Valve has released a new stable update for the Steam Client on June 30, 2025, introducing significant features aimed at enhancing the gaming experience for Linux users. One of the most important updates is the default enabling of Proton for games that lack a native Linux build, similar to allowing "Enable SteamPlay for other titles." This change is expected to improve gameplay accessibility for a wider range of games on the platform.
In addition to the Proton update, the new Steam Client also enhances the update installation speed for Linux systems. Meanwhile, another standout feature is the In-Game Overlay Performance Monitor. While currently limited to Windows, this feature provides real-time metrics on frame rates and performance metrics for CPU and GPU, which will certainly appeal to gamers wanting deeper insights into their game’s performance.
Valve has improved Steam Input as well, offering enhanced binding options for various controller types, including the FlyDigi Vader, Apex series controllers, and 8BitDo controllers. Additionally, a new accessibility settings page has been added in Big Picture Mode, featuring UI Scaling, High Contrast Mode, and Reduced Motion options to enhance usability for all players.
The update also addresses performance issues, including startup speed for users with extensive non-Steam game libraries, the compatibility of the Steam Helper app with Apple Silicon, and resilience against fluctuating network conditions for audio.
Bug fixes have also been incorporated across multiple features including Big Picture Mode, Steam Chat, and SteamVR, promoting a smoother user experience. To update to the new version of the Steam Client, users can access the ‘Check for Steam Client Updates’ option in the Steam menu, and follow the prompts to download and install the update.
For detailed notes on the changes, users can refer to the release notes.