Code:
apt install \ libgl1-mesa-dri=25.1.4-1 \ libegl-mesa0=25.1.4-1 \ libgbm1=25.1.4-1 \ libglx-mesa0=25.1.4-1 \ mesa-libgallium=25.1.4-1 \ mesa-vulkan-drivers=25.1.4-1 \ mesa-va-drivers=25.1.4-1 \ mesa-vdpau-drivers=25.1.4-1(Don't copy paste this. Verify the version numbers in the Stable repository and use those)
In this case I admit that when I hit this wall I asked ChatGPT because I was too lazy to read umpteen google results till I found what I wanted.
Adjusting to the exact version number in the Debian repositories, not the backports version number. I ran into this exact problem and this is why I ultimately chose to use the Steam Flatpak rather than the system package. I'd rather have the newest Mesa where possible. It's oddly specific about what it requires. I'd always figure a package could rely on X version or newer. But it wants a specific version for .... reasons that are above my pay grade.
I've also hit an issue similar to this using the backports kernel. I also had to use gdb from backports otherwise would hit the same wall of version issues and inability to get certain packages installed.
Backports are a very good and helpful thing but they can cause things to go sideways occasionally. That is why it's highly recommended to use them with caution.
EDIT Another option if you don't wish to downgrade your Mesa is to run Steam in a Debian distrobox container. This works quite well and I've done it in the past with zero difficulty.
Statistics: Posted by jmgibson1981 — 2026-02-08 16:40