Steam is home to thousands of games. You can find all sorts of game in there; from small indie games to big names in gaming industry that are loved by millions of gamers, they are all available for you to download and enjoy.
Unless the game is exclusive to a particular digital storefront such as Ubisoft and Origin, you will be able to find almost any game on Steam. Some of these games are free to download and play while some require you to purchase them in order to download them.
Besides these, some games also have DLCs (Downloadable Contents) that contain additional expansions and stories of the game.
Early-Access Games
Some developers put their game as early-access in the Steam Store and you might see quite a lot of them. Early-access means that the game is still in development but you can still play some of its contents.
These games are not the final versions of the game and may contain bugs. It will also have missing contents and features from the actual game that will be released in a later date.
How to Get Early Access Games on Steam?
If you are thinking of trying out a game that is in early access and can’t figure out how to purchase and download it, you can follow these steps to easily get them.
The steps are easy and you’ll be done within few seconds.
- Launch Steam and visit the game store by clicking on the Store tab.
- Search for the game you want to try. Or you can hover your cursor over the category tab and go to the early access category.
- Now, select the game you want to play. It will take you to the game’s tab.
- Next, scroll down and you should be able to see the Play Now button. (In case of paid games, you’ll see Add to Cart button. You can purchase this game for yourself or for a friend by clicking on that button)
You can now install the game like any other game by clicking on the Play Now button.( In case of paid games, you need to purchase the game for yourself first)
Can You Purchase Games on Steam Tagged as “Early Access”?
The answer is yes. You can fully purchase and play early access games like you’d do with any other games.
However, you need to keep in mind that these games might take a long time to be released officially. Also, in some rare occasions the developers might stop developing the game altogether.
You should only purchase these games if you want to play the game in its current state. You can also visit the game’s website to check its official release date.
Is It worth It to Buy Early Access Games?
Yes, absolutely. If you have heard good things about the game and can’t wait for its official release, you can and should try them even when they’re in early access phase.
These games might not be complete and might be missing many features but that doesn’t make them completely unplayable. You may encounter bug sometimes but they can still be played and enjoyed like normal games. You won’t even notice the missing contents in some games.
Do You Still Have to Purchase the Game when It Is Officially Released on Steam?
No, once you have purchase the game, you don’t need to worry about purchasing it again. When it gets an officially release, you will simply update it and get to play as usual.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Early Access Games Cheaper on Steam?
It depends on both games and developers. Some games are cheaper while some cost even more in early access.
Are Early Access Games Free?
Some games in early access are free while some costs money. It depends on what kind of game you’re talking about. Games with high quality graphics, good story and features generally cost money.