Useful Steam features to get the most out of the service

1. Use filters to find the right game in your library

In the Steam library, you can use filters to sort games by different criteria: types, genres, ratings, price, features, release date, language support, and others. With their help, you can quickly find the games you need among the installed games.

To activate the function, you need to: click on the icon of switches next to the search for games in «Library» — tick the filters you need.

In the filters, you can enter your marks or find games that both you and a friend have in their library.

2. Sort purchased games into collections.

Steam allows you to group the games you've purchased by genre, author, or mode. The way of organising games by collections allows you to conveniently sort and find them in your library.

To activate the function, you need to: click on the square next to the «Library» button — «Create a new collection».

Collections can be seen both in the list on the left and as covers in the library

3. Connect your PC to a TV and enable Big Picture mode

Big Picture is a special Steam interface that will help to use the platform more conveniently on large screens, such as TVs, and will also be useful for gamers who use the service with controllers. It will allow you to easily view your games in Steam, chat with friends, and use different Steam features even when your computer is connected to a TV or monitor with a large diagonal. Thanks to Big Picture, you don't need to connect a mouse or use a keyboard.

To activate the function, you need to: hover over the upper left corner — «View» — «Big Picture Mode».

4. Hiding unwanted games from your library

In Steam, you can hide completed games or outdated demos. The hidden game will no longer appear on your library's main list. However, it will not be deleted from your account, and you will be able to find it through the search function or in the «Hidden» section.

To activate the function, you need to: right-click on the game — «Manage» — «Mark as Private».

Now, Steam will not show you the hidden game. To restore the game in the library, you need to go to «Steam Settings» — «Interface» — «Show Hidden Games» — «Show Hidden Games» or search for it via search.

5. Using notes on top of a running game

Steam has an inbuilt notepad where you can create notes while you're playing. It is especially convenient if you need to write down something important (for example, codes, strategies, or some ideas) while you are playing.

To activate the function, you need to: start the game — press the key combination «Shift + Tab» — click on the pencil icon at the bottom of the screen — write a note — «Fax the Window in the Game».

Separately, you can adjust the transparency of the notes window.

6. Broadcast a running game from your PC to another device

If you want, you can transfer a game or even your entire desktop from your PC to another device (computer, smartphone, tablet or even TV). An ideal way for comfortable gaming from the comfort of your home.

To activate the function, you need to: launch the game on your PC — log in to your Steam account on another device — click the «Enable Remote Play» button.

Normally, game broadcasting is set by default. You can check this in the «Remote Play» section..

7. Subscribe to beta updates

On Steam, you have the option to subscribe to beta updates for certain games and the Steam client itself. This allows you to get access to testing new features, fixes, and improvements that have not yet been officially released.

To activate the function, you need to: go to «Steam Settings» — «Interface» — «Client Beta Participation».

You can deactivate the function in the same window.

8. Check the space occupied by installed games on your hard disc

Before downloading a new game, it is a good idea to check how much space your already installed games take up on your hard disc. This way, you will understand if you need to delete some of them to free up space.

To activate the function, you need to: go to «Steam Settings» — «Storage».

9. You can get a refund for a purchased game

If you are not satisfied with your purchase or for any reason you want to get your money back, Steam provides a refund option for purchased games. Usually, through the support service, you can get a refund for the game provided that you spent less than 2 hours in it within 14 days after purchase.

To activate the function, you need to: click on «Help» in the upper left corner — «Steam Support» — «Recent Purchases» — click on the desired game — «I would like a refund» — «I would like to make a refund request».

Support can also be contacted for other questions regarding game purchases.

10. Selling unwanted items on the trading platform

Another interesting feature is the ability to sell unnecessary items that have accumulated in excess (Steam collectible cards, chat stickers, UI themes, badges) through the trading platform. This way, you can replenish your Steam wallet with funds that can be spent on games, content, or other purchases on the platform.

To activate the function, you need to: click on your profile — «Item Inventory» — click on the item — «Put an item up for sale» — put a price — wait for the purchase of your item.

11. Enabling the frame counter within games

Steam has a built-in feature to display a frames per second (FPS) counter within games, which helps you track game performance on your PC. This option is especially useful for gamers who want to know how many frames per second are being output while playing a game to adjust graphics or check system performance.

To activate the function, you need to: enter «Steam Settings» — «In Game» — «In-game FPS counter» — put the counter in a convenient corner of the screen.

12. Share your game library with loved ones

Enabling «Steam Families» allows you to share your game library with others. As a result, your loved ones can enjoy your games when they are not running on your computer, without having to re-purchase them. You can authorise up to 10 devices at a time and give access to your library to a maximum of 5 accounts.

To activate the function, you need to: log in to your Steam account on another device — go to «Steam Settings» — «Family» — «Create or Join a Steam Family».

If you wish, you can revoke family access to users at any time.

13. Invisible status

Activating the Invisible status allows you to be offline without disappearing from your friends list. This means that your profile will be hidden from other users, and they will not see that you are online. However, this won't stop you from interacting with other users, such as messaging them or accepting game requests.
 To activate the function, you need to: open Steam and go to the top menu by clicking on your name in the top right corner — select «Status» — select «Invisible» from the drop-down menu.

When is it profitable to make purchases on Steam?

Gamers with experience know that on game services from time to time, you can catch big discounts. Steam is not an exception. During major seasonal sales, discounts here can reach 50-90%. 

One of the biggest sales of the year in the shop falls at the end of December and early January — the period of Christmas and New Year holidays. In addition, Steam traditionally holds promotions timed to Easter every year. You can also buy games at attractive promotional prices in October on Halloween, and in November, when there are Black Friday offers. 

And also in the periods between major sales, Steam pleases users with additional promotions, such as free games, various collections, and category sales. In order not to miss all these events, you can subscribe to the Steam newsletter or regularly check the shop for promotions.

As you can see, it's easy to get maximum comfort and benefit from the functionality and offers of the top gaming platform. It is enough to register on Steam and experience its possibilities for yourself.

By the way, what are the top features of Steam, in your opinion? Share them in the comments.