Adding non-Steam games centralizes all titles in one library for easy management.
Steam features like controller support, overlays, and Remote Play work with added games.
Updates and achievements depend on the original launcher; Steam acts as a hub.
Steam is the primary option in the space of PC gaming, as it provides management, launch, and discovery of games all in one interface. The platform has features, such as cloud saves, controller support, and social features, all of which create a more streamlined experience for users. However, not every game available to play is located on Steam, and if you want to, you can add titles that are available on a different store (e.g., Epic Games, GOG, Itch.io, EA Play) to your Steam library and play them from there; this way, all of the games you own are in one interface.
Oftentimes, players will add games not available on Steam to their library solely for the ease of access and tried and tested compatibility with the Steam ecosystem. Adding a non-Steam game to your library also ensures you are using the full range of Steam features. If you want to only use Steam for managing your games, it is worth attempting to add non-Steam games to your library from other platforms.
In our opinion, Steam is now the true center of the PC gaming world; everything is centralized to access everything, both store-bought and external to the store. All of the games accessible from just one library save time and keep your collections organized as well. Steam will track playtime, and you can also use the tool to stream gameplay to friends online.
A non-Steam game can also make use of Steam's controller support, which comes in especially handy for older games that may not originally support a controller well, and let you play how you are comfortable playing.
Also Read: How to Install Steam on Chromebook and Play Your Favorite Games.
Expanding your Steam library with outside titles ensures a seamless and organized gaming experience.
Open Steam: The desktop client must be launched and the account logged in.
Go to the Games Menu: Click on Games at the top-left corner, then select Add a Non-Steam Game to My Library.
Browse Installed Programs: Steam shows a list of programs installed on the computer. If the game is not listed, it can be added manually.
Find the Game File: Click Browse and go to the folder where the game is installed. Select the main executable file, usually ending in .exe.
Add the Game: Check the box next to the game and click Add Selected Programs. The game appears in the Steam library.
Customize the Game: Right-click the entry in the library to rename it, change the icon, or add cover art. Services like SteamGridDB provide high-quality images for non-Steam games.
One major advantage is Steam controller support, which works even with games purchased outside the platform. Steam allows extra settings for non-Steam games. Custom controller layouts can be applied. Launch parameters can be added for mods or fixes. Games can be streamed to other devices using Steam Remote Play. On Linux or Steam Deck, non-Steam games can run through Proton for better performance.
Also Read: Top Action-Adventure Games to Play This Weekend on Steam
Adding a game to Steam does not give achievements, trading cards, or cloud saves unless the developer supports them. Updates must still come from the original launcher. Some platforms, like Ubisoft Connect or EA App, require their own software even when the game is launched from Steam. Steam, in this case, works like a shortcut.
In 2025, many digital stores will exist, and having one central hub is useful. Steam lets all games be managed in one place. Players can enjoy a single overlay, controller support, and social features across games, even if the game is not from Steam.
Adding a non-Steam game is quick and straightforward. Classic titles, indie games, and new releases can all appear in the library. Steam serves as a central repository for every owned game, simplifying the tracking of playtime and ensuring access to all features in one place.
Through these capabilities, Steam functions as the primary library for all games, maintaining organization and convenience in gaming.
1. Can non-Steam games be added to the Steam library?
Yes, games from stores like Epic, GOG, Itch.io, or EA Play can be added to Steam for unified management.
2. Does adding non-Steam games allow Steam features to work?
Yes, Steam overlay, chat, screenshots, controller support, and customizable layouts work with non-Steam games.
3. Is adding a non-Steam game difficult or time-consuming?
No, adding non-Steam games is fast and straightforward, allowing classic, indie, and new releases to appear in the library.
4. What benefits does Steam offer as a central hub?
Steam centralizes game management, tracks playtime, and ensures all features are accessible from one location.
5. Can Steam handle games from multiple digital stores?
Yes, Steam serves as a main library, combining games from different digital stores for organized and convenient gaming.