So, you've got a secret stash of games on Steam – maybe some embarrassing titles from your younger days, or perhaps some niche indie gems you're not ready to share with the world. Whatever the reason, knowing how to hide games from your Steam friends is a valuable skill. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process, answering common questions and offering tips for managing your Steam game library's privacy.
How to Hide Games on Steam from Your Friends?
Hiding games on Steam is surprisingly simple. Here's a step-by-step guide:
- Open your Steam client: Launch the Steam application on your computer.
- Navigate to your Library: In the top menu bar, click on "Games," and then select "Library."
- Locate the game: Find the game you wish to hide from your friends' view.
- Right-click the game: Right-click on the game's title image or name.
- Select "Set Categories": A menu will appear; choose "Set Categories."
- Check the "Hidden" box: In the pop-up window, you'll see a list of categories. Locate and check the box labeled "Hidden." Click "OK."
That's it! The game will now be removed from your game list visible to your Steam friends.
Can Friends Still See My Playtime on Hidden Games?
No. Hiding a game on Steam completely prevents your friends from seeing it in your game list. This includes playtime data; your friends won't see how much time you've spent playing the hidden game.
How to Unhide Games on Steam?
If you decide you want to make a game visible again, simply repeat the steps above. This time, when you reach the "Set Categories" window, uncheck the "Hidden" box.
What Happens if I Hide a Game I'm Currently Playing?
If you hide a game while you're actively playing it, your friends will still see that you're playing something on Steam, but they won't see the name of the game. They'll just see your online status with a generic "Playing a game" indicator.
Does Hiding Games Affect My Achievements?
Absolutely not. Hiding a game from your friends has absolutely no impact on your achievements. Your achievements remain visible on your Steam profile, regardless of whether the game is hidden or not.
Can I Hide All My Games at Once?
Unfortunately, there's no single button to hide all your games simultaneously. You'll need to repeat the hiding process for each individual game.
Why Would I Want to Hide Games on Steam?
There are many reasons why someone might want to keep their gaming library private. Here are a few common examples:
- Privacy: Some players simply prefer to keep their gaming habits private.
- Embarrassment: Older games or less-than-popular titles might be something a gamer doesn't want to share with friends.
- Surprise: Hiding a new game adds an element of surprise when you finally reveal it to your friends.
- Avoiding Pressure: Hiding games can prevent friends from constantly asking to play games you're not interested in sharing.
By following these simple steps, you can effectively manage the visibility of your Steam game library and maintain the privacy you desire. Remember, gaming should be enjoyable, and part of that enjoyment is having the control to curate your online presence as you see fit.
