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The big list of DRM-free games on Steam

From PCGamingWiki, the wiki about fixing PC games
Revision as of 03:40, 2 December 2018 by AmethystViper (talk | contribs) (→‎Miscellaneous: Adding some games I've tested to be DRM-free and removed Khimera: Destroy All Monster Girls as it is no longer DRM-free and Steam DRM recently works as intended. https://steamcommunity.com/app/467380/discussions/0/3104564981122375753/)

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


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
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. ? ?
Luftrausers Link Steamworks title. Leaderboards cannot be accessed if the user is not logged into Steam.
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.[citation needed] 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. ?
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. ?

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.[2][3]
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.[4] 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
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 the Eagles Link Steamworks title.
Sengoku Link Steamworks title.
Victoria II Link Steam|215001/and Heart of Darkness] expansions and all DLCs.

SEGA

Every game in this list (sans Sonic the Hedgehog 4 - Episode I and Jack Lumber) is run in a DRM-free emulator.
Name Store Page Notes Win OS X Linux
Alpha Protocol Link Run Binaries\APGame.exe, not APLauncher.exe.
Jack Lumber Link Steamworks title. ? ?
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 IV: The End of the Millenium, 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
Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation Link

Ubisoft

Name Store Page Notes Win OS X Linux
Anno 1404 Link Includes Venice add-on. Anno 1404 is European name and is used only in AU and NZ outside Europe. Game was pulled from Steam years ago but is back from March 2014. Returned version of game is updated to v1.3 and v2.1 and is same as retail version. TAGES DRM was removed in those last patches. There are TagesClient.dat and TagesClient.exe files but they are inert and can be deleted. Ubisoft didn't update Store page to remove warning about 3rd party DRM.
Assassin's Creed: Director's Cut Edition Link Run game via DX9 launcher.
Dawn of Discovery Link Includes Venice add-on. Dawn of Discovery is Anno 1404's worldwide name outside Europe. Read Anno 1404 notes for further info.
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
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 Linux: ./hl2.sh -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 Linux: ./hl2.sh. ?
Half-Life 2: Episode One Link Steamworks title. In Cmd/Terminal run: Windows: hl2.exe -game episodic Linux: ./hl2.sh -game episodic. ?
Half-Life 2: Episode Two Link Steamworks title. In Cmd/Terminal run: Windows: hl2.exe -game ep2 Linux: ./hl2.sh -game ep2. ?
Half-Life 2: Lost Coast Link Steamworks title. In Cmd/Terminal run: Windows: hl2.exe -game lostcoast Linux: ./hl2.sh -game lostcoast. ?
Portal Link Steamworks title. In Cmd/Terminal run: Windows: hl2.exe -game portal Linux: ./hl2.sh -game portal. ?

XSEED

Name Store Page Notes Win OS X Linux
The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky Link Steamworks title. DRM was removed in a patch.[5]
The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky SC Link Steamworks title. DRM was removed in a patch.[5]
The Legend of Heroes: Trails in the Sky the 3rd Link Steamworks title. DRM was removed in a patch.[5]
The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel Link Steamworks title.

