Steam Pyrowave is now available as an experimental codec in the Steam Client beta, giving Steam Remote Play a high-bandwidth option designed to reduce end-to-end latency on fast local networks.
Valve added the codec in the September 21 Steam Client beta update. The official Steam Client Beta changelog lists Pyrowave under Remote Play, while Digital Foundry’s report explains what the setting does in practice. GamingOnLinux’s testing and setup notes add the Linux and SteamOS details.
Steam Pyrowave trades bandwidth for lower latency
Pyrowave uses the GPU to encode and decode frames, rather than leaning as heavily on compression techniques used by H.264, HEVC and AV1. Valve says it can use five to ten times more bandwidth than those codecs, so it is intended for systems connected directly to a router over at least gigabit Ethernet rather than a typical Wi-Fi setup.
The trade-off is support for YUV 4:4:4 colour, which can make text and fine detail cleaner on a 4K desktop, plus automatic HDR when both the host and client support it. Each frame is handled independently, which helps keep the stream responsive but leaves the network carrying considerably more data.
How to enable Pyrowave in Steam Remote Play
Pyrowave is not enabled by default. Join the Steam Client beta, install the latest update and restart Steam. The option is then available under the Advanced Client options in Remote Play settings. On Linux, the experimental SteamRT3 Steam Client must be enabled first; SteamOS users will find the relevant beta channel in System settings.
The codec currently works on desktop Steam clients, with support for the Steam Link mobile app due soon. Valve developer Sam Lantinga said mobile support is coming, but the current beta does not include it. This is also for flat-screen Remote Play, not Steam Link VR or a Steam Frame-specific update.
Valve developed Pyrowave with Hans-Kristian Arntzen, known for the VKD3D-Proton project. The same local-network focus sits behind other Valve streaming hardware plans, including the Steam Frame reservation and pricing details, while Steam Remote Play has also been used to extend the Steam Deck’s streaming options. For most homes, the existing codecs will remain the sensible choice; Pyrowave is aimed at people with the network capacity to spend bandwidth for a faster response.
Who should use Steam Pyrowave?
Steam Pyrowave is aimed at people streaming over a fast wired local network who value lower latency more than conserving bandwidth.
Does Steam Pyrowave work over Wi-Fi?
Valve recommends connecting the host and client directly to a router with at least gigabit Ethernet, so ordinary Wi-Fi is not the intended setup.
Is Steam Pyrowave available on mobile?
Not yet. Pyrowave is currently available on desktop Steam beta clients, while Valve says Steam Link mobile support is coming soon.
