You don't have to be online once steam is setup. I never play online. In the settings section of the steam launcher is an option to go offline.
But you are likely have to be online first before you can set Steam for offline mode.
Yeah - what I said - once steam is set up.... You have to log in to steam to validate the game. After that you can be offline forever.
Oops missed that. I had a long evening/early morning shift and then had to be back in the office for WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Material) training for a few hours and then go back home for a few hours of sleep to do another evening/early morning shift.
Ouch. Oh, I am SO glad I don't have to "do real work" any more!