How to Run Steam in Offline Mode
Play Steam games without an internet connection — enable offline mode, prepare your library while online, and know which features still work offline.
When to Use Offline Mode
Steam Offline Mode lets you play single-player games without an internet connection — on flights, during outages, or anywhere without reliable WiFi. You must set it up while online first; Steam needs to cache authentication data before disconnecting.
Step 1 — Log In While Online
Connect to the internet and launch Steam. Sign in fully — including Steam Guard if prompted. Steam must authenticate your account at least once before offline mode works. Leave Steam running for a few minutes to sync your library.
Step 2 — Enable "Remember Password"
On the login screen, check Remember my password (if not already enabled). Offline mode requires cached credentials — without them, Steam cannot verify your identity without a network connection.
Step 3 — Switch to Offline Mode
Click Steam in the top menu → Go Offline. Steam warns that some features won't be available — click Restart in Offline Mode. After restarting, the client shows "Offline Mode" in the bottom-right corner.
Step 4 — Launch Your Game
Go to your Library and start any single-player game you've previously launched while online. Games you've never opened on this PC may require one online launch first to finalize installation and DRM checks.
Step 5 — Prepare Before Traveling
Before a trip, launch every game you plan to play offline while connected to the internet. Run each one past the main menu to confirm it loads. Update games beforehand — offline mode cannot download patches.
Step 6 — Return to Online Mode
When you have internet again, click Steam → Go Online. Steam reconnects, syncs cloud saves, and resumes achievements and updates. Cloud saves from your offline session upload automatically on reconnect.
Offline Mode Limitations
- Multiplayer, friends, and store are unavailable offline
- Games must be launched online at least once before
- No downloads, updates, or cloud sync while offline
- Some DRM-protected titles may refuse offline launch
- Return online to sync saves and achievements