Can You Remote Share 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.
Yes, you absolutely can remote share Steam games using various features offered by Steam, although not in the way you might initially think with direct game transfers between accounts. Steam provides functionalities like Remote Play and Family Library Sharing that allow you to enjoy games across devices and with friends, even if they don’t own the title themselves. This article breaks down exactly how you can share your Steam gaming experience remotely, offering detailed explanations and addressing common questions.
Understanding Steam’s Sharing Capabilities
Steam offers multiple approaches to sharing games, each with its own benefits and limitations. The key methods are:
Steam Remote Play
Steam Remote Play allows you to stream a game running on one computer (the host) to another device (the client), which can be a PC, phone, tablet, or even a TV using a compatible app. This feature is particularly useful for:
- Playing games on different devices: You can start a game on your desktop and continue it on your laptop or mobile device.
- Local co-op remotely with Remote Play Together: Invite friends to join your local co-op games remotely without them needing to own the game. They essentially see your screen and control a character as if they were playing locally.
- Accessibility: Enjoy your PC games anywhere with an internet connection, provided your host computer is running.
Crucially, with Remote Play Together, only one person needs to own the game. The host streams the game, and other players join as “Player 2” or more through an invite link. It’s like playing side-by-side, except you could be miles apart.
Steam Family Library Sharing
Family Library Sharing lets you authorize other Steam accounts to access your game library on your computer. This feature enables up to five accounts to use your games on up to 10 authorized devices within a 90-day period. Important aspects include:
- Shared Library Access: Other users can access your library when you’re not actively playing.
- Personal Saves and Progress: Each user maintains their own save data and achievements.
- Conflicts: If the primary owner plays a game from their shared library, the shared players are asked to save their progress and exit the game.
While powerful, Family Sharing has a few restrictions:
- Simultaneous Play Limitations: Only one person can play a game from a shared library at a time.
- Shared Account Privileges: A violation of the rules by one user in the shared library may lead to the primary account being penalized by VAC (Valve Anti-Cheat) bans.
Steam Broadcasting
While not a game-sharing feature per se, Steam Broadcasting enables you to share your gameplay publicly or with friends. You can broadcast your gameplay so others can watch live, which can be useful if you want to let friends see you play a game or provide tips and tricks.
What You CANNOT Do With Steam
It’s important to understand what you cannot do:
- Direct Game Transfers: You cannot transfer a game from one Steam account to another. Once a game is purchased and tied to an account, it’s permanently linked.
- Simultaneous Multiple User Gameplay on one account: Steam does not support simultaneous gameplay on one account. Games are licensed for the sole use of the account holder.
Steam Remote Play: A Deeper Dive
Let’s look closer at Steam Remote Play and how it works, especially for the purpose of remote game sharing:
How Remote Play Works
- Host Setup: The host PC needs to be running the game and Steam must be logged into.
- Client Connection: The client device (PC, phone, or tablet with the Steam Link app) connects to the host.
- Streaming: The game is streamed from the host to the client, with the client device sending controls back to the host.
Remote Play Anywhere
The best part about Remote Play is its flexibility:
- Away From Home: You can use Remote Play anywhere with an internet connection.
- Device Options: You can connect via PC, phone, or tablet.
- No Steam Account Needed (for joining friends): When joining a Remote Play Together session, the other players do not even need their own Steam accounts. This is an amazing feature that facilitates playing with friends that are not part of the Steam ecosystem.
The Steam Link App
The Steam Link app facilitates Remote Play, allowing you to stream games to devices that don’t typically run Steam games. It’s available for:
- Mobile Devices (iOS and Android)
- Smart TVs (some older versions are no longer supported)
- Raspberry Pi
Network Considerations
- Same Network (Initially): For the initial connection, the Steam Link and the host computer generally need to be on the same network.
- Internet Connection Quality: Both the host and client need a good and stable internet connection. Low bandwidth or latency will affect performance.
FAQs about Remote Steam Game Sharing
Here are some frequently asked questions about remotely sharing Steam games, covering a variety of scenarios and concerns:
1. Can 2 people use the same Steam account?
No, Steam does not support multiple players using one Steam account simultaneously. Games are licensed for the sole use of the account holder. This means that you will need to use either Family Sharing or Remote Play to allow someone to play your games remotely.
2. Can my Steam account run on 2 computers?
Yes, you can use your Steam account on any machine capable of connecting to the Steam network. You can download and install games registered to your account as soon as you log in, but only one computer can actively use the account at a time to play games.
3. Does Steam Remote Play require the other person to own the game?
No, for Remote Play Together, only the host needs to own the game. The invitee joins the game via a link, essentially playing on the host’s screen.
4. Can you Remote Play outside of home?
Yes, as long as you have a stable internet connection on both your host computer and the device you’re playing on.
5. Does Steam Link have to be on the same network?
Initially, yes, your Steam Link (hardware or the app) needs to be on the same network as the host computer to connect for the first time. However, once connected, you can use Remote Play from different networks.
6. Why can’t I see shared games on Steam?
Ensure both accounts have Family Sharing enabled in Steam settings and that the shared library is visible. Check under Steam > Settings > Family.
7. Can you get banned for game sharing on Steam?
Yes, your Family Sharing privileges may be revoked, and your account may also be VAC banned, if others use your library for cheating or fraud. Share responsibly!
8. Can you share Steam games with family?
Yes, through Family Library Sharing, you can share your games with up to 5 accounts on 10 devices within a 90-day period.
9. How do I know if my game can be shared on Steam?
Most Steam games are shareable, but there may be exceptions. You can check under Account Details > Family Settings to see which accounts and devices have access.
10. Can I transfer a Steam game to a friend?
Unfortunately, no. You cannot directly transfer a game from one Steam account to another.
11. How do I Remote Play Steam games on my phone?
Use the Steam Link app on your phone, connect to the same network (initially) as your PC, and then select your host computer to start streaming.
12. Is Steam Link discontinued?
The Steam Link hardware has been discontinued, but the Steam Link app is still available for various devices. Some older TV versions have been phased out.
13. How do I share Steam games on the same network?
Enable Family Library Sharing in Steam > Settings > Family and authorize specific users and devices.
14. Why won’t Steam Remote Play connect?
Try reinstalling the Steam Link app, re-enabling Remote Play, or checking your firewall and network settings.
15. Do all Steam games work with Steam Link?
Virtually every game that runs on your PC can be streamed with Steam Link.
Conclusion
While you cannot directly transfer Steam games between accounts, Steam’s Remote Play and Family Sharing features provide robust solutions for remotely sharing your gaming experiences. With Remote Play, you can play games on the go, and with Family Sharing, you can let others enjoy your library. Understanding the functionality and limits of these features ensures that you can maximize your fun while staying within Steam’s terms of service. Remember to play responsibly and enjoy the incredible world of remote gaming!