How to Revert a Steam Game Update?
Reverting a Steam game update can be a lifesaver when a recent patch causes problems or introduces bugs that affect gameplay. In this article, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide on how to revert a Steam game update, so you can get back to playing your favorite games with ease.
Why Revert a Steam Game Update?
Before we dive into the process, it’s essential to understand why you might need to revert a Steam game update. Here are a few reasons:
- Game-breaking bugs: Sometimes, game updates can introduce game-breaking bugs that ruin the experience.
- Performance issues: Updates can affect game performance, causing slow loading times, lag, or crashes.
- Lost saves: If you’ve played the game extensively before the update, you might lose your saved progress.
- Dislike the new features: Not everyone is a fan of the new features or changes introduced in an update. Reverting can help you avoid these changes.
How to Revert a Steam Game Update?
To revert a Steam game update, you’ll need to follow these steps:
Method 1: Revert to the Previous Version through Steam’s built-in Option
Step 1: Right-click on the Game in Your Library
- Open Steam and navigate to your game library.
- Right-click on the game you want to revert.
Step 2: Select "Properties"
- Click on "Properties" to open the game’s settings.
Step 3: Go to the "Updates" Tab
- In the game settings, click on the "Updates" tab.
Step 4: Click on the "Revert" Button
- Here’s the key moment: Look for the "Revert" button next to the most recent update. Click on it to revert the game to the previous version.
Method 2: Revert to a Previous Steam Backup
Step 1: Find Your Steam Backup Files
- Locate your Steam backup files. By default, they’re stored in the following directory:
%appdata%Steambackup. You can also search for the backup files on your computer.
Step 2: Identify the Desired Backup Date
- Look for the backup file with the date and time closest to when you want to revert to.
Step 3: Copy the Backup File
- Copy the backup file to a new location, such as your desktop.
Step 4: Restore the Game from the Backup
- Right-click on the game in your Steam library and select "Properties."
- In the game settings, click on the "Local Files" tab.
- Click on the "Browse Local Files" button and select the backup file you copied earlier.
- Confirm that you want to restore the game from the backup.
Important: Make sure you backup your game saves before attempting to revert a game update. This will ensure that you don’t lose your progress.
Method 3: Reinstall the Game
Step 1: Uninstall the Game
- Uninstall the game from your Steam library.
Step 2: Reinstall the Previous Version
- Reinstall the game from the Steam store or by redownloading the previous version from a reliable source.
Step 3: Restore Your Game Saves
- Once the game is installed, restore your game saves from a previous backup.
What to Do if Reverting a Steam Game Update Doesn’t Work?
If you encounter issues while reverting a Steam game update, here are some troubleshooting tips:
- Check the Steam Forums: Look for threads discussing the same issue or bug you’re experiencing.
- Disable Steam’s Auto-Updates: Go to Steam’s settings, click on "Account" and uncheck the box next to "Enable automatic updates."
- Reach Out to the Game Developers: Contact the game developers or community managers to report the issue and request assistance.
- Reinstall Steam: As a last resort, reinstall Steam and the game.
Conclusion
Reverting a Steam game update can be a bit tedious, but it’s often necessary to restore your gaming experience. By following the steps outlined in this article, you should be able to successfully revert a Steam game update. Remember to backup your game saves and be patient when dealing with issues. Happy gaming!
Table: Steam Game Update Reversion Methods
| Method | Steps | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Built-in Revert Option | Easy, 4 steps | Fast, convenient | Limited to previous version only |
| Steam Backup | More reliable, 4 steps | Restores entire game | Requires manual backup and restore |
| Reinstall | Fresh start, 3 steps | Resets game to default | Requires reinstallation, may lose progress |
Bullets: Important Points to Remember
- Backup your game saves before reverting a Steam game update.
- Use the built-in revert option if possible.
- Check the Steam Forums for solutions to common issues.
- Be patient when dealing with issues related to reverting a Steam game update.
- Reinstall Steam as a last resort.