Can You Play Steam Games on iOS Without a PC?

ByJames Dorn Last Update on

The short answer is yes, absolutely! Thanks to Valve‘s Steam Link app for iOS, you can now stream games from your Steam library to an iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV without needing a PC connected directly.

This works by streaming video/audio from a gaming PC on your home network over to your mobile Apple device. Keep reading for details on how Steam Link performs, setup guides, tips for ideal gameplay, and more!

A Game Changer for Steam Mobile Play

As a long-time Steam user and avid gamer, I‘ve been thrilled by Valve‘s Steam Link app since it brought my substantial Steam library to the small screen. It feels like magic to access top titles like Elden Ring on my phone!

No longer confined just to where my gaming rig is set up, I can now play around 100 of my favorite controller-friendly Steam games on my iPhone or iPad when relaxing on the couch or even outside. This new flexibility has taken my gaming to the next level.

While some complex keyboard/mouse games understandably don‘t translate perfectly, Steam Link is a game changer for enjoying Steam on the go. Paired with a Backbone controller for mobile, I‘ve been impressed by the solid performance so far.

How Steam Link Streams Games from PC to iOS

But how does Steam Link actually work behind the scenes? Here‘s a quick rundown:

  • Video/audio streams over WiFi – The video and audio of your Steam game on the host PC streams to your iOS device
  • Inputs sent back to PC – Your controller inputs then get sent back over WiFi to control the actual game
  • PC does heavy lifting – The gaming PC handles running the computations and graphics etc
  • Minimal lag – With optimization this all happens fast enough for enjoyable mobile play

So in essence, your iOS device acts as a thin client displaying the video feed and forwarding your controls. This allows mobile access to the power of your gaming PC from anywhere in the house!

Setting Up Steam Link on iOS

Eager to get in on the mobile Steam action? Here is how to set up Steam Link for iOS:

Requirements

  • iPhone/iPad running iOS 15 or later
  • Apple TV running tvOS 12 or later
  • Mac running macOS 10.13 or later
  • Gaming PC running Steam
  • PC and iOS device must be on same home network

Download the Steam Link App

First, download the free Steam Link app from the App Store.

Connect Devices to WiFi

Ensure both your gaming PC and iOS device are connected to the same 5Ghz WiFi network for best performance.

Pair Controllers (Optional)

For control input, you can use the touchscreen, an MFi controller, or a paired Bluetooth controller like the Steam Controller, DualShock 4, or Xbox Wireless Controller.

Launch App & Select PC

Launch the Steam Link app on your iOS device and select the host gaming PC from the list of available devices on your network.

Once connected, you‘ll see a virtual representation of your PC. Navigate into your Steam library, select a game, and start playing just like if you were sitting at the computer!

Optimizing Your Mobile Steam Experience

Now for some pro tips to get the smoothest streaming performance:

  • Whenever possible, use 5Ghz WiFi instead of 2.4Ghz as it offers higher bandwidth
  • If using WiFi, try to stay close to the router or access point
  • Limit background apps running on iOS device during play
  • Close other programs on host PC to dedicate resources to the game
  • Reboot networking equipment like routers periodically to clear caches
  • Adjust in-game video settings to prioritize resolution or frame rate

Taking a few basic optimization steps goes a long way. I can attest that when setup properly, Steam Link feels very responsive, even for fast paced action games.

Genres Best Suited to Steam Mobile Play

Thanks to Valve rolling outInput API support to help translate controls, hundreds of Steam games now work well with Steam Link. But some genres shine brighter than others.

Best

  • Single player, slower paced games
  • RPGs like Elden Ring or The Witcher 3
  • 2D indie games such as Stardew Valley
  • Standard controller required games
  • Retro/classic titles requiring a gamepad

Playable

  • Casual multiplayer like co-op and PvE
  • Racing/driving simulators
  • Fighting games and side scrolling beat ‘em ups
  • RTS games with good controller support

Challenging

  • Competitive and precision FPS games
  • MOBA games like DOTA 2 or LoL
  • Platformers requiring tight timing/controls
  • Keyboard/mouse required titles

While mouse/keyboard games are hit or miss, there are plenty of controller friendly games that feel great. I stick primarily to story games and retro RPGs for relaxing mobile play.

