The big list of DRM-free games on Steam
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Revision as of 21:13, 10 December 2014 by Arios (talk | contribs) (→Miscellaneous: VVVVVV is a flash game.)
Project aim
- List all games on Steam which are DRM-free, that meaning games which can be launched without the use of the Steam client.
Instructions
- Mention "Steamworks title." in the Notes column for any DRM-free games which use Steamworks when launched through the Steam client.
- This list now features all versions of the games - Windows, OS X and Linux versions that are DRM-Free will now have indicators to the right.
- Section headers - Games are grouped in multiple categories for ease of use. Sections are listed alphabetically under their respective header.
Definition of "DRM-free on Steam"
- DRM-free on Steam does not refer to games which don't use third-party DRM; the Steam client is DRM if it is required to run the game.
- DRM-free games on Steam are games which do not require the Steam client or any third-party DRM in order to launch said game's respective executable or startup script (.exe|.bin|.app|.sh).
- DRM-free games can be moved outside of the Steam folder and used freely.
- Steam does not have any official designation for games which are/aren't DRM-free - these must be tested by the editors themselves.
What is Steamworks?
- Steamworks is an API for game developers. It can be used for free and is used to integrate Steam features and solutions within PC games. Steamworks DRM is called Custom Executable Generation (CEG) and like the every part of Steamworks, it's optional for the developers. There are many games which use Steamworks and are DRM-free. These specific games will be noted.
- Steamworks-specific features such as Achievements, Cloud, Trading Cards, Leaderbords, multiplayer and other will not work if Steamworks games are launched outside of the Steam client.
Discussion
- Discuss the article on its Talk page.
- Discuss DRM-free games on the "List of DRM-free games on Steam" thread on the GOG.com Community Discussions.
Other information
- The Big List of 3rd Party DRM on Steam - A comparable list of Steam games which feature Third Party DRM.
- "List of DRM-free games on Steam" thread on the GOG.com Community Discussions - Note that some of the games listed may be outdated or outright false.
- "List of DRM-free games on Steam" similar wiki page on wikia.com, but somewhat more active - Note that any game listed there should still be tested before added here.
Main contacts
- AsavarTzeth (User page to be added, if wished)
- Nicereddy
- Garrett
Developer/Publisher-Specific
Bohemia Interactive
Name | Store Page | Notes | Win | OS X | Linux |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
ARMA: Cold War Assault | Link | ✔ | |||
ARMA: Gold Edition | Link | ✔ | |||
ARMA II | Link | ARMA II: Operation Arrowhead requires Steam. | ✔ | ||
ARMA Tactics | Link | ? | ? | ✔ | |
Take On Helicopters | Link | ✔ |
Devolver Digital
Name | Store Page | Notes | Win | OS X | Linux |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Hotline Miami | Link | Steamworks title. DRM-free if you disable Steamworks (on Windows) when game launches. Linux is DRM-Free out of the box. | ✔ | ? | ✔ |
Serious Sam 2 | Link | ✔ | |||
Serious Sam Classic: The First Encounter | Link | HD version has CEG. | ✔ | ||
Serious Sam Classic: The Second Encounter | Link | HD version has CEG. | ✔ |
Double Fine Productions
- Every new game released by Double Fine Productions is DRM-free and even some they publish. Costume Quest is the only exception.[1]
Name | Store Page | Notes | Win | OS X | Linux |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Broken Age | Link | Steamworks title. | ? | ? | ✔ |
Brutal Legend | Link | Steamworks title. | ? | ? | ✔ |
Psychonauts | Link | Steamworks title. | ? | ? | ✔ |
Spacebase DF-9 | Link | Steamworks title. | ? | ? | ✔ |
Stacking | Link | ? | ? | ✔ | |
The Cave | Link | Steamworks title. | ? | ? | ✔ |
Larian Studios
Name | Store Page | Notes | Win | OS X | Linux |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Beyond Divinity | Link | ✔ | |||
Divine Divinity | Link | ✔ | |||
Divinity II: Developer's Cut | Link | Free upgrade for owners of Divinity II: Ego Draconis or Divinity II: The Dragon Knight Saga. | ✔ | ||
Divinity: Dragon Commander | Link | Steamworks title. | ✔ | ||
Divinity: Original Sin | Link | Steamworks title. | ✔ | ? | ? |
inXile Entertainment
- Every game released by inXile Entertainment is DRM-free.
