The error message "Steam is required in order to play Call of Juarez: Gunslinger
occurs when the game's executable cannot detect the Steam client or a valid Steam license
. Even though the game is a single-player experience, it uses Steam as its primary Digital Rights Management (DRM) Steam Community Common Fixes
If you own the game legally on Steam and are seeing this message, try the following steps recommended by the Steam Community Run as Administrator : Right-click the Steam shortcut and select Run as administrator , then launch the game from your library. Verify Game Files : In your Steam Library, right-click Call of Juarez: Gunslinger Properties Installed Files Verify integrity of game files Clear Steam Cache steam is required in order to play call of juarez gunslinger
: Exit Steam, navigate to your Steam installation folder, and delete or rename the folder. Restart your PC and log back into Steam. Check Firewall Settings
: Ensure your firewall or antivirus is not blocking the game's executable ( ), which can prevent it from communicating with the Steam Community Why this happens This message is often triggered if: Steam isn't running
: The game requires the Steam client to be active in the background. Installation issues The error message "Steam is required in order
: If you installed the game from a non-Steam source (like an old physical disc or a different launcher), it may still be hard-coded to look for the Steam client to validate the license. Licensing changes
: The publishing rights for the game reverted from Ubisoft to
in recent years, though it remains available for purchase on the Steam Store Are you receiving this error after a fresh installation , or did the game stop working Steam achievements Cloud saves (GOG Galaxy offers its
In theory, the developer or publisher could release a patch that removes Steam dependency, similar to how some older games (e.g., Far Cry 2) received late DRM removal updates. However, there is no commercial incentive. Call of Juarez: Gunslinger is a complete, stable title with an active but niche player base. The cost of re-engineering the game to use a different DRM or no DRM would not generate significant new revenue. Therefore, Steam shall remain a requirement indefinitely.
Historically, Ubisoft published Call of Juarez: Gunslinger. Some players assume that owning it on Ubisoft Connect means they can bypass Steam. While older Ubisoft titles often required Uplay (now Ubisoft Connect) alongside Steam, Gunslinger is different: the Ubisoft Connect version still requires Steam in most regions. When you purchase from Ubisoft Store, you are usually given a Steam key. Launching the game from Ubisoft Connect will, in turn, launch Steam.
If you deeply resent mandatory launchers, your only hassle-free option is to buy Call of Juarez: Gunslinger from GOG.com when it is on sale (often for $2-$5). The GOG version contains no Steam integration, no DRM, and launches directly from its .exe file. However, you lose:
For most players, the convenience of Steam outweighs these minor losses. But the GOG version exists as proof that the game can run without Steam—it’s simply a different build.
Occasionally, legitimate owners encounter this error despite having Steam open. Here’s how to fix it: