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The big list of DRM-free games on Steam

From PCGamingWiki, the wiki about fixing PC games
Revision as of 03:51, 24 August 2022 by AmethystViper (talk | contribs)

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.
  • DISCLAIMER: Currently this list isn't even remotely a complete listing of DRM-free games on Steam!

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, Leaderboards, multiplayer and other will not work if Steamworks games are launched outside of the Steam client.

Discussion

Other information

Main contacts

This page may require cleanup to meet basic quality standards. The specific problem is: (Dandelion Sprout:) The list is missing circa 300 games compared to List of DRM-free games on Steam, as of 14th of August 2022. You can help by modifying the article. The discussion page may contain useful suggestions.

Developer/Publisher-Specific

Bohemia Interactive

Since GameSpy shut down, major changes happened to the ARMA series. You can read about it here.
ARMA II: Operation Arrowhead transitioned to Steamworks and BI added DRM.
Before you run the listed games (except Tactics, Original War and UFO: Afterlight), run BattlEye (anti-cheat) from its folder or run the game from the Steam client to install it otherwise it will pop up the message "bad serial number given in Setup".
Name Store Page Notes Win OS X Linux
Arma 2 Link
Arma Tactics Link ?
Arma: Armed Assault Link
Arma: Cold War Assault Link
Original War Link
Take On Helicopters Link
UFO: Afterlight Link

Devolver Digital

Name Store Page Notes Win OS X Linux
Broforce Link Steamworks title. Offline play only. ? ?
Carrion Link Steamworks title. Linux: Delete/rename libsteam_api.so or the game won't launch. ? ?
Enter the Gungeon Link DRM-free when Steam is not installed or by creating a steam_appid.txt containing its Steam App ID number 311690 in the game's installation directory. ? ?
Hatoful Boyfriend Link Steamworks title. ? ?
Hatoful Boyfriend: Holiday Star Link Steamworks title. ? ?
Heavy Bullets Link Steamworks title. Leaderboards cannot be accessed if the game is not launched through Steam.
Hotline Miami Link Steamworks title. DRM-free if you disable Steamworks (on Windows) when game launches. Linux is DRM-Free out of the box. ?
Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number Link Steamworks title. ? ?
Loop Hero Link Steamworks title. ? ?
Luftrausers Link Steamworks title. Leaderboards cannot be accessed if the user is not logged into Steam. ? ?
Mother Russia Bleeds Link DRM-free when Steam is not installed or by creating a steam_appid.txt containing its Steam App ID number 361300 in the game's installation directory. Cannot access online leaderboards without a Steam log-in, but plays fine otherwise. Any in-game achievements unlocked offline will unlock Steam Achievements retroactively.[1] ? ?
Reigns Link Steamworks title. ? ?
Serious Sam Classic: The First Encounter Link HD version has CEG.
Serious Sam Classic: The Second Encounter Link HD version has CEG.
Serious Sam Classics: Revolution Link

Double Fine Productions

Every new game released by Double Fine Productions is DRM-free and even some they publish.[citation needed] Costume Quest is the only exception.[2]
Name Store Page Notes Win OS X Linux
Broken Age Link Steamworks title. ?
Brutal Legend Link Steamworks title. ?
The Cave Link Steamworks title. ? ?
Psychonauts Link Steamworks title. ?
Spacebase DF-9 Link Steamworks title. ?
Stacking 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.[citation needed]
Name Store Page Notes Win OS X Linux
The Bard's Tale Link ?
Wasteland 1 - The Original Classic Link Steamworks title. ?
Wasteland 2 Link Steamworks title. ?
Wasteland 3 Link Steamworks title. Online co-op is p2p only. ? ?

Paradox Development Studio

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.[3] After patch, game is DRM-free.

Cities in Motion Link Steamworks title. ?
Commander: Conquest of the Americas Link Gold Edition tested.
Crusader Kings Complete Link
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 the Eagles Link Steamworks title.
Sengoku Link Steamworks title.
Victoria II Link Steam|215001/and Heart of Darkness] expansions and all DLCs.

SEGA

Name Store Page Notes Win OS X Linux
Alpha Protocol Link Run Binaries\APGame.exe, not APLauncher.exe.
Crazy Taxi (Steam) Link DRM-free when Steam is not installed or by creating a steam_appid.txt file in the game's installation directory containing its Steam App ID number 71230.
Jack Lumber Link Steamworks title. ? ?
Sega Bass Fishing (Steam) Link DRM-free when Steam is not installed or by creating a steam_appid.txt file in the game's installation directory containing its Steam App ID number 71240.
Sega Mega Drive and Genesis Classics Link The "Simple" launcher (SEGAGenesisClassics.exe) is a DRM-free Sega Genesis emulator, however the Unity-based "Hub" launcher (SEGAGameRoom.exe) requires Steam DRM. ? ?
Sonic Adventure DX (Steam) Link DRM-free when Steam is not installed or by creating a steam_appid.txt file in the game's installation directory containing its Steam App ID number 71250. The previous 2011 version was also DRM-free.
Sonic the Hedgehog 4 - Episode I Link Steamworks title.
Space Channel 5: Part 2 (Steam) Link DRM-free when Steam is not installed or by creating a steam_appid.txt file in the game's installation directory containing its Steam App ID number 71260.
Valkyria Chronicles Link DRM-free when Steam is not installed or when steam_appid.txt is in directory containing any number.[4]

