Sharing your Steam games with friends and family can be a great way to expand your gaming library without breaking the bank. However, Steam doesn't offer a built-in "gamesharing" feature in the traditional sense. This guide explains the methods you can use to achieve a similar outcome, along with the limitations and potential risks involved.
Understanding Steam Family Sharing
Steam's Family Sharing is the closest thing to gamesharing. It allows you to authorize other computers to access your game library. It's not a true gamesharing solution, though, as only one person can play your games at a time. If you're playing a game, your authorized family member can't.
How to Set Up Steam Family Sharing:
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Authorize a Computer: On your primary Steam account, go to your Steam settings and locate the "Family" section. Here, you can authorize other computers to access your library. This requires logging into your account on those computers.
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Library Access: Once authorized, the other user will see your games in their library. They can install and play any game you own, provided you are not currently playing it.
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Limitations: Remember, only one person can play your shared games at a time. Certain games may not be eligible for Family Sharing, and DLC often isn't shared. Saving progress will be tied to the authorized account, not the shared account.
Alternatives to Steam Family Sharing (Proceed with Caution)
There are alternative methods sometimes discussed online, but we strongly advise against these. These methods often involve sharing account credentials or using third-party tools, which violate Steam's Terms of Service and could lead to account bans. Steam actively monitors for these activities, and the risk isn't worth it.
Stick to Family Sharing for a safe and reliable way to share games.
Maximizing Your Steam Family Sharing Experience
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Communicate Clearly: Establish clear communication with the person sharing your library to avoid conflicts and misunderstandings.
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Respect Limits: Remember the limitations of Family Sharing. Don't expect to play simultaneously.
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Regular Review: Periodically review the authorized computers on your Family Sharing list to ensure security.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I share all my games? A: No, some games may not be eligible for Family Sharing.
Q: Can I play simultaneously with someone using Family Sharing? A: No, only one person can play your shared games at a time.
Q: What happens to my saved games? A: Save progress is tied to the account playing the game.
Q: Is sharing accounts allowed? A: No, sharing account credentials violates Steam's Terms of Service and can result in account bans.
By following these guidelines, you can safely and effectively use Steam Family Sharing to expand your gaming opportunities. Remember, always prioritize respecting Steam's terms of service to avoid potential penalties.
