Mounting a persistent drive for Steam games

Support and Help
1

Ubuntu Version:
Ubuntu 24.04

Desktop Environment (if applicable):
Plasma

Problem Description:
Hello! I’m fairly new to the Linux world and I just installed a new hard drive for my Steam Games and I’m trying to figure out how to mount it so it persists between reboots and Steam is able to properly access it. I’m using the Steam Debian package at the moment.

Relevant System Information:
Lenovo Legion 5I
16GB RAM
AMD Ryzen 5

Screenshots or Error Messages:
I’m looking to use the WD Blue disk for the game drive
image

What I’ve Tried:
I’ve tried a few mount commands which will work temporarily, but it doesn’t stick after reboots.

1 Like
2

Welcome! Great question!

Here’s a general purpose guide to do this, which should be useful for you, and others.

Adding a disk for Steam Game storage

  1. Find the partition name:
    lsblk
# or
sudo fdisk -l
    The new disk will likely show up as /dev/sdX (where X is a letter like b, c, etc.), or /dev/nvmeX for more modern disks.

Use the letter or number in the steps below, e.g. replace /dev/sdX with /dev/sdf or replace /dev/nvmeX with /dev/nvme5 or whatever you found in this step.

  1. Format with ext4:

    sudo mkfs.ext4 /dev/sdX1  # if it's the first partition

  2. Create mount point:

    sudo mkdir /mnt/games

  3. Test mount:

    sudo mount /dev/sdX1 /mnt/games

  4. Add to /etc/fstab by adding a line like:

Edit with sudo nano /etc/fstab.

/dev/sdX1    /mnt/games    ext4    defaults    0    2

(Using UUID instead of /dev/sdX1 is more robust - can get it with blkid)

  1. Test fstab:

    sudo umount /mnt/games
sudo mount -a

  2. Set up permissions:

    sudo chown $USER:$USER /mnt/games

  3. If you’re using the steam snap, grant access to external drives

    sudo snap connect steam:removable-media

  4. In Steam: Settings → Downloads → Steam Library Folders → Add Library Folder → select /mnt/games

  5. For existing games: Right click game → Properties → Local Files → Move Install Folder

This is a common setup I’ve used personally. The main cautions are making absolutely sure you’re formatting the correct drive, and backing up the fstab before editing it.

4 Likes
3

In case these “others” coming here and use the steam snap instead, I’d like to point out that in this case you additionally need to allow the snap access to /mnt with:

sudo snap connect steam:removable-media
2 Likes
4

Thanks @ogra - added that to the steps :+1:

2 Likes
5

It looks like it worked! Thank you @popey! I did a reboot and it’s still showing up in my library.
image
@ogra I haven’t tried the Steam Snap version yet. Are the drive formatting steps that popey gave the same for it as well?

1 Like
6

There is also an option to edit disk mounts in Disks (gnome-disk-utility)

Open Disks > Select disk in left pane > Click gear wheel (additional partition options) > Edit Mount Options > Switch off User Session Defaults > Continue editing

Oops - I’ve just noticed the OP is using Plasma, Disks may not be present

2 Likes
7

I think gnome-disk-utility is also on the default Kubuntu install from my understanding.

8

Yes, they are rather generic and will work the same with the snap

9

I will try the utility out as well. Thank you!
@ogra good to know. Thank you too!