Can You Play Co-op on Family Share Steam? The Ultimate Guide
The short answer is: it’s complicated. While Steam Family Sharing allows you to share your game library with family and friends, playing co-op games simultaneously with the library owner isn’t straightforward. In most cases, the owner’s account takes precedence. Only one person can access a shared library at a time, including the owner. This limitation directly impacts co-op play. Keep reading to know all the details.
Understanding Steam Family Sharing and Its Limitations
Steam Family Sharing is a fantastic feature that lets you share your vast game collection with up to five other accounts on up to five different computers. However, it’s crucial to understand its inherent limitations before assuming you can jump into co-op sessions with ease.
The core problem stems from Steam’s policy of allowing only one user to access a game library at any given time. If the library owner decides to play a game (any game), anyone using the shared library will receive a notification that they have a few minutes to either purchase the game or quit. This interrupts gameplay and makes synchronous co-op nearly impossible under normal circumstances.
Circumventing the Limitations: Workarounds and Caveats
While direct simultaneous co-op play via Family Sharing is generally restricted, there are a few potential workarounds, each with its own caveats:
- Offline Mode: One player (usually the borrower) can try running Steam in offline mode. This might allow simultaneous play, but it’s unreliable and often triggers authentication issues, especially for games with online components or anti-cheat systems. Some games outright refuse to launch in offline mode when shared.
- Remote Play Together: Some games, like Portal 2, offer Remote Play Together functionality. This allows the owner of the game to stream the game to another player, essentially simulating local co-op even if the other player doesn’t own the game. However, this relies heavily on a stable internet connection and may not be suitable for all games or players due to potential lag.
- Game-Specific Support: A small number of games might have specific features that allow for co-op even with a single purchase, though this is rare. Always check the game’s documentation or community forums to see if such options exist.
The Importance of Separate Accounts for True Co-op Gaming
Ultimately, the most reliable way to ensure seamless co-op gaming on Steam is for each player to own a copy of the game on their own separate Steam accounts. While this might seem like an added expense, it eliminates all the restrictions and potential disruptions associated with Family Sharing, allowing you to play together without any headaches.
Why Separate Accounts are Preferable
- No Interruptions: You won’t be kicked out of your game when the library owner decides to play something.
- Independent Progress: Each player maintains their own saves, achievements, and progress, ensuring a personalized gaming experience.
- Full Online Functionality: You can access all online features, including multiplayer, matchmaking, and community events, without any limitations.
FAQ: Demystifying Steam Family Sharing and Co-op Play
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the intricacies of Steam Family Sharing and its impact on co-op gaming:
Can I play multiplayer games through Steam Family Sharing?
You can play multiplayer games, but not simultaneously with the owner of the family sharing account. Only one computer can access games from the shared library at a time.
Can two people play the same game on Steam Family Sharing at the same time?
No, a shared library may only be accessed by one user at a time, including the owner, even if they want to play different games.
Can you play Steam games on two different computers at the same time using the same account?
No, each Steam account can only run one game from its library at a time, regardless of how many PCs it is installed on.
If I share my library, can I still play my own games?
Yes, but if someone is using your shared library, they will be given a few minutes to quit if you launch a game.
Can I play Portal 2 with someone who doesn’t own it through Family Sharing?
Not simultaneously in the traditional sense. However, you might be able to use Remote Play Together to play co-op, or utilize the offline mode workaround (though its reliability is questionable).
Do both people need Portal 2 on Steam to play co-op?
For the most seamless experience, yes. However, Remote Play Together offers an alternative.
Why does my family shared game say “Purchase”?
This usually happens when the owner of the shared game is currently playing any game in their library.
Can you family share Hogwarts Legacy on Steam?
Yes, Family Sharing is available for Hogwarts Legacy. However, this does not bypass the general limitation of one user at a time.
Does Steam Family Sharing only work on the same computer?
No, Steam Family Sharing works across different computers, but with the limitation of one user at a time. Steam only allows you to share with up to ten users across five different computers.
Why does Steam Family Sharing stop working?
Authorization issues are a common reason. Re-authorizing the shared Steam Library can often fix the problem.
Can you befriend multiple people in Hogwarts Legacy?
There are four companions you’ll befriend – one from each of the houses: Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, Gryffindor, and Slytherin. Note that this is unrelated to Family Sharing.
Is Portal 2 co-op free?
A free co-op add-on for the Portal 2 In Motion content was added in June 2013.
Can you Gameshare Hogwarts on Steam?
With the release of Hogwarts Legacy fast approaching, it has been revealed that the game will work with Steam Family Sharing.
Is Hogwarts Legacy family friendly?
Hogwarts Legacy is rated T (Teen 13+), with Content Descriptors including Blood, Fantasy Violence, Mild Language, Use of Alcohol, and Interactive Elements for In-Game Purchases.
What is the Games Learning Society?
The Games Learning Society is a group of people interested in how games affect learning. You can learn more at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Conclusion: Plan Ahead for Co-op Success
While Steam Family Sharing is an excellent way to share your game library, its limitations can be a significant hurdle for simultaneous co-op play. Understanding these limitations and exploring potential workarounds is crucial. However, for the most seamless and frustration-free co-op experience, encouraging each player to purchase their own copy of the game is generally the best approach. This ensures everyone can enjoy the game together without interruptions or restrictions.