Steam is an extensive digital game library that has both free and paid games. The platform also provides support to resolve its users’ problems.
Steam differs from other gaming platforms in that it is 100% digital. Its gaming platform is designed for those who want to play their favorite games without having to purchase a console. Adventure, thriller, precision games, there is every taste in gaming. Like the Xbox and PS, Steam deserves its honor as a gaming platform. So, let’s discover together.
What is Steam?
Officially released in 2003, Steam is an entirely digital gaming platform. It was Valve Corporation who came up with the idea of creating this platform to offer gamers an easier way to play, with a PC and the Internet. Not only can users download games at will, but they can also update them.
But what sets Steam apart is above all its user-friendly interface which allows easy access to its game gallery. In addition to this, Steam allows voice chat which is similar to that of Xbox Live. Its cloud game storage makes it easy to access and has no number limits.
Today, Steam is available for Windows and Linux. Additionally, it can be accessed via a MacBook or mobile device. However, the device you play with must be more efficient to accommodate games using a lot of bandwidth.
The advantages of Steam
One of the advantages of Steam is its purchasing policy. In fact, we have two purchasing options, either going directly to the game store on Steam Store or browsing the available game categories. The platform offers a vast library with different categories such as New Releases or Top Seller. Of course, you have to install them before playing.
During downtime, players can also watch videos of any type (comedy, science fiction, or anime) or view tutorials. And that’s not all. The platform provides its users with design, photo editing, and production software (audio, animations, etc.).
Before playing, you can always view the trailers and screenshots to find out how to play a particular game. But above all, there is the Steam community, created in 2007. It is a discussion forum dedicated to mutual assistance from members as well as to sending critiques and comments.
The Steam Library
As a library, Steam is arranged in alphabetical order. This intelligent library also detects games that we haven’t played for a long time or those that we consult more often. A single click allows you to display screenshots as well as the list of achievements recorded on any game. It is also by clicking on the game that you can see the content to download.
As mentioned above, Steam has both free and paid games. Here are some examples :
Examples of paid games on Steam
The list is so long that we won’t be able to reveal everything on Steam if we cite them here. In this way, we selected two games that are among the best games on the platform.
Into the Breach
This sci-fi strategy game is as entertaining as video games on PlayStation Now or Xbox Game Pass. In this game, you will have to control machines sent from the future to fight aliens.
In Into The Breach, you will have your own battlefield represented by a grid of 8×8 blocks. Your mission is to ensure that the mechas eliminate as many aliens as possible in order to preserve the outposts and buildings. This game is fun but it also works the brain like when playing chess. Tactics and strategy take precedence.
You will undoubtedly find the best strategy during the game and, at the same time, improve the performance of your machines. The goal is to repel all aliens from your territory.
Elden Ring
As for Elden Ring, it is a game that takes place in an open environment. If you like Dark Souls, you will surely enjoy it. Indeed, Elden Ring is one of the best Steam games. The game consists of defeating Bosses and gathering the fragments of the Ring of Elden that Queen Marika shared with her offspring.
The scenario is quite thrilling and opens several outcomes. You are only required to remain willing and use all means to achieve your end. You can fight or make a deal, without forgetting trickery. In addition to your main mission, you can complete side missions such as upgrading your weapons or obtaining additional ones along the way.
Also Read: 10 Best Games In History
Steam and its free games
As with paid games, Steam also has free games. Here are two for you to taste:
Warface: Blackout
Warface: Blackout is one of the free games that you can get on Steam. In this game, you will put yourself in the shoes of a soldier with a specialty (sniper, rifleman, mercenary, doctor, or engineer). Available after 4 years of design in the beta version, this game promises to entertain young and old without spending a penny more.
Another point to highlight for Warface: Blackout is that it is also fun in the multiplayer version. To do this, you have to balance the classes within the teams in order to maintain balance. Although offered free of charge, it provides the possibility of purchasing or renting weapons.
Path of Exile
This game consists of a real loot hunt which is one of the best PC games today. You rise in rank as you play this game. This rise results in both the optimization of your weapons and your skills. Path of Exile also allows you to discover new features after hours of play. Which means you have to be patient and stay tough.
Hardcore mode is certainly terrifying. You can lose your life there several times. However, you will learn something to improve your playing style. In addition, you will write the plot yourself according to your travels.
How to get started on Steam?
This digital gaming platform is easy to use. But first, you will have to register. However, registration is only recommended after checking the configuration of your system. After signing up, all you have to do is choose the user interface of your preference and start exploring Steam’s gargantuan library.
The two user interfaces of Steam
There are two user interfaces: Windows mode and Big Picture mode.
Windows mode
According to experts, Windows mode is easier to explore since it allows games to load quickly and purchase them easily. Indeed, Windows mode highlights various special offers, trends, the most affordable games, upcoming releases, etc. It is also capable of recommending games taking into account user preferences and many other options.
Big Picture mode
Big Picture mode is accessible by clicking on the console in Windows mode. In addition to popular games, the Store also has a list of best sellers as well as the most popular games. This mode allows you to chat with other players and invite friends via chat. Note that this mode fully supports television controllers.
How to choose your user interface?
The choice of mode is not so difficult. To make purchases, Windows mode is most suitable. On the other hand, Big Picture mode is more suitable if you only want to play. In addition, the choice of user interface may depend on the device with which Steam is accessed. Windows mode is made for playing on a computer; unlike Big Picture which is more paid on television.
What to do in case of trouble?
Steam not only provides games but also helps with issues through its support. Steam Support describes its support page which is there for anyone who wants technical help such as account recovery or purchasing issues.
Recover an account
We need to recover an account when we forget the password. To do this, support recommends going to “Help, I can’t connect”. This allows access to the page dedicated to account recovery. Steam will take care of reporting based on the information recorded. Steam Guard, for its part, allows you to increase the level of security.
Problems during your purchases?
Sometimes we encounter problems when shopping. It might be a Steam gift card or wallet code that didn’t work. The Steam Support page also provides what you need to fix this.
Steam accessories
Over the years, Valve Corporation has designed Steam accessories to enhance the user experience. The market offers the Steam controller, Steam Link, Steam VR as well as Steam hardware accessories. All these products are designed to fill the range and thus offer gameplay worthy of the name.
However, these materials can encounter problems. In this case, you just have to go to technical support to find help. There you can find detailed guides to solve the problems.