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Playing video games has become a popular pastime for many people, and with the advancements in technology, it’s now possible to enjoy your favorite games on various platforms. One platform that has gained a lot of attention is Android, thanks to its versatility and widespread use. While there are plenty of games available on the Google Play Store, some gamers may want to play their Steam games on their Android devices without the need for a Steam Link device. In this blog post, we will explore different methods to play Steam games on Android without Steam Link and provide step-by-step instructions for each method.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Play Steam Games on Android
There are several reasons why you might want to play Steam games on your Android device. Firstly, it allows you to have access to your entire Steam library, giving you the freedom to play your favorite games wherever you go. Secondly, playing Steam games on Android eliminates the need for a dedicated gaming PC or console, making it a more cost-effective option. Lastly, playing on a portable device like your Android phone or tablet gives you the convenience of gaming on the go, whether you’re on a long commute or traveling.
Method 1. How to Play Steam Games on Android via Steam Link App
Playing Steam games on Android can be done through the official Steam Link app. The app allows you to stream games from your computer to your Android device over a local network. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Download and install the Steam Link app from the Google Play Store on your Android device.
Step 2: On your computer, make sure Steam is running and logged in with your Steam account.
Step 3: Open the Steam Link app on your Android device and follow the prompts to connect it to your computer.
Step 4: Once connected, the app should display a list of available Steam games from your library. Select the game you want to play and start streaming.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Easy and convenient way to play Steam games on Android. | 1. Requires a stable and reliable local network connection. |
| 2. Supports game streaming in high quality. | 2. Limited to local network streaming, not suitable for playing games outside the home. |
| 3. Works with a wide range of Steam games. | 3. May experience input lag or latency depending on network conditions. |
Method 2. How to Play Steam Games on Android via Moonlight
Another method to play Steam games on Android is by using the Moonlight app. Moonlight is an open-source game streaming project that allows you to stream games from your computer to various devices, including Android. Here’s how to use Moonlight to play Steam games on Android:
Step 1: Install the Moonlight app from the Google Play Store on your Android device.
Step 2: On your computer, download and install the Moonlight software from the official website.
Step 3: Launch the Moonlight software and make sure your computer is connected to the same network as your Android device.
Step 4: Open the Moonlight app on your Android device and follow the on-screen instructions to pair it with your computer.
Step 5: Once paired, you should see a list of available games from your Steam library on your Android device. Select the game you want to play and start streaming.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Supports game streaming in high quality. | 1. Requires a stable and reliable local network connection. |
| 2. Works with a wide range of Steam games. | 2. May experience input lag or latency depending on network conditions. |
| 3. Offers customization options for streaming settings. | 3. Requires additional setup compared to the official Steam Link app. |
Method 3. How to Play Steam Games on Android via Remotr
Remotr is another app that allows you to stream games from your computer to your Android device. It offers a simple and user-friendly interface, making it a popular choice for game streaming. Here’s how to use Remotr to play Steam games on Android:
Step 1: Download and install the Remotr app from the Google Play Store on your Android device.
Step 2: On your computer, download and install the Remotr Streamer software from the official website.
Step 3: Launch the Remotr Streamer software and sign in with your Remotr account.
Step 4: On your Android device, open the Remotr app and sign in with the same Remotr account.
Step 5: Once connected, you should see a list of available games from your Steam library on your Android device. Select the game you want to play and start streaming.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. User-friendly interface and easy setup process. | 1. Requires a stable and reliable local network connection. |
| 2. Works with a wide range of Steam games. | 2. May experience input lag or latency depending on network conditions. |
| 3. Offers customization options for streaming quality and controls. | 3. Requires additional setup compared to the official Steam Link app. |
Method 4. How to Play Steam Games on Android via Parsec
Parsec is a game streaming platform that allows you to remotely access and play games from your computer on various devices, including Android. It provides low-latency streaming and supports multiplayer gaming. Here’s how to use Parsec to play Steam games on Android:
Step 1: Install the Parsec app from the Google Play Store on your Android device.
Step 2: On your computer, download and install the Parsec software from the official website.
Step 3: Launch the Parsec software and sign in with your Parsec account.
Step 4: On your Android device, open the Parsec app and sign in with the same Parsec account.
Step 5: Once connected, you should see a list of available games from your Steam library on your Android device. Select the game you want to play and start streaming.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Low-latency game streaming for a smooth gaming experience. | 1. Requires a stable and reliable internet connection. |
| 2. Supports multiplayer gameplay with friends. | 2. May experience input lag or latency depending on network conditions. |
| 3. Works with a wide range of Steam games. | 3. Requires additional setup compared to the official Steam Link app. |
What to Do If You Can’t Play Steam Games on Android
If you encounter any issues or difficulties while trying to play Steam games on your Android device, here are some fixes you can try:
1. Make sure your computer and Android device are connected to the same network.
2. Check your network connection and ensure it is stable and reliable.
3. Restart your computer and Android device to refresh the connection.
4. Update the Steam Link app, Moonlight app, Remotr app, or Parsec app to the latest version.
5. Verify that your Steam account and game library are accessible and working properly.
6. Disable any firewall or antivirus software that may be blocking the game streaming connection.
Bonus Tips
Here are some bonus tips to enhance your Steam gaming experience on Android:
1. Use a gamepad or controller for better control and gameplay.
2. Optimize your network settings for smoother streaming by prioritizing game traffic.
3. Connect your Android device to an external display for a larger and more immersive gaming experience.
5 FAQs
Q1: Can I play Steam games on Android without an internet connection?
A: No, streaming games from your computer to your Android device requires a stable internet connection.
Q2: Are there any limitations to playing Steam games on Android?
A: The performance and quality of the game streaming may depend on the specifications of your computer and the speed of your internet connection.
Q3: Can I play multiplayer games with my friends using these methods?
A: Yes, some of the methods mentioned support multiplayer gameplay, allowing you to play with your friends online.
Q4: Can I play non-Steam games on Android using these methods?
A: Some of the game streaming apps mentioned may also support non-Steam games, but it will depend on their compatibility and availability on the respective platforms.
Q5: Are there any alternatives to play Steam games on Android?
A: Yes, there are other game streaming services like NVIDIA GeForce Now and Xbox Game Pass that allow you to play supported games on Android devices.
Final Thoughts
Playing Steam games on Android without the need for a Steam Link device opens up a world of possibilities for gamers. With the methods mentioned in this blog post, you can enjoy your favorite PC games wherever you are, directly on your Android device. Whether you choose to use the official Steam Link app, Moonlight, Remotr, or Parsec, each method provides a unique way to stream games and ensure an enjoyable gaming experience. So why limit yourself to gaming on a traditional PC or console when you can bring the power of Steam to your Android device? Try out these methods and start playing your Steam games on Android today!