Best Steam Features I Use: Top Picks & Guide

If you want to get more out of Steam without spending extra money, the best feature I use is the built-in Remote Play Together—it lets you share your local multiplayer games with friends over the internet for free. It turns almost any couch co-op title into an online session, which is a huge value. Below are the other Steam features I rely on most, with honest trade-offs for each.

What to Look For

When choosing which Steam features to use, consider these criteria:

• Cost: Most features are free, but some (like hardware or certain games) require spending. Decide if the feature adds enough value to justify any cost.
• Ease of use: The best features work without fiddly settings or third-party tools. If it takes more than a few minutes to set up, it better be worth it.
• Impact on experience: Does it save time, improve performance, or expand how you play? Features that do one of these well are keepers.
• Compatibility: Check if the feature works with your device (PC, Mac, Linux, phone) and your games. Some features are PC-only or require specific hardware.
• Reliability: A feature that crashes or lags is worse than none. Look for ones that have been stable for a while.

Remote Play Together

Strengths: This is the standout. It allows you to invite friends to join your local co-op or versus games over the internet, even if they don’t own the game. The host needs a decent upload speed (around 10 Mbps is fine for most), and the guest just needs the Steam client. It works with thousands of games that have local multiplayer, from Overcooked to Cuphead.

Trade-offs: It requires a stable internet connection for both sides. The guest experiences slight input lag, which is fine for casual games but not for competitive ones. Also, the host must own the game and be online.

Who it suits: Anyone who wants to play with friends without buying multiple copies. It’s perfect for co-op fans and those with friends on different platforms (Windows/Mac/Linux).

Steam Cloud Saves

Strengths: Automatically syncs your save files across computers. If you switch from a desktop to a laptop, your progress follows. It also protects against local data loss. Most games support it, and it’s completely free.

Trade-offs: Some games don’t support it, and if you have a large library, the cloud storage limit (around 1 GB per game) can be hit. Also, if you play offline, syncing can conflict.

Who it suits: Gamers with multiple PCs, or anyone who wants peace of mind. It’s a no-brainer for anyone who values their progress.

Steam Workshop

Strengths: The Workshop is the easiest way to install mods for supported games. One click subscribes, and the game auto-updates the mod. It’s integrated into the library, so no manual file copying. Games like Skyrim, RimWorld, and Civilization VI have thriving mod communities.

Trade-offs: Not all games support it. Mods can break after game updates, and some mods are low quality. Also, subscribing to too many mods can cause conflicts.

Who it suits: Modding enthusiasts who want convenience. It’s also great for newcomers who are intimidated by manual mod installation.

Steam Screenshot Manager

Strengths: Press F12 to capture a screenshot, and it’s saved to your library. You can upload them to your profile, share with friends, and even use them as loading screens. It’s instant and doesn’t require external software.

Trade-offs: The built-in editor is basic (no filters or text). Also, screenshots are tied to the Steam overlay, which some games disable.

Who it suits: Casual screenshot takers and those who like sharing moments. It’s not for professional editing, but it’s perfect for quick captures.

Steam Big Picture Mode

Strengths: Turns your PC into a console-like experience with a TV-friendly interface. It works with controllers, and you can launch games, browse the store, and chat without a mouse and keyboard. It’s ideal for gaming from the couch.

Trade-offs: It can be slower than the desktop client, and some menus are clunky. Also, it’s not as polished as console dashboards.

Who it suits: People who play on a TV or with a controller. It’s also useful for Steam Link users.

Steam Family Sharing

Strengths: Allows up to five accounts to share one library, so family members can play each other’s games without buying duplicates. It’s free and easy to set up.

Trade-offs: Only one person can play a shared game at a time. If the owner wants to play, they kick the borrower out. Also, some games with third-party DRM don’t support sharing.

Who it suits: Households with multiple gamers. It’s a great way to save money, but it’s not for friends who play simultaneously.

How to Choose

Start with your budget. All the features above are free except for the games themselves. If you’re on a tight budget, prioritize Remote Play Together and Family Sharing because they save money. If you have multiple devices, Steam Cloud is essential.

Consider your use case. If you play alone, Workshop and Screenshot Manager are great. If you play with friends online, Remote Play Together is a must. If you game from the couch, Big Picture Mode is worth trying.

Common trade-offs: Remote Play requires good internet; Family Sharing has exclusivity; Workshop can break saves; Big Picture is slower. Weigh these against your priorities. For example, if you have a slow connection, Remote Play might not work well, so focus on other features.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Remote Play Together really free?

Yes, it’s completely free as long as the host owns the game. The guest doesn’t need to own it, but they need a Steam account and a stable internet connection.

Can I use Family Sharing with friends?

Technically yes, but it’s against the spirit of the feature. Steam allows sharing with up to 10 devices, but if the owner is playing, you’ll be kicked out. It’s best for immediate family.

Does Steam Cloud save all my games?

No, only games that have enabled the feature. You can check a game’s properties to see if Cloud is supported. Most modern games do, but some older ones don’t.

Can I use Steam Workshop mods in any game?

No, only games that have integrated Workshop support. You’ll see a “Workshop� tab in the game’s store page if it’s supported.

Will Big Picture Mode work with any controller?

It works with Xbox, PlayStation, and generic controllers, but you may need to configure them in Steam settings. It also works with Steam Controller, though that’s discontinued.

Can I access screenshots offline?

Yes, screenshots are saved locally on your computer. You can view them in the Screenshot Manager even when offline.

Bottom Line

If you only pick one feature, choose Remote Play Together. It’s the most innovative and money-saving feature Steam offers. But don’t ignore the others: Steam Cloud is a silent lifesaver, Workshop makes modding painless, and Family Sharing is great for households. Start with Remote Play and Cloud, then explore the rest based on your needs.

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