List of DRM-Free Games on Steam

Yes — Steam sells DRM-free games. Many indies (and a surprising number of AAA titles) ship without the Steam DRM wrapper, meaning you can copy the install folder, run the executable, and play without the Steam client ever opening. Here's a curated list to start your own offline library.

How to verify a Steam game is DRM-free

  1. Install the game through Steam as normal.
  2. Fully quit Steam (right-click the tray icon → Exit).
  3. Open the install folder (right-click in Library → Manage → Browse local files).
  4. Double-click the main .exe. If it launches and plays without Steam re-opening, it's DRM-free.
  5. For an authoritative crowd-sourced list, cross-check on the PCGamingWiki DRM-free list.

Curated picks (confirmed DRM-free on Steam)

Each title below has been reported DRM-free on Steam at the time of writing. Publishers occasionally change wrappers — verify with the steps above before relying on a copy.

  • The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

    Runs straight from the install folder once installed.

  • Cyberpunk 2077

    No external DRM — launch the .exe without Steam running.

  • Stardew Valley

    Pure DRM-free; back up the folder and play offline forever.

  • Factorio

    DRM-free Steam build; same binaries as the developer's direct sale.

  • Terraria

    No DRM on Steam — copy the folder, play anywhere.

  • Hotline Miami

    Steam build is DRM-free; even runs from a USB stick.

  • Hotline Miami 2: Wrong Number

    Same as the original — fully DRM-free on Steam.

  • Cuphead

    Launch the exe without Steam after install.

  • Hollow Knight

    No DRM check on the Steam version.

  • FTL: Faster Than Light

    Same binary as the GOG release; fully DRM-free.

  • Into the Breach

    DRM-free; runs from the install folder.

  • Spelunky 2

    No Steam DRM wrapper detected.

  • Dead Cells

    Launch via the exe — Steam not required at runtime.

  • Disco Elysium — The Final Cut

    Fully DRM-free Steam build.

  • Outer Wilds

    DRM-free; can be copied and run offline.

  • Return of the Obra Dinn

    No Steam DRM; matches the itch.io build.

  • Papers, Please

    DRM-free; backups work indefinitely.

  • Undertale

    No DRM wrapper on Steam.

  • Deltarune

    Standalone exe — Steam not needed to launch.

  • Baba Is You

    DRM-free; copy the folder and play.

  • Slay the Spire

    Launch the jar/exe without Steam.

  • Celeste

    DRM-free on Steam — matches the itch.io build.

  • Hades

    No external DRM; runs from the install folder.

  • Project Zomboid

    DRM-free Steam build; same as the dev's direct download.

  • Mount & Blade: Warband

    Legacy DRM-free build on Steam.

Why buy DRM-free on Steam at all?

Steam is convenient, but the Steam client itself is DRM — lose access to your account and you lose your library. A DRM-free game on Steam gives you the best of both worlds: Steam's discounts, cloud saves, and workshop, plus a folder you can back up forever and run offline.

If you want to go further, see our guides on building a DRM-free library and the best DRM-free game stores.

A note on accuracy

Publishers can add or remove Steam's DRM wrapper at any patch. Treat this list as a starting point, not a contract — always confirm by quitting Steam and launching the executable directly.