How do I add games to Steam without buying them?

How Do I Add Games to Steam Without Buying Them?

Steam is one of the most popular digital distribution platforms for PC games, with a vast library of games to choose from. However, not everyone can afford to buy every game they’re interested in. Fortunately, there are ways to add games to Steam without buying them. In this article, we’ll explore these methods and provide step-by-step guides on how to do so.

Method 1: Add Non-Steam Games to Your Library

Steam allows you to add non-Steam games to your library by following these steps:

• Step 1: Launch Steam and click on the "Games" menu.
• Step 2: Select "Add a Non-Steam Game to My Library."
• Step 3: Browse for the game you want to add and select it.
• Step 4: Click on "Add Selected Programs" to add the game to your Steam library.

This method is useful if you have a game that you purchased from another source, such as a physical copy or a download from another platform.

Method 2: Share Games with Friends

Steam allows you to share games with your friends through a feature called Family Sharing. Here’s how it works:

• Step 1: Launch Steam and go to the "Friends" menu.
• Step 2: Select the friend you want to share a game with.
• Step 3: Right-click on the game you want to share and select "Share with friends."
• Step 4: Choose the friend you want to share the game with and set the sharing period.

This method is useful if you have a friend who wants to play a game that you already own.

Method 3: Play Free Games

Steam offers a variety of free games that you can play without having to buy them. Here are a few examples:

• Step 1: Launch Steam and go to the "Free Games" section.
• Step 2: Browse through the list of free games and select the one you want to play.
• Step 3: Click on the "Install" button to install the game.
• Step 4: Click on the "Play" button to start playing the game.

This method is useful if you’re looking for a way to play games without having to spend any money.

Method 4: Use Steam’s Refund Policy

Steam offers a refund policy that allows you to return games that you don’t like. Here’s how it works:

• Step 1: Launch Steam and go to the "Library" menu.
• Step 2: Right-click on the game you want to return and select "Return to Steam."
• Step 3: Choose the reason for returning the game and confirm the return.
• Step 4: Steam will refund the game to your wallet.

This method is useful if you bought a game and realized that it’s not what you expected.

Conclusion

Adding games to Steam without buying them is possible through several methods. Whether you want to share games with friends, play free games, or return games that you don’t like, Steam has a feature that can help. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can enjoy your favorite games without breaking the bank.

Table: Steam’s Game Management Features

Note: The table above is a summary of Steam’s game management features. It is not an exhaustive list, and Steam may offer additional features that are not listed here.