What Games Shine on Remote Play? A Comprehensive Guide

Remote Play, in its various forms (Steam, PlayStation, Xbox), opens up a world of gaming possibilities, allowing you to enjoy your favorite titles on different devices and locations. However, not all games translate equally well to this streamed experience. The key to a successful Remote Play session hinges on the game’s genre, control scheme, and overall complexity. Generally, games that are turn-based, slower-paced, or support local multiplayer tend to work exceptionally well. Think strategy games, RPGs, puzzle games, and party games. These titles are less demanding on input accuracy and latency, making them ideal for a streamed connection.

Here’s a breakdown of game categories that thrive on Remote Play:

• Turn-Based Strategy: Games like Civilization VI, XCOM 2, and Into the Breach are fantastic choices. Their deliberate pacing and reliance on strategic decision-making minimize the impact of potential input lag. You can plan your next move without the pressure of split-second reflexes.
• RPGs (Role-Playing Games): Many RPGs, particularly those with a focus on exploration and narrative, are well-suited for Remote Play. Games like Divinity: Original Sin 2 (especially for its turn-based combat), Pillars of Eternity, and even slower-paced action RPGs like Diablo III can provide enjoyable experiences.
• Puzzle Games: Puzzle games, by their nature, often require more thought than rapid reaction. Titles like Portal 2, The Witness, and Baba Is You translate well, offering a relaxing and engaging experience on a variety of devices.
• Local Multiplayer/Party Games: This is where Steam Remote Play Together truly shines. Games like Overcooked! 2, Jackbox Party Packs, Moving Out, and Golf With Your Friends are designed for shared fun and are excellent choices for playing with friends remotely. Because one person hosts, bandwidth is less of an issue for other players, and the focus is on group enjoyment, making minor latency less critical.
• Casual Games: Games like Stardew Valley, Animal Crossing: New Horizons (via Xbox Remote Play if you own the digital version on Xbox), and other life simulation or farming games are perfect for winding down on a tablet or laptop.
• Card Games/Board Game Adaptations: Digital card games like Slay the Spire, Magic: The Gathering Arena, or board game adaptations like Ticket to Ride work well due to their turn-based nature and simple controls.
• Visual Novels/Narrative Adventures: Games that focus heavily on story and character interaction, like Life is Strange or TellTale’s The Walking Dead, are excellent for enjoying on a larger screen via Remote Play from a handheld device.
• Fighting Games (with caveats): While traditionally sensitive to latency, some fighting games with robust online rollback netcode, like Mortal Kombat 11 or Guilty Gear Strive, can be playable with Remote Play, especially if both the host and client have excellent internet connections.
• Racing Games (with caveats): Similar to fighting games, racing games require good connections. Arcade-style racers fare better than simulations where fine-tuned control is crucial. Games like Rocket League or Forza Horizon 5 can be playable but may require tweaking settings for optimal performance.

Games to Approach with Caution (or Avoid) for Remote Play:

• Fast-Paced Action Games: First-person shooters like Call of Duty or Apex Legends, and fast-paced action games like Devil May Cry, are generally not ideal for Remote Play due to the high demand for low latency and precise controls.
• Rhythm Games: Rhythm games like Beat Saber or Guitar Hero rely on precise timing and synchronization, which can be heavily impacted by latency.
• Competitive Online Games (in general): While some games might be technically playable, competing in online multiplayer matches with Remote Play introduces a potential disadvantage due to increased latency compared to playing directly on the host machine.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Remote Play

1. What is the most important factor for a good Remote Play experience?

The quality of your network connection is paramount. Both the host and client devices need stable, high-bandwidth connections (ideally wired Ethernet) with low latency.

2. Does Remote Play work over Wi-Fi?

Yes, it does, but a wired Ethernet connection is highly recommended for the host device. If using Wi-Fi, ensure it’s a 5 GHz connection and minimize interference.

3. What are the minimum internet speed requirements for Remote Play?

While 5 Mbps is often cited as a minimum, 10 Mbps or higher (both upload and download) is ideal, especially for higher resolutions and frame rates.

4. Does the host computer’s specifications affect Remote Play performance?

Yes, the host computer needs to be powerful enough to run the game at your desired settings while simultaneously encoding and streaming the video. A quad-core CPU or better is recommended.

5. Does the client device’s specifications affect Remote Play performance?

The client device needs to be able to decode the video stream efficiently. Most modern laptops, tablets, and smartphones should be sufficient.

6. What is Steam Remote Play Together?

Steam Remote Play Together allows you to share local multiplayer games with friends online. Only one person needs to own the game, and others can join the session as if they were playing on the same screen.

7. Is Steam Remote Play free?

Yes, Steam Remote Play is a free feature available to all Steam users.

8. Can I use Remote Play to play games on my phone?

Yes, you can use Remote Play to stream games to your smartphone or tablet, using the Steam Link app (for Steam), the PlayStation App (for PlayStation), or the Xbox App (for Xbox).

9. Does Remote Play consume a lot of data?

Yes, Remote Play can consume a significant amount of data, especially at higher resolutions and frame rates. Be mindful of your data cap if you have one.

10. How do I reduce lag in Remote Play?

• Use a wired Ethernet connection for the host device.
• Lower the streaming resolution in the Remote Play settings.
• Close unnecessary applications on both the host and client devices.
• Ensure your network drivers are up to date.
• Adjust streaming settings within the Steam, PlayStation, or Xbox apps.

11. Can I use a controller with Remote Play?

Yes, most controllers are compatible with Remote Play. You may need to configure the controller settings within the Remote Play app or the game itself.

12. What ports does Remote Play use?

Steam Remote Play uses UDP ports 27031 and 27036, and TCP ports 27036 and 27037. Make sure these ports are open on your firewall if you’re experiencing connection issues. PlayStation and Xbox have their own respective port requirements.

13. Can I play games that are not on Steam with Remote Play?

While Steam Remote Play is primarily for Steam games, you can add non-Steam games to your Steam library and potentially stream them using Remote Play. Results may vary.

14. How many players can participate in Steam Remote Play Together?

Up to four players can participate in Steam Remote Play Together, although some games may support more with fast connections.

15. Where can I learn more about the science behind games and learning?

Check out the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ for resources and research on the intersection of games and education. GamesLearningSociety.org explores how games can be used for learning and development.