Will my Steam Library move to Linux if I switch?

[Flori the Fox]

Hello there, sorry if this question was being adressed elsewhere already but I didn't find it so... here's my question! Let's say I got a nice Steam Library for Windows and I consider installing Linux as an alternative system next to windows. So let's say Terraria.. I bought Terraria via my windows client of Steam. What if I install Linux now, will I be able to right download the linux files of Terraria or will I be required to purchase it a second time via the Linux client? I know there ain't Linux versions for all my games, but it sure would make switching to Linux easier if I didn't have to purchase all games again just so that I can play them on the new platform :)

[Fluffy]

if the game is compatible with linux check store page at bottom will list requirements for windows,mac,linux if it has linux requirements it can be downloaded and installed on linux from your steam account

[Flori the Fox]

Hi Fluffy, thanks a lot. So games that I already own (for Windows), and that happen to be available for Linux, too, I won't need to purchase a second time especially for Linux, right?

[pasa]

What you purchased you can run freely anywhere on any number of machines, just one at a time. Those compatible will install on your linux setup. However your settings may and even cloud saves MAY appear incompatible, you're up to luck there on per/game basis.

[Flori the Fox]

Thank you kindly pasa, this sure was helpful!

[Fluffy]

Originally posted by Flori der Fux:

Hi Fluffy, thanks a lot. So games that I already own (for Windows), and that happen to be available for Linux, too, I won't need to purchase a second time especially for Linux, right?

no they will just have to be downloaded

[Bad 💀 Motha]

Originally posted by Flori der Fux:

Hi Fluffy, thanks a lot. So games that I already own (for Windows), and that happen to be available for Linux, too, I won't need to purchase a second time especially for Linux, right?

That depends; some games are listed seperately based on OS.

Some games however are covered by "SteamPlay" which basically means; "One product purchase that covers whatever OS the product is (or later becomes) compatible with"

and on many products, the icon label gets rid of the "Linux Penguin" in place of the "SteamOS" icon; since SteamOS is a form of Linux; if the game supports SteamOS, then it supports various Linux Distros as well.

For example:
http://i.imgur.com/xLeG0wi.png
^ From this you can see the supported OS, at a glance. For further info on this though, always check the Minimum System Requirements at the bottom of any Store Page, before the User Comments/Reviews section starts.

[SundownKid]

Yes, but only Linux compatable games will be playable.

[Flori the Fox]

You guys have been a great help, I sure appreciate! Thanks a lot, and happy gaming y'all!

[Bad 💀 Motha]

Yes while you are running Linux or SteamOS, only games that support that OS would show in your actual Steam Client that is currently running within such an OS; as a means of showing what is compatible. If you have trouble seeing what all you own when you enjoy running multiple OS (Windows/Mac/Linux/SteamOS) then you can always clarify that further, by going to your Steam Profile > click on Games and this will reveal all that you own. FYI though, some DLCs however might not always show in there as separate products.