Key takeaways:
- Steam wishlists allow you to see what games your friends are interested in buying
- You can view a friend’s wishlist from their Steam profile page
- Friends need to have their profile and wishlist set to public for you to view it
- Viewing wishlists is a great way to find gift ideas for your gaming friends
Steam is the ultimate destination for PC gamers, offering an enormous library of games, frequent sales, and a thriving community. One of the handy features of Steam is the ability to create a wishlist of games you’re interested in purchasing. But did you know that you can also view your friends’ wishlists? This can be a great way to discover new games, find common interests, and even pick out the perfect gift for your gaming buddies.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the simple steps to view your friends’ wishlists on Steam. We’ll also cover some important privacy settings to be aware of and share some tips on how to make the most of this feature. So let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
How to View a Friend’s Wishlist on Steam
Viewing a friend’s wishlist on Steam is a straightforward process. Here’s how to do it:
- Open the Steam app or go to the Steam website and log in to your account.
- Click on your username in the top right corner and select “Friends” from the dropdown menu. This will open your Friends list.
- Find the friend whose wishlist you want to view and click on their username. This will take you to their profile page.
- On your friend’s profile page, look for the “Games” section on the right side of the screen. Click on it to expand the menu.
- In the expanded “Games” menu, you should see a tab labeled “Wishlist.” Click on this tab to view your friend’s wishlist.
That’s it! You can now browse through your friend’s wishlist, see what games they’re interested in, and even purchase games as a gift for them directly from this page.
Important Privacy Settings to Note
Before you start perusing your friends’ wishlists, it’s important to understand Steam’s privacy settings. In order for you to view someone’s wishlist, they need to have both their profile and their wishlist set to “Public.” If either of these is set to “Private” or “Friends Only,” you won’t be able to see their wishlist, even if you’re on their friends list.
Similarly, if you want your friends to be able to view your own wishlist, you’ll need to ensure that your profile and wishlist are set to “Public.” Here’s how to check and change these settings:
- Click on your username in the top right corner of the Steam window and select “Profile” from the dropdown menu.
- On your profile page, click the “Edit Profile” button located near your username.
- In the “Edit Profile” menu, select the “Privacy Settings” tab.
- Under “My Profile,” ensure that the setting is toggled to “Public.”
- Scroll down to the “Game Details” section and again ensure that this is set to “Public.”
Remember, you have full control over your privacy on Steam. If you don’t want others to see your wishlist or any other details about your gaming habits, you can always set these options to “Private.”
Tips for Using the Wishlist Feature
Now that you know how to view your friends’ wishlists and manage your privacy settings, here are a few tips to help you make the most of this feature:
- Use wishlists for gift ideas: Stuck on what to get your gaming friend for their birthday or the holidays? Check out their wishlist! You can purchase games directly from a friend’s wishlist page and have them delivered as a gift on Steam.
- Discover new games: Browsing your friends’ wishlists can be a great way to discover new games that you might enjoy. If you see a game popping up on multiple friends’ lists, it’s probably worth checking out.
- Collaborate on multiplayer games: Notice that a bunch of your friends have the same multiplayer game on their wishlist? Why not organize a group purchase and play together when the game goes on sale?
- Keep your own wishlist updated: Don’t forget to regularly add games you’re interested in to your own wishlist. This not only helps you keep track of games you want to buy, but also lets your friends know what kinds of games you like.
The wishlist feature on Steam is a powerful tool for connecting with friends, discovering new games, and spreading some gaming joy through gifts. By understanding how to view wishlists, manage your privacy settings, and make the most of this feature, you can take your Steam experience to the next level.
FAQ
Do I need to be friends with someone to view their wishlist?
Yes, you can only view the wishlists of people who are on your Steam friends list. If you want to see someone’s wishlist, you’ll need to send them a friend request first.
Can I hide my wishlist from certain friends?
No, Steam’s privacy settings for wishlists are all-or-nothing. You can set your wishlist to be either public (viewable by anyone) or private (not viewable by anyone). There’s no option to hide your wishlist from specific friends.
What happens when I buy a game from a friend’s wishlist?
When you purchase a game from a friend’s wishlist, it will be delivered to them as a gift. They’ll receive a notification and can choose to add the game to their library. The game will also be removed from their wishlist automatically.
Can I add games to a friend’s wishlist?
No, you can’t add games to another person’s wishlist. Everyone manages their own wishlist based on their personal gaming interests. However, you can always recommend games to your friends via Steam’s chat feature or by sharing store pages.
Do wishlisted games ever go on sale?
Yes, Steam frequently has sales where many games, including those commonly found on wishlists, are discounted. In fact, adding a game to your wishlist is a great way to keep track of it and get notified when it goes on sale. Steam’s big seasonal sales, like the Summer Sale and Winter Sale, are especially good times to check your wishlist for deals.
