how to find hidden games on steam
# How to Find Hidden Games on Steam
Steam, the popular digital distribution platform developed by Valve Corporation, offers an extensive library of video games. With thousands of titles available, from big-budget blockbusters to indie gems, it can be overwhelming to sift through the plethora of options. While many players gravitate towards the most popular or highest-rated games, a treasure trove of hidden gems awaits those willing to dig a little deeper. This article will explore various methods to discover hidden games on Steam, ensuring that you can find unique experiences that might otherwise fly under the radar.
## Understanding the Steam Ecosystem
Before diving into the methods for discovering hidden games on Steam, it’s essential to understand the platform’s ecosystem. Steam employs various algorithms and categorization methods to present games to users. The homepage features popular titles, trending games, and those on sale, but this can overshadow lesser-known games that might be exactly what you’re looking for. By understanding how Steam categorizes and promotes games, you can better navigate the platform to find hidden gems.
## Utilizing Steam’s Advanced Search Features
One of the most effective methods for finding hidden games on Steam is to utilize the platform’s advanced search features. The Steam store has a robust filtering system allowing you to narrow down your search by genre, release date, price, user reviews, and more. Here’s how to make the most of these features:
1. **Navigate to the Steam Store:** Start by visiting the Steam store page.
2. **Use the Search Bar:** Type in a general term related to the type of game you’re interested in.
3. **Filter Your Results:** Once you have your search results, look for filtering options on the left side of the page. You can sort by tags, release date, and price range. Consider filtering by user reviews to find games that, while not highly popular, have a dedicated fan base.
By experimenting with various filters, you can uncover games that are not highlighted in the mainstream sections of the store.
## Exploring User Reviews and Curators
User reviews are an invaluable resource when it comes to discovering hidden games on Steam. While the average player might focus on games with high ratings, diving into the reviews can reveal lesser-known titles that have captured the hearts of specific communities. Here’s how to leverage user reviews:
1. **Look for Niche Genres:** If you’re a fan of a niche genre, search for games within that category. Read through user reviews to find recommendations for similar titles.
2. **Follow Curators:** Steam curators are individuals or organizations that review and recommend games. Many curators focus on specific genres or themes, making it easier to find hidden gems that align with your interests. Follow curators whose taste you trust and keep an eye on their recommendations.
By combining user reviews and curator insights, you can uncover games that might not have made it to the front page but have received praise from players who appreciate them.
## Participating in Steam Community Discussions
The Steam Community is a vibrant hub where players share their experiences, recommendations, and insights about various games. Engaging in discussions can lead to discovering hidden gems that you might not have encountered otherwise. Here’s how to use the community to your advantage:
1. **Join Discussions:** Participate in forums related to specific games or genres. Ask for recommendations for hidden gems, and you’re likely to receive responses from passionate players who have explored beyond the mainstream.
2. **Check Community Guides:** Many users create guides detailing their favorite lesser-known games. Browse through these guides for insights and recommendations tailored to your interests.
By being an active member of the Steam Community, you can tap into a wealth of knowledge and discover games that resonate with your tastes.
## Taking Advantage of Steam Sales and Bundles
Steam is famous for its seasonal sales, where prices are slashed on thousands of games. During these sales, many hidden gems become more accessible due to their reduced prices. Here’s how to make the most of Steam sales:
1. **Create a Wishlist:** Add games you’re interested in to your wishlist. During sales, you’ll receive notifications about price drops, allowing you to snag hidden gems at a fraction of the cost.
2. **Explore Bundles:** Many indie developers and publishers offer bundles during sales, allowing you to purchase multiple games at a discounted rate. This is a fantastic way to discover new titles, as bundles often include lesser-known games alongside popular ones.
By strategically navigating Steam sales and bundles, you can enhance your library with hidden gems without breaking the bank.
