Steam Family Sharing | What Gamers Need to Know About Borrowing Games

In a buzzing community of over 120 million active players, new users are hitting the forums to uncover the ins and outs of Steam Family Sharing. Questions arise: Are there drawbacks to renting games through sharing? Do players face stigma for not owning their library?

Steam Family Sharing: The Basics

Steam Family Sharing allows users to play games from a shared library of up to 5 accounts, without the expense of purchasing every game. This is especially beneficial for newcomers who might not want to invest heavily right away.

The Community Weighs In

Concerns have surfaced regarding what players might miss out on when using Family Sharing instead of owning games. Insights from community members reveal a mix of pros and cons:

• Game Completion: "You don’t miss anything really. You can 100% and the ribbon will stay in your account even if you leave the family someday," shared a seasoned player.

• Missing Ratings: Some players admit that a drawback is the inability to rate games since they do not technically own them. "I cannot rate the games since I don’t own them, but that’s a con I can deal with."

• Multiplayer Restrictions: Sharing does have its limits. A user noted, "The only thing you miss out on is the ability to play a multiplayer game with only one purchase between the 2 accounts."

Sharing is Caring

Interestingly, players seem united in their support for Family Sharing. Many feel no negative sentiment towards those who use it, often wishing they had someone to share with. Additional comments reflect this positivity:

"Yeah, family share is awesome. I still add some of their games to my WL for discounts later."

Are Players Judged for Borrowing?

The question of whether or not players face scorn for borrowing games remains largely unfounded. Comments from community members suggest a supportive atmosphere. "No, no one looks down on Steam family users. I am sure everyone wishes they were part of one," remarks another.

Key Takeaways

• 🎮 Players often complete games fully under shared accounts, keeping all achievements.

• 📉 Borrowers cannot rate games they play, limiting engagement with reviews.

• ⚔️ Multiplayer games may require additional purchases, depending on age ratings and user accounts.

Curiously, as more users join the platform, the community appears to embrace family sharing as a viable option for gaming enjoyment. Join the conversation and share your thoughts!