XLAN Gaming

What is Steam's Offline Mode and How Do I Use It (UPDATED)?
Last Updated | 8.14.2007

What is Offline Mode?

Offline Mode allows you to play games through Steam without connecting to the Steam Network - this is particularly useful if you do not plan on playing over the internet and would prefer not to download updates for your single-player games or want to play via LAN.

Please note that you must connect to the Steam Network and test each of the games you would like to use in Offline Mode at least once to set up your account and configure Offline Mode on your machine.

Using Steam Offline Mode?

Please follow the instructions below to configure Offline Mode on your machine:

1. Start Steam online - make sure the Remember my password box on the login window is checked.
2. Verify that all game files are completely updated - you can see the update status for a game under the My Games tab (when the game shows as 100% - Ready it is ready to be played in Offline Mode.)
3. Launch the game you would like to play offline to verify that there are no further updates to download - shut down the game and return to Steam once you have confirmed that the game can be played.
4. Go to Settings to ensure the "Do not store account information on this computer" option is not selected.
5. From the main Steam window, go to "File" and select "Go Offline."
6. Click OK to restart Steam in Offline Mode.

Important Note

The Steam client application's files must be updated to allow for the use of Offline Mode - if your game's status is "100% - Ready" but you receive the message "This game cannot be started in Offline Mode" when attempting to play offline, the Steam client application's files need to be updated.

MAKE SURE THIS IS TAKEN CARE OF BEFORE YOU COME TO A LAN PARTY!!!

Taken from Steam Support Section and modified. I am lazy, so sue me.