Borrowing Games on Steam: A Guide for Beggars (and Friends) in 2022
Ah, the age-old question: how to play the latest titles without, you know, actually paying for them? Fear not, fellow budget gamers, for I, your friendly neighborhood Steam scrounger, am here to guide you through the slightly awkward yet perfectly legal art of borrowing games on the platform.
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| How To Borrow Games On Steam 2022 |
Step 1: Befriend Someone with a Glorious Gaming Library
This, my friends, is the crucial first step. You need to find someone, a benevolent benefactor if you will, who has a Steam library overflowing with games like a digital Scrooge McDuck swimming in a vault of gold coins (except, you know, replace the gold with pixels and the vault with a computer).
Tip: A slow, careful read can save re-reading later.
Pro Tip: This friend doesn't necessarily have to be your best bud. It could be that friendly acquaintance you met online who always seems to be playing the latest releases, or even that weird cousin who only talks about anime. Hey, beggars can't be choosers, and gamers with impressive libraries are a rare breed.
QuickTip: Pause at transitions — they signal new ideas.
Step 2: Activate Steam Family Sharing (Prepare for the Interrogation)
Now comes the slightly awkward part. You need to approach your chosen benefactor and sheepishly ask them to activate Steam Family Sharing. This essentially allows you to borrow their games, with some limitations (we'll get to those in a sec). Be prepared for a series of questions:
Tip: Reading in short bursts can keep focus high.
- "Wait, we're not actually family...?"
- "Are you sure you won't, you know, steal my account and buy a bunch of microtransactions?"
- "Isn't there, like, a free weekend coming up for that game you want to play?"
Remember, confidence is key! Assure them that you're a person of utmost integrity (even if your Steam profile picture is a pixelated cat wearing a top hat and monocle).
Tip: Take a sip of water, then continue fresh.
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Step 3: Download and Play (But Don't Get Greedy!)
Once your friend activates Family Sharing and authorizes your account, you're golden! You can now download and play any game from their library that's eligible for sharing (not all games are, but that's a story for another time).
**However, there are some caveats:
- You can only play if your friend isn't already playing. This might lead to some awkward scheduling and the occasional plea of "just five more minutes, please!"
- You can't play online together. So, forget about co-op adventures – this is a strictly solo borrowing operation.
In Conclusion: Borrow Smart, Play Fair
Remember, borrowing games is a privilege, not a right. Always be respectful of your friend's generosity, and don't overstay your welcome. Who knows, maybe one day you'll be the one with the overflowing library, ready to share the gaming wealth with the next generation of beggars... I mean, friends.
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