Steam Family Sharing Explained: Share Your Library with Friends and Family
Steam Family Sharing is one of the most convenient features offered by Valve’s gaming platform. It allows family members and close friends to share their libraries of games, making gaming more accessible and budget-friendly. But how exactly does this feature work, and what are its limitations? In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Steam Family Sharing.
What Is Steam Family Sharing?
Steam Family Sharing is a feature that lets users share their game library with up to five other Steam accounts on a maximum of ten devices. This means your family members or friends can access your games on their own accounts, earning their own achievements and saving their progress separately.
Benefits of Steam Family Sharing
Steam Family Sharing offers several advantages:
- Cost-Effective Gaming: Instead of purchasing multiple copies of a game, family members can play shared games without additional costs.
- Separate Profiles: Each user has their own saves, progress, and achievements, making it a personalized experience.
- Security: Users don’t need to share account credentials, maintaining account privacy and security.
How to Enable Steam Family Sharing
Enabling Steam Family Sharing is straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get started:
- Log In to the Main Account:
Log in to your Steam account on the computer or device you want to share games on. - Enable Steam Guard Security:
- Open the Steam client.
- Go to Steam > Settings > Account.
- Ensure that Steam Guard Security is enabled. This is a mandatory step to use Family Sharing.
- Authorize the Device:
- Go to Steam > Settings > Family.
- Click on Authorize Library Sharing on This Computer.
- Select Accounts to Share With:
- On the same Family tab, you’ll see a list of accounts that have logged into this device.
- Check the boxes next to the accounts you wish to share your library with.
- Log Out and Let Them Log In:
- Once the device is authorized, the other user can log into their account and access your shared library.
Limitations of Steam Family Sharing
While Steam Family Sharing is a fantastic feature, it does come with certain restrictions:
- One User at a Time:
Only one person can access the shared library at a time. If you’re playing a game from your library, others won’t be able to access it. - Regional Restrictions:
Some games may have regional restrictions and cannot be shared across certain countries. - Excluded Games:
Not all games are eligible for Family Sharing. Games that require third-party accounts or subscriptions may not be shareable. - Limited Accounts and Devices:
A single account can authorize up to ten devices and share with up to five accounts.
Frequently Asked Questions About Steam Family Sharing
1. Can I play a shared game at the same time as the owner?
No. If the owner starts playing any game from their library, the shared user will be prompted to exit their game or purchase it to continue playing.
2. Are DLCs and in-game purchases shared?
DLCs that the game owner owns are shareable, but in-game purchases made by the shared user stay tied to their account and cannot be shared.
3. Can I share games with someone who lives in another country?
Yes, but regional restrictions on specific games may apply. Both accounts must follow Steam’s regional policies.
4. What happens if I lose access to the shared library?
The owner can revoke sharing privileges at any time. If this happens, you’ll lose access to their games.
Tips for Using Steam Family Sharing
- Communicate with Shared Users: Coordinate playtimes to avoid conflicts over library access.
- Check Game Eligibility: Before sharing, verify if the games in your library are compatible with Family Sharing.
- Secure Your Account: Always enable Steam Guard to ensure your account remains safe during sharing.
Best Types of Games to Share on Steam
Steam Family Sharing works best for games that:
- Have single-player modes or co-op play.
- Don’t require online servers or third-party accounts.
- Are story-driven or casual games that don’t demand simultaneous access.
Popular examples include:
- Stardew Valley: Perfect for laid-back farming and life simulation.
- The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim: An epic open-world RPG.
- Portal 2: A classic puzzle game with co-op options.
Why Steam Family Sharing Is a Game-Changer
Steam Family Sharing makes it easier to enjoy games without breaking the bank. Whether you’re introducing someone to gaming or simply sharing your favorites, this feature ensures everyone has access to a rich library of titles.
Conclusion
Steam Family Sharing is an excellent tool for gamers who want to share their love of gaming with others. It’s simple to set up, budget-friendly, and secure. While there are a few limitations, the benefits far outweigh them. Follow this guide to make the most of Steam Family Sharing and start gaming together today!