Linking Your Game Pass Account to Steam: A Comprehensive Guide

Unfortunately, you can’t directly “link” your entire Xbox Game Pass account to Steam in a way that unlocks all Game Pass titles on Steam. They are separate platforms with distinct game libraries and subscription models. However, there are scenarios where your Xbox account and Steam interact, and ways to leverage Game Pass titles alongside Steam. This guide will explore those connections and provide solutions for getting the most out of both platforms.

Understanding the Landscape

It’s crucial to understand why a direct “link” isn’t possible. Game Pass is a subscription service that grants access to a rotating library of games on Xbox consoles and PC (through the Xbox app). Steam, on the other hand, is a digital distribution platform where you purchase games individually (or through bundles). Think of them as a streaming service (Game Pass) versus a digital store (Steam).

Connecting Accounts for Specific Games

While you can’t link everything, specific games sometimes offer integration:

• Xbox Account Linking: Some games available on both Game Pass and Steam support linking your Xbox account (Microsoft account). This typically allows for cross-platform progression and achievements. For instance, the article mentions Gears 5 and Sea of Thieves as examples where signing into Xbox Network through the game prompts the user to link to their Steam account. The steps generally involve starting the game on Steam, signing into Xbox Network when prompted, and selecting the account link option in the game menu.

• EA Games & Steam: Another scenario is adding games from other launchers like EA to Steam. Through Steam’s “Add a Non-Steam Game to My Library” function, you can launch EA games through Steam and utilize Steam’s overlay features.

Transferring Save Data: The Real Goal

Often, when people ask about linking Game Pass to Steam, they’re really interested in transferring their save data. The good news is that this is sometimes possible, but it requires some work and depends heavily on the specific game.

1. Locate Save Files: The first step is finding the save files for the game in question. For Game Pass (Microsoft Store) games, these are typically located in the %LOCALAPPDATA%Packages folder. This folder houses data for all Windows Store apps, so you’ll need to identify the specific folder for your game.
2. Steam Save Locations: Next, find the save location for the Steam version of the game. This varies widely depending on the game developer. Common locations include:
   • %USERPROFILE%DocumentsMy Games[Game Name]Saves
   • Steamuserdata[Your Steam ID] [Game App ID]remote
   • %LOCALAPPDATA%[Game Name]SavedSaveGames
3. Data Conversion (If Necessary): In some cases, the save file formats used by the Game Pass and Steam versions are different. This means you’ll need to convert the save data using a third-party tool. The article example mentions Starfield as an example where a tool was created to convert the Microsoft Store/Game Pass Starfield files into the .SFS file format used by Steam.
4. Copy and Replace: Once you have the save files in the correct format, copy them from the Game Pass save location to the Steam save location. Be sure to back up your original Steam save files first! Overwriting them with incompatible data can cause problems.

Important Considerations for Save Transfers

• Game Compatibility: Not all games support save transfers between Game Pass and Steam. Some games use different game engines or save systems that make it impossible.
• Cloud Saves: Some games use cloud saves that are tied to a specific platform. If the Game Pass version of the game uses Xbox Cloud Saves, you may not be able to access those saves on Steam.
• Third-Party Tools: Be cautious when using third-party tools to convert save files. Download them from reputable sources and scan them for viruses before running them.
• Manual Conversion: Some saves can be manually converted through a hex editor, although this method is complex and technical.
• DRM (Digital Rights Management): DRM can often inhibit transferring saves between platforms as it may be tied to a specific account or platform.

Other Ways to Leverage Both Platforms

Beyond direct linking and save transfers, here are a few other ways to use Game Pass and Steam together:

• Play Anywhere Titles: Xbox Play Anywhere games let you play on both Xbox and PC with a single digital purchase, sharing your save progress and achievements via Xbox Live. However, this doesn’t involve Steam – you’ll be playing the PC version through the Xbox app.
• Steam Family Sharing: Though not related to Game Pass, Steam Family Sharing allows you to share your Steam game library with other accounts on the same computer. The other accounts must also be logged on to the same computer to be eligible.
• Using Both Subscriptions: If you have both Game Pass and Steam libraries, think strategically. Use Game Pass to try out new games and play those with limited replay value, and Steam to build a permanent library of favorites.