## Utilizing External Websites and Tools
In addition to Steam’s built-in features, several external websites and tools can help you find hidden games. These resources can provide additional insights, recommendations, and filtering options. Here are a few popular ones:
1. **SteamDB:** Steam Database (SteamDB) is a website that provides detailed information about every game on Steam, including player statistics, pricing history, and more. You can use this tool to discover games that have gained popularity over time or to find games with low player counts that might be hidden from the general audience.
2. **IsThereAnyDeal:** This site aggregates deals from various digital game stores, including Steam. It allows you to set up alerts for specific games, track prices, and discover lesser-known titles that are currently on sale.
3. **Reddit:** Subreddits like r/IndieDev and r/IndieGaming are excellent places to find discussions about hidden gems. Users often share their favorite lesser-known titles, and you can ask for recommendations tailored to your preferences.
By utilizing these external resources, you can expand your search for hidden games and discover titles you may have otherwise missed.
## Exploring Steam’s Tags and Categories
Steam has an extensive tagging system that allows users to categorize games based on their features, gameplay mechanics, and themes. By exploring these tags, you can uncover hidden gems that align with your interests. Here’s how to effectively use tags:
1. **Browse by Tags:** On the Steam store, you can click on tags related to specific genres or themes. This will lead you to a curated list of games that share those characteristics. For example, if you enjoy simulation games, clicking on the “Simulation” tag will reveal a variety of titles, including lesser-known options.
2. **Explore Related Games:** When you find a game you enjoy, take a look at the “More like this” section. Steam often suggests similar games based on your interests, which can lead you to hidden gems that share gameplay mechanics or themes with your favorites.
By leveraging Steam’s tagging system, you can navigate the platform more effectively and discover games that resonate with your preferences.
## Engaging with Indie Developers
Indie developers are often responsible for creating some of the most innovative and unique games available on Steam. These smaller studios may not have the marketing budgets of major publishers, making their games less visible to the average player. Here’s how to engage with indie developers to uncover hidden gems:
1. **Follow Indie Game Festivals:** Keep an eye on indie game festivals and expos, such as the IndieCade or PAX Indie Showcase. Many of these events feature games that are not widely known but have been well-received by critics and players alike.
2. **Support Indie Developers:** Platforms like Kickstarter and Patreon allow you to support indie developers directly. By backing projects that interest you, you can gain access to exclusive content and early releases, including games that haven’t yet made their way to Steam.
By engaging with the indie gaming community, you can discover hidden gems that challenge traditional gaming norms and offer fresh experiences.
## Building a Personal Library of Hidden Games
As you explore and discover hidden games on Steam, it’s essential to keep track of your findings. Building a personal library can help you remember titles you want to try and give you a sense of the unique experiences you’ve collected. Here’s how to create your library:
1. **Create a List:** Use a document or spreadsheet to keep track of hidden gems you come across. Include details such as the game’s title, genre, a brief description, and why it caught your interest.
2. **Categorize Your Library:** You can categorize your library by genre, mood, or gameplay style to make it easier to find games when you’re in the mood to play.
By maintaining a personal library, you’ll have a curated list of hidden gems ready for your next gaming session.
## Conclusion
Finding hidden games on Steam is a rewarding endeavor that can lead to discovering unique experiences and innovative gameplay. By utilizing Steam’s advanced search features, engaging with the community, exploring user reviews, and leveraging external resources, you can uncover titles that might otherwise remain hidden. As you navigate the platform, remember to keep an open mind and embrace the thrill of exploration. Whether you’re a fan of indie games, niche genres, or experimental gameplay, there’s a world of hidden gems waiting for you on Steam. Happy gaming!
how to save tiktoks to camera roll
TikTok has become one of the most popular social media platforms in recent years, with over 800 million active users worldwide. Known for its short-form videos, creative filters, and catchy music, TikTok has taken the world by storm. It is no wonder that many of us want to save our favorite TikTok videos to our camera roll, so we can watch them later or share them with our friends and family. In this article, we will discuss various ways on how to save TikToks to your camera roll.
