Can Steam and Rockstar Play Together? A Deep Dive into Cross-Platform Compatibility
The question of whether players on Steam and Rockstar Games Launcher can play together is a common one, especially with the popularity of titles like Grand Theft Auto V and Red Dead Redemption 2. The short answer is: it depends on the game. While some games offer cross-platform play between these two platforms, others do not. Let’s break down the specifics to provide a comprehensive understanding.
GTA Online: A Success Story for PC Crossplay
PC Players Unite
For GTA Online, the good news is that PC players can play together regardless of where they purchased the game. Whether you own the game on Steam, the Epic Games Store, or the Rockstar Games Launcher, you’ll be able to join the same online sessions. This means if your friend has GTA Online on Steam and you have it on the Rockstar Games Launcher, you can still play together seamlessly. This is a major advantage for the PC version of the game and encourages a large and vibrant community.
How To Connect with Friends
Connecting with friends is easy within GTA Online. To add friends, find their player card in the Online > Players menu. Select a player from the list to send a friend request directly. Once you are friends, you can join their games. While in GTA Online, open your friends list and select the player you want to join. If they are playing, a “Join” option will appear, allowing you to easily connect.
Red Dead Online: A Different Story for Crossplay
The Lack of Cross-Platform Play
Unfortunately, the cross-platform landscape for Red Dead Online is significantly different from GTA Online. Red Dead Online does not support cross-play between platforms. This means that if you are playing on Steam, you can only play with other Steam users. Players on the Rockstar Games Launcher or Epic Games Store will not be able to play with you. This restriction significantly limits the pool of potential players for Red Dead Online and can be disappointing for those with friends on different platforms.
Steam and Epic Games Store Together
While Red Dead Online doesn’t offer full crossplay with other platforms, players using Steam and the Epic Games Store can play together. Sessions are listed together, and players from both platforms can join each other’s games via the multiplayer menu. This is a positive step, though, is still doesn’t include other launchers.
Why the Difference?
The reason for the discrepancy between GTA Online and Red Dead Online‘s cross-play capabilities is unclear. However, it’s often related to the technical complexities of implementing cross-platform play, the development focus, and the specific priorities of the game developers. While it is unfortunate for players, it is not necessarily uncommon within the gaming industry.
Rockstar Games Launcher and Steam: A Necessary Connection
Regardless of where you purchase Grand Theft Auto V on PC, the game will always launch through the Rockstar Games Launcher. This means that whether you buy it from Steam or Rockstar, both platforms must be linked and operational. It is an important aspect to understand. This connection allows Rockstar Games to manage game updates, and player profiles, and various other background operations.
Installing Games on Steam Deck
If you own a Steam Deck, it’s important to know that installing the Rockstar Games Launcher is crucial for playing games you bought directly through Rockstar. This includes titles like Red Dead Redemption 2 and Grand Theft Auto V. You will need to install the Rockstar Games Launcher onto your Steam Deck to play them properly. In addition, if you want to play the GTA Trilogy: Definitive Edition, installing the Rockstar Games Launcher on your Steam Deck is a necessity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions that further illuminate the intricacies of playing Rockstar Games titles between Steam and the Rockstar Games Launcher:
1. Can I download GTA 5 from my friend’s Steam account?
No, you cannot download GTA 5 for free if your friend purchased it on Steam. Steam does not have a feature to gift games for free. You will need to purchase the game yourself to play it.
2. Do I need a Rockstar account to play Red Dead Redemption 2 on Steam?
Yes, you do need a Rockstar Games account to play Red Dead Redemption 2 on Steam. This account is necessary to launch the game through the Rockstar Games Launcher.
3. Why does Rockstar say “play on Steam” when I already have the game?
This can occur when you have existing Rockstar Games files on your PC that were previously installed from Steam. You may need to locate the existing game folder in your Steam installation directory.
4. Is it better to buy GTA from Steam or Rockstar?
There is no practical difference in buying from Steam or the Rockstar Games Launcher. Both versions launch through the Rockstar Games Launcher regardless of where they are purchased. It is down to personal preference.
5. Can Xbox and Steam play together on GTA 5?
No, GTA 5 does not support crossplay between Xbox and Steam. GTA Online is platform-locked, meaning you can only play with others on the same platform as you.
6. Is Red Dead Online free on Steam?
No, Red Dead Online is not free on Steam. However, it can be purchased separately. Anyone who owns a copy of Red Dead Redemption 2 receives free access to the online mode as part of their game purchase.
7. Is Red Dead Online cross-platform?
No, Red Dead Online is not cross-platform. You can only play with others on the same platform (e.g., Steam with Steam).
8. Can Steam and Epic Games play together on RDR2?
Yes, Steam and Epic Games Store players can play together in Red Dead Online. Sessions are listed together, and players can join each other’s games via the multiplayer menu.
9. Can I let my friend borrow my Steam games?
Yes, Steam’s Family Library Sharing allows you to authorize up to 10 devices and 5 accounts to access your game library. This means you can effectively share games with friends.
10. Can two people play GTA V on the same account?
You cannot play GTA Online on the same account with two people. Each player needs their own account to play online.
11. Can two people play GTA Online on the same account?
No, you cannot play GTA Online simultaneously on the same account. Each player needs a unique account. However, you can play on private or invite-only servers with friends on different platforms.
12. Was Red Dead Online ever free?
Red Dead Online has been free for anyone who owns Red Dead Redemption 2. Accessing it is as simple as starting up the game.
13. Is Red Dead on Game Pass?
Red Dead Online is not included in Game Pass. If you are using console, then Xbox Game Pass Ultimate or Xbox Game Pass Core may be required to play the game.
14. Is GTA 5 PC crossplay?
No, GTA 5 PC is not crossplay between different consoles or different PC platforms. You will need to play with others on the same platform as you.
15. Can I play GTA without Steam?
Yes, you can play GTA without Steam. You can download the GTA V Downloader directly from the Rockstar Games Social Club website if you choose.
Conclusion
The ability to play Rockstar Games titles between Steam and the Rockstar Games Launcher can be a mixed experience. While GTA Online excels in offering cross-platform play for PC users, Red Dead Online does not offer it at all (except between Epic and Steam on PC). It’s essential to understand these differences before investing in the games. By understanding how the systems work, you can maximize your gaming experience with your friends and other players in the Rockstar community.