How to Buy and Install a Game on Steam Without Downloading It Through Steam

Buying and installing a game on Steam can be a seamless experience, but there are also alternative methods for those who prefer not to rely on the Steam client for downloading. This guide will walk you through the process of purchasing a game from Steam, obtaining the game files, and installing it directly on your computer without using the Steam client.

Purchasing the Game

To begin the process of buying a game on Steam and installing it without the need for Steam, you'll need to follow these steps:

Open the Steam Client or Visit the Steam Website: Launch the Steam client application on your computer or navigate to the Steam website if you're using a web browser. Log In to Your Account: Enter your Steam username and password to log into your account. Search for the Game: Use the search bar to find the game you want to purchase. Once you find it, click on the game to view its description and price. Complete the Purchase: Add the game to your cart and complete the payment process using your preferred payment method.

By purchasing the game through Steam, you ensure that any necessary updates and content will be available for you later.

Locating the Game Files

After purchasing the game, you'll need to identify the location of the game files. These files can be obtained from several sources, but it's essential to follow copyright laws and ensure the files are not illegally copied. Here’s how to find the game files:

Locate the SteamApps Folder: The game files are typically stored in the SteamApps folder within your Steam directory. For example, on Windows, the path might look like this: C:Program Files (x86)SteamsteamappscommonGameName on Mac, it would be /Users/[User]/Library/Application Support/Steam/steamapps/common/GameName.

Copying the Game Files

To copy the game files:

From a Friend: If you have a friend who owns the game, ask them to copy the entire game folder from their steamapps/common directory and send it to you via an external drive or file-sharing service. From Another Source: You may download the game files from another source but must ensure compliance with copyright laws and that the source is legitimate.

Installing the Game

To install the game:

Copy the Game Files: Place the copied game folder into your own steamapps/common directory. Launch Steam: Open the Steam client and navigate to your Library. Find the Game: If the game appears in your Library but shows as uninstalled, it means the files are in the correct location.

Verifying Game Files

To ensure the game files are intact:

Right-Click on the Game: Right-click on the game in your Library. Select Properties: Choose the Properties option. Local Files Tab: Go to the Local Files tab and click on Verify Integrity of Game Files. This step is crucial to ensure that all necessary files are present and correctly configured.

Once the verification is complete, you should be able to launch the game without needing to download it again from Steam.

Additional Notes

This method is generally applicable for single-player games or games that do not require online verification for each session. However, for games that require additional content or updates, you may need to download these through Steam after the initial installation. Always ensure that you comply with Steam's terms of service and copyright laws when sharing or transferring game files.

Another interesting method is playing Steam games through Geforce. This gaming platform allows you to play games from Steam directly from your queue without downloading them through Steam. Note that not all games are free, and you may need to ensure that your computer meets the minimum system requirements for the game you want to play.