Steam Remote Play: stream your PC or invite a local co-op friend
Choose between streaming your own game and Remote Play Together, then test the network and controller before a session.
In brief
Steam has two related streaming uses. Remote Play sends a running game from your gaming PC to another device. Remote Play Together invites friends into supported local multiplayer games running on the host’s PC.
Knowing which mode you need avoids buying extra copies for a supported Together session or expecting streaming to make an incompatible game run natively on a phone.
Pick the mode that matches the problem
For playing your PC library in another room, the receiving device needs a compatible client and a connection to the host. For shared local co-op with a distant friend, check the store page for Remote Play Together. An online-multiplayer-only game is a different case and may require separate copies.
Test the route, not just internet speed
Start with the host connected by Ethernet where possible and test near the wireless access point. If input responds but the image breaks up, reduce stream resolution or quality before changing game graphics. If the host itself stutters, troubleshoot that PC first; streaming cannot repair a poor local render.
Control what the guest can do
Review the session’s keyboard, mouse and controller permissions. Give each player the input needed for the game and confirm local player slots inside its menu. End the session before opening private desktop windows. Do not expose broad network ports or disable your firewall to follow an unverified fix.
Before you act
The host machine still runs the game and must remain available. Network delay, Wi-Fi interference and controller mappings can affect the result even when the host’s FPS is high.
What to do next
- For your own device, enable Remote Play in Steam settings and pair the receiving Steam or Steam Link client.
- For Together, launch a supported game and invite a friend from the Friends interface.
- Test input, audio and a short match; lower the streaming resolution if the image stalls.