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
100% Orange Juice Link Steamworks title. Requires its steam_api.dll file in the installation folder to run the game. Achievements, online multiplayer, leaderboards, and purchasing DLCs in-game will be disabled, but plays fine otherwise.
10,000,000 Link Steamworks title. ?
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. Cannot access online lobbies, but 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.
Ambre - a heartbreaking kinetic novel Link Steamworks title. ? ?
Amnesia: The Dark Descent Link Steamworks title. ?
Anna - Extended Edition Link Steamworks title. Windows version requires both Steam & Kalypso account login. ?
Avadon: The Black Fortress Link Steamworks title. ?
Barony Link Steamworks title.
Bastion Link Steamworks title. ?
BeamNG.drive Link Steamworks title.
Between Me and The Night Link Steamworks title. ?
Bit Blaster XL Link Steamworks title. ?
Black Ice Link Steamworks title - will work when Steam is completely off
Bleed Link Steamworks title. Its steam_api.dll and SteamWrapper.dll files in its installation folder are required, but can be played without Steam. ? ?
Breath of Death VII: The Beginning Link
Bunny Must Die! Chelsea and the 7 Devils Link Can be played directly from its executable.
The Cat Lady Link Steamworks title.
Cthulhu Saves the World Link
Cogs Link Steamworks title. On Linux, requires 32-bit version of SDL installed or copied to the installation folder. ?
Commando Jack Link ?
Cook, Serve, Delicious! Link Steamworks title. ? ?
Cortex Command Link Steamworks title. Requires its steam_api.dll file in the installation folder to run the game. ?
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. ? ?
Divine Slice of Life Link Steamworks title. ? ?
Doki Doki Literature Club! Link Run directly from executable. ? ?
Downfall Link Steamworks title.
Dungeon Defenders Link Steamworks title. ? ?
Dungeons of Dredmor Link Steamworks title. ?
Delver Link ? ?
Echo Tokyo: Intro Link Steamworks title. ? ?
Escape Goat 2 Link Steamworks title. ?
Faerie Solitaire Link Steamworks title. ?
FarSky Link ? ?
Fez Link Steamworks title. On Windows, run FEZ_LaunchOption.exe to disable Steamworks so you can use DRM-free version. ?
Floating Point Link ? ?
FTL: Faster Than Light Link Steamworks title. ?
Game Tycoon 1.5 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). ?
Hearthlands Link Steamworks title. Linux: Run hearthlands.sh. Must have Java installed, because it can't default to Steam-provided JRE. ? ?
Highschool Possession Link Steamworks title. ? ?
Infinity Runner Link Steamworks title. ? ?
Jamestown: Legend of the Lost Colony Link Steamworks title. ?
The Last Dogma Link Steamworks title. ?
Lionessy Story Link Steamworks title. ?
Loren The Amazon Princess Link Steamworks title. ? ?
Long Live the Queen Link Steamworks title. ? ?
The Maker's Eden Link ? ?
McPixel Link Steamworks title.
Mercenary Kings Link Steamworks title.
Miaou Moon Link Steamworks title. ? ?
Mighty No. 9 Link Steamworks title. Achievements, online multiplayer, and leaderboards will not work unless played through Steam, but plays fine otherwise. ? ?
Mini Metro Link Steamworks title. ? ?
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.
Nidhogg Link Steamworks title. ?
Noitu Love 2: Devolution Link Steamworks title.
Oceanhorn: Monster of Uncharted Seas Link Steamworks title.
Oddworld: Munch's Oddysee Link Steamworks title.
Oddworld: Stranger's Wrath HD Link Steamworks title.
One Finger Death Punch 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.
Project Zomboid Link Steamworks title. ? ?
Proteus Link ?
Racer 8 Link Steamworks title. ?
Receiver Link ? ?
Shantae: Risky's Revenge - Director's Cut Link 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.
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. ? ?
Slime Rancher Link Steamworks title. ? ?
Snuggle Truck Link Steamworks title. ?
SOL: Exodus Link Steamworks title.
Sol Survivor Link Steamworks title.
Spooky's Jump Scare Mansion Link
Sora Link Steamworks title. Requires its steam_api.dll file in the installation folder but is playable without Steam running.
Stardew Valley 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.
Tallowmere Link Steamworks title. Warns about Steam absence (no achievements nor leaderboard submissions) but plays fine otherwise.
This Book Is A Dungeon Link Steamworks title.
Time Gentlemen, Please! and Ben There, Dan That! Special Edition Double Pack Link
To Be or Not To Be Link Steamworks title. ? ?
Transistor Link Steamworks title. ?
Trapped Dead Link Steamworks title.
Underrail Link Steamworks title. ? ?
Unstoppable Gorg Link Steamworks title. ?
Uplink Link ?
Vertex Dispenser Link Steamworks title. ?
A Virus Named TOM Link Steamworks title. ?
VVVVVV Link Steamworks title. ?
A Wild Catgirl Appears! Link Steamworks title. ? ?
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. ? ?
Dashy Square Link ?

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. 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.[6]
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.
Doom II: Hell on Earth Link Packaged with DOSBox v0.71.
Doom 3 Link Make sure to back-up your original executable before using this patch. Download and install the retail v1.3.1 patch in different location from where Doom 3 is installed (e.g. C:\Program Files\Doom 3), then copy the Doom3.exe executable from where you installed the v1.3.1 patch into <Steam-folder>\SteamApps\Common\Doom 3. ? ?
Déjà Vu: MacVenture Series Link ?
Echelon (2001) Link
Echelon: Wind Warriors Link
Fable: The Lost Chapters Link
Final Doom Link Packaged with DOSBox v0.72.
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 the installation folder does nothing and the game still works if it is deleted.
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.
Rise of the Triad Link Steamworks title. Run Binaries\Win32\ROTT.exe[7]
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.[6]
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 Same as in GOG. Native versions on Windows, Linux and macOS. Optional Steamworks support for achievements.
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. ?
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
Worms Pinball Link
X-Blades Link Steamworks title. MacOS X and Linux versions are Wineskin-wrapped ports.[8] ? ?

Flash & AIR

DRM can't be used on Flash and AIR games.[9]
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.
Machinarium Link Multi-Platform: Use the extracted 00000004.swf.
Monster Loves You! Link Steamworks title.
Offspring Fling! Link Steamworks title.
Probability 0 Link
QuestRun Link Steamworks title.
Retro Game Crunch 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