You can share games on Steam by creating or joining a Steam family. Fortunately, the process is fairly easy for all parties involved. Games owned by a family member will be added to the family library. Provided the game supports game sharing, anyone in the family will then be able to play the game. However, sharing games on Steam works with a copies system. This means that if you want to play a Steam game with another person your family will need to have at least 2 copies of the game.
1. Select your profile name and select Account Details.
2. Select Family Management from the side, then choose to Create A Family.
3. Give your family a name, then click the Create button.
4. Click the Invite Member button, then select Search Friend’s List.
5. Choose the person you want to invite.
6. Select a role for the person you’re inviting, choosing Child will enable parental controls for the user.
7. Click the Invite button.
8. Sign in to the invited Steam account on a PC in the same household, then open the Account Details.
9. Go to Family Management, then select Join a Family.
10. Accept the invite then click Confirm.
11. Go to your email and click the Join Family button.
How Many People Can Play a Shared Steam Game?
One copy of a game is added to the Steam family for each member that owns the game. This is also how many people that can play that one game at any given time. For example, if you and one other person wants to play a game together, then the family will need to have at least 2 copies of that game. Therefore, only one person can play any shared Steam game.
Difference Between Adult and Child on Steam Families
Anyone that joins a Steam family as a child will have parental controls added to their account. This will restrict what the account can do and play, based on the controls set by the Adult. However, if you join a family as an Adult then no account restrictions will be added.
Can I Share My Steam Games with Someone?
Yes, you can share your Steam games, provided it allows it. Unfortunately, not all games support the sharing feature. Additionally, the shared game will only be playable for one person at a time. This means you can’t share a game and play together. Furthermore, the person joining the Steam family will need to be joining from the same household.
Can 2 People Play the Same Game on Steam?
If your Steam family has multiple copies of a game then 2 people can play the same game on Steam. However, if there is only one copy of the game, or the game isn’t eligible to be shared, then you won’t be able to play at the same time.
How to Share Games on Steam and Play Together
When looking to share games you’re probably trying to play with someone while only owning one copy of the game. Unfortunately, this isn’t possible. However, you can share game between multiple people using the Steam family feature. Provided another family member also owns the game then you will be able to play together.
How to Tell if a Steam Game Can Be Shared
The easiest way to tell if a game can be shared is to go to the store page for the game. On the right side you will see a list of the features available in the game. If you see Family Sharing then you can share the game.
What Happens if a Shared Game is Refunded
When a Steam game is refunded it will be removed from the owners library, as well as the family library. This means no one in the family will be able to play that game again. However, if a new copy of the game is purchased by a family member then it will become playable again.
Can You Leave a Steam Family?
Although you are free to leave a Steam family at any time, you won’t be able to join a new family for a year. This is to prevent people from constantly switching families and abusing the game sharing feature.
How to See Steam Family Library
You can view your Steam family library by going to your account details and switching to the Family Management page. Here you will be able to select Library and view all of the included games that are eligible to be shared. Additionally, you can see how many copies of a game are available. This will be indicated by a number at the bottom of the game.
