What Happens if You Add a Non-Steam Game to Steam? A Comprehensive Guide
Adding a non-Steam game to your Steam library is a great way to centralize your PC gaming experience, but it’s important to understand exactly what this action entails. In essence, adding a non-Steam game to Steam creates a shortcut within the Steam client, allowing you to launch the game directly from your Steam library. This means you can use the Steam overlay (accessed by pressing Shift + Tab) while playing, enabling features like in-game chat, screenshots, and browsing. However, this is not the same as adding a Steam-purchased game. Crucially, Steam will not provide updates for your non-Steam game, and it won’t count towards your proof of ownership on Steam. You also won’t get Steam achievements for the game. It’s a convenience feature for managing your gaming collection rather than true integration. Let’s delve deeper into what this means, the benefits, and the limitations, ensuring you have a complete understanding of the process.
How Does Adding a Non-Steam Game Actually Work?
When you add a non-Steam game, you are essentially creating a custom entry in your Steam library that points to the game’s executable file on your computer. Steam scans your machine for eligible .exe files, allowing you to add nearly any application, though it’s most commonly used for games bought on other platforms like EA, the Epic Games Store, GOG, or itch.io.
Key Benefits of Adding Non-Steam Games
- Centralized Game Library: All your games, regardless of where you purchased them, become accessible in one place – your Steam library. This simplifies game organization and reduces clutter on your desktop.
- Steam Overlay Support: Use the Steam overlay, complete with chat, screenshots, web browser, and more, in your non-Steam game.
- Playtime Tracking: Steam records playtime for non-Steam games, allowing you to track your gaming habits and see how long you’ve spent on each title.
- Steam Controller Compatibility: If you use a Steam controller, adding your non-Steam games through Steam allows you to easily configure the controller for those games.
- Friend Activity Visibility: Your friends can see that you’re playing a non-Steam game, just like a Steam game.
Key Limitations of Adding Non-Steam Games
- No Automatic Updates: Steam will not download or install updates for non-Steam games; this must be done manually by the user through the game’s native launcher, if available, or by downloading the updates from the game’s provider.
- No Steam Achievements: You will not earn Steam achievements for playing a non-Steam game.
- Not Proof of Ownership: These games are not recognized as proof of ownership on Steam. If you need to authenticate your account or use family sharing, non-Steam games will not count.
- Potential Compatibility Issues: Though less common, there are instances where some non-Steam games may have compatibility problems with the Steam overlay or other Steam features.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Adding Non-Steam Games to Steam
1. Is It Safe to Add Non-Steam Games to Steam?
Yes, it’s generally safe. Adding a non-Steam game only creates a shortcut and doesn’t alter the game files themselves or your Steam client. The primary thing to consider is whether the original game files are safe. Make sure you are only adding games from trusted and reputable sources.
2. Does Steam Show if You’re Playing a Non-Steam Game?
Yes, if you add the game to your library, Steam will display that you’re playing it to your friends, just like a Steam game. This is a great feature for showing off your activities to your friends and coordinating gaming sessions.
3. Can You Get Steam Achievements with Non-Steam Games?
No, you cannot get Steam achievements with non-Steam games. Achievements are specific to the Steam platform and are awarded when you play a game directly purchased or activated through Steam. However, you may still be able to unlock in-game achievements specific to the game, depending on if the game has its own system.
4. Does Steam Count Hours for Non-Steam Games?
Yes, Steam does track playtime for non-Steam games. The hours are recorded on your Steam profile, just like Steam-purchased games. This allows you to monitor your time spent across your entire gaming library.
5. How Do I Add a Non-Steam Game to Steam?
To add a non-Steam game, go to your Steam library, click “Add a Game” at the bottom left, and select “Add a Non-Steam Game.” Choose the .exe file of the game you want to add, and it will be added to your library. You may want to change the game’s name or icon for better organization.
6. How Do I Play Steam Without Counting Time?
If you want to play without tracking time, switch Steam to “Offline Mode”. Steam generally does not track hours when playing offline, though sometimes, your playtime will be synced once you reconnect online.
7. Are Free Steam Games Temporary?
No, if you acquire a free game that you add to your account, it is permanent. Free weekend or promotion games, though, are temporary. When a free weekend expires, you’ll need to buy the game to continue playing.
8. Can You Still Get Achievements If You Mod a Steam Game?
Modding a Steam game usually prevents you from getting Steam achievements on the modded playthrough. Local in-game achievements, that are part of the game, are not prevented by mods. To re-enable Steam achievements, you need to disable the mods and load a save file from before the mods were enabled.
9. Are Steam Achievements Worth It?
The value of Steam achievements is subjective. Some enjoy collecting them, others use them as challenges or motivators, and many ignore them altogether. If you derive enjoyment from them, then they certainly have value.
10. Can You Tell If Someone Is Watching You on Steam?
Yes, you will receive a notification when someone starts watching your game on Steam. You can also see a list of current viewers through the Steam overlay.
11. What Happens If I’m Invisible on Steam?
When you set your status to “Invisible” on Steam, you appear offline to all your friends, though you can still use chat functions if desired. This allows you to use the Steam client without letting others know you are online.
12. Does Steam Track When I Play a Game?
Yes, Steam tracks your playtime, even when offline. The playtime is usually synced with your online account later when you reconnect. This means even if you play offline, your hours are still recorded.
13. What Are the Disadvantages of Using Steam?
Some disadvantages of using Steam include potentially shady developer practices, an easily manipulated rating system, and a heavy emphasis on trading cards. There have been instances of a lack of company involvement to protect players, as well as the lack of an optimal search algorithm.
14. What Games Can You Not Get on Steam?
Popular games like Fortnite, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, and others are often exclusive to their own launchers or other platforms. Check individual titles to see whether they are available on Steam.
15. Do Refunds on Steam Remove Achievements?
No, refunding a game on Steam does not remove your playtime and achievements from your Steam Community profile. These remain visible in your account history.
Conclusion
Adding non-Steam games to your Steam library provides a convenient way to unify your PC game collection and take advantage of the Steam overlay and associated features. While it doesn’t provide the full Steam experience, like automatic updates or achievements, it’s an excellent method to organize and track your gaming across multiple platforms. By understanding the benefits and limitations, you can utilize this feature effectively and manage your PC gaming library to your preference.