Square Enix

Name Store Page Notes
Actraiser Renaissance Link Can be played without Steam running.[5]
Dragon Quest XI S - Definitive Edition Link Denuvo Anti-Tamper DRM was removed on May 28, 2021.[6] Does not require the Steam client to run.
Dungeon Siege Link
Dungeon Siege II Link
Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster Link
Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age Link Denuvo Anti-Tamper DRM was removed on April 24, 2020.[7] DRM-free when Steam is not installed or when the steam_appid.txt file is in directory containing any number.[8]
Thief Gold Link
Thief II: The Metal Age Link
Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation Link
Trials of Mana Link Denuvo Anti-Tamper DRM was removed on August 26, 2020.[9] DRM-free when Steam is not installed or when the steam_appid.txt file is placed in the same directory as the exe (<path-to-game>\Trials of Mana\Binaries\Win64\).[10]

Supergiant Games

Name Store Page Notes Win OS X Linux
Bastion Link Steamworks title. Can be played directly from its executable. Online leaderboards and Steam Achievements cannot be accessed without a Steam log-in, but plays fine otherwise.[11] ? ?
Hades Link Steamworks title. Can be played directly from its executable. Steam Achievements cannot be accessed without a Steam log-in, but plays fine otherwise. ?
Transistor Link Steamworks title. Does not require the client to run. Steam Achievements cannot be accessed without a Steam log-in, but plays fine otherwise. ?

Ubisoft

Name Store Page Notes Win OS X Linux
Anno 1404 Link Includes the Venice add-on. Anno 1404 is the name used in EU and AU/NZ regions. The game was once pulled from Steam, but has been back since March 2014. TAGES DRM has been removed since then. TagesClient.dat and TagesClient.exe files remain in the game directory but they are inert and can be deleted. Ubisoft hasn't updated the Steam store page to remove the warning about 3rd party DRM integration.
Assassin's Creed: Director's Cut Edition Link Must be run via the DX9 launcher.
Dawn of Discovery Link Includes the Venice add-on. Dawn of Discovery is Anno 1404's worldwide name outside the EU and AU/NZ regions. Read Anno 1404 notes for further info.
Far Cry 2: Fortune's Edition Link
Heroes of Might & Magic V: Tribes of the East Link H5_Game.exe must be run from the binDM subfolder, not the bin subfolder.
Outland Link Linux: RunGameNoSteamRT.sh must be run from the main directory. ? ?
Rayman Origins Link

Valve

Name Store Page Notes Win OS X Linux
Black Mesa Link Steamworks title. In Terminal run: Linux: ./bms.sh. ? ?
Counter Strike: Source Link Steamworks title. In Cmd/Terminal 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 run: Windows: hl2.exe -game hl1 ?
Half-Life Deathmatch: Source Link Steamworks title. In Cmd/Terminal run: Windows: hl2.exe -game hl1mp Linux: ./hl2.sh -game hl1mp. Use console to create/join lan server. ?
Half-Life 2 Link Steamworks title. In Cmd/Terminal run: Windows: hl2.exe ?
Half-Life 2: Episode One Link Steamworks title. In Cmd/Terminal run: Windows: hl2.exe -game episodic ?
Half-Life 2: Episode Two Link Steamworks title. In Cmd/Terminal run: Windows: hl2.exe -game ep2 ?
Half-Life 2: Lost Coast Link Steamworks title. In Cmd/Terminal run: Windows: hl2.exe -game lostcoast ?
Portal Link Steamworks title. In Cmd/Terminal run: Windows: hl2.exe -game portal ?
Half-Life: Alyx Link In Cmd/Terminal run: Windows: hlvr.exe ? ?

