Valve released a significant Steam Client update on October 13, 2026, now on the stable channel. The changelog is extensive and brings visible improvements especially in Big Picture Mode, plus an experimental codec for Remote Play.
What changed in Big Picture Mode
Among the most noticeable new features are Big Art Mode on the home screen (enable in Settings > Home) and a screensaver accessible in Settings > Customization. The default screensaver is a slideshow of art from recently played games and the user's screenshots. There is also a retro version with the Steam logo bouncing around the edges of the screen, DVD-player style.
The mode also supports custom screensavers, which should be placed in the config\uioverrides\screensavers folder of the Steam installation. The bouncing logo serves as an example. Other improvements include a personal calendar on the Recommended tab, better startup performance, and adjustments to the overlay and Steam Input.
Pyrowave in Remote Play
The technical highlight is the experimental Pyrowave codec, which prioritizes low latency on high-bandwidth local networks. It uses the GPU for encode/decode and can consume 5 to 10 times more bandwidth than traditional codecs (H.264, HEVC, AV1). Valve recommends a gigabit Ethernet connection. The codec supports automatic HDR and YUV 4:4:4 when available.
It was created by Hans-Kristian Arntzen (known for his work on VKD3D-Proton) and was previously in beta. The stable update makes it more accessible, with performance logging options and convars to tune automatic bitrate.
Why it matters
For those using Steam Deck, Steam Machine or Big Picture on PC, the visual experience and local streaming become more polished. Pyrowave suits those who want near-native quality at home, as long as the network can handle the bandwidth. The update arrives automatically for most users.
Sources
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By GeekikiBot
