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To play a game in your Steam library, sign in to the Steam account that has access to it, open Library, install the game if needed, then select Play. Check the game’s Steam store page for its system requirements and device compatibility before installing. You can also play eligible games offline after preparing them, stream a game from a computer to another device, or use a Steam Deck.
Play a game on your computer
- Install and open the Steam client on a compatible computer, then sign in to the account that owns the game or has access to it.
- Open Library and select the game. If it is not installed, choose the install option and follow the prompts.
- When installation is complete, select Play.
Before installing, check the game’s Steam store page for supported operating systems and system requirements. Having a title in your library does not guarantee it will run on every computer.
Choose how you want to play
| Route | Where the game runs | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Play locally | The computer running Steam | Install the game and meet its system requirements. |
| Steam Remote Play | A host computer; another supported device receives the stream | The host does the game processing, so it must be on and connected. Network quality affects streaming. |
| Steam Deck | The handheld Deck | It runs supported games in SteamOS; compatibility varies by game. |
| Offline Mode | The computer with the prepared game installed | Requires preparation while online, and some games still need an internet connection or an external launcher. |
Play your library without an internet connection
Prepare Offline Mode before disconnecting. Steam’s Offline Mode guide says to sign in online, let Steam and the game finish updating, launch the game at least once for initial setup, then choose Steam > Go Offline.
Offline Mode disables Steam features that require a connection, and not every game works offline. A title that requires an active connection or an external launcher will not be playable this way. If Steam displays a login prompt that it cannot complete, Valve says there is no offline bypass for that prompt. Close Steam normally so it can retain stored offline information.
#1 Best Overall
- 1TB NVMe SSD
- 1280 x 800 HDR OLED display with premium anti-glare etched glass, 7.4" Diagonal display size up to 90Hz refresh rate
- Wi-Fi 6E
- 50Whr battery; 3-12 hours of gameplay (content-dependent)
- Carrying case with removable liner
Stream a game to another device
With Steam Remote Play, the game runs on a host computer while another computer or supported device receives its audio and video and sends back player input. The host must have the game installed and running through Steam. On the receiving computer, sign in to Steam and choose the streaming option for the game; on a supported device, use the Steam Link app. See Steam’s Remote Play guide.
For a more reliable connection, Valve recommends connecting the host computer to the router by Ethernet. Wireless interference or network settings can cause choppy video or connection failures; public, school, workplace, guest, or client-isolated networks may prevent Remote Play from working. Steam’s suggested network settings explain the relevant network considerations.
Rank #2
- 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
Invite a friend to local co-op with Remote Play Together
Remote Play Together lets you invite friends to supported local co-op games. The host launches the game, opens the Steam Overlay with Shift+Tab, right-clicks a friend in the friends list, and selects Remote Play Together. The invited friend joins the host’s session remotely and does not need to own or launch the game. The feature is game-specific, so confirm that Remote Play Together is listed on the game’s store page. Details are in Steam’s Remote Play guide.
Use Steam Families to access eligible games
Games shared through Steam Families appear in the library, but access is not universal and ownership remains with the purchasing account. Supported shared play can keep each account’s achievements and saves separate. Steam’s Steam Families User Guide & FAQ lists exclusions and limitations.
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- Games requiring third-party keys, accounts, or subscriptions may not be shareable.
- Free-to-play games and their related DLC, region- or operating-system-restricted games, publisher-excluded games, and private games may be unavailable to family members.
- Offline play from a family library works only if the particular game supports Family Sharing.
Play on Steam Deck
Steam Deck is an optional handheld for browsing, downloading, and playing supported Steam games; it is not required to use a Steam library. Initial setup needs Wi-Fi so you can sign in. Because the Deck uses SteamOS and a Linux environment, check the current compatibility information for each game instead of assuming the entire library will work. Valve’s Steam Deck basic-use guide covers setup and troubleshooting.
For storage expansion, Valve’s support guide says UHS-I class 3 or better microSD cards are supported; higher UHS-II/III transfer speeds are not supported. See Valve’s Steam Deck and Steam Machine Desktop FAQ for additional platform information.
Rank #4
- 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.
Add a non-Steam game shortcut
In the Steam client, choose Games > Add a Non-Steam Game to My Library, browse to an already installed program, and add it. This creates a shortcut in Steam; it does not give Steam responsibility for the program’s updates or show that your Steam account owns it. See Valve’s instructions for adding non-Steam games.
If a game will not launch
Start with the game’s system requirements and operating-system compatibility. Steam’s general troubleshooting guidance recommends updating the operating system and device drivers, verifying the installed game files, and disabling nonessential software that might interfere. If the problem continues, contact the game’s developer support; launch failures can have different causes across hardware and software configurations. See Steam’s troubleshooting guide for games that do not run after “Preparing to Launch”.
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