Linking Steam and Blizzard: A Comprehensive Guide
Yes, you can link your Steam account to your Blizzard (Battle.net) account. This connection allows you to play select Blizzard games through Steam, unlocking Steam achievements and potentially streamlining your gaming experience. This wasn’t always the case, but Blizzard’s move to embrace Steam reflects a desire to connect with a wider gaming audience. This article delves into the process of linking your accounts, what games are available, and answers common questions about this integration.
Understanding the Steam and Battle.net Connection
For years, Blizzard maintained its own exclusive ecosystem with Battle.net. Now, with games like Overwatch 2 and Diablo IV (and potentially more in the future) becoming available on Steam, linking your accounts offers some benefits. While you still need a Battle.net account to play Blizzard games, launching them through Steam provides Steam integration, including achievements, friend lists, and the convenience of managing your games in one central location.
Why Link Your Accounts?
- Steam Achievements: Earn achievements for Blizzard games within the Steam ecosystem.
- Unified Game Library: Manage your Blizzard games alongside your other Steam titles.
- Steam Friend Integration: Easily connect with your Steam friends while playing Blizzard games.
- Expanded Community: Experience Blizzard games with a wider community of players on Steam.
How to Link Your Steam and Battle.net Accounts: A Step-by-Step Guide
Linking your accounts is a relatively straightforward process. Here’s how to do it:
- Visit the Connections Page on Battle.net: Log in to your Battle.net account on the Blizzard website. Navigate to your account settings and find the “Connections” page.
- Find Steam: Locate the Steam icon in the list of available connections.
- Click the “Connect” Button: Click the “Connect” button next to the Steam icon.
- Authorize the Connection: You will be redirected to the Steam website to log in to your Steam account.
- Sign In to Your Steam Account: Enter your Steam username and password.
- Confirm the Account Linking: Review the information and confirm that you want to link your Battle.net account to your Steam account.
- Enjoy the Integration: Once linked, you can launch supported Blizzard games through Steam and enjoy the integrated features.
Games Available on Steam
Currently, not all Blizzard games are available on Steam. Overwatch 2 and Diablo IV are the most prominent titles available on Steam, marking a significant shift in Blizzard’s distribution strategy. Keep an eye on official announcements from Blizzard for information on future releases. It is likely that more games will eventually become available.
Important Considerations
- Battle.net Account Required: Even when playing through Steam, you still need a Battle.net account.
- Game Purchases: You may need to purchase the game again on Steam, even if you already own it on Battle.net. Check the specific game details.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about linking Steam and Blizzard accounts:
1. Can I unlink my Steam and Battle.net accounts?
Yes, you can unlink your accounts. Return to the Connections page on your Battle.net account settings and click the “Disconnect” button next to the Steam icon.
2. Will my game progress transfer between Battle.net and Steam?
In most cases, yes. Game progress is typically tied to your Battle.net account, so it should carry over when playing through Steam, assuming the game supports it. Because game progression in crossplay-enabled games is stored on your Activision account, you can play on any platform you have linked to your account, and your progression carries over.
3. Do I need to repurchase games on Steam if I already own them on Battle.net?
Yes, most likely. Unless otherwise stated, you will need to purchase the game again on Steam to play it through the Steam platform.
4. Are all Blizzard games available on Steam?
No, not all Blizzard games are available on Steam. Currently, only select titles like Overwatch 2 and Diablo IV are available. Keep an eye on official announcements for future releases.
5. What happens to my Battle.net friends list when I play through Steam?
When you play through Steam, you can also utilize your Steam friends list. Some games may also integrate your Battle.net friends list, but this depends on the specific game.
6. Can I use my Steam Wallet to purchase Blizzard games?
Yes, if you are purchasing the game through Steam, you can use your Steam Wallet as a payment method.
7. Will I earn Steam achievements while playing Blizzard games?
Yes, that’s one of the main benefits of playing through Steam! You will earn Steam achievements for supported Blizzard games.
8. Is it better to download Blizzard games on Battle.net or Steam?
This is a matter of personal preference. Steam may use more CPU/RAM in the background. Some players prefer the streamlined approach of managing all their games in one place (Steam), while others prefer the dedicated Blizzard launcher. Battle.net client is much less intensive compared to steam.
9. Can I add a non-Steam Blizzard game to my Steam library?
Yes, you can add non-Steam games to your Steam library, but you won’t get Steam achievements or other Steam-specific features. You’ll essentially just be using Steam as a shortcut to launch the game.
10. Can I merge multiple Battle.net accounts?
No, you cannot merge multiple Battle.net accounts. Blizzard does not offer this functionality.
11. Why did Blizzard decide to release games on Steam?
Blizzard has stated that the decision to release games on Steam is driven by a desire to “break down the barriers” between gaming communities and reach a wider audience.
12. Will Activision games return to Steam?
Yes, Activision has already brought the Call of Duty series back to Steam. Modern Warfare II was the first Call of Duty title available on the service since 2017.
13. Do I need a Battle.net account to play Warzone on Steam?
Yes, even if you play Warzone through Steam, you still need a Battle.net account. Warzone uses Blizzard’s Battle.net online gaming servers.
14. Can I transfer games between Battle.net accounts?
No, you cannot transfer games between Battle.net accounts. Games are tied to the specific Battle.net account they were purchased on.
15. Can I get banned for account sharing on Battle.net?
Yes, account sharing is a bannable offense on Battle.net. While you can log in from different PCs, sharing your account with others violates Blizzard’s terms of service.
The Future of Blizzard on Steam
Blizzard’s decision to bring its games to Steam is a significant development. It signals a willingness to embrace a broader gaming ecosystem and connect with more players. As more titles become available on Steam, linking your accounts will become increasingly beneficial. Keep an eye on official Blizzard announcements for the latest news and updates. It also is important to look at educational aspects of these games, you can find more information on the Games Learning Society website. Additionally, more insights on the intersection of gaming and education can be found on the GamesLearningSociety.org site.