Steam Workshop and Steam Remote Playfeatures enhance your gaming experience and provide added value for players and creators.
1. Steam Workshop
Steam Workshop allows players to download and share user-generated content (mods, maps, skins, etc.) for supported games. Developers can integrate Workshop into their games to let the community create custom content.
How to Use Steam Workshop (For Players)
Step 1: Accessing the Workshop
- Open Steam and log in.
- Navigate to Library and select a game that supports Workshop.
- Example: “Cities: Skylines” or “Skyrim.”
- Click on Community Hub in the game menu and then select Workshop.
Step 2: Browsing and Subscribing
- Browse categories like Maps, Mods, Tools, or Skins.
- Use the search bar to find specific content.
- Example: Search for “custom city maps” in Cities: Skylines.
- Click Subscribe on the item you want.
- Steam will automatically download and apply the content in-game.
Step 3: Managing Mods
- Launch the game, go to its Mods/Content Manager, and enable or disable specific items.
- Check for updates regularly in the Workshop tab for the mods you’ve subscribed to.
How to Use Steam Workshop (For Creators)
Step 1: Creating Content
- Check the game’s guidelines for creating Workshop items.
- Many games have tools or software to assist in creating mods.
- Example: “Skyrim Creation Kit” or “Cities: Skylines Asset Editor.”
Step 2: Uploading Content
- Open Steam and go to the game’s Workshop page.
- Use the Workshop Uploader Tool (found in the game’s Tools section) to upload your mod, map, or skin.
- Add a Title, Description, and relevant Tags for your item.
- Publish it to the Workshop.
Pro Tips for Workshop:
- Check Compatibility: Ensure mods don’t conflict with each other.
- Popular Games with Workshop:
- Skyrim: Mods for graphics, gameplay, and quests.
- Cities: Skylines: Custom buildings, maps, and traffic mods.
- ARK: Survival Evolved: Maps, new creatures, and skins.
- Monetization: Some games allow paid mods (e.g., through Valve-approved systems).
2. Steam Remote Play
Steam Remote Play lets you stream games from your PC to other devices or play local multiplayer games online with friends.
How to Use Steam Remote Play (For Streaming Games)
Step 1: Enable Remote Play
- Open Steam and go to Settings Remote Play.
- Check the box to enable Remote Play.
Step 2: Play on Another Device
- Install Steam on another device (e.g., Steam Link, mobile, or another PC).
- Steam Link is available for Android, iOS, and some smart TVs.
- Log in with the same Steam account.
- Launch the game on your primary PC.
- Select the game from your device and stream it.
Step 3: Customize Settings
- In the Remote Play Settings, adjust:
- Streaming quality (Balanced, Fast, or Beautiful).
- Resolution and bandwidth usage based on your network speed.
How to Use Steam Remote Play Together (For Local Multiplayer Online)
Step 1: Launch a Supported Game
- Open your game library and launch a local multiplayer or co-op game.
- Example: “Overcooked! 2” or “Cuphead.”
Step 2: Invite Friends
- Open your Friends List from the Steam overlay (
Shift + Tab).
- Right-click a friend’s name and select Invite to Remote Play Together.
Step 3: Let Friends Join
- Your friends can join without owning the game!
- They’ll stream the game from your PC, and their inputs (keyboard, mouse, or controller) will work as if they’re playing locally.
Pro Tips for Remote Play:
- Network Requirements:
- Ensure a stable, high-speed internet connection (at least 10 Mbps).
- Devices:
- Works on PCs, tablets, phones, and Steam Deck.
- Controller Compatibility:
- Friends can use controllers even if they don’t have the same hardware as you.
Comparison: Workshop vs. Remote Play
| Feature | Steam Workshop | Steam Remote Play |
|----------------------------|------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------|
| Purpose | Modding and custom content | Streaming games and playing co-op online |
| Who Can Use It? | Gamers and mod creators | Gamers (host and friends) |
| Popular Games | Skyrim, ARK, Cities: Skylines | Overcooked 2, Cuphead, A Way Out |
| Devices Needed | PC | PC, Steam Link, mobile, or other devices |
| Special Requirements | Game must support Workshop integration | Stable internet connection |
Next: Read 2500+ consumer guides to shopping, electronics, appliances, home services, cars, money and more.
