I’m trying to get Steam running on Rocky Linux 8.10 via Flatpak, following a guide I found online. However, when I launch Steam, it throws an error about needing user namespaces enabled. My bubblewrap binary looks okay, and while the file for max user namespaces is set high, there’s no unprivileged_userns_clone present. I’m using Flatpak 1.12.9 with the Steam version v1.0.0.81. Has anyone come across this issue or found a workaround without compromising too much on security?
2 Answers
From what I’ve seen, using Rocky Linux as a base might be the issue here. It’s more of a server OS with an older kernel (4.18), so it doesn’t always play well with desktop or gaming apps like Steam. The kernel and graphics support might not be ideal for gaming, which could be why you’re getting that error.
Another approach is taking a closer look at the GitHub page for Flatpak’s user namespace requirements. They list some alternative modes for older systems, which might work around your issue. Just a heads-up though, switching to an unprivileged bubblewrap (instead of the setuid version) can lower security, so be cautious if you decide to try that.
Yeah, that’s a fair point. Going unprivileged may solve the error but introduces security risks – something to carefully consider if you’re using the machine for more than just casual gaming.
I feel you – I run Rocky too because it hooks up perfectly with tools like DaVinci Resolve even if gaming isn’t its strong suit. Too bad it limits the gaming side of things though.