Little Steam guidence please

[evecomm]

I've just purchased the Half Life 2 bronze package and have downloaded CS: Source which is fantastic, I've never played CS before or used Steam. I just have a couple of questions;

It appears I can only access CS: Source when logged on through Steam? Is this right? If for instance my internet connection is down will I still be able to play the game? (I understand it's an online game but I really dont know the maps yet and might want to play stand alone)

I'm also about to preload Half Life 2 ready for the 26th of Nov, if for instance after playing HL2 for a day and my internet connection goes down, will I again not be able to play HL2 as it can only be played through Steam? I hope this isnt the case, if it is I wish I'd waited for the DVD to come out.

Thanks in advance

Rossi

 

[Kirkburn]

You can't really play CS: Source offline, unless you set up some kind of local server (somebody else explain that bit, please). Steam does have that option for offline play however, so playing HL2 offline will be fine. Only the downloading/registering requires the net. And any updates, of course.

EDIT: Have a look at the Steam FAQs and support pages for more info. IF you start up steam and no net connection is active it gives you the option for offline play. Not sure if it'll allow u to get into CS:Source tho

 

[evecomm]

Thanks for the quick reply, as I said I understand CS: Source is an on-line game I just want to be able to play HL2 even if my Internet connection goes down. I've never used steam or CS before.

Thanks Again

Rossi

 

[Kirkburn]

S'ok ... wasn't that quick a reply anyway. Was shopping in Sainsbury's when you posted it
But yeah, u'll be fine for getting onto HL2 without a net connection. Don't worry ... and enjoy CS: Source!

 

[Chris D]

You'll also be ok getting on to CS:S without a net connection.

Just shut down your connection and load up Steam and it will give you the option for offline mode. Launching CS:S should be absolutely fine and it should let you play.

I think so anyway... let us know how you get on.

 

[Kirkburn]

And 'd always thought of you as all knowledgeable, Chris ... ye gods, so it appears you're just as lazy as me (I can't be bothered to unplug my PC from broadband just to check. The port is about 1 metre from me)

Anyways, time for me to go and find an 40 person server and go have me some funning.

 

[Chris D]

Hehe, if what I mentioned above don't work (as I know the Create Game button does actually create a public server) then try just typing map <mapname> in the console when you get to the main menu. That should start a local server.