Steam User Creates Custom 'To Play' Shelf to Organize Backlog

A PC gamer has set up a custom library shelf on Steam to track upcoming games they want to play, sidestepping Steam's limited hobby tracking tools.

Steam library interface showing custom shelf organization
Image source: PC Gamer

A Steam user has created a custom "to play" shelf within their library to organize games they plan to play soon. The setup bypasses Steam's standard "recent games" shelf, which doesn't offer the hobby tracking features the player wanted.

Steam's library system allows users to create custom shelves to categorize their game collections. While the platform provides default categories, many players find them insufficient for personal organization. This custom approach lets the user queue up titles for upcoming play sessions in a way that suits their preferences.

The move highlights ongoing requests from the PC gaming community for expanded library management tools on Steam. Players have long sought better ways to track their backlogs, wishlist priorities, and play-through status across their sometimes massive collections. Custom shelves offer a workaround, though they require manual setup and maintenance.

Further reading

Sources

  1. PC GamerEstablished publication · recorded Sep 22, 2026
    I made a 'to play' shelf for myself on Steam