XSEED

Name Store Page Notes Win OS X Linux
AKIBA'S TRIP: Undead & Undressed Link DRM was removed in a patch.[12] Now shares the same executable (as well as Steam and Galaxy DLLs) as the GOG build.
Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin Link
The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky Link Steamworks title. DRM was removed in a patch.[13] Now shares the same executable (as well as Steam and Galaxy DLLs) as the GOG build.
The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky SC Link Steamworks title. DRM was removed in a patch.[13] Now shares the same executable as the GOG build.
The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky the 3rd Link Steamworks title. DRM was removed in a patch.[13] Now shares the same executable as the GOG build.
The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel Link Steamworks title. Shares the same executable as the GOG build.
The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel II Link
Ys I & II Chronicles+ Link Steamworks title. Confirmed DRM-Free by the localizer[14] and shares the same executable as the GOG build.
Ys Origin Link
Ys: The Oath in Felghana Link
Ys VI: The Ark of Napishtim Link
Zwei: The Ilvard Insurrection Link Steamworks title. Shares the same executable as the GOG build.

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
3dSen PC Link DRM-Free as of v0.9.5 patch
3dSen VR Link DRM-Free as of v0.9.5 patch
100% Orange Juice! Link Steamworks title. Requires its steam_api.dll file in the installation folder to run the game but it is playable without Steam running. Steam Achievements, online lobbies, leaderboards, DLCs, and other Steam-related features cannot be accessed without a Steam log-in, but plays fine otherwise.
140 Link Steamworks title. ? ?
200% Mixed Juice! Link Steamworks title. Requires its steam_api.dll file in the installation folder to run the game but it is playable without Steam running in the background. Cannot access online multiplayer and Steam Achievements are disabled, but the game plays fine otherwise.
10,000,000 Link Steamworks title. ?
Aces Wild: Manic Brawling Action! Link Steamworks title. Requires its Steam-related .dll files in the installation folder to run but it is playable without Steam running in the background.
A.R.E.S.: Extinction Agenda Link The game will give a warning message about Steam API not being initialized properly when launching the game directly from its executable, but it will continue to play afterwards. Berserker Suit DLC however cannot be accessed without a Steam log-in.
A.R.E.S.: Extinction Agenda EX Link Requires its Steam-related .dll files in the installation folder to run the game. The game will use the local save file instead of the one stored on Steam Cloud. The Apollo drone for owners of the original A.R.E.S.: Extinction Agenda cannot be accessed without a Steam log-in.
AaaaaAAaaaAAAaaAAAAaAAAAA!!! for the Awesome Link Steamworks title. ? ?
Acceleration of SUGURI 2 Link Steamworks title. Requires its steam_api.dll file in the installation folder to run the game but it is playable without Steam running. Cannot access online lobbies and Steam Achievements are disabled, but the game plays fine otherwise.
Adventures of Shuggy Link Steamworks title.
Air Control Link
Alarameth TD Link Steamworks title. If copying to another offline machine match the correct architecture (32-bit/64-bit). In-game achievements offer to sync to Steam achievements if/when connected.
All Our Asias Link Steamworks title. ? ?
Alwa's Awakening Link ? ?
Alwa's Legacy Link ? ?
Ambre - a heartbreaking kinetic novel Link Steamworks title. ? ?
Amnesia: The Dark Descent Link Steamworks title. ?
Analogue: A Hate Story Link Steamworks title. ? ?
Animal Lover Link Steamworks title. ? ?
Anna - Extended Edition Link Steamworks title. Windows version requires both Steam & Kalypso account login. ?
Antichamber Link
Aozora Meikyuu Link Steamworks title. ? ?
Ara Fell Link Steamworks title. ? ?
A Robot Named Fight! Link ? ?
Assault Android Cactus Link Steamworks title. Cannot access the online Daily Drive (offline version will be used) or leaderboards without a Steam log-in, but plays fine otherwise.
Astebreed Link Steamworks title.
Avadon: The Black Fortress Link Steamworks title. ?
Baba Is You Link Steamworks title.
BallisticNG Link Steamworks title. Steamworks-related features such as Steam Achievements and Leaderboards will be disabled without a Steam log-in, but plays fine otherwise.[15] Steam Workshop items can also be played without Steam by installing them from the Workshop and then importing the files to the game's respective mod folders.
Bandits Link ? ?
Barony Link Steamworks title.
Bastion Link Steamworks title. ?
