Steam Remote Play Together: Local Multiplayer Online

Yes, you can use Steam Remote Play Together to play local multiplayer games over the internet. It works by streaming the game from the host player’s PC to up to three friends, who join as if they were sitting at the same keyboard or controller. This article explains exactly how it works, what you need, common problems, and how it compares to alternatives.

What Is Steam Remote Play Together?

Remote Play Together is a feature built into the Steam client that lets you invite friends to play local multiplayer, local co-op, and split-screen games over the internet. Instead of each player needing their own copy of the game, only the host needs to own and run it. The host’s computer renders the game and streams video to each guest; the guests’ inputs (keyboard, mouse, or controller) are sent back to the host in real time. It effectively turns a local-only game into an online multiplayer experience.

The feature was launched in October 2019 and is now included with every Steam account at no extra cost. It works with thousands of games that support local multiplayer, even if they have no online mode. Popular examples include Overcooked 2, Cuphead, Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime, and Streets of Rage 4.

How Remote Play Together Works

The technical process is straightforward from the user’s perspective. The host launches a game that supports local multiplayer, then opens the Steam overlay (Shift+Tab by default) and selects a friend to invite. The friend receives a notification and, once they accept, they are connected. The host’s screen is streamed to the guest, and both players’ inputs are combined as if they were using controllers on the same machine.

Under the hood, Steam uses low-latency video encoding (H.264 or similar) and a custom networking protocol to keep input lag as low as possible. The guest does not need to own the game or even have it installed; they only need a Steam account and the Steam client. The host’s PC does all the processing, so the guest’s hardware only needs to decode video and send input.

Voice chat is included through Steam’s built-in voice system, so you don’t need a separate app. The host can also pass control of the game to a guest, which is useful for turn-based games or troubleshooting.

Requirements and Setup

Before you start, make sure you meet the basic requirements:

• Both host and guests must have a Steam account and the Steam client installed.
• The host must own the game, and the game must support local multiplayer (check the store page for “Remote Play Together” or “Local Multiplayer” tags).
• A stable internet connection on both sides. The host needs decent upload speed (5 Mbps is a minimum, 10+ Mbps recommended for 1080p). Guests need a reasonable download speed.
• Controllers are recommended for most games, but keyboard and mouse work for many titles.

To invite a friend, follow these steps:

1. Launch the game and get to the main menu or a point where local multiplayer is active.
2. Open the Steam overlay (Shift+Tab).
3. Click on a friend’s name and select “Remote Play Together”.
4. Wait for them to accept the invitation.
5. Once connected, both players see the same screen and can control the game.

You can also start a party from your friends list before launching the game, then launch the game and invite everyone from the party. This works for up to four players total (host + three guests).

Choosing the Right Games

Not every game works with Remote Play Together. The game must have local multiplayer modes, and the developer must have enabled Remote Play Together support. Steam automatically tags games that support it, so you can filter the store by “Remote Play Together” or look for the icon on the game’s store page.

Some games have restrictions. For example, games that require a specific controller layout may not work well with keyboard players. Also, games that use a launcher (like Ubisoft or EA games) may not support Remote Play Together because the launcher interferes with the streaming. Always check the store page or community forums if you’re unsure.

Here are a few examples of games that work well:

• Overcooked 2 – chaotic co-op cooking
• Cuphead – run-and-gun boss battles
• Streets of Rage 4 – beat ’em up action
• Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime – cooperative spaceship control
• Human: Fall Flat – physics puzzle platformer

If a game doesn’t show the Remote Play Together tag, it likely won’t work, but there are occasional exceptions where the feature is enabled manually.

