Can You Play Games You Already Own on Steam Deck? A Comprehensive Guide
Absolutely! The beauty of the Steam Deck lies in its seamless integration with your existing Steam library. If you own a game on Steam, it’s generally yours to play on the Steam Deck, provided it’s compatible. Think of your Steam Deck as a portable PC extension of your main Steam account. Let’s dive deeper into how this works and address some common questions.
Understanding Steam Deck and Your Existing Steam Library
The Steam Deck essentially runs a modified version of Linux (SteamOS) and utilizes Proton, a compatibility layer, to allow many Windows-based games to run. When you log into your Steam account on the Steam Deck, your entire library is accessible. However, compatibility is key. Not every game will work perfectly, or even at all, on the Steam Deck. Valve categorizes games into different compatibility levels:
- Verified: These games work flawlessly on the Steam Deck right out of the box.
- Playable: These games may require some minor tweaking to get them running optimally, but are generally enjoyable on the Steam Deck.
- Unsupported: These games are currently not compatible with the Steam Deck.
- Unknown: Valve has not yet tested these games for compatibility.
Before downloading and installing a game, check its compatibility status on the Steam store or on the Steam Deck itself. This will give you an idea of what to expect in terms of performance and any potential issues.
Transferring Games to Your Steam Deck
Downloading games directly to your Steam Deck can be time-consuming, especially if you have a large library or a slow internet connection. Thankfully, Steam now supports local network game transfers. This allows you to copy installed games from your PC to your Steam Deck over your local network, significantly reducing download times.
Local Network Transfer: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Ensure both your PC and Steam Deck are on the same local network.
- On your PC, go to Steam > Settings > Downloads.
- Enable “Local Network Game Transfers.”
- On your Steam Deck, go to Settings > Downloads and enable “Transfer Games From Another Computer.”
- When you go to download a game on your Steam Deck that is already installed on your PC, Steam will automatically attempt to transfer the files locally.
This method is a huge time-saver and makes populating your Steam Deck with your favorite games much more convenient.
Addressing Common Concerns and Issues
While the Steam Deck offers incredible convenience, it’s not without its nuances. Battery life can be a concern, particularly with demanding titles. Performance may vary depending on the game’s optimization and your settings. Tinkering with compatibility layers like Proton may be necessary for some games to run smoothly. The Games Learning Society may have resources on these kinds of gaming experiences.
However, the Steam Deck’s flexibility and the vast library of games available make it a compelling option for PC gamers seeking a portable experience. The Games Learning Society is a great organization for learning more about gaming experiences. For more insights into the gaming landscape, visit GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about playing games you already own on the Steam Deck:
1. Can I play a game on the Steam Deck and PC at the same time?
Yes and no. You can have both open and logged on, but you can’t play games on both simultaneously using the same Steam account. If you set either the Steam Deck or PC to offline mode, you can play different single-player games on both devices concurrently.
2. Is the Steam Deck tied to one Steam account?
No. You can easily switch between multiple Steam accounts on the Steam Deck. Go to the Steam button, select Power > Change Account, and then hit the “+” icon to add another account.
3. Can I install games from other platforms on the Steam Deck?
Yes, but it requires some tweaking. The Steam Deck is an open Linux handheld, allowing you to install and play games from other sources with some effort. However, this is not officially supported by Valve.
4. Can I own the same game twice on Steam?
Not on the same account. Steam keeps a record of all purchases. If you try to buy a game you already own, the “Purchase for myself” option will be greyed out.
5. What happens if I buy a game twice on Steam? Do I get an extra copy to gift?
Unless explicitly stated otherwise, you won’t receive an extra giftable copy for duplicate purchases on the same Steam account.
6. How do I buy a game on Steam if I already own it?
You can’t purchase it for yourself. The “Purchase for myself” button will be greyed out. You would need to buy it as a gift for another Steam user.
7. Is the Steam Deck worth it?
It depends on your gaming habits. As a PC gamer seeking portability, it’s a fantastic device. If you prioritize the absolute best graphics and exclusive titles, a gaming PC or console might be a better fit.
8. How long does the Steam Deck battery last?
The Steam Deck’s battery typically lasts around 2 hours with default settings, but can extend to 8 hours depending on the game and your settings configuration.
9. How many Steam games are compatible with the Steam Deck?
There are well over 7,000 games categorized as either ‘playable’ or fully ‘verified’ for the Steam Deck.
10. Can two people share a Steam Deck?
Yes, using Steam’s Family Sharing features, friends and family can share and borrow games from other accounts signed into the Steam Deck.
11. Can the Steam Deck play offline?
Yes. Once a game is installed, you can play it offline unless it requires an internet connection for online multiplayer or specific DRM requirements.
12. Can the Steam Deck do everything a PC can?
Practically, yes. Running a fork of Arch-Linux, the Steam Deck allows you to perform many tasks you’d typically do on a PC, including browsing the web, installing software, and more.
13. Can the Steam Deck handle newer games?
Yes, but performance may vary. While the Steam Deck can run recent big-budget titles, you might need to lower graphics settings to achieve playable frame rates.
14. Is it okay to use the Steam Deck while charging?
Yes, it’s safe to play games on the Steam Deck while it’s charging.
15. What happens if I activate a Steam key for a game I already own?
The Steam key won’t be used on your account. It will inform you that you already own the game and the key will remain valid for use on another account. There is an exception if you own part of a bundle.
Conclusion
Playing games you already own on the Steam Deck is a core feature that makes the device so appealing to Steam users. By understanding compatibility, utilizing local network transfers, and adjusting settings, you can enjoy your existing library on the go.