If you're a PC user, Steam is an easy-to-use and affordable way to buy and enjoy games, without having to go to the shops or keep lots of physical discs around the place – all you need is an internet connection! Agent Clayton explains all you need to know.
For devoted PC gamers, Steam is something of a second home: an online store, social network and games library all in one! But if you're new to the hobby, then you might be wondering what it's all about – in which case, we've got you covered. Read on to find out all you need to know about PC gaming with Steam.
How to use Steam for PC gaming
At heart, Steam is a method of downloading digital versions of PC games through a single marketplace. But Steam has many other benefits too, such as a huge online community to chat, play games and share troubleshooting tips with. Also, if you use a Mac or Linux instead of a Windows PC, you can still get involved – as there are plenty of compatible games available for your platform of choice.
As a PC gamer myself, practically all of my game purchases have been made using Steam. No longer is my house filled with countless plastic DVD cases sat gathering dust on the shelf –because now, all my favourite games are stored within a single online account.
In fact, everything is super-easy – from initially setting up Steam to installing your favourite games and eventually getting them running. If you have a big enough hard drive to install them, most of your games are only ever just a double-click away.
Getting started with Steam
Getting started with Steam couldn’t be simpler. You'll first need to create an account which can be done over on the Steam website– just click on Join Steam.
Type in a unique username, password and valid email address and finally accept the Steam subcriber agreement – though you must be 13 years or older to agree to the terms. It’s also worth making sure that your Steam password is something different to your email account password, to keep things extra secure.
You’ll also need to add a credit or debit card, sign in with PayPal or add funds to a virtual Steam Wallet which can then be used to make purchases.
All your personal details are stored securely and encrypted to make sure they don't fall into the wrong hands. This setup works really well, and buying games through Steam takes no more than three or four mouse clicks. No stress, no fuss!
Installing the Steam client
To install games on your system, you'll need to download the Steam desktop client, which is where you'll shop for games, install them to your hard drive and finally, the bit you've been waiting for – play them!
It's also where you can join in with community discussions, download mods for your favourite games and trade items you get while playing. Click here to download the desktop client and get started. Once you have it installed, simply open it for the first time and log in with your new account.
Securing your Steam account
If you’re worried about the security of your account, then an extra level of protection can be set up to protect your precious account.
You see, Steam uses a service called Steam Guard. With this activated, anyone attempting to log in to your account from a new computer will be prompted for an access code. This code is randomly generated when the account is accessed, and is sent to the account owner’s email address. (Or the Steam mobile authenicator app, if they have it installed.)
To proceed any further, the person attempting to access your account would also need access to your email to get the code. This is why it’s important to have different passwords for Steam and your email account.
To take advantage of Steam Guard, you'll first need to verify your email address. To do this, open the Steam client and head to Settings in the File menu. Here, you'll see a button to verify your email address, which will send an email to your email account when pressed. Open this email and follow the instructions to verify your address.
This extra level of security is great for your peace of mind: I’ve had my Steam account since the service was first launched in 2004 and have amassed a hefty collection of PC games, so losing my account would be utterly heartbreaking!
Downloading your first games via Steam
Now that your account is set up and secure, it’s time for us to take the plunge and browse the Steam Store!
The beauty of online digital distribution is that the retailer is able to offer massive discounts on games, because there are fewer overheads involved in distribution: no production costs, no transportation costs, no bricks-and-mortar stores!
Most games are cheap on Steam anyway – but it’s always worth keeping an eye out for the legendary Steam sales. The annual summer and winter sales each last for around two weeks, with great deals throughout – you can expect reductions ranging from 25–75% off on titles great and small!
Purchases are quick to make and downloads begin immediately. Some new games can also be downloaded or 'pre-loaded' days or weeks prior to the release date – meaning that even if you have a slow connection, your game should be immediately available when the game is officially released.
Extra Steam features
That just about covers it for the Steam basics – but once you're up to speed, there are a number of extra features you may be interested in.
The first is the Steam Workshop, where users in the Steam community can share brand new content and modifications they've made for the games available on Steam. This can then be downloaded by other Steam users by 'subscribing' to the mod, which means you'll also get any of the mod's new updates automatically.
The Steam Workshop is a great feature for getting more out of the games you've purchased – whether it’s new weather effects in Bethesda’s Skyrim or a new puzzle map for Valve’s Portal 2, there's a host of extra content available even after you’ve played through the original game.
Early Access is perhaps Steam's most controversial feature at the moment. This basically lets game developers release games in an unfinished 'alpha testing' state to let fans try them out early – with an understanding that they may be broken and full of bugs.
The devs get a lot out of this, too – because the fans can then feed back what they think about the game, aiding in the development process. So why the controversy? Well, unfortunately, many games appear to be stuck in 'Early Access limbo' – and never see a proper release, despite fans having already paid.
Finally, Steam Greenlight is a service that gives small developers the chance to brag about their next game idea – and allow users to collectively decide on which new games should be added to Steam’s ever-growing online catalogue.
Anybody working on a game can pay a small fee (which is then donated to charity Child’s Play) to have their game submitted for approval by the Steam community. It really does seem like an excellent way for independent games developers to get more exposure and access to the masses.
Agent's Verdict
Hopefully this has given you all the info you need to get started with Steam – and if you've got any interest at all in PC gaming, you owe it to yourself to check it out. Odds are, you'll never visit a bricks-and-mortar games shop again!
That wraps things up for our look at Steam – but if you run into any trouble getting it set up, drop us a line in the comments and we'll do our best to help! And for even more PC-based fun, why not check out Agent Clayton's monthly round-up of the very best free PC games?