Name | Store Page | Notes | Win | OS X | Linux |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
The Bard's Tale | Link | ? | ? | ✔ | |
Wasteland 1 - The Original Classic | Link | ? | ? | ✔ | |
Wasteland 2 | Link | ✔ | ? | ✔ |
Paradox Development Studio
- Every Paradox Development Studio game is DRM-free and even some they publish (Paradox Interactive).
- Paradox stated many times their developed games are and will be DRM-free like this one post or by their CEO.
Name | Store Page | Notes | Win | OS X | Linux |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Arsenal of Democracy: A Hearts of Iron Game | Link | Steam and other digital distributors have outdated v1.07 because Paradox dropped support. Download v1.08 patch and apply it.
It is highly recommended by developers. After patch, game is DRM-free. |
✔ | ||
Cities in Motion | Link | Steamworks title. | ? | ? | ✔ |
Crusader Kings Complete | Link | ✔ | |||
Crusader Kings II | Link | Steamworks title. Includes all expansions and DLCs. | ✔ | ? | ✔ |
Darkest Hour: A Hearts of Iron Game | Link | Steam has outdated v1.02. Download v1.03 patch from developers and read Installation notes - Steam users. After patch, game is DRM-free. | ✔ | ||
East India Company | Link | ✔ | |||
Europa Universalis III Complete | Link | Steamworks title. Includes Heir to the Throne and Divine Wind expansions and all DLCs. | ✔ | ? | |
Europa Universalis IV | Link | Steamworks title. Includes all expansions and DLCs. | ✔ | ? | ✔ |
Europa Universalis: Rome - Gold Edition | Link | ✔ | |||
For The Glory: A Europa Universalis Game | Link | Download v1.2 patch in archive for DRM-free version of game. | ✔ | ||
Hearts of Iron 2 Complete | Link | ✔ | |||
Hearts of Iron III | Link | Steamworks title. Includes all expansions and DLCs. | ✔ | ? | |
Knights of Pen and Paper +1 Edition | Link | Steamworks title. | ✔ | ? | ? |
Majesty Gold HD | Link | Run MajestyHD.exe from the HD folder.
|
✔ | ||
Majesty 2 | Link | ✔ | |||
March of Eagles | Link | Steamworks title. | ✔ | ||
Sengoku | Link | Steamworks title. | ✔ | ||
Victoria I Complete | Link | ✔ | |||
Victoria II | Link | Steamworks title. Includes A House Divided and Heart of Darkness expansions and all DLCs. | ✔ |
SEGA
- Every game in this list (sans Sonic the Hedgehog 4 - Episode I) is run in an emulator and is therefore DRM-free.
