Complete tutorial on installing and using SteamCMD to launch a game server

1. What is SteamCMD and why is it used?

SteamCMD is a command-line version of the Steam client designed specifically for managing and installing game servers. This tool is used for the following:

• Installing a Dedicated Server without the need to install full Steam

• Receive game updates quickly and automatically

• Executing network commands and validating files

• Ability to run scripts automatically in Linux or Windows server environments

For most games that have dedicated servers (like Valheim, Rust, ARK, etc.), the only official way to install a server is through SteamCMD.

2. Download and install SteamCMD

SteamCMD on both operating systems Windows and Linux It is applicable.

2.1. Installing SteamCMD on Windows

1. A custom folder like:

   C:\steamcmd

2. Download the steamcmd.zip file

3. Extracting content inside a folder

4. File execution:

   steamcmd.exe

SteamCMD automatically updates itself after running.

2.2. Installing SteamCMD on Linux (Ubuntu/Debian)

First install the dependencies:

sudo apt update sudo apt install lib32gcc-s1

Then download SteamCMD:

mkdir ~/steamcmd
cd ~/steamcmd 
wget https://steamcdn-a.akamaihd.net/client/installer/steamcmd_linux.tar.gz 
tar -xvzf steamcmd_linux.tar.gz 
./steamcmd.sh

3. Log in to SteamCMD

Once launched, to log in to your Steam account:

login yourSteamUsername

If the game doesn't require login, you can use anonymous login:

login anonymous

(Many Dedicated Servers can be downloaded anonymously.)

4. Set the server installation folder

Specify the folder where you want the server to be installed:

force_install_dir ./myserver/

You can also give the full path:

force_install_dir /home/server/valheim/

5. Install Dedicated Game Server

Every game is one AppID The server is installed using this AppID:

app_update APPID validate

Example:
To install a theoretical server (hypothetical AppID):

app_update 123456 validate

After the installation is complete, the server will be located in the selected path.

6. Update Server

To update the server, just run the same command again:

app_update APPID

If you click validate, the files will be checked and repaired, but it will take more time.

7. Automatically run SteamCMD with a script

For server environments, it is recommended to use scripts.

Example script in Windows (Batch File)

@echo off
steamcmd +login anonymous +force_install_dir C:\myserver +app_update APPID validate +quit

Sample script in Linux

@echo off
steamcmd +login anonymous +force_install_dir C:\myserver +app_update APPID validate +quit

8. Running a Dedicated Server

After installation, the server executable file is located inside the installation folder.
For example, on Windows:

mygameserver.exe

Or on Linux:

./mysserver.x86_64

Depending on the type of game, configuration settings such as ports, config files, RAM settings, etc. are located in the server folder.

9. Important points in managing Dedicated Server

• Always stop the server before running it again.

• To avoid disruption, do not validate after the update unless there is a problem.

• SteamCMD is the best option for cloud servers (VPS)

• Most games place server data in config files inside the game folder.

Conclusion

SteamCMD is one of the main tools for installing and setting up dedicated game servers on Windows and Linux. Using this tool, you can have quick installation, automatic updates, and complete management on the Dedicated Server.
If you're planning to set up a game server on a powerful VPS, SteamCMD is a standard and professional choice to start with.