BeamNG.drive Link Steamworks title.
Beholder Link Steamworks title. ? ?
Between Me and The Night Link Steamworks title. ?
A Bewitching Revolution Link ? ?
Bit Blaster XL Link Steamworks title. ?
Black Ice Link Steamworks title - will work when Steam is completely off
Blasphemous Link Steamworks title. ?
Bleed Link Steamworks title. Its steam_api.dll and SteamWrapper.dll files in its installation folder are required, but can be played without Steam. ?
Bleed 2 Link Steamworks title. Its CSteamWrapper.dll, steam_api.dll, and Steamworks.NET.dll files in its installation folder are required, but can be played without Steam. ? ?
They Bleed Pixels Link Opens in a glitchy manner (double clicking on exe once opens two instances of the game, etc), but it is playable anyways.
Blind Men Link Steamworks title. ? ?
Blossom Tales: The Sleeping King Link
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night Link Became DRM-free as of July 2, 2020 (v1.15 Update).
Breath of Death VII: The Beginning Link
Brigador Link Can be run directly from the executable in the game directory.
Bunny Must Die! Chelsea and the 7 Devils Link Can be played directly from its executable.
Card City Nights Link Steamworks title. ? ?
The Cat Lady Link Steamworks title.
Ceress and Orea Link
The Citadel Link
Cloudbuilt Link Requires its Steam-related *.dll files to launch.
Cobi Treasure Deluxe Link
Cogs Link Steamworks title. On Linux, requires 32-bit version of SDL installed or copied to the installation folder. ?
The Coin Game Link Steamworks title. ?
Commando Jack Link ?
Cook, Serve, Delicious! Link Steamworks title. ? ?
Coromon Link Steamworks title. ?
Cortex Command Link Steamworks title. Requires its steam_api.dll file in the installation folder to run the game. ?
Crimsonland Link "New" version has DRM, "classic" version (a full game on it's own that's bundled in with the purchase) does not.
CrossCode Link Steamworks title.
Cruelty Squad Link ? ?
Cthulhu Saves the World Link
Cuphead Link Steamworks Title. Steam DRM check is only on first launch, the game can be run in DRM-free mode afterwards by launching it from the Cuphead.exe executable. ?
Darconika: The Cube of Soul Link Steamworks title. ? ?
Darkest Dungeon Link Steamworks title. For Windows it has a folder in its folder called "_windowsnosteam" and run it with Darkest.exe. It uses a different save than the Steam launcher. ? ?
Dashy Square Link ?
Date Warp Link Steamworks title. ? ?
Deer Man Link Steamworks title. ? ?
Diaries of a Spaceport Janitor Link Steamworks title. ?
Dino Run DX Link Steamworks title. ?
Divine Slice of Life Link Steamworks title. ? ?
Duck Game Link Steamworks title. ? ?
Dog's Quest Link Rename folder "Dog'sQuest_Data" to "DogsQuestData" (remove the apostrophe) or else the game won't run. This seems to just be a developer error and is probably unrelated to DRM.
Doki Doki Literature Club! Link Run directly from executable. ? ?
Downfall Link Steamworks title.
Dungeon Defenders Link Steamworks title. ? ?
Dungeons of Dredmor Link Steamworks title. ?
Dusk Link Steamworks title. ? ?
Dust: An Elysian Tail Link Steamworks title. Windows version uses Steam DRM, however, the FNA-win32 build is DRM-free. ?
Delver Link ? ?
Echo Tokyo: Intro Link Steamworks title. ? ?
Emily is Away Too Link Steamworks title. ? ?
Escape From Tethys Link
Escape Goat 2 Link Steamworks title. ?
Ether Vapor Remaster Link Can be launched directly from its executable.
eXceed - Gun Bullet Children Link
eXceed 2nd - Vampire REX Link
eXceed 3rd - Jade Penetrate Black Package Link
Faerie Solitaire Link Steamworks title. ?
Fairy Bloom Freesia Link Can be launched directly from its executable.
Fantasy Versus Link Steamworks title.
FarSky Link ? ?
Fault - Milestone One Link Steamworks title. ? ?
Fault - Milestone Two Link Steamworks title.
Fausts Alptraum Link ? ?
Fez Link Steamworks title. On Windows, run FEZ_LaunchOption.exe to disable Steamworks so you can use DRM-free version. ?
Finding Light Link Steamworks title.
Floating Point Link ? ?
Flying Red Barrel: The Diary of a Little Aviator Link Steamworks title. Requires its steam_api.dll file in the installation folder to run the game but it is playable with Steam running. Steam Achievements are disabled, but the game plays fine otherwise.
A Foretold Affair Link Steamworks title. ? ?
Fragile Fighter Link
The Free Ones Link ? ?
Freedom Planet Link
FTL: Faster Than Light Link Steamworks title. ?
Game Tycoon 1.5 Link Steamworks title.
Garden Paws Link Steamworks title. ?
Gateways Link Steamworks title. ?
Getting Over It with Bennett Foddy 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). ?
Gravity Control Link
Headlander Link ? ?
Heart and Seoul Link Steamworks title. ? ?
