How do I get Battle.net games on Steam?

How to Get Battle.net Games on Steam: A Comprehensive Guide

The burning question for many gamers is, “How do I get my Battle.net games onto Steam?” The short answer: You don’t directly transfer them. Steam and Battle.net are distinct platforms with separate licenses. However, there are ways to integrate your Battle.net games into your Steam library for convenience, and some Blizzard games are now available for purchase on Steam. This guide will walk you through the process and provide essential information.

Understanding the Landscape: Steam vs. Battle.net

Before diving into the how-to, it’s crucial to understand the key differences between Steam and Battle.net. Battle.net is Blizzard Entertainment’s own platform for distributing and managing their games, such as Diablo, World of Warcraft, and Overwatch. Steam, on the other hand, is a broader digital distribution platform developed by Valve, hosting thousands of games from various developers. Licenses purchased on one platform don’t automatically transfer to the other. You can not transfer Battle.net game licenses over to Steam, or vice versa.

Method 1: Adding Battle.net Games as Non-Steam Games

This method allows you to launch your Battle.net games through your Steam library, making it easier to manage all your games in one place. It doesn’t transfer licenses or game files but simply creates a shortcut within Steam.

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Open Steam: Launch the Steam client on your computer.

  2. Navigate to the “Games” Tab: At the top of the Steam window, click on the “Games” menu.

  3. Add a Non-Steam Game: From the “Games” menu, select “Add a Non-Steam Game to My Library…”.

  4. Browse for the Executable File: A window will appear listing available applications. If you see the game you want to add, you can select it. If not, click “Browse…”.

  5. Locate the Game’s .exe: Navigate to the folder where your Battle.net game is installed. This is typically in “Program Files” or “Program Files (x86)” under a folder named “Blizzard Entertainment”. Find the executable (.exe) file for the specific game you want to add (e.g., DiabloIV.exe).

  6. Add the Game: Select the .exe file and click “Open”. The game will now be added to your Steam library.

  7. Customize the Shortcut (Optional): Right-click on the game in your Steam library, select “Properties,” and you can change the name, icon, and other settings.

Important Considerations:

  • No Steam Features: Adding a game this way only creates a shortcut. You won’t get Steam achievements, trading cards, or other Steam-specific features.
  • Battle.net Still Required: You still need the Battle.net desktop application installed and running in the background to launch and play the game.
  • Updates and Patches: Steam won’t automatically update your Battle.net games. You’ll still need to manage updates through the Battle.net application.

Method 2: Purchasing Blizzard Games Directly on Steam

The landscape is evolving! Blizzard has begun releasing some of its titles directly on Steam. Currently, Overwatch 2 and Diablo 4 are available for purchase on Steam.

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Visit the Steam Store: Open the Steam client and navigate to the Steam Store.
  2. Search for the Game: Use the search bar to find the Blizzard game you want to purchase (e.g., Diablo 4).
  3. Purchase and Download: Follow the standard Steam purchase process to buy the game. Once purchased, download and install it through Steam.
  4. Link Your Battle.net Account: When you launch the game for the first time on Steam, you will be prompted to link your Battle.net account. This is crucial for verifying ownership and syncing progress.

Important Considerations:

  • Account Linking is Key: Linking your Battle.net account to Steam is essential to ensure your progress, unlocks, and purchases are carried over (if applicable).
  • Future Releases: Keep an eye on announcements from Blizzard regarding future game releases on Steam.
  • Not All Games Available: Not all Blizzard games are currently available on Steam, so check the Steam store for availability.

Why are Some Blizzard Games on Steam Now?

Blizzard, now under Microsoft’s ownership, has made a strategic decision to expand its reach by offering some of its titles on Steam. This move allows them to tap into Steam’s massive user base and make their games more accessible to a wider audience.

What Happens If You Add a Non-Steam Game to Steam?

Adding a non-Steam game to Steam simply creates a shortcut within your Steam library. It allows you to launch the game through Steam, but it does not grant you any of Steam’s features for that game, such as achievements, trading cards, or automatic updates. The game remains separate and must be managed and updated through its original platform (in this case, Battle.net). Steam is primarily a game platform, not an anti-piracy tool.

Conclusion

While you can’t directly “transfer” Battle.net games to Steam in the traditional sense, you can integrate them into your Steam library using the “Add a Non-Steam Game” feature. Furthermore, with Blizzard now releasing some of its titles directly on Steam, the future looks promising for greater integration between the two platforms. Always remember to link your Battle.net account when purchasing Blizzard games on Steam to ensure your progress and unlocks are properly synced.

Remember to continue learning about gaming and its impact on education at the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the process:

  1. Can I transfer my Battle.net game licenses to Steam?

    No, licenses purchased on Battle.net cannot be transferred or exchanged for Steam versions.

  2. Will all Blizzard games eventually come to Steam?

    There’s no guarantee that all Blizzard games will come to Steam, but the recent releases of Overwatch 2 and Diablo 4 suggest that more titles may become available in the future.

  3. Do I need to rebuy a game if I want to play it on Steam after owning it on Battle.net?

    Yes, if you want to play a Blizzard game on Steam and you already own it on Battle.net, you will need to purchase it again on Steam.

  4. Does adding a non-Steam game allow me to use Steam achievements?

    No, adding a non-Steam game only creates a shortcut. You won’t get Steam achievements or other Steam-specific features.

  5. Can I use the Steam overlay with non-Steam games added to my library?

    Yes, in most cases, you can use the Steam overlay with non-Steam games. However, functionality may vary depending on the game.

  6. Will Steam automatically update my Battle.net games if I add them as non-Steam games?

    No, Steam will not automatically update your Battle.net games. You’ll still need to manage updates through the Battle.net application.

  7. Is it possible to stream Battle.net games through Steam?

    Yes, you can stream Battle.net games through Steam using Steam’s broadcasting feature, even if they are added as non-Steam games.

  8. If I buy Diablo 4 on Steam, can I still play it through the Battle.net launcher?

    Yes, buying Diablo 4 on Steam does not prevent you from playing it through the Battle.net launcher. You’ll still need to link your Battle.net account.

  9. Will my progress and unlocks transfer if I buy a game on Steam that I already own on Battle.net?

    Yes, in most cases, your progress and unlocks will transfer if you link your Battle.net account to Steam when launching the game for the first time on Steam.

  10. Why are some Blizzard games not available on Steam?

    Blizzard has historically used Battle.net as its primary distribution platform. The decision to release some games on Steam is a recent one, and it’s likely a strategic move to reach a wider audience.

  11. Do COD Points transfer from Battle.net to Steam?

    No, Call of Duty Points purchased on Battle.net do not transfer to Steam. They are platform-specific.

  12. Can I move game files from my Battle.net installation to my Steam installation?

    No, you can not move the game files over from Battle.net to Steam. Doing so would only break the game file structures. You will need to reinstall the game from Steam in order to play it properly on Steam.

  13. How do I link my Activision account to Steam?

    To link your Activision account to Steam, log in to your Activision account on the Activision website, hover over your account name, select “Linked Accounts,” and follow the instructions to link your Steam account.

  14. Is it illegal to download and play pirated games on Steam?

    Yes, downloading and playing pirated games is illegal and violates Steam’s terms of service. Steam may ban accounts that are found to be using pirated games.

  15. What are the benefits of adding a non-Steam game to Steam?

    The main benefit is convenience. It allows you to launch all your games from a single platform, making it easier to manage your gaming library.

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