISteamNetworking interface, such as Sons of the Forest.
These changes should help make Steam more reliable for Linux gamers while simplifying the experience across different distributions.
Steam Introduces New Achievement Sets for Games and DLC
Valve is also making a major change to how achievements work on Steam.
The new Steam Achievement Sets feature allows developers to organize achievements into separate groups for base games, downloadable content, and other categories.
Previously, adding new achievements through DLC or expansions could affect a player’s completed game status.
With the updated system, players can maintain their existing completion records even when developers introduce additional achievement sets.
The feature includes:
- Separate achievement tracking for base games and DLC.
- Individual progress indicators for different achievement sets.
- Completed sets remain completed when new sets are introduced.
- Support for archiving seasonal or unavailable achievements.
- Redesigned achievement pages with improved progress tracking.
The changes are particularly useful for completionists who want to maintain their 100% completion records without having to purchase every new expansion.
Steam Remote Play Gets Improved HDR Support
Steam Remote Play is receiving several improvements, particularly for users who stream games between devices.
Valve has introduced a more flexible HDR system with three settings:
- Automatic: Enables HDR when HDR content is available.
- On: Keeps HDR enabled and allows increased brightness for SDR content.
- Off: Disables HDR.
The update also introduces a brightness slider within the streaming overlay.
Additionally, HDR capture is now supported through PipeWire on Linux desktops and when streaming from macOS.
Perhaps most importantly for handheld users, HDR streaming has been re-enabled on Steam Deck OLED.
HDR support is also available on Android devices running Android 15 or newer through the beta Steam Link app.
Valve has also improved streaming startup speeds when connecting to computers on a local network.
Faster Steam Startup and Better Big Picture Mode Navigation
Beyond the Linux and Remote Play improvements, Valve has delivered another round of Steam startup optimizations.
The company says these changes build on previous performance improvements, helping the Steam Client launch more efficiently.
Big Picture Mode has also received several quality-of-life updates.
Players can now accept game invitations through a dedicated widget in the chat window instead of searching through previous messages.
Other improvements include:
- Better group chat navigation with controllers.
- Improved Quick Access Menu responsiveness.
- Friend notifications grouped together to reduce repeated pop-ups.
- Improved voice chat volume controls.
- Better accessibility support for High Contrast Mode.
- Updated notification settings and improved Steam Store search suggestions.
Valve has also addressed several memory leaks, rare crashes, Steam Cloud synchronization issues, and other stability problems.
Steam’s November 2026 Update Is Available Now
The latest Steam Client update was released on November 11, 2026, and is available through Steam’s Stable channel.
According to Valve, the update will download automatically for users.
While the transition to a 64-bit Linux client is the headline change, the improvements to achievements, Remote Play, and Steam Deck functionality make this a substantial update for players across multiple platforms.
You can check out the complete changes in Valve’s official Steam Client update notes.
