Steam Family Sharing and Offline Play: Untangling the Connection

The short answer is: No, Steam Family Sharing does not directly work without an internet connection. While Steam allows you to play games offline, the initial authorization and setup of Family Sharing requires an active internet connection. Once the shared library is authorized on a device, and the game is properly prepared for offline mode, some games can be played offline within the Family Sharing framework, but with limitations. Let’s delve deeper into how this works and address common questions.

Understanding Steam Family Sharing

Steam Family Sharing is a feature that allows users to share their game library with family members or close friends. This means that if you own a game, others can play it without needing to purchase it themselves. It’s a fantastic way to share the joy of gaming and allows for cost-effective enjoyment of a wide variety of titles.

How It Works

The process involves authorizing specific computers to access your library. To do this, you must:

1. Enable Steam Guard Security: This is a security feature that protects your account. You can enable it via Steam > Settings > Security in the Steam Client.
2. Authorize Library Sharing: From the Steam Settings panel, select the Family tab. Here, you’ll see a list of users who have logged into the computer. Click the “Authorize Library Sharing on this device” switch.

Once a device is authorized, users on that device can request access to games in your library. If you grant access, they can download and play the games. However, only one person can play games from a shared library at a time. If the owner of the library starts playing a game, the person using the shared game will receive a notification and have a few minutes to either purchase the game or quit playing.

The Crucial Role of Internet Connection

The entire Family Sharing system hinges on initial authorization and occasional verification, both of which require an internet connection. Steam needs to verify the shared status and manage access rights. Therefore, you cannot set up or manage shared libraries without being online.

Preparing for Offline Play with Shared Games

Even though the initial setup requires an internet connection, you can still enjoy some games offline once the library is shared and the game is installed. Here’s how:

1. Launch the Game at Least Once While Online: This allows Steam to download any necessary updates and cache the game’s credentials for offline play.
2. Enable Offline Mode: In the Steam Client, go to Steam > Go Offline. Steam will prompt you to restart in offline mode.

Once in offline mode, you should be able to launch and play games that have been properly prepared.

Limitations of Offline Play with Family Sharing

It’s crucial to understand that not all games are playable offline through Family Sharing. Some games require a constant internet connection for various reasons, such as multiplayer functionality, anti-cheat measures, or DRM (Digital Rights Management).

Potential Issues

• Games Requiring Internet: Some games, particularly multiplayer-focused titles or those with strong DRM, may not function at all in offline mode, even if they’re shared.
• Verification Issues: Steam may occasionally require you to go online to verify the Family Sharing status. If you stay offline for an extended period, you might encounter issues.
• Game Updates: You won’t receive game updates while offline. This can lead to compatibility issues or prevent you from accessing new content.

Steam Offline Mode: A Primer

Steam’s offline mode allows you to play games without an active internet connection. This is particularly useful for travel or situations where you have limited or no internet access. To enable offline mode:

1. Ensure the game is fully downloaded and updated.
2. Launch the game at least once while connected to the internet.
3. In the Steam client, select Steam > Go Offline.
4. Restart Steam in offline mode when prompted.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

If you’re encountering issues with Family Sharing and offline play, here are some steps to troubleshoot:

• Verify Game Cache: Right-click on the game in your library, select Properties > Local Files, and click “Verify integrity of game files…”.
• Reauthorize Sharing: Revoke and reauthorize Family Sharing on the device.
• Update Steam: Ensure you’re running the latest version of the Steam Client.
• Check Firewall/Antivirus: Make sure your firewall or antivirus software isn’t blocking Steam’s access to the internet.
• Restart Your Computer: A simple restart can often resolve minor glitches.

FAQs About Steam Family Sharing and Offline Play

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify how Steam Family Sharing interacts with offline play:

1. Can I play a family-shared game offline if the owner is online playing a different game?

No. The Steam shared library can only be accessed by one person at a time. If the owner starts playing a game, the shared user will be given a short period to either purchase the game or exit.

2. Why can’t I play a family-shared game even though I’m offline and the owner isn’t playing?

The game might require an internet connection to play, or it might not have been launched at least once while online to cache the necessary credentials for offline play. Ensure the game is fully updated and has been run while connected to the internet.

3. How often does Steam need to verify Family Sharing over the internet?

Steam occasionally needs to verify the Family Sharing status. The exact frequency isn’t specified, but staying offline for extended periods might trigger verification issues.

4. Can I play multiplayer games offline with Family Sharing?

No. Multiplayer games typically require an internet connection and are not playable offline, regardless of whether they’re shared through Family Sharing.

5. What happens if a game is removed from the owner’s library while I’m playing it offline?

You will likely be able to continue playing until you reconnect to the internet, at which point the game will no longer be accessible unless you purchase it yourself.

6. Are all Steam games eligible for Family Sharing?

No, not all games are eligible. Some games may be excluded by the publisher. Check the game’s Steam Store page to see if it supports Family Sharing.

7. Can I share my entire Steam library with multiple people simultaneously?

No. A Steam library can only be used by one person at a time. Although you can authorize multiple devices, only one user can play at a time.

8. How do I disable Family Sharing for a specific user?

Go to Steam > Settings > Family and uncheck the box next to the user’s name to revoke their access to your library.

9. Can children turn off Family Sharing?

According to Apple’s Family Sharing, Any family member age 13 or older* can remove themselves from a family group. If you have Screen Time turned on for your account, the family organizer must remove you. This may not relate to Steam.

10. Will I keep my game progress if I buy a game currently shared through Family Sharing?

Yes. Steam keeps track of your progress, achievements, and saves separately from how you own the game. If you purchase a game you were previously playing through Family Sharing, your progress will carry over.

11. What is the difference between invisible and offline on Steam?

Invisible – This status will show you as offline to other players. You’ll still be able to view your friends list, send and receive messages and otherwise participate in the community. However, other players won’t see you as online.

Offline – This status will actually sign you out of the Steam community.

12. Why do some games require an internet connection?

These reasons can range from security purposes, to providing consistent updates for their audiences. Need for Speed is a series where several games require the internet. However, there is consistently new and free content being updated. Without the connection, you will miss out on these updates.

13. Why can’t i connect to Steam servers?

Many Steam issues can be caused by a firewall, anti-virus, or a problem with your router or internet connection.

14. Can you play Steam games on 2 different computers at the same time?

Each Steam account can only run one game from its library at a time, no matter how many PCs it is installed on. Family sharing is a better option than sharing one account. With one account, you share saves and achievements. With sharing, you each get your own separate saves and achievements.

15. Will I keep my game progress if I buy a game currently shared through family sharing?

Steam keeps ‘how’ you own a game separate from the achievements, playtime and any other community stuff. This is so that no matter how you’re getting a game, family sharing, free weekend, etc, all of that progress will carry over if you purchase the game in the future.

Conclusion

While Steam Family Sharing does not inherently work without an internet connection for initial setup and occasional verification, you can still enjoy some shared games in offline mode after properly preparing them. Understanding the limitations and troubleshooting common issues will ensure a smoother gaming experience. Remember to prioritize games that are known to work offline and keep your Steam Client updated for optimal performance. And if you are interested in learning more about the educational aspects of games check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.