Name | Store Page | Notes |
---|---|---|
SEGA Mega Drive Classics Pack | Link | Pack includes: Altered Beast, Comix Zone, Crack Down, Ecco the Dolphin, Gain Ground, Golden Axe, Shadow Dancer, Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master Space harrier II and Vectorman. |
SEGA Mega Drive Classics Pack 2 | Link | Pack includes: Alex Kidd in the Enchanted Castle, Bonanza Bros, Columns, Ecco Jr, Eternal Champions, Fatal Labyrinth, Galaxy Force II, Kid Chameleon, Ristar and Super Thunder Blade. |
SEGA Mega Drive Classics Pack 3 | Link | Pack includes: Alien Storm, Bio-Hazard Battle, Columns III, Decap Attack, Ecco: The Tides of Time, ESWAT: City Under Siege, Flicky, Golden Axe II, Sword of Vermilion and Virtua Fighter 2. |
SEGA Mega Drive Classics Pack 4 | Link | Pack includes: Alien Soldier, Gunstar Heroes, Landstalker: The Treasures of King Nole, Light Crusader, Shining Force, Shining Force II, Streets of Rage, Streets of Rage 2 and Wonder Boy III: Monster Lair. |
SEGA Genesis Classics Pack 5 | Link | Pack includes: Beyond Oasis, Dynamite Headdy, Golden Axe III, Phantasy Star III: Generations of Doom, Phantasy Star III: Generations of Doom, Revenge of the Shinobi, Streets of Rage 3, Vectorman 2 and Wonder Boy in Monster World. |
Sonic 3 and Knuckles | Link | |
Sonic 3D Blast | Link | |
Sonic Spinball | Link | |
Sonic the Hedgehog | Link | |
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 | Link | |
Sonic the Hedgehog 4 - Episode I | Link | Steamworks title. |
ToeJam & Earl | Link | |
ToeJam & Earl in Panic on Funkotron | Link |
Square Enix
Name | Store Page | Notes |
---|---|---|
Dungeon Siege | Link | |
Dungeon Siege II | Link | |
Thief Gold | Link | |
Thief II: The Metal Age | Link |
Ubisoft
Name | Store Page | Notes | Win | OS X | Linux |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Assassin's Creed: Director's Cut Edition | Link | Run game via DX9 launcher. | ✔ | ||
Far Cry 2: Fortune's Edition | Link | ✔ | |||
Heroes of Might & Magic V: Tribes of the East | Link | Run H5_Game.exe from binDM folder, not from bin folder.
|
✔ | ||
Rayman Origins | Link | ✔ | ✘ |
Valve
Name | Store Page | Notes | Win | OS X | Linux |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Half-Life 2 | Link | Steamworks title. In Cmd/Terminal (no quotes) Run: Windows: "hl2.exe" Linux: "./hl2.sh". | ✔ | ? | ✔ |
Half-Life 2: Episode One | Link | Steamworks title. In Cmd/Terminal (no quotes) Run: Windows: "hl2.exe -game episodic" Linux: "./hl2.sh -game episodic". | ✔ | ? | ✔ |
Half-Life 2: Episode Two | Link | Steamworks title. In Cmd/Terminal (no quotes) Run: Windows: "hl2.exe -game ep2" Linux: "./hl2.sh -game ep2". | ✔ | ? | ✔ |
Half-Life 2: Lost Coast | Link | Steamworks title. In Cmd/Terminal (no quotes) Run: Windows: "hl2.exe -game lostcoast" Linux: "./hl2.sh -game lostcoast". | ✔ | ? | ✔ |
Counter Strike: Source | Link | Steamworks title. In Cmd/Terminal (no quotes) Run: Windows: "hl2.exe -game cstrike" Linux: "./hl2.sh -game cstrike". Use console to create/join lan server. | ✔ | ? | ✔ |
Half-Life: Source | Link | Steamworks title. In Cmd/Terminal (no quotes) Run: Windows: "hl2.exe -game hl1" Linux: "./hl2.sh -game hl1". | ✔ | ? | ✔ |
Half-Life Deathmatch: Source | Link | Steamworks title. In Cmd/Terminal (no quotes) Run: Windows: "hl2.exe -game hl1mp" Linux: "./hl2.sh -game hl1mp". Use console to create/join lan server. | ✔ | ? | ✔ |
Miscellaneous
Indie
- Independent video games (commonly referred to as indie games) are made by individuals or small teams generally without video game publisher financial support. For the simplicity of this article, games published by those outside of the indie studio itself are also included in this list.
- For independent games using Flash & AIR see the Flash & AIR section.
