08 May 2023 , 06:00
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Steam Remote Play Together was launched back in 2019 and rose drastically in popularity during lockdown. If you're yet to jump on the hype, here's how you can get started.
Steam's free service allows you to play games which are usually local co-op with friends online, and the best part is only one of you needs to own and install the game.
You don't need a PC to join the fun, with compatibility across Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS, and Andriod. You do need a stable internet connection in order to play or you might find yourself dropping in and out of the session or lagging.
How to use Steam Remote Play Together
Steam has made it really easy to use its Remote Play Together feature. Start out by launching the game you want to play, making sure it is a local co-op game that features the tag to ensure it works with the service. Then go to your friend list, right-click the friend you want to invite, and select the Remote Play Together option.
They should then receive an invite, like for any other online game. Once they accept, a Steam window will launch allowing them to join the lobby. You don't have to own the game to join the lobby, only to host. Mobile players will need the Steam Chat application in order to accept the invitation and then the Steam Link app for the game to launch.
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You may have to add or remove players once connected for certain games the same way you would when actually playing locally, so be sure to do this to ensure everyone is able to play. And that's it, you're ready to go.
Usually, you can have up to four players join in this way, but as long as everyone has a stable enough internet connection as many people as the game itself allows are able to join.
You'll automatically join a Steam voice party chat when playing like this, meaning you can all communicate without having to use third-party software. This can be particularly useful for those on mobile.
What games are on Steam Remote Play Together
Finding a great co-op game but then realising that it's only local can be super frustrating, getting together in person to play games isn't always an option for everyone.
Luckily, games that offer Steam Remote Play Together have a tag on their store pages meaning you can filter by this option. Publishers need to specifically enable the feature so not every single local co-op will work, unfortunately.