Get the Most Out of Steam

If you are a gamer, you probably use Steam on a daily basis. (If you don't have Steam, get it here). But, there are some parts of Steam that may look complicated, or maybe you have just never heard of them. I will list the 5 most common of these, and link to a tutorial on how to complete these modifications. Please note that this Instructable DOES NOT show you how to preform these tasks, but rather links to other tutorials, separately for each task.

Alright! Let's begin!

Although to most this may seem like a given, a surprising amount of people don't use the Steam App. This tool is crucial to gamers, and can change the way you play forever. The Steam App is notorious for a couple things. One, it's Steam Guard, a second security measure in the app, lets you link your phone number to your account. But if you lose your phone or your number, and can't remember your recovery code, you could be in trouble! Second, sometimes the app is not easy to use, and just looks like a mobile port of the site.

But now, the good parts! With the Steam App, you can:

• Buy games
• Install games remotely to your PC
• Browse any part of the Community
• Trade
• Chat
• Buy Market items
• Skip the hold on Market items with Steam Guard Confirmations
• Secure your account
• And more!

If you want to learn more about the Steam App, click here for a more in-depth tutorial.

Probably my favorite on the list, Steam Skins are a little known part of the Steam interface. They allow you to change almost any part of how Steam looks and feels. Steam Skin creation has a fairly large community, albeit being buried beneath everything else Steam has to offer. Countless websites have been created to give Steam Skins away for free, but some contain viruses. Here is a list of the best websites to download (and create!) Steam Skins from:

http://steamskins.org/

http://steamcustomizer.com/

https://www.deviantart.com/?section=&global=1&q=St...

Once you have your chosen skin, follow these instructions to install your prize!

Your Steam Level represents your dedication to gaming on Steam. It is located on your profile page, next to your name. You can boost your Steam Level by collecting XP. The best way to collect XP is to complete Badges. Badges require you to complete certain tasks on Steam to earn them. Badges also come with most games. There are 2 main types of badges, Steam Badges and Game Badges. Steam Badges are built into Steam, and Game Badges come with games (duh!) Different badges have different XP drops when earned. Most Game Badges have around 100XP per completion, which is a lot when you are starting out.

Above, I mentioned Trading Cards. Trading Cards come from packs, which are dropped as you play games. Games never give you enough card drops, however, making you pay a visit to the market to complete your collection. You can also make Card Packs for certain games by turning Gems into packs. You can get gems by turning items form your inventory into them. You will need quite a lot of gems for a Card Pack, so get to work!

Finally, attaining certain steam levels will give you onus friend slots, but also the more sought after Showcases. Showcases allow you to show off your favorite Achievements, Games, Badges, and other things, right on your profile! I am currently Steam Level 11, but higher levels get more loot. Read about Steam levels here, and Trading Cards here.

For some reason, this customization on Steam is ignored by most players. I had to tell my friends about it before they bought theirs! Steam Profile Backgrounds are pretty much self explanatory. You can collect them from Badge drops, or you can buy them from the Steam Market. Usually they sell for less than 30 cents. It's a small touch, but adds an air of professionalism to your Steam Profile. Looks especially good with Showcases! Read more about Steam Backgrounds here.

You have probably heard about or done this one. Steam let's you add your own games to your personal library! No one else will see it. Say you have a program that you use a lot, and want to be able to launch it through Steam. Not a problem. You will also be able to use the Steam Overlay (Shift+Tab) in most cases, and you will be "In-Game" as a non Steam product. Your friends will also be able to see what program you are using. Read more about adding non-Steam games here.