Name | Store Page | Notes | Win | OS X | Linux |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
10,000,000 | Link | Steamworks title. | ? | ? | ✔ |
AaaaaAAaaaAAAaaAAAAaAAAAA!!! for the Awesome | Link | Steamworks title. | ✔ | ? | ? |
Adventures of Shuggy | Link | Steamworks title. | ✔ | ||
A Virus Named TOM | Link | Steamworks title. | ✔ | ? | ✔ |
Air Control | Link | ✔ | |||
Anna - Extended Edition | Link | Steamworks title. Windows version requires both Steam & Kalypso account login. | ✘ | ? | ✔ |
Avadon: The Black Fortress | Link | Steamworks title. | ✘ | ? | ✔ |
Bastion | Link | Steamworks title. | ✔ | ? | ✔ |
Cogs | Link | Steamworks title. On Linux, requires 32-bit version of SDL installed or copied to game directory. | ✔ | ? | ✔ |
Cortex Command | Link | ✔ | ? | ||
Dungeon Defenders | Link | Steamworks title. | ✔ | ? | ? |
Dungeons of Dredmor | Link | Steamworks title. | ✔ | ? | ✔ |
Escape Goat 2 | Link | Steamworks title. | ? | ? | ✔ |
Delver | Link | ✔ | ? | ? | |
Faerie Solitaire | Link | Steamworks title. | ✔ | ? | |
Fairy Bloom Freesia | Link | Steamworks title. | ✔ | ||
FEZ | Link | Steamworks title. On Windows, run FEZ_LaunchOption.exe to disable Steamworks so you can use DRM-free version.
|
✔ | ? | ✔ |
FTL: Faster Than Light | Link | Steamworks title. | ✔ | ? | ✔ |
Gateways | Link | Steamworks title. | ? | ? | ✔ |
Goat Simulator | Link | Steamworks title. Might not save games without Steam. | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Gratuitous Tank Battles | Link | Steamworks title. | ✔ | ? | |
Gratuitous Space Battles | Link | Steamworks title. Linux dependencies are easiest solved with "run.sh" from steam-runtime (not bound to Steam). | ✔ | ? | ✔ |
Kerbal Space Program | Link | Steamworks title. | ✔ | ? | ✔ |
Mercenary Kings | Link | Steamworks title. | ✔ | ✔ | ? |
Oddworld: Munch's Oddysee | Link | Steamworks title. | ✔ | ||
Oddworld: Stranger's Wrath HD | Link | Steamworks title. | ✔ | ||
Penny Arcade's On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness 3 | Link | Steamworks title. | ✔ | ||
Penny Arcade's On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness 4 | Link | Steamworks title. | ✔ | ||
Snuggle Truck | Link | Steamworks title. | ✔ | ? | ✔ |
SOL: Exodus | Link | Steamworks title. | ✔ | ||
Sol Survivor | Link | Steamworks title. | ✔ | ||
Super Crate Box | Link | ✔ | |||
Super Meat Boy | Link | Steamworks title. | ✔ | ? | ✔ |
Strike Suit Zero | Link | Steamworks title. Warns about Steam absence but should play without issues. | ✔ | ? | ✔ |
Super Laser Racer | Link | Steamworks title. | ✔ | ||
Time Gentlemen, Please! and Ben There, Dan That! Special Edition Double Pack | Link | ✔ | |||
Transistor | Link | Steamworks title. | ✔ | ✔ | ? |
Trapped Dead | Link | Steamworks title. | ✔ | ||
Unstoppable Gorg | Link | Steamworks title. | ✔ | ? | |
Uplink | Link | ? | ? | ✔ | |
Vertex Dispenser | Link | Steamworks title. | ✔ | ? | |
Windosil | Link | ✔ | ? | ||
Wizorb | Link | Steamworks title. Save data might not work unless Steam is running. | ✔ | ? | |
Woodle Tree Adventures | Link | Steamworks title. Delete/rename Steam DLLs to prevent Steam being detected and launched. | ✔ | ? | ? |
Other
- This list features non-indie, AAA (big publishers) and games outside publishers in separate paragraphs.
