STEAM is a well-known platform that has a long list of gaming titles in every genre. On top of that, you can also use it to access various game demos.
In this post, we’ll explain how you can access game demos and play them on your PC/laptop.
Moreover, we’ll also answer some important FAQs.
Quick Summary
By the end of this post, we’ll also cover the following points:
- A quick guide to access demos on STEAM
- Important tips and FAQs
Let’s dive right into it.
Detailed Guide to Play Demo Games on STEAM
It is no surprise that STEAM has an elaborate structure to separate games based on their genre. It includes top sellers, new releases, and upcoming sections, among many other categories.
In all these categories, you can also find a section for game demos. You might have come across some of them, they have a special tag in the top left corner labeled as ‘Demo’.
Now, let’s check how you can access it.
Create a STEAM Account
The first thing you need to do is create a STEAM account. This will help you surf the website easily and find game demos in no time.
You can still surf the website without an account but it won’t let you access age-restricted titles. Moreover, it won’t let you download the game demos as well.
Install STEAM Client
After you create and authenticate your account, download the STEAM client from the main website. It is in-house software made by Valve.
Instead of a browser, you can simply log in to your account in the client and access all the STEAM features.
Open STEAM Client
Once you log in with your account, open the STEAM client. It will open a new window with a detailed outlook.
Find the STORE button on the top left corner and click on it. It will take you to the STEAM homepage.
Open Categories Section
Once the STORE window loads completely, you’ll be able to find a mini-task bar with multiple options.
Click on it, and it will open a drop-down menu. This menu has multiple categories you can choose from.
However, there are four main categories with sub-sections. They are labeled as Special Sections, Genres, Themes, and Player Support.
Find the Demos Category
For the next step, you’ll have to find the Demos section in the drop-down menu. It will be located under the Special Sections category.
After you click on it, the STEAM client will take you to a new window. Here you can find all the demos available on the website.
Select the Genre
After you open the Demos category, you can further separate them based on the genre. It includes Action, Adventure, RPG, SIM, and Sports.
You can also cycle through various other categories. The list includes Best Selling, Upcoming, Trending, and more.
Add it to Your Library
Next step is to add the demo to your STEAM library. Simply scroll down on the chosen demo.
You’ll get the option labeled as Download. Click on it, and it will prompt a new window. Here you can add it to your library.
Select Download Parameters
In the next step, you’ll have to specify the download drive for your demo. It is highly recommended that you use the one with the source STEAM directory.
This way, you’ll face no technical issues with your demo.
Run the Demo
After the download is complete, you can test the demo if it works or not. In case the demo doesn’t launch, try to give it administrator permissions.
On the other hand, you can also try to lower the visual settings. Demos are usually made for the best visual settings.
This is all you need to know about playing Demos on the STEAM store. Now let’s check how you can do the same on Origin and Epic Games store.
Quick Guide to Play Demos on Origin and Epic Games
First, let’s discuss the Origin store. It is owned by EA, and most of the available demos are from future EA titles.
Demos on Origin
- Open the Origin client or visit the main website.
- Log in to your account and surf to the main page.
- Open the Categories/Genre section.
- Click on the Demos sub-category.
- Add it to your library.
- Queue for download.
- Launch and play.
Important Tip: Just like normal games, you can also add a desktop shortcut on your laptop/PC.
Demos on Epic Games
- Open the Epic Games client or download it from the main website.
- Create a new account or log in with an existing one.
- Click on the Home button on the left-hand side.
- Find the categories section on the top bar.
- Scroll down and find the Demos sub-category.
- Click on it and explore various demos.
- Proceed through the checkout window.
- Launch the demo from the Epic Games client or the desktop.
Which Client is Better for Demos?
When it comes to demos, there are multiple services that you can use. The big three names are STEAm, Epic Games, and Origin.
Each client has its own perks. For example, STEAM is versatile in terms of genres. Whereas, Origin is known for its timely demo release.
Moreover, Epic Games has fewer demos, but they are tied to multiple AAA titles.
Which client should I choose?
It solely depends on your personal preference. Some people prefer Origin because it provides demos for all the sports-related games.
Furthermore, you can also choose a client based on the frequency of releases. STEAM statistically puts out more demos.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I claim the full game after playing a demo?
In most cases, you won’t be able to claim the game on its release. It is necessary to buy the main game. However, some paid demos provide this feature. You can buy the demo at full price and play the game on its release day.
How much of the actual game is included in the demo?
Generally, developers only add 1-2 quests in the demo. It generally has a variation of 2-4 landscapes. You can also test limited interactions with weapons and abilities. Besides that, there aren’t many elements from the complete game.
Is the demo automatically removed from the library?
Even if you download the complete game, the demos stay in your library. This is because it acts as a separate game file. You have to manually remove the demo from your game client.
Wrapping Things Up…
This brings us to the finish line of your guide on How to Play Demo Games on STEAM. We hope you can use this information to your advantage.
There are multiple categories on STEAM for countless titles. You can also find playable demos for upcoming titles in the Demos category.
Let us know what you think in the comments below.