Heart&Slash Link ? ?
Heartbeat Link Steamworks title. ? ?
Hearthlands Link Steamworks title. Linux: Run hearthlands.sh. Must have Java installed, because it can't default to Steam-provided JRE. ? ?
Heart Star Link
Here Comes Niko! Link Steamworks title.
Highschool Possession Link Steamworks title. ? ?
Highway Blossoms Link Steamworks title. ? ?
Hikaru's Cube Link
Hiragana Pixel Party Link
Hiveswap Friendsim Link Steamworks title. ?
Hollow Knight Link Steamworks title. ?
Hot Tin Roof: The Cat That Wore a Fedora Link Steamworks title.
The House in Fata Morgana Link Steamworks title.
HuniePop Link Steamworks title. ?
Hustle Cat Link Steamworks title. ?
I Am the Hero Link ? ?
Infinity Runner Link Steamworks title. ? ?
Ishmael Link
Islanders Link
Ittle Dew Link Steamworks title. ? ?
Jamestown: Legend of the Lost Colony Link Steamworks title. ?
Jamestown+ Link Steamworks title.
Jones on Fire Link Steamworks title.
JumpJet Rex Link ? ?
Keen: One Girl Army Link
Killing Floor Link Steamworks title. Offline only. ? ?
A Kiss for the Petals - Remembering How We Met Link Steamworks title. ? ?
KUMACURE Link
Lake of Voices Link Steamworks title. ?
Last Day of June Link ? ?
Last Days of Spring Link Steamworks title. ? ?
The Last Dogma Link Steamworks title. ?
Letter Quest: Grimm's Journey Link "Remastered" edition has DRM, "Original" edition does not.
Lionessy Story Link Steamworks title. ?
Lord of the Seal Link Steamworks title. ? ?
Loren The Amazon Princess Link Steamworks title. ? ?
Long Live the Queen Link Steamworks title. ? ?
Love in the Glen Link Steamworks title. ? ?
Lynne Link Steamworks title. ? ?
M1: A Death in the Desert Link Steamworks title. ? ?
MagiCat Link
Main Character Simulator Link Steamworks title. ? ?
Mainland Link
The Maker's Eden Link ? ?
The Mansion Link ? ?
Meanders Link ? ?
Megabyte Punch Link Steamworks title. ? ?
Mekazoo Link ? ?
Meltdown Link Steamworks title. ? ?
Mercenary Kings Link Steamworks title.
Miaou Moon Link Steamworks title. ? ?
Mighty No. 9 Link Steamworks title. Steam Achievements, online multiplayer, and leaderboards will not work without a Steam log-in, but plays fine otherwise.
Milk inside a Bag of Milk inside a Bag of Milk Link Steamworks title. Linux version inside folder.
Mini Metro Link Steamworks title. ?
Mini Ninjas Link Saves do not carry over
Miracle Fly Link
Momodora III Link Its steam.dll and steam_api.dll files are required to run the game, but is playable without Steam running.
Momodora: Reverie under the Moonlight Link Steamworks title.
Monaco: What's Yours Is Mine Link Steamworks title. ? ?
Moon Hunters Link ? ?
Mr. Shifty Link ? ?
My Lady Link Steamworks title. ? ?
Mysterium Link ? ?
Neon Drive Link ? ?
Nidhogg Link Steamworks title. ?
Noitu Love 2: Devolution Link Steamworks title.
Non-Linear Text Quests Link Steamworks title. Attempting to open the game without Steam open may bring up an error message and start the game with a default theme instead of the custom theme. This can be fixed by clicking "Back" on the story list and going to the main menu. ?
Obduction Link Steamworks title. ?
Oceanhorn: Monster of Uncharted Seas Link Steamworks title.
Odallus: The Dark Call Link
Oddworld: Munch's Oddysee Link Steamworks title.
Oddworld: Stranger's Wrath HD Link Steamworks title.
Offworld Trading Company Link ? ?
Once on a Windswept Night Link Steamworks title. ? ?
One Finger Death Punch Link Steamworks title.
Onirism Link Early Access.
Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive Edition Link Steamworks title.
Ori and the Will of the Wisps Link Steamworks title.
Orborun Link DRM-free as of the "Halloween Update".[16] ? ?
Overgrowth Link
Papers, Please Link Steamworks title. ? ?
Party Hard 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.
Pillars of Eternity Link Steamworks title.
Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire Link Steamworks title.
Project Zomboid Link Steamworks title. ? ?
Proteus Link ?
The Purring Quest Link
Putin VS ISIS Link
QP Shooting - Dangerous!! Link Steamworks title. Requires its steam_api.dll file in the installation folder but it is playable without Steam running in the background. Steam Achievements will be disabled, but plays fine otherwise.
Racer 8 Link Steamworks title. ?
Raining Coins Link
Receiver Link ? ?
Reflections ~Dreams and Reality~ Link Steamworks title. ? ?
Reframed Link
Return. Link
Rising Dusk Link
River City Ransom: Underground Link ? ?
River City Girls Link ?
Rosenkreuzstilette Link Can be launched directly from its executable. Steam Achievements require a Steam log-in, but plays fine otherwise.
Runner3 Link ? ?
Running with Rifles Link LAN ok - DLC Pacific don't launch with the rwr_game.exe ?
The Sad Story of Emmeline Burns Link Steamworks title. ? ?
