How to Play Steam Games on iPad Without Steam Link: A Complete Guide

By / September 27, 2025

If you love gaming on your PC but wish you could enjoy your favorite Steam games on your iPad, you’ve probably heard of the Steam Link app. But what if you don’t want to use Steam Link—or it doesn’t work well for you? Don’t worry. There are several alternative methods to play Steam games on your iPad without Steam Link, and this guide will walk you through each one step by step.

Whether you’re into casual titles, AAA games, or just experimenting with cloud gaming, this article will cover every method available, including cloud services, remote desktop apps, and third-party platforms.

Why Would You Want to Play Steam Games on iPad Without Steam Link?

The Steam Link app is Valve’s official way to stream PC games to mobile devices. But it’s not perfect:

  • It requires your gaming PC to stay on.

  • It depends heavily on local Wi-Fi stability.

  • Some users report input lag and stuttering.

  • iPadOS updates occasionally break compatibility.

That’s why many gamers look for alternatives to enjoy Steam games on iPad without Steam Link.

Understanding the Limitations of Steam Link

Before we dive into alternatives, here’s what you miss (or gain) when not using Steam Link:

Steam Link Limitations
Free Must run on same Wi-Fi or VPN
Official support Input lag on weak connections
Simple setup Doesn’t always support external networks

So, if you want cloud-based, remote access, or smoother streaming, you’ll need other solutions.

Method 1: Play Steam Games Using NVIDIA GeForce NOW

NVIDIA GeForce NOW is one of the most popular cloud gaming platforms that supports Steam.

Steps:

  1. Create an account on GeForce NOW.

  2. Install the GeForce NOW app from the App Store.

  3. Log in with your NVIDIA account.

  4. Connect your Steam account to GeForce NOW.

  5. Search for your Steam game in the library.

  6. Launch and play — no gaming PC required.

👉 Pros: Runs on NVIDIA servers, no need for a powerful PC.
👉 Cons: Free tier has wait times; paid tier recommended.

Method 2: Play Steam Games on iPad Using Xbox Cloud Gaming

Microsoft’s Xbox Cloud Gaming (xCloud) works in Safari and supports many Steam games through cross-platform releases.

Steps:

  1. Subscribe to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.

  2. Open Safari on iPad → visit xbox.com/play.

  3. Add the webpage to Home Screen for quick access.

  4. Connect a compatible controller (Xbox/PlayStation).

  5. Sign in and stream supported Steam games.

👉 Pros: Works via browser, smooth streaming.
👉 Cons: Limited to Game Pass titles that overlap with Steam.

Method 3: Play Steam Games with Boosteroid Cloud Gaming

Boosteroid is a lesser-known but powerful cloud gaming service that supports Steam.

Steps:

  1. Sign up at Boosteroid.com.

  2. Open Safari or the Boosteroid app on iPad.

  3. Log in and connect your Steam account.

  4. Choose a game from your Steam library.

  5. Start playing instantly.

👉 Pros: Large game support, works in browser.
👉 Cons: Subscription required; availability varies by region.

Method 4: Use Shadow PC to Access Steam Games on iPad

Shadow PC gives you a virtual gaming PC in the cloud, where you can install and run Steam.

Steps:

  1. Subscribe at Shadow.tech.

  2. Install the Shadow PC app from the App Store.

  3. Log in and access your virtual Windows desktop.

  4. Install Steam inside Shadow PC.

  5. Play Steam games just like on a real computer.

👉 Pros: Full Windows environment.
👉 Cons: Expensive monthly subscription.

Method 5: Play Steam Games with Moonlight Game Streaming

Moonlight is an open-source alternative to Steam Link that streams games using NVIDIA GameStream.

Steps:

  1. Download Moonlight app on iPad.

  2. Enable GameStream on your NVIDIA GPU PC.

  3. Connect iPad to the same Wi-Fi.

  4. Pair devices via PIN.

  5. Select and play your Steam games.

👉 Pros: Low latency, free.
👉 Cons: Requires an NVIDIA GPU PC.

