The short answer is yes, two Steam accounts can share games through a feature called Steam Family Sharing. However, it’s not quite as simple as just handing over your entire library to a friend. There are limitations and nuances you need to understand. This article breaks down exactly how Steam Family Sharing works, its restrictions, and provides answers to frequently asked questions to make sure you get the most out of your digital game library.
Understanding Steam Family Sharing: How It Works
Steam Family Sharing allows you to authorize up to five accounts on up to ten devices within a 90-day period. This means you can share your owned games with family members and close friends without having to buy multiple copies of the same title. The owner of the games remains the owner, and the shared users are borrowing access.
Here’s a breakdown of the core mechanics:
- Authorization: You need to log into your Steam account on each computer you wish to authorize for Family Sharing.
- Account Selection: You then select which Steam accounts on that computer can access your shared game library.
- Game Access: Once authorized, those accounts will see your games in their Steam library, marked with a note that they are “borrowed” from your account.
- Simultaneous Play Restrictions: Only one person can play games from a shared library at a time. If the game owner starts playing a game, the borrower will have a few minutes to either purchase the game themselves or quit playing.
- DLC and Region Restrictions: Some games or DLC may have region restrictions that prevent them from being shared.
Benefits of Steam Family Sharing
- Cost Savings: Sharing games reduces the need to purchase multiple copies for family members, especially for popular multiplayer titles.
- Try Before You Buy: Family Sharing allows friends to try games from your library before deciding to purchase them.
- Easy Access: It provides a convenient way for family members to access games without needing to create separate accounts or purchase individual licenses.
Limitations and Considerations
While Steam Family Sharing is a great feature, it comes with some limitations:
- Simultaneous Play: As mentioned, only one person can play a game from a shared library at a time.
- 90-Day Lockout: You can only deauthorize and authorize new devices a limited number of times within a 90-day period. This prevents abuse.
- VAC Bans: If a user sharing your library is caught cheating while playing a game, your account could also be VAC banned. This is a significant risk, so only share with trusted individuals.
- Game Compatibility: Not all games are eligible for Family Sharing. Games that require a third-party key or subscription may not be shareable.
- Region Locking: Some games or DLC are region-locked, preventing sharing across different geographical regions.
- Library Interruption: The library owner’s use always takes precedence. Borrowers may be kicked out of a game with little warning if the owner wants to play.
Setting Up Steam Family Sharing: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Log in: Log into your Steam account on the computer you want to authorize.
- Enable Family Sharing: Navigate to Steam > Settings > Family.
- Authorize Library Sharing: Check the box that says “Authorize Library Sharing on this computer“.
- Select Users: A list of Steam accounts that have logged into that computer will appear. Select the accounts you want to grant access to your library.
- Log into Borrower Account: Have the authorized users log into their Steam accounts on the same computer. They should now see your games in their library with the option to “borrow” and play them.
Best Practices for Steam Family Sharing
- Share with Trusted Individuals: Only share your library with family members and close friends you trust, as their actions can impact your account.
- Communicate: Establish clear communication with those sharing your library to avoid conflicts when multiple people want to play at the same time.
- Monitor Usage: Periodically review the authorized devices and accounts to ensure that only those you trust have access to your library.
- Understand the Risks: Be aware of the potential consequences of VAC bans and other violations that could result from the actions of those sharing your library.
FAQs About Steam Family Sharing
1. Can two people play the same game at the same time with Family Sharing?
No, only one person can play a game from a shared library at any given time. If the library owner starts playing a game, the borrower will be given a short period to either purchase the game or quit.
2. Can you play multiplayer games with Steam Family Sharing?
Yes, you can play multiplayer games through Family Sharing, but the owner of the game and the shared user cannot play the same game at the same time. If the owner launches the game, the shared user will be kicked out.
3. Can I send a game directly from one Steam account to another?
No, you cannot directly transfer a game from one Steam account to another. You can only share access through Family Sharing or purchase the game as a gift for another account.
4. Can you own two copies of the same game on one Steam account?
No, it’s not possible to own two copies of the same game on a single Steam account. Steam only allows one instance of a game per account.
5. If I buy a game I already own, what happens?
Steam prevents you from buying a game for yourself that you already own. The “Buy for myself” button will be grayed out. You can only buy it as a gift or store it in your inventory (unless it uses VAC).
6. Can I split a Steam account with someone else?
No, Steam’s terms of service prohibit sharing your account details with others. Games are licensed for the sole use of the account holder.
7. How do I send an extra copy of a Steam game to a friend?
You can purchase a game as a gift for a friend during the checkout process. The game will be sent to their account. Alternatively, if you possess a game in your inventory, you can send it to your friend via the “Manage Gifts and Guest Passes” option under the Games tab.
8. Can I have multiple Steam accounts linked to one email address?
Yes, you can have multiple Steam accounts associated with the same email address. However, you are restricted from using the same credit card on multiple accounts for purchases.
9. Why can’t I play shared Steam games sometimes?
There could be several reasons:
- The owner of the game is currently playing a game from their library.
- Family Sharing is not enabled on both accounts or the shared library is not visible to the other account.
- The game is not eligible for Family Sharing.
10. Can two PCs use one Steam account simultaneously if one is offline?
Steam is designed for single-user access at any given time. Even with one user in offline mode, the primary account holder launching a game online will disrupt the offline user’s session. To enable another to play while you are offline, utilize Family Sharing after authorizing their device.
11. Will I lose my games if I create a new Steam account?
Yes, you will lose access to any games purchased or activated on your old account. Games are tied to the specific account they were purchased on.
12. Can I get banned for sharing Steam games?
Yes, your Family Library Sharing privileges may be revoked, and your account may be VAC banned if your library is used by others to conduct cheating or fraud.
Conclusion
Steam Family Sharing offers a great way to share your digital game library with trusted friends and family, saving money and allowing others to experience games they might not otherwise try. However, it’s important to understand the limitations and risks associated with sharing, especially concerning VAC bans. By following the best practices outlined above and communicating clearly with those you share your library with, you can enjoy the benefits of Family Sharing while minimizing the potential downsides. For more gaming news and analysis, be sure to check out GB Times at gbtimes.com.
