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Steam’s current library-sharing feature is Steam Families. Family members can play different games from the shared library at the same time, but each person playing the same game simultaneously needs a separate family-owned copy. For a supported local multiplayer game, Remote Play Together is another option: one player runs the game and invites others into that session.
Set up Steam Families and access the shared library
- On the Steam Store page, open Account Details, then select Family Management.
- Choose Create a Family.
- Invite the other person and assign an adult or child role.
- After the invitation is accepted, look for eligible shared games in your Steam library and launch the one you want to play.
Steam Families supports up to six members and is intended for close family members in one household. Steam may prevent someone from joining if account activity does not indicate the same household as the existing members. The feature became available to all Steam users on September 11, 2024, as announced by Steam News.
Each person uses their own Steam account. The person who bought a game keeps ownership; sharing does not transfer it. Achievements are recorded on each player’s account, while save compatibility depends on the game.
How many copies you need to play the same game
| What players want to do | What the family needs |
|---|---|
| Play different family-library games at the same time | One available copy of each game being played; one member using a title does not lock every other title in the library. |
| Play the same game simultaneously from separate accounts | A separate family-owned copy for each simultaneous player. For example, one copy of Portal 2 allows one family member to play; two copies allow two members to play at once, according to Steam’s FAQ. |
| Play a supported local multiplayer game together through Remote Play Together | One player owns and runs the game, then invites the others into that hosted session. Steam says up to four players can join, or more with fast connections. |
Remote Play Together is distinct from launching a shared game on multiple accounts. It is for games that support local multiplayer: the host runs the game and streams the session to invited players. It does not remove the copy requirement when two family members want to launch the same shared title separately. Check the game’s Steam page or library details for support before choosing this approach.
#1 Best Overall
- International (UK) Version
- 7.4” diagonal, HDR OLED, 1280 x 800 x RGB, up to 90Hz Refresh rate, High performance touch, <0.1 ms Response time, 1,000 nits peak brightness (HDR), 600 nits (SDR)
- SteamOS 3.0 (Arch-based)
- 512GB NVMe SSD, 16GB LPDDR5 on-board RAM (5500 MT/s quad 32-bit channels), microSD UHS-I supports SD, SDXC and SDHC
- 6 nm AMD APU, CPU: Zen 2 4c/8t, 2.4-3.5GHz (up to 448 GFlops FP32
Check whether the game can be shared
Sharing eligibility is specific to each game and can change. Steam lists possible exclusions including games that require third-party keys, accounts or subscriptions; free-to-play games and their purchased DLC; region-restricted games or DLC; unsupported operating systems; publisher opt-outs; and games an owner has marked private. Check the listing or library entry for the actual title rather than assuming every game in a family member’s account will appear.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Valve is entering the gaming console marketplace with the new Steam Deck, a console geared towards PC gamers. The Steam Deck can be docked to a monitor, and used as a PC, or docked to a TV.
- Players can play a huge variety of games at any time with the comfort of a console and the freedom of a PC. Not anti-glare screen.
- Like the name suggests, the Steam Deck will include upgraded 1TB storage, and will include a carrying case. A micro SD slot will also enable expanded storage.
- Valve partnered with AMD to create a specialized APU optimized for handheld gaming, and Valve says the chip will deliver performance to run AAA gaming titles.
- The Steam Deck is outfitted with a 7-inch touchscreen, and two trackpads under the control sticks that allow gamers to operate games never designed outside of mouse and keyboard capabilities.
Rank #4
- 512 GB NVMe SSD: Fast storage for quicker game load times and space for larger game libraries.
- OLED Display: 1200x800 resolution with deep contrasts and vibrant colors for a captivating visual experience.
- Custom AMD APU: Power-efficient Zen 2 CPU and RDNA 2 GPU for desktop-level gaming performance.
- Expandable Storage: Add more space with a microSD card slot, ensuring you can bring even more games with you.
- Versatile Controls: With built-in thumbsticks, trackpads, and touchscreen controls, you have full control over your gaming experience.
Rank #3
- 【Upgraded】We sells product with professionally upgraded to 2TB SSD. Original Seal is opened for upgrade ONLY.
- 【Stunning 7.4" HDR OLED & 90Hz Motion】 Experience striking contrast and brilliant clarity with the all-new 7.4-inch HDR OLED display. Designed from the ground up for gaming, it features a 90Hz refresh rate for smooth motion and pure blacks. This handheld is capable of delivering an immersive visual experience, ensuring your Steam library looks better than ever with vibrant colors and amazing motion rendition.
- 【30-50% More Battery & Efficient Performance】 Play your favorites longer with up to 50% more battery life. By fitting a larger battery and a power-efficient OLED panel, this device provides extended gameplay sessions. It’s the perfect travel companion for long flights or commutes. The updated AMD APU ensures high-speed performance for AAA titles while maintaining incredible energy efficiency.
- 【3X Faster Downloads with Wi-Fi 6E】 Never wait for a game again. Equipped with Wi-Fi 6E, this Steam Deck OLED offers increased bandwidth and lower latency, delivering downloads up to 3 times faster than previous models. This ensures stable online play and rapid updates, making it the most reliable wireless gaming handheld for modern high-speed home networks.
- 【Responsive Touch & Enhanced Connectivity】 Enjoy a vastly improved touchscreen with higher fidelity and faster haptics. We’ve added a dedicated Bluetooth antenna to improve connections for multiple controllers. Whether using the built-in trackpads or the included external controller, this allows for precision play in everything from FPS to complex strategy games.
Fix a missing or unavailable game
- The game is missing: Check whether that title is eligible for Family sharing and whether the owner has marked it private.
- The game is locked or in use: Steam’s client shows who is playing a locked family game. Wait for that copy to become available, or select another family-owned copy if one is available.
- You need to play at the same time: For separate launches of the same title, the family needs another copy. For supported local multiplayer, consider Remote Play Together instead.
- A save does not work after switching copies: Different copies may have different DLC, which can affect save compatibility.
- You cannot join or reorganize a family: Check Steam’s current Steam Families FAQ for household eligibility and membership restrictions. Adults who leave generally must wait one year before joining or creating a different family, though Steam says they can rejoin their last family if it has an open slot.
Choose the right multiplayer option
- Use the family library when the players want to launch games on their own accounts; first verify that the game is shareable and that enough copies exist for anyone playing the same title concurrently.
- Use Remote Play Together when the game supports it and the group wants to join one host’s local multiplayer session.
- Check the game’s own Steam page or library information for both forms of support; neither is universal.
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