Instantly access to your favorite games on Steam, with thousands of games, exclusive deals, automatic game updates and other great perks. With Steam you can also join the Steam Community of PC gamers, join game groups, form clans, chat in-game and more.

Steam simplifies game management with features like auto-updates and cloud saves. The platform includes strong social features, user reviews, and mod support through the Steam Workshop.

Name a few great free games available on Steam...

We have two dedicated articles highlighting great titles available for free on Steam, but to name a few popular ones: Counter-Strike 2, Brawlhalla, Apex Legends, Warframe, PUBG, Destiny 2, War Thunder, Dota 2, Path of Exile, Team Fortress 2, and World of Warships.

These games offer high-quality multiplayer or co-op experiences without requiring any payment to start playing.

Why is Steam so popular?

Steam is popular because it offers a massive game library, frequent discounts, and reliable digital ownership where games are tied to your account. Steam was created by Half-Life developer Valve as a platform to update their games and distribute them digitally back in 2003. The service had a slow start, but it didn't take too long until it became the top digital distribution platform for PC gamers.

Is there anything better than Steam?

Steam remains the biggest PC gaming platform, but there are good alternatives like the Epic Games Store, GOG Galaxy, Ubisoft Connect, Origin and Itch.io.

Does Steam have Fortnite?

Fortnite is not on Steam. Fortnite is developed by Epic Games, who have their own competing platform.

Is Steam available for Android devices?

Yes, Steam offers an official app for Android devices. The app allows you to chat with friends, browse the store, and manage your game library. However, it's primarily for account management and does not support game installations or gameplay on Android devices.

Is there a monthly fee for Steam?

No, Steam does not require a monthly fee to use its platform. Creating a Steam account and accessing its core features are entirely free. You only pay when purchasing individual games or downloadable content (DLC).

How do I install Steam Beta?

Opting in to the Steam Beta Client lets you use the latest features before they're released. Follow these instructions to participate in the beta:

  • With Steam running, click on "Steam" in the upper left, then choose the "Settings" menu. (Preferences on Mac)
  • On the "Account" tab under "Beta Participation" click the "Change..." button.
  • Select the "Steam Beta Update" from the drop down list and click "OK".
  • You will be prompted to restart Steam, please select the "Restart Steam" button.

Create and Share Content

Gift your friends, trade items, and even create new content for games in the Steam Workshop. Help shape the future of your favorite games.

Entertainment Anywhere

Whether you're on a PC, Mac, Linux box, mobile device, or even your television, you can enjoy the benefits of Steam. Take the fun with you.

Available on PC, Mac, and Linux

We offer a catalog of PC, Mac, and Linux games, many of which support Steam Play so you can buy once and play anywhere, and Cross-Platform Multiplayer so you can play with all your friends, no matter where they log in.

What's New

A new Steam client has been released and will be automatically downloaded.

General

  • Fixed a case where the Steam Controller firmware update dialog could reopen after a successful update
  • Fixed streamable games showing when "Ready to Play should include Streamable games" is toggled off
  • Fixed occasional cursor corruption while streaming on Windows
  • Added setting to enable or disable controller battery notifications.

Steam Input

  • Fixed an issue where config selections could fail to save for the new Steam Controller
  • Fixed compatibility issues in games when a Steam Controller is docked to the charging puck
  • Fixed a localization bug in the Configuration browser screen
  • Updated Steam Controller firmware to fix a bug that caused some left trackpads to have issues registering touches on the left side of the pad when connected wirelessly
  • Added Grip Sensor settings: Steam->Settings->Controller->Details->Calibration & Advanced Settings->Grip Sensors

Previous release notes

General

  • Steam Controller Support
  • Added popup message when a controller connects or disconnects.
  • Added setting to enable or disable controller battery notifications.
  • Improved the Add A Controller user interface.
  • Fixed locked achievement sorting listing rarer achievements before less rare.
  • Fixed occasional cursor corruption while streaming on Windows

Big Picture Mode

  • Reordered the items in the power button chord menu so it's harder to accidentally put your computer to sleep.
  • Fixed the header networks status icon being larger than intended.

macOS

  • Improved performance of Steam Overlay in games using Metal.

SteamVR

  • Fix a case where it was impossible to reconnect a VR steamlink session after becoming disconnected without restarting SteamVR.