Can you buy DLC for shared games?

Can You Buy DLC for Shared Games?

In today’s world of gaming, the trend of sharing games has gained immense popularity. Family sharing, gifting, or simply lending games to friends has become a common phenomenon. However, this raising question arises: can you buy DLC for shared games? In this article, we will delve deeper into the world of games sharing and explore the mysteries surrounding DLC purchases.

Direct Answer:

Short and sweet, the direct answer is no, you cannot buy DLC for shared games. Valve, the creators of Steam, have implemented a set of rules and regulations around game sharing, and purchases of DLC (downloadable content) are restricted unless you own the base game.

Why Can’t You Buy DLC for Shared Games?

The key reason behind this restriction lies in the way Steam family sharing works. When a game is shared through Family Sharing, the sharing Steam account becomes the official owner of the game. This means that no matter how many accounts receive the game through sharing, the original owner is solely responsible for the game, including any DLC purchases made.

What Happens When You Try to Purchase DLC for a Shared Game?

When you try to purchase DLC for a shared game, Steam presents you with an error message stating that the product is not available for the current user. This is because the game is linked to the sharing Steam account, and the purchase doesn’t recognize the current user as the owner.

Can You Share DLC with Family?

In a way, yes, you can share DLC with family in the sense that the receiving account can access the base game and any existing DLC. However, they can’t purchase new DLC items unless they own the original game.

Exceptions

There are a few situations where you can buy DLC for a shared game:
• Gift: Steam allows you to gift certain games, including DLC bundles. In this case, the recipient becomes the game’s owner, and purchasing DLC becomes possible.
• Purchase as a Gift: When purchasing a digital game, you can opt to buy it as a gift for another Steam account, which will transfer ownership upon redemption.

Important Consequences

Before proceeding:
• No refunds for DLC purchases made through shared games.
• No guarantee of full access to DLC features as some DLC might require original game ownership.
• Potential account restrictions could occur if you repeatedly bypass Steam’s restrictions to acquire DLC for shared games.

Best Practices for Shareholders

To avoid troubles and ensure a smooth shared gaming experience:
• Keep track of shared games: Monitor the games you receive through sharing and keep inventory updated.
• Respect ownership: Don’t attempt to by-pass Steam’s restrictions on DLC purchases.
• Gifting: Consider gifting games to friends or loved ones to ensure ownership stays with the recipient.

In summary, buying DLC for shared games is impossible unless you own the base game or gift someone a game with DLC items. Remember to respect steam’s restrictions and best practices for a seamless shared gaming experience.