Method 6: Use Parsec for Low-Latency Remote Gaming

Parsec is a high-performance remote desktop app designed for gaming.

Steps:

  1. Download and install Parsec app on both PC and iPad.

  2. Create a Parsec account.

  3. Log in on both devices.

  4. Host your PC session and connect via iPad.

  5. Launch Steam and start gaming.

👉 Pros: Ultra-low latency, cross-platform.
👉 Cons: Requires your PC to stay on.

Method 7: Remote Desktop Apps (Chrome Remote Desktop & Splashtop)

If you prefer a simpler method, remote desktop apps also let you run Steam games.

  • Chrome Remote Desktop: Free but not optimized for gaming.

  • Splashtop: Better performance, but subscription-based.

👉 Best if you just want casual, light gaming on your iPad.

Best Controllers to Use with iPad for Steam Gaming

For the best experience, pair a controller:

  • Xbox Wireless Controller (Series X/S)

  • PlayStation DualSense (PS5)

  • MFi-certified controllers (Razer Kishi, Backbone One)

All can connect via Bluetooth or Lightning/USB-C.

Tips for Smooth Gameplay

  • Use 5GHz Wi-Fi for minimal lag.

  • Connect your PC via Ethernet if streaming locally.

  • Lower in-game resolution for better performance.

  • Close unnecessary apps on PC and iPad.

Pros and Cons of Each Method

Method Pros Cons
GeForce NOW No PC needed, official support Queue times, subscription
Xbox Cloud Works in Safari, smooth Limited game library
Boosteroid Wide Steam support Paid, region-limited
Shadow PC Full Windows experience Expensive
Moonlight Free, low latency Needs NVIDIA GPU PC
Parsec Great performance PC must stay on
Remote Desktop Free/simple Poor for heavy games

Safety Concerns: Are These Methods Secure?

Yes — most rely on encrypted connections. However:

  • Only use official apps/websites.

  • Avoid pirated cloud gaming services.

  • Use strong passwords on Steam and cloud accounts.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

  • Lagging? → Switch to 5GHz Wi-Fi or Ethernet.

  • Game not launching? → Verify game supports streaming/cloud.

  • Controller not working? → Check iPadOS settings → Bluetooth Devices.

  • Parsec/Moonlight not connecting? → Check firewall and port forwarding.

Conclusion

Playing Steam games on your iPad without Steam Link is not only possible but often provides a better experience. Whether you use cloud gaming (GeForce NOW, Boosteroid, Shadow PC) or remote streaming tools (Moonlight, Parsec), you have plenty of options to choose from.

If you want simplicity, go for GeForce NOW. If you want full control, Shadow PC or Parsec is your best bet.

👉 The bottom line: You don’t need Steam Link to enjoy PC games on your iPad — you just need the right tool for your setup.

Key Takeaways

  • Steam Link isn’t the only option for iPad Steam gaming.

  • Cloud gaming (GeForce NOW, Boosteroid, Shadow PC) works without a PC.

  • Streaming apps (Moonlight, Parsec) require your gaming PC.

  • Use a controller for the best experience.

  • Optimize Wi-Fi and settings for smoother gameplay.

FAQs

1. Can I play Steam games on iPad without a PC?

Yes — services like GeForce NOW and Boosteroid let you play directly from the cloud.

2. Do I need a controller to play Steam games on iPad?

Not always, but most games are much easier with a Bluetooth controller.

3. Is GeForce NOW free?

Yes, but the free tier has session limits and queues. Paid plans remove restrictions.

4. Does Moonlight work without an NVIDIA GPU?

No, you need an NVIDIA GPU on your PC to use Moonlight.

5. Which method has the least lag?

Parsec and Moonlight generally offer the lowest latency when streaming locally.

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