Hidden Steam Features Every Gamer Should Know About

15 September 2025

Steam is like the secret lair for gamers—a bustling hub where games, friends, and community thrive together. It’s an all-in-one platform, but let me tell you, there’s a LOT more going on behind the scenes than just game downloads and sales. Steam is packed with nifty little features that can totally change how you experience gaming. And guess what? Most people don’t even know they exist!

Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or just someone dipping their toes into the gaming world, this guide will unveil some of the coolest hidden features Steam offers. Buckle up, because by the end of this article, you’ll feel like a Steam wizard!

1. Steam Remote Play: Gaming Anywhere, Anytime

Have you ever wished you could keep gaming while someone else is hogging the TV or computer? Enter Steam Remote Play. This feature lets you play your favorite PC games from virtually anywhere on any device—whether it’s another PC, a phone, or even a tablet.

It’s ridiculously simple to set up: just open Steam, right-click on the game you want to play, and select “Remote Play.” Voilà—you’re in gaming heaven. Plus, Remote Play Together lets you invite friends to play local multiplayer games with you, even if they don’t own the game. It’s like Netflix Party, but for gaming. How cool is that?

2. Family Sharing: Share the Fun Without Spending Extra

Steam Family Sharing is one of the most underrated features. Don’t want to buy the same game twice for your household? No problem—this feature allows up to five accounts on up to ten devices to share each other’s game libraries.

Here’s how it works: You enable Family Sharing through the Steam settings (make sure you activate it on the same device). Once it’s set up, other members of your household can play your games and even earn their own achievements. It’s like sharing your Netflix password but… uh, without the guilt.

3. Big Picture Mode: Console-Like Experience on PC

If you’re a fan of kicking back on the couch while playing games, Steam’s Big Picture Mode is your best friend. Think of it as turning your PC into a console. With an easy-to-navigate interface designed specifically for big screens, you can browse, launch, and play games using a controller instead of a keyboard and mouse.

It’s especially handy if you’ve got your PC hooked up to a TV or monitor, making it feel like you’re gaming on a console. Want to turn that lazy Sunday into a gaming marathon? Big Picture Mode’s got your back.

4. Steam Workshop: Modding Made Easy

Mods are the spice of gaming life, and Steam Workshop makes diving into mods a breeze. Whether you’re adding new maps to Cities: Skylines, tweaking characters in Skyrim, or spicing up gameplay in Left 4 Dead 2, the Workshop is your go-to spot for customizing your games.

Here’s the kicker: No technical know-how is needed! Just browse, subscribe to the mods you like, and Steam does the rest for you. It’s like adding toppings to your ice cream sundae—except your sundae is a game, and the toppings are dragons.

5. Hidden Advanced Settings: FPS Counter, Controller Configurations, and More

If you’re the type who likes to tweak settings to squeeze every ounce of performance out of your games, Steam’s got some hidden gems for you. Open your Steam settings, and you’ll find advanced options like enabling the in-game FPS counter. This tool is perfect for testing out how well your system handles specific games.

And let’s not forget the controller configuration options! Steam recognizes an impressive array of controllers, from Xbox and PlayStation to even Nintendo Switch's Joy-Cons. You can remap buttons, fine-tune sensitivity, and customize controls for different games. It’s like having your very own gaming toolkit.

6. Broadcast Your Gameplay Live

Ever wanted to show off your gaming skills without the hassle of setting up a Twitch or YouTube stream? Steam Broadcasting lets you stream your gameplay directly to your friends. It’s seamless and doesn’t require additional software or complicated setups.

All you need to do is enable broadcasting under the settings menu. Then, when you’re playing, friends can watch you in real-time. It’s a great way to get feedback, share game tips, or just vibe while you game. Think of it as a chill hangout session but with games as the centerpiece.

7. Steam Points Shop: Rewards for Being Awesome

Here’s something many gamers overlook—Steam Points. Whenever you buy games, DLC, or even in-game content, you earn points. What can you do with these points, you ask? Well, Steam has an entire Points Shop where you can customize your profile, add unique chat stickers, and even grab animated avatars.

It’s like a loyalty program, but with swag specifically tailored to gamers. And the best part? Your points never expire. So go ahead, flex that custom profile—it’s your gamer badge of honor.

8. Game Notes: Keep Track of Your Progress

Remember when we used to scribble cheat codes or game notes in a little notebook? Well, Steam has brought that nostalgia back in digital form. Steam’s game notes feature lets you write down important details about the game you’re playing directly within the Steam overlay.

Whether it’s a reminder of a secret dungeon location or a boss fight strategy, your notes are only a hotkey away. It’s like having a gaming journal built right into your setup.

9. Refunds: No Buyer’s Remorse

Ever bought a game that didn’t live up to the hype? We’ve all been there. Luckily, Steam’s refund policy is one of the most gamer-friendly around. You can refund any game as long as you’ve played it for less than two hours and purchased it within the last 14 days.

Simply head to the “Help” section on Steam, select the game, and request a refund. Steam typically processes refunds quickly, which means you can try new games without the fear of wasting your hard-earned cash.

10. Hidden Discounts Through Regional Pricing

Okay, let’s talk about saving money—because who doesn’t love a good bargain? Steam uses regional pricing, which means the cost of games varies depending on the country you’re in. While this isn’t exactly “hidden,” you’d be surprised how many people overlook it.

You can even gift games to friends in different regions to take advantage of these price differences. Just keep in mind the rules around gifting vary from region to region. Bottom line? A little digging could save you a lot of money.

11. Steam Cloud Saves: Your Progress, Anywhere

Have you ever upgraded your PC or switched devices, only to lose hours of precious game progress? Enter Steam Cloud Saves—a lifesaver for gamers on the go. With this feature, your save data is stored in the cloud, meaning you can pick up where you left off from any device.

No manual backups. No headaches. Steam takes care of it all. It’s like having your gaming safety net, making sure your progress is always secure.

12. Steam Chat and Groups: Your Gamer Social Hub

Let’s face it, gaming isn’t always a solo adventure. Steam’s chat and group features make connecting with friends and communities easier than ever. You can create group chats, share game recommendations, and even schedule play sessions.

Think of it as Discord-lite but built directly into the Steam client. It’s perfect for staying connected without navigating multiple platforms.

13. Steam Deck Compatibility Checker

Planning to buy a Steam Deck or already own one? Steam now includes a handy tool that checks which of your games are compatible with the handheld device. Simply head to your library, and you’ll see a “Deck Verified” icon next to compatible titles.

It’s a small touch, but it takes the guesswork out of deciding what to play on the go.

Final Thoughts

There’s no doubt that Steam is a powerhouse in the gaming world. But what makes it truly special are the features that fly under the radar—features that can elevate your gaming experience in ways you never even imagined. So why not take the time to explore these hidden gems? Who knows, you might just uncover something that changes how you game forever.