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How to Get All Steam Games for Free
ThioJoe
Overview
This video demonstrates a method to acquire all Steam games for free by utilizing a hidden developer console within the Steam client. The process involves creating a shortcut to Steam with a specific command-line argument to enable the console, followed by executing commands to mark all games for validation and installing a security certificate to bypass purchase verification. The tutorial explains how to initiate the game validation process through the console and highlights that while games are locally validated and playable, they are tied to the specific computer. It also briefly touches upon additional developer commands that unlock experimental features.
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- To access hidden Steam features, you need to enable the developer console.
- This is achieved by creating a shortcut to the Steam executable.
- In the shortcut's properties, append ' -console' to the target field.
- Launching Steam via this modified shortcut will open the developer console.
Enabling the console is the first crucial step, providing access to commands that manipulate Steam's functionality, which is necessary for the subsequent steps to acquire free games.
Right-clicking the Steam shortcut, selecting 'Properties,' and adding ' -console' to the 'Target' field.
- Once the console is open, use the command 'app_mark_validation all' to flag every game on Steam for validation.
- This command doesn't immediately grant access but prepares Steam to process all titles.
- This step is essential for telling Steam which games you intend to 'acquire'.
This command initiates the process of telling Steam that you want to validate all available games, setting the stage for the next steps that will actually attempt to add them to your library.
Typing 'app_mark_validation all' into the Steam console and pressing Enter.
- To bypass purchase verification, Steam's official security certificate must be installed on your computer.
- This involves accessing the Task Manager, finding 'Steam Client Bootstrapper,' and navigating to its digital signatures.
- From there, you view and install Valve's certificate, allowing Steam to validate games locally.
- This certificate is specific to the computer and may need reinstallation if Steam is accessed on a different machine.
Installing the certificate is critical for tricking Steam into believing you legitimately own the games, as it allows the client to validate them locally without a genuine purchase record.
Opening Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), right-clicking 'Steam Client Bootstrapper,' going to 'Digital Signatures,' selecting 'Valve Corporation,' clicking 'Details,' then 'View Certificate,' and finally 'Install Certificate.'
- Restart Steam using the console-enabled shortcut after installing the certificate.
- In the console, type the command 'app_start_validation' to begin the game acquisition process.
- A developer validation options window will appear; select 'Steam Games' (option 1).
- Confirm that 'all' games are marked for validation and proceed.
- Steam will then begin validating and adding games to your library one by one.
This is the core step where Steam is instructed to actively validate and add all previously marked games to your local library, effectively granting you access to them.
Typing 'app_start_validation' in the console, selecting option 1 for 'Steam Games,' and confirming the validation for 'all' games.
- After validation, restart Steam again to see the newly added games in your library.
- The acquired games are locally validated and playable, supporting achievements and multiplayer.
- New games released after this process will require repeating the validation steps.
- Using '-developer' instead of '-console' in the shortcut enables additional experimental commands (F6, F7, F8) for testing Steam's interface and features.
Understanding the implications of local validation and the need to re-validate for new releases is important for maintaining access, while exploring developer commands offers insight into Steam's underlying functionality.
Pressing F8 in developer mode to see a 'test achievement' or 'test spartanium' window.
Key takeaways
- A hidden developer console in Steam can be accessed by modifying shortcut properties.
- Specific console commands can be used to mark all Steam games for validation.
- Installing Valve's security certificate locally bypasses the need for actual game purchases.
- The 'app_start_validation' command initiates the process of adding games to your library.
- Games acquired this way are locally validated and tied to the computer, not the account.
- New games require repeating the validation process to be added.
- Using the '-developer' launch option reveals experimental commands for testing Steam features.
Key terms
Steam ConsoleDeveloper ConsoleShortcut PropertiesTarget FieldCommand-Line ArgumentApp Mark ValidationSecurity CertificateDigital SignaturesSteam Client BootstrapperApp Start ValidationLocal Validation
Test your understanding
- How can you enable the hidden developer console within the Steam client?
- What is the purpose of the 'app_mark_validation all' command?
- Why is it necessary to install Valve's security certificate to get free games?
- What happens after executing the 'app_start_validation' command, and what are the implications of the games being locally validated?
- If new games are released on Steam, what steps must be taken to acquire them using this method?