Sharing Game Pass: Account and Home Xbox

While not directly linking to Steam, you can share your Game Pass Ultimate benefits within your household:

• Home Xbox: Designate your primary Xbox console as your “home Xbox.” Anyone who signs in to that console with their profile will have access to your Game Pass subscription.
• Account Sharing on PC: You can share your Game Pass subscription on PC with family members by signing into the Microsoft Store (where Game Pass games are downloaded) with the account that has the active subscription. This often involves logging into the Xbox App with one account, then signing into the Microsoft Store app with the Game Pass subscription account.

Game Pass Friends & Family

It’s also important to acknowledge that Microsoft has experimented with features like the Game Pass Friends & Family plan, which allows sharing the subscription with multiple users. However, availability of such options might vary by region or be phased out in favor of new features.

FAQs: Linking Game Pass and Steam

1. Can I directly link my Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription to Steam to get all Game Pass games on Steam?

No, you cannot. Game Pass and Steam are separate platforms. Game Pass is a subscription service, while Steam is a digital store.

2. Will my game progress be saved on both Xbox and Steam if I play an Xbox Play Anywhere title?

Yes, if it’s an Xbox Play Anywhere game, your game progress is saved on Xbox Live, allowing you to continue your progress on both Xbox and Windows 10/11 PCs.

3. How do I find my Game Pass games saved files on PC?

Game saves for PC Xbox Games can usually be found inside the C:Users[YOUR USER]AppDataLocalPackages folder.

4. Can I transfer my save data from Xbox Game Pass to Steam for every game?

No, this is not possible for every game. It depends on the game’s compatibility and whether the save file formats are transferable.

5. What are common Steam save file locations?

Common Steam save locations include: * %USERPROFILE%DocumentsMy Games[Game Name]Saves * Steamuserdata[Your Steam ID] [Game App ID]remote * %LOCALAPPDATA%[Game Name]SavedSaveGames

6. How do I add an EA game to my Steam library?

Go to Games > Add a Non-Steam Game to My Library and select the game. If it’s not listed, click Browse and find the game executable.

7. Is it safe to use third-party tools to convert save files?

Be cautious. Download tools from reputable sources and scan them for viruses before running them.

8. Does Steam allow more than one account to be used on the same computer?

Yes, you can access different Steam accounts from one computer, but only one account can be active at a time.

9. Can I transfer Xbox games directly to my Steam Deck?

You can’t transfer Xbox games directly to Steam Deck. The process involves finding where Steam saves your games and moving the Xbox save file to this folder, replacing the Steam save file.

10. Can I share my Xbox Game Pass account with friends?

Yes, you can share Xbox Game Pass Ultimate by setting your primary Xbox as your home Xbox, which allows anyone who signs in to the console with their profile to use your Game Pass subscription.

11. How do I claim my free Game Pass on PC?

Open the Microsoft Store, go to Library, select Included with device, and claim your Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.

12. Are there any Xbox games I can’t play on Steam Deck?

Yes, you can’t simply transfer and play your top Xbox and PC Game Pass games on this portable gaming PC as the framework blocks direct installations on the Steam Deck.

13. How do I link my Xbox account to Steam for games like Sea of Thieves?

When you boot the game and progress to the ‘Start Game’ screen, a ‘Sign in to Xbox Live’ login prompt will appear. Enter your Xbox Live account details.

14. Can I stream games from my Xbox to my computer?

Yes, by using the Xbox app on your PC, you can stream games from your Xbox One. You can then stream that app to your Steam Deck if you wish!

15. Can I share my game library with family using Steam?

Yes, Steam Family Sharing allows you to authorize users who have also logged into this computer to share your library with. Click the “Authorize Library Sharing on this device” switch.

Conclusion

While a seamless “link” between Game Pass and Steam isn’t possible, understanding the nuances of account linking for specific games, save data transfer methods, and the ways to share Game Pass benefits allows you to strategically utilize both platforms to enhance your gaming experience. If you’re interested in further exploring the educational aspects of games and game design, consider visiting the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more.