Secret Little Haven Link Steamworks title. ?
Serial Cleaner Link Steamworks title. ? ?
Shantae: Risky's Revenge - Director's Cut Link Steamworks title. Its steam_api.dll and steam_api64.dll in the installation folder are required to run the game, but is playable without Steam running. The game will use the local save file instead of the one stored on Steam Cloud.
Shelter Link ?
Shipwreck Link Steamworks title. ?
Shovel Knight Link Steamworks title. Its steam_api.dll in the installation folder is required to run the game, and a message will appear to warn players about unavailable online features when launching the game without Steam, but is fully playable otherwise. The game will use the local save file instead of the one stored on Steam Cloud. ? ?
Shutshimi Link
Simply Chess Link Steamworks title. Offline only. ? ?
Six Days of Snow Link Steamworks title. ? ?
Shattered Planet Link
SkateBIRD Link Steamworks title.
Sky Rogue Link ?
Slain: Back from Hell Link ? ?
Slime Rancher Link Steamworks title. ? ?
Snuggle Truck Link Steamworks title. ?
SOL: Exodus Link Steamworks title.
Sol Survivor Link Steamworks title.
Soul Saber 2 Link Steamworks title.
Sora Link Steamworks title. Requires its steam_api.dll file in the installation folder but is playable without Steam running in the background. Steam Achievements will be disabled, but plays fine otherwise.
Sound of Drop - fall into poison - Link Steamworks title. ? ?
Spark the Electric Jester Link Does not need Steam to run.
Spartan Fist Link Steamworks title.
Splody Link Steamworks title. Requires its (lib)steam_api.dll/do/dylib file in the installation folder to run the game but it is playable without Steam running. Local multiplayer works perfectly. With neither Steam nor Discord running, online multiplayer is limited to LAN/custom games (direct IP connection). Installation on Windows, Mac or Linux includes DRM-free executables needed for all three platforms. Linux: run SplodyLinux.sh, Mac run SplodyDarwin64.
Spooky's Jump Scare Mansion Link
Stardew Valley Link Steamworks title. ? ?
SteamWorld Heist Link ? ?
Steel Assault Link Steamworks title. ?
Strawberry Vinegar Link Steamworks title. ? ?
Subnautica Link ? ?
Sucker for Love: First Date Link
Summer Nightmare Link Steamworks title. ? ?
Sunrider Academy Link Steamworks title. ? ?
Sunrider: Liberation Day Link Steamworks title. ? ?
Sunrider: Mask of Arcadius Link ? ?
Super Bit Blaster XL Link
Super Crate Box Link
Superhot Link Steamworks title. ?
Super Meat Boy Link Steamworks title. ?
Super Panda Adventures Link
Supraland Link Steamworks title. ?
A Story about My Uncle Link Steamworks title. ? ?
Streets of Fury EX Link DRM-free when Steam is not installed or by creating a steam_appid.txt file in the game's installation folder containing its Steam App ID number 350910.
Strike Suit Zero Link Steamworks title. Warns about Steam absence but should play without issues. ?
Super Laser Racer Link Steamworks title.
Superflight Link
Sword Daughter Link Steamworks title. ? ?
Tallowmere Link Steamworks title. Warns about Steam absence (no achievements nor leaderboard submissions) but plays fine otherwise.
Terrian Saga: KR-17 Link Steamworks title. Leaderboard absent without Steam. ? ?
This Book Is A Dungeon Link Steamworks title.
Thomas Was Alone Link Steamworks title. ? ?
Time Gentlemen, Please! and Ben There, Dan That! Special Edition Double Pack Link
Timespinner Link DRM-free when Steam is not installed or by creating a steam_appid.txt file containing its Steam ID number 368620 in the game's installation folder. ? ?
To Be or Not To Be Link Steamworks title. ? ?
Tokyo 42 Link ? ?
Transistor Link Steamworks title.
Trapped Dead Link Steamworks title.
Tricky Cat Link
Tricky Cow Link
Tricky Fox Link
True Lover's Knot Link Steamworks title. ? ?
Underrail Link Steamworks title. ? ?
Undertale Link Steamworks title. DRM-free if steam_api.dll is deleted from the game's folder.
Under What? Link
Unstoppable Gorg Link Steamworks title. ?
Untitled Goose Game Link Steamworks title.
Uplink Link ?
Vanguard Princess Link ? ?
Vertex Dispenser Link Steamworks title. ?
A Virus Named TOM Link Steamworks title. ?
VVVVVV Link Steamworks title. ?
Waking Mars Link Steamworks title.
Warsim: The Realm of Aslona Link Steamworks title.
Wayward Link Steamworks title. ?
We Know the Devil Link Steamworks title. ?
A Wild Catgirl Appears! Link Steamworks title. ? ?
Willowbrooke Post Link Steamworks title. ?
Windward Link Steamworks title. ? ?
Without Within 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. ? ?
X Archetype Link
You Have to Win the Game Link ? ?
Yozora Rhapsody Link Steamworks title. ? ?
YumeCore Link
Yume Nikki Link Steamworks title. ?

