Is Remote Play Together Free? Your Ultimate Guide to Playing Together, Apart

Yes! The beauty of Steam Remote Play Together and PlayStation’s Remote Play lies in its accessibility. Both services are completely free to use, assuming you meet the necessary hardware and software requirements. You don’t need to shell out any extra cash beyond the game itself (in the case of Steam) or owning a PlayStation console (in the case of PlayStation). Let’s dive into the details of each to understand the intricacies of this fantastic feature.

Understanding Steam Remote Play Together

Steam Remote Play Together is a feature built directly into the Steam platform that lets you share your local multiplayer games with friends over the internet. Think of it as bringing the couch co-op experience online. The best part? Only one player needs to own the game. The others connect through Steam’s streaming technology, effectively turning their computers into virtual controllers.

How Steam Remote Play Together Works:

1. The Host: One player owns and installs the game on their computer. This player will be the “host.”
2. The Invite: The host launches the game, opens the Steam Overlay (Shift+Tab), and invites friends from their friends list via “Remote Play Together.”
3. The Connection: Invited friends click the invite, and Steam handles the rest. They don’t need to own the game, just a Steam account and the Steam client.
4. The Gameplay: The game is streamed from the host’s computer to the connected players, who can use their own controllers or keyboard/mouse to play.

Key Benefits of Steam Remote Play Together:

• Cost-Effective: Only one person needs to buy the game.
• Accessibility: Lets you play local multiplayer games with friends regardless of their location.
• Convenience: No need to fuss with complicated setups or third-party software.
• Wide Compatibility: Works with a vast library of Steam games that support local multiplayer.

Exploring PlayStation’s Remote Play

PlayStation Remote Play allows you to stream your PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 5 games to a variety of devices, like your smartphone, tablet, PC, or another PlayStation console. This means you can play your favorite PS5 games while you’re away from your console, as long as you have a decent internet connection. And it’s all free after the initial purchase of the console and games.

How PlayStation Remote Play Works:

1. The Setup: Download the PS Remote Play app on your chosen device (available on Android, iOS, Windows, and Mac).
2. The Configuration: Enable Remote Play on your PS4 or PS5 in the system settings.
3. The Connection: Launch the Remote Play app and sign in with your PlayStation Network account.
4. The Gameplay: Your console will stream the game to your device, allowing you to control it with an on-screen controller or a connected gamepad.

Key Benefits of PlayStation Remote Play:

• Flexibility: Play your PlayStation games on a variety of devices.
• Portability: Enjoy your console games even when you’re away from home.
• Convenience: No need to be tethered to your TV.
• Cost-Effective: Again, it’s free after your initial investment in the console and games!

FAQs: Remote Play Together and PlayStation Remote Play

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the world of Remote Play:

1. Does Remote Play Together require a good internet connection?

Yes! Both Steam Remote Play Together and PlayStation Remote Play rely heavily on a stable and fast internet connection. The host (for Steam) and the console (for PlayStation) need a good upload speed, while connected players need a decent download speed. A minimum of 5 Mbps for both upload and download is generally recommended, but faster speeds will provide a smoother experience.

2. Can I use Remote Play Together on my phone?

Yes! With the latest Steam Client, you can send a link for Remote Play Together to friends on any device. If they can access the Steam Link App, they can join the game, including on Android phones, iPhones, iPads, Apple TVs, and Raspberry Pi. PlayStation Remote Play has dedicated apps for both Android and iOS.

3. Do all Steam games support Remote Play Together?

No. Only games that feature local multiplayer or local co-op are compatible with Steam Remote Play Together. Check the game’s Steam page for a “Remote Play Together” tag or a mention of local multiplayer support.

4. What devices can I use with PlayStation Remote Play?

You can use PlayStation Remote Play with Android smartphones and tablets, iPhones, iPads, Windows PCs, Macs, and other PlayStation consoles (PS4, PS5).

5. Does PlayStation Remote Play work away from home?

Yes! As long as your PlayStation console is connected to the internet and you have a stable internet connection on your remote device, you can use PlayStation Remote Play from anywhere.

6. Why is my Remote Play Together lagging?

Lag can be caused by several factors, including a slow internet connection, outdated graphics drivers, or high CPU usage on the host’s computer. Try closing unnecessary applications, updating your drivers, and ensuring a stable internet connection.

7. Can I play A Way Out with Remote Play Together?

Yes, you can play A Way Out using Remote Play Together using Steam or the Friend Pass system on PlayStation. The friend joining only needs to download the demo version. Both players might need active PS Plus or Xbox Live Gold accounts to play on consoles.

8. Do both players need a PlayStation Plus subscription for Remote Play?

Not necessarily. The host needs a PlayStation Plus subscription to play online multiplayer games, but the player using Remote Play doesn’t need one if they are playing a local co-op game.

9. What’s the difference between Remote Play and Remote Play Together?

Steam Remote Play lets you stream your games from one computer to another within your own network. Remote Play Together lets you invite friends to join your local co-op sessions remotely, without them needing to own the game. PlayStation Remote Play let’s you stream the game from the console to a different device logged in to your PSN.

10. How many players can join a Remote Play Together session?

Steam Remote Play Together typically supports up to four players, but some games may support more, especially with faster internet connections.

11. Does Remote Play use a lot of data?

Yes. Streaming video games consumes a significant amount of data. Using Wi-Fi is highly recommended to avoid exceeding your mobile data cap.

12. Can I use a controller with Remote Play on my phone?

Yes! Both Steam Link App and PlayStation Remote Play app support Bluetooth controllers. This will give you a more authentic gaming experience.

13. Why can’t I connect to Remote Play away from home?

Make sure Remote Play is enabled on your console and that your console is connected to the internet. Check that your internet connection meets the minimum speed requirements (5 Mbps upload and download). The Remote Play app may also have connection issues.

14. Is Remote Play Together safe?

As long as you’re inviting friends you trust, Remote Play Together is generally safe. Be cautious about accepting invites from strangers, as they could potentially access your computer.

15. Where can I learn more about the impact of games and learning?

The Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) offers valuable insights into the intersection of gaming and education. Check out their website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ to explore research, articles, and resources related to game-based learning.

In conclusion, Remote Play Together through Steam and PlayStation’s Remote Play are fantastic, and free, ways to enjoy gaming with friends and on-the-go!