Before we get into the different methods, let’s first understand why saving TikToks to your camera roll is essential. While TikTok allows you to save videos within the app, this option is only available for your own videos. You cannot save other users’ videos within the app, and they can delete their videos at any time, making it impossible for you to access them again. By saving TikToks to your camera roll, you have a copy of the video that you can watch anytime, even if the original video is deleted. So, let’s dive into the different ways of saving TikToks to your camera roll.
1. Use the TikTok’s Download Option
One of the easiest ways to save TikToks to your camera roll is by using the download option within the app. This option is available for your own videos and can be accessed by tapping on the share icon on the video and then selecting the save video option. The video will be saved to your camera roll, and you can access it anytime, even without an internet connection.
2. Use a Screen Recording App
If you want to save someone else’s TikTok video to your camera roll, you can use a screen recording app. Many screen recording apps are available for both iOS and Android devices, such as AZ Screen Recorder, DU Recorder, and Screen Recorder & Video Editor. These apps allow you to record your screen while playing the TikTok video, and then you can save the recorded video to your camera roll. However, keep in mind that this method may not work for videos with copyrighted music as they may get muted in the recording.
3. Use a Video Downloader Website
There are also various websites, such as MusicallyDown and TikTok Video Downloader, that allow you to download TikTok videos to your camera roll. All you need to do is copy the link of the video and paste it into the website’s download box. The website will then provide you with a download link for the video, which you can save to your camera roll.
4. Use a Third-Party App
There are several third-party apps available on both iOS and Android devices that allow you to save TikTok videos to your camera roll. Some popular options include Video Downloader for TikTok, TikMate, and TikTok Video Downloader & Saver. These apps work similarly to the video downloader websites, where you need to copy the video’s link and paste it into the app to download it.
5. Use AirDrop (for iOS users)
If you are an iOS user, you can use AirDrop to save TikTok videos to your camera roll. Simply open the TikTok app, find the video you want to save, and tap on the share icon. From the share options, select the AirDrop icon, and then choose to save the video to your camera roll. This method is quick and easy, and you don’t need to download any additional apps.
6. Use Google Photos
Google Photos is a cloud-based photo and video storage service that is available for both iOS and Android devices. If you have the app installed on your device, you can save TikTok videos to your camera roll by first uploading the video to Google Photos and then downloading it to your camera roll from the app. This method is convenient as you can access your saved videos from any device with Google Photos installed.
7. Use a File Manager App
Another option for Android users is to use a file manager app to save TikTok videos to their camera roll. File manager apps, such as ES File Explorer and File Manager & Storage Analyzer, allow you to access and manage the files on your device. You can use these apps to locate and save the TikTok videos you have downloaded from the app or a third-party website.
8. Use a computer
If you don’t want to use your phone to save TikTok videos to your camera roll, you can use a computer . You can access TikTok from your computer’s web browser and use the same methods mentioned above, such as using a video downloader website or a third-party app. You can also use a USB cable to transfer the downloaded videos from your computer to your phone’s camera roll.
9. Use a Screen Recording Software (for desktop users)
For desktop users, you can use a screen recording software, such as OBS Studio or Bandicam, to save TikTok videos to your camera roll. These software programs allow you to record your screen while playing the TikTok video and then save the recorded video to your camera roll.
10. Contact the Original Creator
Lastly, if you are unable to save a TikTok video to your camera roll using any of the methods mentioned above, you can contact the original creator and ask them for the video. You can do this by commenting on the video or sending them a direct message. Most TikTok users are happy to share their videos, and they may even send you the original video file that you can save to your camera roll.
In conclusion, there are various ways to save TikToks to your camera roll, depending on the device you are using and the type of video you want to save. Whether you are an iOS or Android user, there is a method that will work for you. However, always keep in mind that it is essential to respect the original creator’s rights and ask for their permission before saving their videos. So, next time you come across a TikTok video that you want to save, use one of the methods mentioned above and enjoy watching it anytime you want.