Steam Link In-Depth Performance Factors

Under the hood, Steam Link balancing multiple technical factors to minimize lag and deliver a polished mobile experience:

Game Selection

Games with simpler 2D graphics and basic controls fare better. Very visually complex 3D games are tougher to smoothly encode/decode.

Internet Bandwidth

Higher internet speeds allow faster video encoding from host and decoding on client. Gigabit Ethernet offers less latency than WiFi.

Local Network Congestion

High local network activity creates packet delays. Stay close to router and limit other WiFi traffic during play sessions.

Hardware Encoding

Dedicated NVIDIA/AMD hardware encoders minimize encoding load on CPU for highest quality streams. GeForce Experience optimizes settings.

Display Resolution

Higher streaming resolution increases image quality but requires higher network throughput to avoid compression artifacts.

Getting the right balance helps avoid degraded visual quality, control lag, choppy framerates, and connection glitches. Testing different factors helps dial in optimal settings.

Recent Steam Link Developments

Valve continues actively developing the Steam Link ecosystem. Here are some recent notable updates:

Launched for Additional Platforms

Alongside ongoing iOS support, Steam Link is now available for Android TV and Raspberry Pi 4/400, expanding access.

4K 60 FPS Streaming

Host encoding resolution increased to 4K at 60 FPS forenhanced visual clarity, only limited by network/hardware capabilities.

Ethernet Bridging

Wired Ethernet connections can now bridge between host PC and client for max throughput. Useful for Apple TV wired setups.

Mobile Controller Improvements

Additional controller models properly recognized and mappedwhen connecting over Bluetooth

Ultra-Low Latency Mode

New option targets reduced stream delay, ideal for rhythmgames or competitive genres sensitive to control lag.

So Steam Link keeps getting better…pretty soon I may not need my gaming PC at all!

Bottom Line on Mobile Steam Viability

At the end of the day, Steam Link makes it readily enjoyable to play ~40% of my Steam library on iPhone and iPad. Performance ultimately depends on your home network quality and internet speeds.

It won‘t match a direct physical connection, but with reasonable expectations set, I consider Steam Link a game changer. Tapping into my substantial PC game collection anywhere around the house wirelessly? Yes please!

For casual play on slower paced games optimized for standard controllers, being free from my gaming chair opens up when and where I play. It‘s now quick and easy to get immersed into epic RPG quests from the sofa or back deck.

If interested in testing mobile cloud gaming capabilities, be sure to check out the Steam Link app for iOS and Android. It just may convince you to leave that gaming rig behind more often!

As always, let me know if you have any questions down below, happy gaming!

James K. Dorn, a passionate gamer deeply immersed in the world of video gaming. My journey in gaming is not just about playing; it's about exploring every facet of the games I love. I am particularly fascinated by the intricate worlds of role-playing games like "The Witcher" series and "Elder Scrolls: Skyrim," where every decision shapes the story.

As a strategy game enthusiast, I spend hours devising tactics in games like "Civilization VI" and "StarCraft II," always eager to share my strategies with fellow gamers. I'm also an ardent follower of the ever-evolving landscape of indie games, finding gems like "Hollow Knight" and "Celeste" that offer unique, compelling experiences.

My content isn't just reviews; it's about deep dives into game mechanics, storytelling, and the art of game design. I love dissecting the narratives of games like "The Last of Us" and discussing the innovative gameplay of titles like "Death Stranding."

Being at the forefront of gaming news, I eagerly anticipate and share insights on upcoming releases like the next big open-world adventure or the latest in the "Final Fantasy" series. My goal is to build a community where we not only play games but also appreciate the artistry and effort behind them. Join me in this gaming journey, where every session is an adventure, and every game is a story waiting to be told.

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