steamcmd
Steam command-line dedicated server tool
TLDR
Start interactive mode
SYNOPSIS
steamcmd [+command]...
DESCRIPTION
steamcmd is Valve's command-line Steam client designed for automated management of dedicated game servers. It supports downloading, installing, updating, and validating game server files without requiring the full Steam graphical client.
Commands are prefixed with + and can be chained for batch operation. Anonymous login is sufficient for most dedicated server downloads, while some content requires authentication with a Steam account that owns the game. The +app_update command handles both initial installation and subsequent updates, with validate verifying file integrity and repairing corrupted installations.
PARAMETERS
+login USER [PASS]
Login to Steam.+app_update APPID
Install/update app.+force_install_dir PATH
Installation directory.+quit
Exit after commands.+validate
Verify files.+app_info_print APPID
Show app info.+workshop_download_item APPID ITEMID
Download workshop item.
COMMON APP IDS
740 - Counter-Strike: Global Offensive
232250 - Team Fortress 2
258550 - Rust
376030 - ARK
CAVEATS
Some apps require game ownership. Downloads can be large. SteamGuard may require codes.
HISTORY
SteamCMD was released by Valve for headless server management. It enables automated game server deployment without the full Steam client.