Other

This list features non-indie, AAA (big publishers) and games outside publishers in separate paragraphs.
Name Store Page Notes Win OS X Linux
Batman: Arkham Asylum Game of the Year Edition Link Steamworks title. Can be played without Steam by using the command-line argument -nosteam. Steam saves however are not compatible with non-Steam mode.[17]
Bejeweled 3 Link Steamworks title. ?
BloodRayne: Terminal Cut Link Can be played without Steam running.
BloodRayne 2: Terminal Cut Link Can be played without Steam running.
Crysis Warhead Link Can be played directly from its 64-bit executable (Bin64\Crysis64.exe) ?
Colin McRae Rally (2014) Link Steamworks title. Delete/rename Steam DLLs to prevent Steam being detected and launched. ?
Déjà Vu II: MacVenture Series Link ?
Doom Link Packaged with DOSBox v0.71. Bundled with the 2020 Bethesda.net re-release of Doom I Enhanced which is also DRM-free and Bethesda.net account creation can be skipped.
Doom II: Hell on Earth Link Packaged with DOSBox v0.72. Bundled with the 2019 Bethesda.net re-release of Doom II Enhanced which is also DRM-free and Bethesda.net account creation can be skipped.
Doom 3 Link Stock executable has Steam DRM check. Download and install the retail v1.3.1 patch in different location from where the Steam version of Doom 3 is installed (e.g. C:\Program Files\Doom 3), then copy the Doom3.exe executable from the retail v1.3.1 patch into the Steam version's installation folder. Back-up the original Steam executable before using the retail version's executable.[18] ? ?
Doom 64 Link DRM-free when Steam is not installed or by creating a steam_appid.txt file in the game's installation directory containing its Steam App ID number 1148590. Bethesda.net sign-up can be skipped.
DuckTales: Remastered Link Steamworks title.
Echelon (2001) Link
Echelon: Wind Warriors Link
Enslaved: Odyssey to the West Link Steamworks title. When running outside of Steam, the save game location changes.
Fable: The Lost Chapters Link
Final Doom Link Packaged with DOSBox v0.72.
The Fruit of Grisaia Link Steamworks title.
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.
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas Link Became DRM-free as of the November 7, 2014 patch.[19] Removed from digital distribution as of October 13, 2021 due to the upcoming release of The Definitive Edition.
GT Legends Link
GTR - FIA GT Racing Game Link
GTR 2 - FIA GT Racing Game Link
Kingsway Link Steamworks title. ?
Killer Is Dead Link Steamworks title. Can be played without Steam by using the command-line argument -nosteam. Online leaderboards however are inaccessible without a Steam log-in, but plays fine otherwise. ?
Legendary Link SecuROM paul.dll remnant in the installation folder does nothing and the game works fine without it.
Lunatic Dawn Legend Pack Link ?
Lunatic Dawn: Passage of the Book Link ?
MDK Link Software executable (MDK3D3.EXE) uses Steam DRM, however, the 3DFX executable (MDK3D3.EXE) is DRM-free.
Mosaics Galore Link ?
Moto Racer Collection Link No Steam check in the launcher or any of the games (Moto Racer, Moto Racer 2, Moto Racer 3, Moto Racer 15th Anniversary).
Our Darker Purpose Link
Painkiller Redemption Link On Linux the game is probably DRM-Free, but it is heavily built/linked against the Steam-Runtime. ?
Postal Link Steamworks title.
Postal 2 Link Steamworks title.
Postal 2: Paradise Lost Link Steamworks title.
Quake Link Can be played directly from its executables WinQuake.exe (Direct3D) and GLQuake.exe (OpenGL). Bundled with the 2021 Kex Engine remaster which can also be DRM-free when Steam is not installed or by creating a steam_appid.txt containing its Steam App ID number 2310 in <path-to-game>\rerelease; the Bethesda.net log-in error can be skipped when playing without Steam running.
Rise of the Triad Link Steamworks title. Run Binaries\Win32\ROTT.exe[20]
Saira Link
Sam & Max Hit the Road Link Can be run through the included ScummVM executable. ?
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.[17]
Shadowgate: MacVenture Series Link ?
Shadowgate (2014) Link Steamworks title. Delete/rename steam_api.dll and SteamworksNative.dll to prevent Steam being detected and launched. Bundled retro game installer is also DRM-free. ?
Sniper Elite Link Steamworks title.
Space Hack Link
Sphinx and the Cursed Mummy Link Steamworks title.
SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom - Rehydrated Link Steamworks title.
Star Wars: Battlefront II Link
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order Link DRM-free when running the game via <path-to-game>\SwGame\Binaries\Win64\SwGame-Win64-Shipping.exe.[21] ?
Steven Universe: Save the Light Link Steamworks title. ?
System Shock: Enhanced Edition Link As of the "Source Port" update on September 13, 2018, the Steam version features a new command-line argument, -no-social, to launch the game without Steam running in the background.[22]
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. ?
Tormented Souls Link
Uninvited: MacVenture Series Link ?
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.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Link
Trine 4: The Nightmare Prince Link DRM-free when Steam is not installed or by creating a steam_appid.txt file in the game's installation directory containing its Steam App ID number 690640.
Worms Pinball Link
X-Blades Link Steamworks title. MacOS X and Linux versions are Wineskin-wrapped ports.[23] ? ?
Yar's Revenge Link Steamworks title. Its steam_api.dll is required to run the game, and online leaderboards and Steam achievements are disabled without a Steam log-in, but the game can be played otherwise.