Common Problems and Fixes

Remote Play Together is generally reliable, but issues can arise. Here are the most common problems and how to solve them:

• Lag or stuttering: Lower the streaming resolution or frame rate in the host’s Remote Play settings. Also, close any bandwidth-heavy applications (like downloads or streaming video) on both ends.
• Guest can’t join: Make sure the host has enabled Remote Play in Steam settings (Steam > Settings > Remote Play). Also, check that both parties have “Remote Play Together” enabled in their client.
• Audio issues: If the guest can’t hear game audio, check the host’s audio settings and make sure the correct device is selected in Steam’s Remote Play options.
• Controller not detected: Some games only recognize controllers, not keyboard. The guest can use a controller, but if they don’t have one, the host may need to use a tool like Steam Input to emulate a controller.
• Firewall or NAT problems: Steam uses UDP ports 27000-27100. If you’re having connection issues, try forwarding those ports on the host’s router or using Steam’s “Test Remote Play” feature to diagnose.

If the problem persists, restart both Steam clients and try again. Often, a simple reboot fixes temporary network glitches.

Costs and Limitations

Remote Play Together is completely free. There is no subscription or per-session fee. The only costs are the game itself (which the host must own) and your internet service. However, there are some limitations to keep in mind:

• Host upload bandwidth: The host’s upload speed determines the quality of the stream. If it’s too low, guests will experience lag and blurry video.
• Latency: Physical distance between players increases latency. For fast-paced games, a ping under 50ms is ideal; anything above 100ms may be unplayable for twitchy games.
• Only 4 players: The host can invite up to three guests, but some games may support more local players (e.g., 8-player party games). Remote Play Together caps at 4 total.
• No cross-platform: Both host and guests must be on Steam (Windows, Mac, or Linux). You can’t invite someone on a console or mobile.

These limitations are inherent to the streaming approach, but for most casual gaming sessions, they’re not a problem.

Alternatives to Remote Play Together

If Remote Play Together doesn’t work for your situation, there are other ways to play local multiplayer games online:

• Parsec: A third-party game streaming app that lets you host a session and share your screen with friends. It’s free for personal use and supports up to 4 players. It often has lower latency than Steam’s solution but requires more setup.
• NVIDIA GameStream/GeForce Now: If you have an NVIDIA GPU, you can use GameStream to stream your PC to other devices, but it’s not designed for multiplayer input sharing.
• Virtual LAN (VPN) tools: Tools like Hamachi or ZeroTier create a virtual LAN, allowing games with LAN multiplayer to work over the internet. This is useful for games that don’t support Remote Play Together.
• Steam Remote Play (non-Together): This is the older feature that streams your entire desktop to another device. It’s not multiplayer-friendly but can be used for single-player games.

Each alternative has its own trade-offs. Parsec is often praised for low latency, while VPN tools work for any game with LAN support. Remote Play Together is the simplest because it’s built into Steam and requires no extra software.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all players need to own the game?

No, only the host needs to own the game. Guests can join without purchasing it, as long as they have a Steam account and the client installed. This is one of the biggest advantages of Remote Play Together.

Can we use Remote Play Together on a laptop?

Yes, as long as the laptop meets the game’s system requirements and has a stable internet connection. The host’s laptop does the heavy lifting, so it needs to be powerful enough to run the game smoothly. Guests can use almost any laptop because they’re only receiving a video stream.

Does Remote Play Together work with keyboard and mouse?

Yes, but it depends on the game. Some games only support controllers for local multiplayer. In those cases, the guest can still use a keyboard, but the game may not recognize it. You can use Steam’s controller configuration to map keyboard inputs to a virtual controller, but that’s not always reliable.

What internet speed do I need?

For the host, a minimum upload speed of 5 Mbps is recommended, but 10 Mbps or higher is better for 1080p streaming. Guests need a download speed of at least 5 Mbps. Latency (ping) matters more than raw speed; aim for under 50ms for fast games.

Can I play with more than 4 players?

No, Remote Play Together supports a maximum of 4 players total (host + 3 guests). If the game supports more local players, you’ll need to use other tools like Parsec, which can support more.

Is Remote Play Together secure?

Steam uses encryption for the stream, and you only invite friends from your list. It’s generally safe, but be cautious about accepting invitations from strangers. Also, the host has full control over who joins, so you can kick players if needed.

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