Mastering Your Steam Controller: Play Non-Steam Games with Ease

Hey gamers! If you’re diving deep into the PC gaming world, you’ve probably accumulated a hefty library of games through Steam. It’s the go-to platform for many, even with other storefronts like Microsoft and Epic trying to steal the spotlight with exclusive offers and free weekly games.

With so many launchers out there, it can feel like a hassle to manage your games from different platforms. Especially when you want to kick back in your living room with a controller. If you’re a fan of the Steam Controller, you might have noticed that it gets a bit tricky when trying to play games purchased outside of Steam. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Here’s how to keep everything organized and make the most out of your gaming sessions.

Linking Non-Steam Titles

Whether your games are on Epic Games Store, Battle.Net, or other launchers, they all share a common trait: they’re standard Windows executables (.exe files). To get these up and running in Steam, just follow these simple steps:

1. Open Steam and head over to the Games tab in the settings menu.

2. Click on “Add a Non-Steam Game to My Library.”

3. Browse through your PC to find the .exe files for the games you want to add.

Once you’ve added them, they’ll pop up in your Steam Library. Just a heads-up, launching these games will still require their respective launchers (like Ubisoft Connect), but now you’ll enjoy Steam Input features and the Steam Overlay. This means you can use your customized controls even for non-Steam titles, making it all super convenient!

Wrestling with UWP Games

If you’re subscribed to Xbox Game Pass or snagging games through the Xbox app on PC, things get a bit tricky. These games aren’t standard .exe files; they’re Universal Windows Platform (UWP) applications, and Steam doesn’t naturally recognize them. But don’t sweat it; there’s a solution! Enter UWPhook.

This nifty, free tool allows you to create links between your UWP games and Steam, making them accessible right from your library. After downloading UWPhook, you can choose the games you want to add, rename them if you fancy, and they’ll show up seamlessly in Steam. You’ll be able to launch them with all the Steam features you love, including your personalized controller setups. Plus, if you’re into the Big Picture Mode for your living room setup, you’re all set!

Just keep in mind that while most UWP games should work perfectly, there might be a few exceptions where Steam Input isn’t supported. A bit of trial and error with your favorite games will help you figure out what works best, but this method has been a solid go-to for UWP gamers for quite some time.

So there you have it! Whether you want to get your Steam Controller up and running with all your games or just keep your digital library organized, integrating your non-Steam titles into Steam is easier than ever. Happy gaming!