Flash & AIR

DRM can't be used on Flash and AIR games.[24]
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 Flash Player. A good extraction tool is e.g. exe2swf.
Name Store Page Notes Win OS X Linux
Anodyne Link Steamworks title.
Auditorium Link
The Basement Collection Link
The Binding of Isaac Link Steamworks title.
Botanicula Link Steamworks title.
Clicker Heroes Link Steamworks title.
Deep Under the Sky Link
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.
The Last Door Link Steamworks title.
Lilly Looking Through Link Steamworks title.
Lone Survivor Link Steamworks title.
Lumino City Link
Machinarium Link Multi-Platform: Use the extracted 00000004.swf.
McPixel Link Steamworks title.
Monster Loves You! Link Steamworks title.
Offspring Fling! Link Steamworks title.
Probability 0 Link
QuestRun Link Steamworks title.
Retro Game Crunch Link ?
Samorost 1 Link ?
Samorost 2 Link Multi-Platform: Use the extracted "00000003.swf".
Soundodger+ Link Steamworks title.
Trauma Link
Windosill Link Multi-Platform: Use the extracted "00000004.swf".


References

  1. Verified by User:AmethystViper on 2020-04-27
    Unlocked a previously locked Steam Achievement after meeting its requirements when the game was played without Steam.
  2. Costume Quest on GOG - Costume Quest - Double Fine Action Forums
  3. 108 Patch is released
  4. Steam games you can play without the Steam client :: GOG.com Community Discussions
  5. Steam games you can play without the Steam client, post #1733 - last accessed on 2021-10-20
  6. SteamDB - last accessed on 2021-28-05
  7. Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age - SteamDB - last accessed on 2021-06-06
  8. Steam games you can play without the Steam client :: GOG.com Community Discussions
  9. SteamDB - last accessed on 2020-06-02
  10. Steam games you can play without the Steam client :: GOG.com Community Discussions
  11. Verified by User:AmethystViper on 2021-03-26
  12. https://steamcommunity.com/games/333980/announcements/detail/3060727083873875510
  13. 13.0 13.1 13.2 https://twitter.com/SaraJLeen/status/894734478823702528
  14. https://steamcommunity.com/app/312540/discussions/0/2798375980835575959/#c5413843407448403318
  15. BallisticNG 0.9 is now out and the game will soon be transitioning to paid, read for details - Steam Announcements - last accessed on 2020-07-11
    "BallisticNG is going to be completely DRM free, it will continue to function as it does now where the game does not require Steam to be running and will only disable Steamworks features when no instance of Steam is found - features such as the workshop, leaderboards, achievements and in the future, online multiplayer."
  16. Verified by User:AmethystViper on 2020-06-09
    Downgrading the game before the "Halloween Update" prevented the game from launching the game unless Steam was running.
  17. 17.0 17.1 Humble Bundle PSA: Batman: Arkham Asylum and Scribblenauts Unlimited are DRM-free, page 1 - Forum - GOG.com
  18. Verified by User:AmethystViper on 2020-04-26
    Performed a clean re-install of Doom 3 and Resurrection of Evil and was prompted to log into Steam. Removing Steam (or renaming steam.exe) did not launch the game either. Using the retail version's v1.3.1 executable however bypassed the Steam requirements.
  19. San Andreas updated on Steam (Updated) - Rockstar Nexus (archived) - last accessed on 2019-07-20
  20. Rise of the Triad: Lack of DRM confirmed by developer - last accessed on October 05, 2017
  21. Steam games you can play without the Steam client - last accessed on [unknown]
  22. Source Port Update #1 is available now! - Steam Community Announcements - last accessed on 2019-12-17
  23. Linux and Mac ports available now! - Steam Community :: Group Announcements :: X-Blades - last accessed on June 27, 2017
  24. Steamworks - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS