Can I Remote Play Non-Steam Games? A Comprehensive Guide
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
Absolutely! You can Remote Play non-Steam games through Steam. While Steam is primarily designed for games purchased through its platform, it also offers the flexibility to add and stream games from other sources. This means you can enjoy your favorite titles, regardless of where you bought them, on various devices using Steam’s Remote Play feature. It’s a fantastic way to consolidate your gaming experience and enjoy your entire library from the comfort of your couch, another room, or even while traveling. Let’s dive deeper into how this works and address some common questions.
Understanding Steam Remote Play
Steam Remote Play allows you to stream games from your primary gaming PC to another device. This device could be another computer, a laptop, a smartphone, a tablet, or even a dedicated streaming device like the Steam Link (though that’s less relevant these days with the improved functionality of Steam itself).
How it Works
The core principle is simple: your powerful gaming PC does all the heavy lifting, running the game, while the other device acts as a display and input terminal. The video and audio are streamed from your gaming PC to the receiving device, and your controller inputs (or keyboard and mouse) are sent back. This effectively extends your gaming experience beyond the confines of your desk.
Adding Non-Steam Games to Steam
The key to Remote Playing non-Steam games lies in adding them to your Steam library. This is a straightforward process:
- Open Steam: Launch the Steam client on your PC.
- Add a Game: In the bottom-left corner of the Steam window, click “Add a Game…”
- Add a Non-Steam Game…: Select the option “Add a Non-Steam Game…”
- Browse and Select: A window will appear listing installed programs. If your game is listed, simply check the box next to it. If not, click “Browse…” and navigate to the game’s executable file (.exe).
- Add Selected Programs: Click “Add Selected Programs.”
Once added, the game will appear in your Steam library alongside your purchased games.
Streaming Non-Steam Games
After adding the game, you can initiate Remote Play as you would with any other Steam game:
- Ensure Both Devices are Logged In: Make sure Steam is running on your gaming PC and the receiving device, and both are logged into the same Steam account.
- Launch Steam on the Receiving Device: Open Steam on the device you want to play on (e.g., laptop, phone).
- Locate the Game: Find the non-Steam game in your Steam library.
- Click “Stream”: Instead of “Play,” you should see a “Stream” button. Click it to start the streaming session.
If everything is configured correctly, the game should launch on your gaming PC, and the video and audio will be streamed to the receiving device.
Optimizing Your Remote Play Experience
While the process is relatively simple, a few factors can impact the quality of your Remote Play experience:
- Network Connection: A stable and fast network connection is crucial. Both your gaming PC and the receiving device should ideally be connected to the same network. Wired connections (Ethernet) are generally more reliable than Wi-Fi.
- Hardware: Your gaming PC needs to be powerful enough to run the game at your desired settings while also encoding the video stream. The receiving device doesn’t need to be particularly powerful, but it should have sufficient processing power to decode the stream smoothly.
- Steam Settings: In Steam’s settings, under the “Remote Play” tab, you can adjust various streaming options, such as resolution, bandwidth limits, and hardware encoding. Experiment with these settings to find the optimal balance between image quality and performance for your setup.
- Encoding: Steam Remote Play allows you to choose between hardware and software encoding. Hardware encoding, which utilizes your GPU, is generally more efficient and provides better performance, but may introduce some artifacts. Software encoding uses your CPU, which can be more demanding but may result in a cleaner image. The best choice depends on your hardware.
- Alternatives like Moonlight: As the article mentions, some users find Moonlight (paired with Sunshine on the host PC) to offer better performance, especially when using GPU encoding. It’s worth exploring if you’re not satisfied with Steam’s default performance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions regarding Remote Play and non-Steam games:
1. Will Steam detect pirated games if I add them as non-Steam games?
No, Steam will not detect pirated games. Steam is a game platform, not anti-piracy software. It only manages games you’ve purchased through the Steam store. It doesn’t scan your system for illegally obtained software.
2. Can I share non-Steam games with friends through Steam Family Sharing?
No, you cannot share non-Steam games through Steam Family Sharing. Steam Family Sharing only applies to games purchased directly through Steam.
3. Do both players need to own the game for Remote Play Together?
No, only the host needs to own the game for Remote Play Together. Friends can join the session without owning the game themselves. This is one of the biggest advantages of the Remote Play Together feature.
4. What happens if my game loses focus during Remote Play?
If your game loses focus, Steam might start streaming your desktop so you can regain focus and return to the game. This is a safeguard to prevent you from being stuck on a black screen.
5. Is Steam Remote Play free?
Yes, Steam Remote Play is a free feature. You don’t need to pay any additional fees to use it beyond the cost of the games you’re playing and a stable internet connection.
6. Can I use Remote Play away from home?
Yes, you can use Remote Play away from home. However, a stable and high-bandwidth internet connection is essential for a good experience.
7. Do I have to be on the same Wi-Fi network for Remote Play?
No, you don’t need to be on the same Wi-Fi network. You can use Remote Play over the internet.
8. Does Remote Play work on all games?
All Steam games can be streamed between your own computers. While most games work well with Remote Play, some games might not be fully compatible, especially if they rely on specific hardware or input methods. Games specifically designed for Remote Play Together will have that designation on their Steam store page.
9. Can I Remote Play single-player games and pass the controls to someone else?
Yes, Steam Remote Play supports passing the controls among players in some single-player games. This allows for a unique shared gaming experience even with single-player titles.
10. What is the difference between Cloud Gaming and Remote Play?
Cloud Gaming is a subset of remote streaming, but instead of using your own PC, you access a PC in a server center (usually for a subscription fee), Nvidia’s GeForce Now is a prime example.
11. Is Parsec faster than Steam Remote Play?
Some users report that Parsec is faster and more reliable than Steam Remote Play, especially in scenarios with higher latency or less stable network conditions. Parsec is often preferred by those seeking very low-latency streaming.
12. Can I stream non-Steam games to friends?
Yes, to stream non-Steam games to friends, you need to add the game to your Steam library and have them join your Remote Play Together session. Both you and your friends need to be logged into Steam.
13. What are the best games to play with Steam Remote Play?
Many games work well with Steam Remote Play. Euro Truck Simulator 2, Project Zomboid, Left 4 Dead 2, Portal 2, and Half-Life 2 are some popular choices. Games with local multiplayer modes are especially well-suited for Remote Play Together.
14. Will adding a non-Steam game to Steam allow me to download updates through Steam?
No, adding a non-Steam game to Steam only adds a shortcut. It will not allow you to download updates through Steam. You’ll need to manage updates for the game through its original source.
15. What is the point of adding non-Steam games to my Steam library?
The primary benefit is convenience. It allows you to launch all your games, both Steam and non-Steam titles, from a single interface. It also enables you to use Steam’s Remote Play feature with those games. Additionally, adding non-Steam games can allow you to use the Steam Overlay with them, granting access to features like in-game chat and screenshots.
Conclusion
Steam Remote Play is a powerful and versatile feature that significantly enhances your gaming experience. By adding non-Steam games to your library, you can enjoy a vast range of titles on various devices, expanding your gaming horizons beyond the limitations of your desktop. While some configuration and troubleshooting might be necessary to optimize performance, the end result is well worth the effort. Remember to experiment with different settings and consider alternative streaming solutions like Moonlight if you encounter issues.
The world of gaming is constantly evolving, and understanding the nuances of platforms like Steam is crucial for both players and developers. For more insights into gaming and its impact on learning and society, consider exploring resources such as the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.