Name | Store Page | Notes | Win | OS X | Linux |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Alpha Protocol | Link | Run Binaries\APGame.exe , not APLauncher.exe .
|
✔ | ||
Batman: Arkham Asylum Game of the Year Edition | Link | Steamworks title. Make a shortcut to Binaries\ShippingPC-BmGame.exe and add -nosteam to the end of the target. Steam saves are not compatible with non-Steam mode.[2]
|
✔ | ||
Colin McRae Rally (2014) | Link | Steamworks title. Delete/rename Steam DLLs to prevent Steam being detected and launched. | ✔ | ? | |
Fable: The Lost Chapters | Link | ✔ | |||
Galactic Civilizations I: Ultimate Edition | Link | ✔ | |||
Galactic Civilizations II: Ultimate Edition | Link | Base game (Dread Lords [GalCiv2.exe ]) and Dark Avatar [GC2DarkAvatar.exe ] expansion are DRM-free.
|
✔ | ||
GT Legends | Link | ✔ | |||
GTR - FIA GT Racing Game | Link | ✔ | |||
GTR 2 - FIA GT Racing Game | Link | ✔ | |||
Legendary | Link | SecuROM paul.dll remnant in installation folder does nothing and the game still works if it is deleted.
|
✔ | ||
Painkiller Redemption | Link | On Linux the game is probably DRM-Free, but it is heavily built/linked against the Steam-Runtime. | ✔ | ? | ✘ |
Saira | Link | ✔ | |||
Scribblenauts Unlimited | Link | Steamworks title. Warns about Steam absence but plays without issues. Object editor and custom objects are not available when not launched from Steam.[2] | ✔ | ||
Sniper Elite | Link | Steamworks title. | ✔ | ||
Space Hack | Link | ✔ | |||
System Shock 2 | Link | Steamworks title. On Linux it should be DRM-Free as well. It may be hard to launch though, since it is using a Wine-wrapper. | ✔ | ? | ✔ |
Tales of Monkey Island Complete Pack | Link | Only Chapter One. | ✔ | ? | |
The Witcher: Enhanced Edition Director's Cut | Link | It has CEG, but you can use the provided CD key to get the DRM-free backup copy (you get installation files) at GOG.com. | ✘ | ✘ | |
The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings Enhanced Edition | Link | Steamworks title. It has CEG, but you can use the provided CD key to get the DRM-free backup copy (you get installation files) at GOG.com. | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ |
Worms Pinball | Link | ✔ |
Flash & AIR
- DRM can't be used on Flash and AIR games as per Steamworks FAQ.
- Multi-Platform: You may sometimes be able to play these games on any platform supported by flash. To do this extract the .swf file from the .exe of the Windows version and open it in the flashplayer. A good extraction tool is e.g. exe2swf.
Name | Store Page | Notes | Win | OS X | Linux |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Anodyne | Link | Steamworks title. | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Auditorium | Link | ✔ | |||
Botanicula | Link | Steamworks title. | ✔ | ✔ | |
Defender's Quest: Valley of the Forgotten | Link | Steamworks title. | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Enemy Mind | Link | Steamworks title. | ✔ | ||
Flight Control HD | Link | Steamworks title. | ✔ | ✔ | |
Intrusion 2 | Link | Steamworks title. | ✔ | ✔ | |
Lilly Looking Through | Link | Steamworks title. | ✔ | ✔ | |
Lone Survivor | Link | Steamworks title. | ✔ | ✔ | |
Machinarium | Link | Multi-Platform: Use the extracted "00000004.swf". | ✔ | ✔ | |
Monster Loves You! | Link | Steamworks title. | ✔ | ||
Offspring Fling! | Link | Steamworks title. | ✔ | ✔ | |
Probability 0 | Link | ✔ | ✔ | ||
Samorost2 | Link | Multi-Platform: Use the extracted "00000003.swf". | ✔ | ||
Soundodger+ | Link | Steamworks title. | ✔ | ||
The Basement Collection | Link | ✔ | ✔ | ||
The Binding of Isaac | Link | Steamworks title. | ✔ | ✔ | |
The Last Door | Link | Steamworks title. | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Trauma | Link | ✔ | ✔ | ||
VVVVVV | Link | ✔ | ? | ✔ |