Configuring the Plugin

Overview

This guide provides comprehensive instructions for configuring the SteamCore plugin in your Unreal Engine project. Proper configuration is essential for enabling Steam functionality and ensuring optimal performance in both development and production environments.

Video Tutorial

For a visual walkthrough of the configuration process, please refer to our Getting Started Video Tutorial.

Configuration Process

Step 1: Locate Configuration File

Navigate to your project's configuration directory and open the DefaultEngine.ini file located at:

Project/Config/DefaultEngine.ini

Step 2: Prepare Configuration Environment

Before adding new configuration values, ensure a clean configuration environment:

1. Remove Legacy Settings: Delete any existing Steam-related configuration entries to prevent conflicts
2. Backup Configuration: Create a backup of your current DefaultEngine.ini file before making changes
3. Verify File Permissions: Ensure the configuration file is not read-only

Configuration Conflicts

Duplicate or conflicting entries in the configuration file will cause plugin initialization failures. Always remove old Steam-related settings before adding new ones.

Configuration Options

Recommended Configuration

For typical multiplayer projects, use the following comprehensive configuration:

[OnlineSubsystemSteamCore]
SteamDevAppId=480
SteamAppId=480
bVACEnabled=True
bEnabled=True
bUseSteamNetworking=True
bAllowP2PPacketRelay=True
bRelaunchInSteam=False
P2PConnectionTimeout=90
GameServerQueryPort=27015
GameVersion=1.0.0.0

[OnlineSubsystem]
DefaultPlatformService=SteamCore

[/Script/Engine.GameEngine]
!NetDriverDefinitions=ClearArray
+NetDriverDefinitions=(DefName="GameNetDriver",DriverClassName="/Script/SteamCoreSockets.SteamCoreSocketsNetDriver",DriverClassNameFallback="/Script/OnlineSubsystemUtils.IpNetDriver")

Minimal Configuration

For basic usage during development and testing, the following minimal configuration is sufficient:

[OnlineSubsystemSteamCore]
bEnabled=True
SteamDevAppId=480
SteamAppId=480

[OnlineSubsystem]
DefaultPlatformService=SteamCore

Configuration Parameters Reference

Core Settings

Parameter	Type	Description	Default
bEnabled	Boolean	Enable or disable the SteamCore plugin	True
SteamAppId	Integer	Your application's Steam ID for production	480
SteamDevAppId	Integer	Development Steam ID used during testing	480
Port	Integer	Server port for Steam networking	7777

Networking Configuration

Parameter	Type	Description	Default
bUseSteamNetworking	Boolean	Enable Steam's networking layer	True
bAllowP2PPacketRelay	Boolean	Allow fallback to Steam relay servers	True
P2PConnectionTimeout	Integer	Timeout duration for P2P connections (seconds)	90
GameServerQueryPort	Integer	Steam server query port	27015

Security and Anti-Cheat

Parameter	Type	Description	Default
bVACEnabled	Boolean	Enable Steam VAC (Valve Anti-Cheat)	True
bRelaunchInSteam	Boolean	Relaunch game through Steam if not started via Steam	False

Development Settings

Parameter	Type	Description	Default
bCopySteamDlls	Boolean	Copy Steam client DLLs when packaging (Windows only)	True
GameVersion	String	Game version identifier	1.0.0.0

Advanced Handshake Configuration

Parameter	Type	Description	Default
bOverrideMinHandshakeVersion	Boolean	Override minimum handshake version	True
MinHandshakeVersion	Integer	Minimum handshake version	0
bOverrideCurrentHandshakeVersion	Boolean	Override current handshake version	True
CurrentHandshakeVersion	Integer	Current handshake version	0

Complete Configuration Example

[OnlineSubsystemSteamCore]
bEnabled=True
SteamAppId=480
SteamDevAppId=480
Port=7777
bCopySteamDlls=True
bVACEnabled=True
bUseSteamNetworking=True
bAllowP2PPacketRelay=True
bRelaunchInSteam=False
P2PConnectionTimeout=90
GameServerQueryPort=27015
GameVersion=1.0.0.0
bOverrideMinHandshakeVersion=True
MinHandshakeVersion=0
bOverrideCurrentHandshakeVersion=True
CurrentHandshakeVersion=0

Additional Configuration Requirements

Multiplayer Setup

For multiplayer functionality, ensure you also configure SteamCoreSockets in addition to the basic plugin configuration.

Project Settings Migration

Deprecated Feature

Recent versions of the SteamCore plugin no longer support configuration through the Project Settings interface. All configuration must be performed through the DefaultEngine.ini file.

Validation and Testing

Configuration Verification

After applying configuration changes:

1. Syntax Check: Verify the configuration file syntax is correct
2. Plugin Load: Confirm the plugin loads successfully in the editor
3. Steam Integration: Test basic Steam functionality (if Steam client is running)
4. Multiplayer Testing: Verify networking functionality if applicable

Common Configuration Issues

Issue	Cause	Solution
Plugin fails to load	Duplicate configuration entries	Remove conflicting entries
Steam features unavailable	Incorrect App ID configuration	Verify SteamAppId and SteamDevAppId values
Networking errors	Missing networking configuration	Add complete networking settings

Next Steps

Once configuration is complete:

1. Restart Editor: Restart the Unreal Editor to apply changes
2. Test Functionality: Verify Steam integration works as expected
3. Configure Networking: Set up multiplayer features if required
4. Deploy Testing: Test configuration in packaged builds

For advanced networking configuration, proceed to the SteamCoreSockets Configuration guide.