How to Have 2 Steam Games on Different PCs Simultaneously

If you are a gaming enthusiast, you might have found yourself in a situation where you want to enjoy gaming sessions on two different PCs at the same time. Whether you’re trying to play with a friend across different systems or simply want to optimize your gaming experience, understanding the options available on Steam can help you achieve this goal. In this article, we will guide you on how to have two Steam games running on different PCs simultaneously without breaching any rules.

Understanding Steam Accounts and Library Sharing

Before we dive into the methods, it’s essential to discuss a few key concepts regarding Steam accounts and library sharing. Steam allows you to create multiple accounts, and you can log into each account from different computers. However, according to Steam’s terms, a shared library may only be accessed by one user at a time, including the owner. This means if you share your library with someone, they cannot play a game from your library while you are also playing a game from the same library.

Step 1: Create Separate Steam Accounts

If you plan to enjoy playing on multiple PCs simultaneously, the first step is to ensure that you have more than one Steam account. If you only have a single account, then you’re limited to playing the games from that account on a single computer at any given time. To create a new account, follow these simple steps:

1. Open Steam and click on “Join Steam” at the top right.
2. Fill in the required information to create a new account.
3. Verify your email address as prompted.

Having a separate Steam account allows you to bypass the limitation imposed on library sharing, enabling you to play different games concurrently on different PCs without any conflicts.

Step 2: Install Steam on Multiple PCs

Next, you need to install the Steam client on both computers. The installation process is quite straightforward:

1. Go to the official Steam website and download the client for Windows, Mac, or Linux.
2. Follow the prompts to install the software on each machine.

Once installed, you can log in to each computer using the respective Steam accounts you’ve created.

Step 3: Log In and Download Games

After installing Steam on both PCs, log into each account on its respective computer. You can then browse through the Steam library and download games that you want to play. Each account operates independently, meaning you can play different games on each PC simultaneously without any interruptions.

Step 4: Playing Games on Different PCs

Once your games are downloaded, you can launch them on the respective PCs. For instance, if you wish to play “Game A” on PC 1 and “Game B” on PC 2, simply launch each game on its corresponding computer using the appropriate Steam account. This setup allows you to have the flexibility of playing multiple games at the same time.

Alternative Method: Using Offline Mode

If you are trying to run two accounts but face limitations, you might consider using Steam’s Offline Mode as a potential workaround. Here’s how you can utilize this method:

1. Launch Steam and log into your primary Steam account.
2. Start the game you wish to play and then go to “Steam” in the top menu.
3. Select “Go Offline”.

When offline, your connection to the Steam servers is severed, allowing you to play a game on the primary account without interference. Meanwhile, you can log into the second account on another computer to play a different game. However, take note that this method works best if the games are not dependent on the online features or require an active connection.

Important Considerations

While having two Steam games running on different PCs simultaneously can offer an enriched gaming experience, there are a few considerations to be mindful of:

• Performance: Running multiple instances may strain your computer’s resources. Ensure that your PC has sufficient performance capability to handle multiple games without lag.
• Account Security: Create strong, unique passwords for each Steam account, and enable two-factor authentication to ensure that your accounts remain secure.
• Compliance with Steam’s Policies: Always adhere to Steam’s terms and conditions, especially regarding library sharing and account usage.

Conclusion

Having the ability to play two Steam games on different PCs at the same time is not only possible but also a fantastic way to enjoy gaming with friends or family. By creating separate Steam accounts and properly managing your installations, you can maximize your gaming experience while remaining within the guidelines set by Steam. Happy gaming!