How to Have a Steam Background

By Dave Published June 15, 2023

Steam, the go-to digital distribution platform for PC gamers worldwide, has always been about more than just playing games. It's a vibrant community where users share thoughts, engage in discussions, and express their unique personalities. One way users can customize their Steam profile and showcase their style is by setting a custom background. If you've ever found yourself wondering, "How can I have a Steam background?" you're in the right place. This comprehensive guide will take you through every step of the process.

Steam Backgrounds: An Overview

A Steam background, also known as a profile background, is a large, themed image that appears on your Steam profile page. This feature is a part of Steam's trading card system. By playing games on Steam, users can earn trading cards that can be used to craft badges, which in turn unlock rewards like emoticons, game discounts, and profile backgrounds.

How to Get Steam Backgrounds

You can get Steam backgrounds in several ways. Let's go through them:

1. Crafting Badges

Crafting badges is the most common way to earn Steam backgrounds. Here's how it works:

Earn Trading Cards: By playing games on Steam, you can earn trading cards. Each game has a set number of cards to collect.
Craft a Badge: Once you have a full set of cards from a particular game, you can craft a badge. Each crafted badge gives you a random reward which can be a profile background.

2. Steam Market

If crafting badges is not your thing, or you're looking for a specific background, you can buy them directly from the Steam Community Market. Here's how:

Open Steam Community Market: Go to the Community tab in Steam and click on Market.
Search for the Background: Enter the name of the background or the game it's associated with in the search bar. Make sure you select 'Profile Backgrounds' in the category dropdown.
Purchase the Background: Once you've found the background you want, click on it and select 'Buy Now' to purchase it.

3. Steam Trading

Another method to get Steam backgrounds is through trading with other users. Here's the process:

Find a Trading Partner: Use Steam's trading forums or join a Steam trading group to find users interested in trading.
Trade Items: Once you've found a trading partner, you can trade items from your Steam inventory for the desired background.

How to Set a Steam Background

Now that you have a background, it's time to set it up on your profile. Follow these steps:

Go to Your Profile: Click on your username at the top of the Steam client and select 'Profile'.
Edit Your Profile: On your profile page, click on the 'Edit Profile' button.
Select Your Background: Scroll down to the 'Profile Background' section, click on the dropdown menu, and select the background you want to use.
Save Changes: Scroll down to the bottom and click 'Save Changes'.

Conclusion

Having a unique Steam background is a great way to express your personality and show off your gaming achievements. Whether you earn it by crafting badges, buying it from the Steam market, or trading with other users, setting a custom background can elevate your Steam profile to the next level. So, don't wait! Dive into the exciting world of Steam backgrounds today.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a Steam background?

A Steam background, or profile background, is a themed image that appears on your Steam profile page.

How can I get a Steam background?

You can get a Steam background by crafting badges, buying it from the Steam Community Market, or trading with other users.

Can I buy a specific Steam background?

Yes, you can buy specific Steam backgrounds from the Steam Community Market.

How do I set my Steam background?

You can set your Steam background by going to your profile, clicking 'Edit Profile', selecting your background in the 'Profile Background' section, and clicking 'Save Changes'.