Hello and welcome to our comprehensive guide on Steam games. In this article, we will cover everything from the basics of Steam to the best games available on the platform. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or new to the world of gaming, this guide is for you.
What Is Steam?
Steam is a digital distribution platform developed by Valve Corporation that allows users to purchase, download, and play video games. It was first launched in 2003 and has since become one of the most popular gaming platforms in the world, with over 120 million active users as of 2021.
Steam offers a wide variety of games, from indie titles to AAA releases, and provides a range of features such as social networking, cloud saves, and achievements. It also offers a platform for game developers to distribute their games to a global audience.
How Does Steam Work?
Steam works by allowing users to purchase and download games directly to their computer or mobile device. Once a game is downloaded, it is stored in the user’s library and can be accessed at any time. Steam also provides automatic updates for games, ensuring that users always have the latest version of their favorite titles.
Users can also join community groups, connect with friends, and share game content through Steam’s social features. In addition, Steam offers a range of tools and resources for game developers, including access to the Steamworks SDK and Steam Direct publishing platform.
Is Steam Free?
While Steam itself is free to use, users must purchase games in order to play them. Some games on Steam are free-to-play, meaning users can download and play them at no cost, but may have the option to purchase in-game items or upgrades.
In addition to purchasing games, users can also purchase DLC (downloadable content) for their favorite titles, as well as in-game items and cosmetic upgrades.
Top Steam Games
Steam offers a vast selection of games across a range of genres, from action and adventure to simulation and strategy. Here are some of the top-rated Steam games of all time:
| Game Title | Genre | Release Date | Metacritic Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portal 2 | Puzzle-Platformer | 2011 | 95/100 |
| Half-Life 2 | First-Person Shooter | 2004 | 96/100 |
| Grand Theft Auto V | Action-Adventure | 2015 | 96/100 |
| Dark Souls III | Action-RPG | 2016 | 90/100 |
| The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt | Action-RPG | 2015 | 93/100 |
Portal 2
Portal 2 is a puzzle-platformer game developed and published by Valve Corporation. It was released in 2011 and is the sequel to the original Portal game. In Portal 2, players must use a handheld portal device to navigate through a series of increasingly complex puzzles.
The game features a single-player campaign as well as a co-operative multiplayer mode, and has received critical acclaim for its innovative gameplay and storytelling.
Portal 2 has a Metacritic score of 95/100, making it one of the highest-rated games on Steam.
Half-Life 2
Half-Life 2 is a first-person shooter game developed and published by Valve Corporation. It was released in 2004 and is the sequel to the original Half-Life game. In Half-Life 2, players take on the role of Gordon Freeman, a scientist who must fight against an alien invasion.
The game features a single-player campaign and has received critical acclaim for its immersive gameplay and storytelling. Half-Life 2 has a Metacritic score of 96/100, making it one of the highest-rated games on Steam.
Grand Theft Auto V
Grand Theft Auto V is an action-adventure game developed by Rockstar North and published by Rockstar Games. It was released in 2015 and is the fifth main installment in the Grand Theft Auto series. In Grand Theft Auto V, players take on the roles of three different characters as they navigate a fictional version of Los Angeles.
The game features a single-player campaign as well as a multiplayer mode, and has received critical acclaim for its open-world gameplay and storytelling. Grand Theft Auto V has a Metacritic score of 96/100, making it one of the highest-rated games on Steam.
Dark Souls III
Dark Souls III is an action-RPG game developed by FromSoftware and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment. It was released in 2016 and is the third main installment in the Dark Souls series. In Dark Souls III, players must navigate a dark and dangerous world filled with challenging enemies and epic boss battles.
The game features a single-player campaign and has received critical acclaim for its challenging gameplay and immersive world. Dark Souls III has a Metacritic score of 90/100.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is an action-RPG game developed and published by CD Projekt Red. It was released in 2015 and is the third main installment in The Witcher series. In The Witcher 3, players take on the role of Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter tasked with finding his missing adopted daughter.
The game features a single-player campaign and has received critical acclaim for its immersive world, storytelling, and choice-based gameplay. The Witcher 3 has a Metacritic score of 93/100.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Steam Trading Cards?
Steam trading cards are virtual cards that can be earned by playing certain games on Steam. Players can collect these cards and trade them with other players to complete sets and earn rewards such as badges, profile backgrounds, and emoticons.
What Is Steam Workshop?
Steam Workshop is a platform for sharing user-generated content such as mods, maps, and skins for games on Steam. Users can browse and download content created by other players, as well as upload their own content for others to use.
Can I Refund a Game on Steam?
Yes, Steam offers a refund policy for games purchased on the platform. Users can request a refund within 14 days of purchase if they have played the game for less than 2 hours. Certain restrictions apply, so be sure to read Steam’s refund policy for more information.
What Are Steam Achievements?
Steam achievements are virtual rewards that can be earned by completing certain objectives in games on Steam. They serve as a way to track progress and provide a sense of accomplishment for players.
What Is Steam Cloud?
Steam Cloud is a feature that allows users to store game saves and other data in the cloud, rather than on their local machine. This allows users to access their game progress from any device with an internet connection.
Conclusion
Thank you for reading our guide on Steam games. We hope you found this article informative and useful. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or new to the world of gaming, Steam offers a wide variety of games and features that are sure to provide hours of entertainment. Happy gaming!