How to Play Steam Games on a Phone

Highlights

For PC gamers with powerful setups, handheld gaming PCs like the Steam Deck may not be necessary due to their portability limitations.
Utilizing the Steam Link app allows gamers to stream PC games to their smartphones, providing a convenient portable gaming experience.
Connecting a compatible Bluetooth controller enhances the gameplay experience on your phone when using the Steam Link app for streaming games.

Alrighty there, folks! Let me walk you through my personal experience of setting up Steam Link on your Android device and playing Steam games on the go.

While pocket-sized gaming computers such as Valve’s Steam Deck have been widely popular due to their convenience and mobility, those who already own high-end gaming PCs might find little use for them. However, for those seeking a mobile gaming experience, even top-tier gaming phones could serve as a suitable starting point if they prefer playing PC games on a compact screen. Nevertheless, it’s worth noting that gaming phones may have limited battery life compared to traditional gaming devices.

If you have both a gaming computer or laptop and a smartphone (either Android or iOS), streaming games should be straightforward since you already fulfill the prerequisites. If your Steam library is extensive, you can enjoy those games on your mobile device by using the Steam Link app. Additionally, for an exceptional gaming experience, consider connecting one of the top-tier gaming controllers.

Essential Steps for Playing Steam Games on Your Phone

The Steam Link app is a handy mobile tool that lets you play games directly from your PC or Mac onto your Android or iOS device, using Remote Play technology. With Steam Link, you can carry your entire game library wherever you go and enjoy multiplayer gaming by connecting with various devices. Here’s how to set up Steam Link for your smartphone:

1. Set up the Steam Link on PC

2. Download the Steam Link app

3. Connect a Bluetooth Controller

Step 1: Set up the Steam Link on PC

1. To start with, you should turn on the Remote Play option on your Steam software for your computer or Mac. By doing this, you’ll be able to stream your preferred Steam games on a mobile device. It’s important to note that Remote Play isn’t activated by default, so you’ll need to switch it on yourself. To get started, launch the Steam client and input your login details to sign in successfully.

After you’ve logged in, click the Steam icon located at the top left corner to reveal a drop-down menu. From there, select ‘Settings’ and then choose ‘Remote Play’. Next, activate ‘Enable Remote Play’ and also turn on ‘Enable Remote Play Advanced Host Options’. With that done, you’ll see various options to customize according to your preferences. These include adjusting the ‘Desktop Resolution’ to match the Steam Client, enabling ‘Hardware Encoding’, and playing ‘Audio as Host’. Additionally, you can opt for a PIN feature to restrict access to Steam games on your network.

Step 2: Download the Steam Link app

As a gamer, once I’ve got my PC or Mac set up, I can smoothly play Steam games on my Android or iOS device with the help of the Steam Link app. Luckily, you can find this app on the Google Play Store for Android devices or the App Store for iOS devices by using the search function. If you’re using an Android phone, download the Steam Link app once you’ve found it. To ensure a seamless experience, make sure your Android device is running Android 5.0 or later versions.

After completing the installation, go ahead and run the program. You’ll find a ‘Get Started’ button upon launching. Your PC or Mac will already be listed on the Connect to Computer page. Choose your computer, and a PIN will be sent to your device. Enter this PIN in the space provided on the screen. Once entered, click ‘Confirm’.

As a gamer, I’ll fire up the Steam Link app on my mobile device, and it’ll run a quick test on my network to ensure we’re good to go for smooth gaming sessions. After it wraps up, it’ll share a report detailing how well my computer handles streaming games. It’ll also let me know if my touchscreen supports game controllers and whether I’ve got a stable internet connection. For the best experience, they recommend using a 5GHz wireless router with an Ethernet port.

After everything is set up correctly, don’t hesitate to click the ‘Start Playing’ button when ready. This action will initiate Steam on your computer and smartphone simultaneously, providing you with the opportunity to select a game from your collection to enjoy. Make sure that your computer and phone are connected to the same network if you can’t locate your computer. In case you haven’t already done so, activate remote play from your PC. You might also want to connect both devices to the router using an Ethernet cable for a smoother experience.

Step 3: Connect a Bluetooth Controller

While the Steam Link offers on-screen controls for navigating the app, these don’t match the convenience of using a dedicated gaming controller. A wireless gamepad is generally preferred because the small smartphone screen becomes crowded with on-screen controls, reducing the play area and making it challenging for players to fully enjoy their gaming experience.

As a long-time gamer with a diverse collection of controllers spanning multiple platforms, I can personally attest to the versatility of Steam’s compatibility. While my go-to choices are typically the Steam controller and Xbox One S controller for PC gaming, I’ve also had success using my Android devices with the DualShock 4 (when running Android 9.0 or higher) as well as the Razer Kishi and Raiju Mobile controllers. It’s great to know that even if a controller isn’t officially listed on Steam’s verified list, it can still be utilized for playing games on your smartphone. In fact, I’ve had success with my DualSense controller and third-party options in the past, enhancing my mobile gaming experience significantly. So, whether you’re a console-focused gamer like me or prefer a more diverse setup, Steam offers an inclusive environment that accommodates various controllers, making it a go-to platform for gamers on the move.

To initiate the connection, first, ensure your phone’s Bluetooth is switched on. After that, activate your controller. Next, navigate to your phone’s Bluetooth settings, look for nearby devices, and you should find your controller listed there. If it’s not visible, try restarting the process or rebooting your devices. Once connected, the Steam Link app will show your controller on the screen automatically. If not, click on the gear icon for troubleshooting. The Steam Link app functions similarly to the Xbox Accessories app, allowing you to test the controller, connect it, and configure controls.

What Other Apps Allow You to Play PC Games on Your Phone

As a gaming enthusiast myself, I’d like to share an alternative avenue for playing PC games other than Steam – giving a shot to options such as Xbox Game Pass, Nvidia GeForce Now, and Moonlight could be quite rewarding!

Xbox Cloud Gaming

As an avid gamer, I’m thrilled about Xbox Cloud Gaming! This service gives me access to a massive collection of Xbox and third-party games, even Day One releases, all for a reasonable monthly subscription fee. Plus, it’s not just limited to smartphones; I can also enjoy it on handheld gaming devices like the Asus ROG Ally and Lenovo Legion Go. What a fantastic way to game on-the-go!

Nvidia GeForce Now

Using Nvidia GeForce Now, you’re able to play games purchased from marketplaces like Epic Games, Steam, Ubisoft, and EA. Plus, you can take advantage of its multiplayer function to team up with or compete against gamers worldwide.

Moonlight

Moonlight offers a cost-free way of playing high-quality games up to 4K resolution at 120 frames per second. It’s versatile, compatible with various devices including Mac, PC, Android, iOS, Chromebook, and Wii U. This makes it an outstanding choice for streaming games. Notably, Windows users should be aware that Moonlight only functions with Nvidia graphics cards.

FAQ

Q: Can I play Steam games offline?

Certainly! When you find yourself in an area with minimal or no internet availability, you can activate the Offline Mode, a useful feature that allows you to enjoy playing games even without an internet link. However, keep in mind that games that demand continuous internet connectivity will cease functioning once Offline Mode is turned on.

Q: What is a Steam emulator?

An emulator for Steam lets you enjoy Steam video games without the need for the Steam marketplace or an active internet connection.

Q: Can I create a Steam account on my phone?

Absolutely! To set up a new account, access the Steam website through your mobile browser of choice. Remember, you should be at least 13 years old before proceeding with this process.

2024-08-08 23:05