Can I Play Shared Steam Games Offline? A Comprehensive Guide

Yes, you can play shared Steam games offline, but with specific conditions. Family Sharing allows you to share your game library with authorized accounts and devices. However, only one person can access a shared library at any given time. While you can play offline simultaneously, certain limitations apply, like ensuring recent data is saved to the game by connecting to the internet from one of the accounts. Read on to fully understand how it works and explore other frequently asked questions.

Understanding Steam Family Sharing

Steam Family Sharing is a feature that allows you to lend your games to family members and close friends. It’s a fantastic way to share your gaming collection without buying multiple copies of the same game. However, it’s crucial to understand the restrictions and capabilities of this system, especially regarding offline play.

How Steam Family Sharing Works

1. Authorization: You must authorize specific computers to access your shared library. This is done through the Steam client on each computer.
2. Account Ownership: The game library remains associated with your account. The shared users are essentially borrowing your games.
3. Simultaneous Access Restrictions: Only one person can play games from a shared library at a time. This restriction applies even if you and the borrower want to play different games.
4. Offline Play: Steam does allow users to play games offline; that includes shared games.

Offline Play Considerations

Playing shared Steam games offline is possible, but requires specific steps to ensure compliance with Steam’s rules.

Setting Up Offline Mode

To play in offline mode, you first need to log into your Steam account and launch the game at least once while online. This allows Steam to cache the necessary authentication data. Once this is done:

1. From the main Steam window, go to Steam > Go Offline.
2. A message will pop up explaining what you’re about to do. Click Enter Offline Mode.

Playing Shared Games Offline Simultaneously

If the game is available for offline play, then you can play the game simultaneously. If one user is already playing a game from the shared library, the owner’s account must be offline in order for the shared user to play simultaneously.

Internet Connection Requirements

Even when playing offline, the borrower needs to periodically connect to the internet to ensure their game data is synchronized and to maintain their access to the shared library. This prevents abuse and ensures the shared user remains authorized to play the game.

Steam Remote Play: An Alternative

Steam Remote Play offers an alternative way to enjoy your games with friends, especially if you want to play together and avoid the library sharing limitations. This feature allows you to stream games from your computer to another device, either locally or over the internet. You can even enjoy local co-op games with friends who don’t own the game themselves.

How Steam Remote Play Works

1. Host and Guest: The person who owns the game hosts the session, and others join as guests.
2. Streaming: The game runs on the host’s computer, and the video and audio are streamed to the guest’s device.
3. Input Transmission: The guest’s input (keyboard, mouse, controller) is sent back to the host computer.
4. Steam Link App: Remote Play can be extended to various devices using the Steam Link app, making it accessible on phones, tablets, and TVs.

Remote Play Anywhere

With Remote Play Anywhere, you can stream your games from your home PC to a device anywhere with an internet connection. This allows you to enjoy your gaming library even when you’re away from home. The Games Learning Society studies the use of technologies like this for collaborative learning. Learn more at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Family Sharing

• Advantages: Cost-effective way to share games, access to a wider library.
• Disadvantages: Only one person can play at a time, requires authorization, limited offline play flexibility.

Remote Play

• Advantages: Play games together without needing multiple copies, accessible on various devices, Remote Play Anywhere for gaming on the go.
• Disadvantages: Requires a strong internet connection, performance depends on network quality, host computer needs to be powerful enough to stream.

FAQs: Steam Sharing and Offline Play

1. Can two people play on the same Steam account offline?

If Steam Family Sharing is enabled, it is technically possible; however, the user whose account owns the game library needs to be in offline mode for the other user to be able to play. It can be done for multiple games too.

2. Can 2 people play a Steam shared game at the same time?

No, a shared library can only be played by one user at a time. This includes the owner of the library, even if they want to play a different game.

3. Why can’t I play family-shared games on Steam?

Several reasons may cause this issue. First, ensure the game is shareable. Games requiring third-party keys or subscriptions often can’t be shared. Then, try restarting Steam. If that doesn’t work, navigate to the device management page in Steam settings, remove the device that isn’t working, and have it request to rejoin the library.

4. Can Steam Share play online?

Not directly. Steam Family Sharing allows borrowers to play single-player games offline. But, with Remote Play Together, you can invite friends to join your local co-op sessions remotely, even if they don’t own the game.

5. Can I use Steam Remote Play away from home?

Yes. With Remote Play Anywhere, you can stream games from your computer to any compatible device with the Steam Link app and an internet connection.

6. Can 2 people play remote play?

Yes, a maximum of four people can use Remote Play Together simultaneously.

7. Can all Steam games be shared with friends and family?

No. Due to technical limitations, some Steam games may be unavailable for sharing. Examples include games that require additional third-party keys, accounts, or subscriptions.

8. Why is Steam Family sharing locked?

This is because the Steam library can only be accessed by a single person at one time. Other factors, such as glitches, firewall interference, or internet connection issues, can also lock the shared library.

9. How do I control Steam Family sharing?

Open the Steam Settings menu, go to the “Family” tab, and click “Manage” in the “Family View” section to reconfigure your Family View options.

10. How do I go offline on Steam?

Open Steam, click Friends & Chat in the bottom right, and select “Offline” from the status options.

11. Is it against Steam rules to have 2 accounts?

No, it’s not against Steam rules to have multiple accounts. However, you are restricted from using the same payment method on multiple accounts.

12. Can you play 2 games at once on PC?

Yes, as long as your PC is powerful enough. The main limitation is that you only have one input instance (keyboard and mouse), making controlling both games simultaneously difficult.

13. Can a Steam account be used on 2 computers at the same time?

Only one computer can be online at a time. You can install Steam on multiple computers, but only one can be actively using the account online.

14. Do both people need to own the game for remote play?

No. With Steam Remote Play Together, only the host needs to own the game. Guests can join the session without owning the game.

15. What is Steam offline account?

Offline Mode allows you to play games without connecting to the Steam Network. This is useful if you don’t plan on playing online or downloading updates for single-player games.

Conclusion

Understanding the nuances of Steam Family Sharing and Remote Play allows you to maximize your gaming experience. While offline play is possible with shared games, remember the limitations and explore alternative options like Remote Play Together for simultaneous gaming. Always adhere to Steam’s guidelines and consider your internet connection and hardware capabilities for the best experience.