Does Steam Cloud Save Uninstalled Games? A Deep Dive
Yes, Steam Cloud generally saves game progress even after you uninstall a game. When you uninstall a game from Steam, your local game files are removed, but if the game utilizes Steam Cloud, your save data is typically backed up to Steam’s servers. When you reinstall the game and launch it, Steam will automatically download your saved game data from the cloud, allowing you to pick up right where you left off. However, the use of Steam Cloud and how save data is handled can vary from game to game. Let’s explore the intricacies!
Understanding Steam Cloud and Game Saves
The beauty of Steam Cloud lies in its convenience. It’s a seamless system designed to preserve your gaming progress across different devices and installations. It’s like having a digital safety net for your countless hours of gameplay. But how does it actually work?
Steam Cloud is a cloud storage service offered by Valve, the company behind Steam. It allows games to store save data, configuration files, and other game-related information on Steam’s servers. This means that even if you format your hard drive, switch to a new computer, or simply uninstall and reinstall a game, your progress remains intact.
How Steam Cloud Operates
When you play a game with Steam Cloud enabled, the game periodically synchronizes your save data with Steam’s servers. This process usually happens automatically in the background. When you exit the game, Steam finalizes the synchronization, ensuring that the latest version of your save data is safely stored in the cloud.
When you reinstall the game, Steam automatically detects that cloud saves are available. Before launching the game, it downloads the save data from the Steam Cloud to your local machine. This ensures that the game starts with your latest progress.
What About Games Without Steam Cloud?
Not all games utilize Steam Cloud. Some games rely solely on local saves, meaning your save data is stored only on your computer. In such cases, uninstalling the game might delete your save data depending on where the game stores its saves. Many such games store save data in your “My Documents” folder, so it will not be deleted upon game uninstall.
It’s always a good idea to check where a game stores its save data, especially if you’re planning to uninstall it. You can usually find this information by searching online forums, game wikis, or the game’s official website. If the game uses local saves, consider backing up your save data manually before uninstalling.
The Importance of Enabling Steam Cloud
While many games have Steam Cloud enabled by default, it’s always a good practice to verify that it’s turned on in your Steam settings. This ensures that all your compatible games are automatically backing up their save data.
To enable Steam Cloud globally, go to Steam > Settings > Cloud and make sure the “Enable Steam Cloud synchronization for apps which support it” checkbox is ticked. You can also check the cloud status for individual games by right-clicking on the game in your library, selecting “Properties,” and navigating to the “General” tab. The option “Keep game saves in the Steam Cloud for [game]” should be enabled.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about Steam Cloud and game saves, providing additional clarity on how the system works and what to expect when uninstalling and reinstalling games.
1. Will I lose my games if I uninstall Steam?
No, uninstalling Steam will not automatically uninstall the games you’ve installed through the platform. Your game files and saved games will remain on your computer, and you can reinstall Steam later to access them again. Just make sure you don’t delete the Steam library folder itself.
2. Does Steam Cloud save every game?
No, the Steam Cloud functionality can be toggled for individual games or as a global Steam setting. Games must be specifically designed to use Steam Cloud. For games that don’t support Steam Cloud, saves are stored locally.
3. Does uninstalling games delete saves?
It depends. Some games store saves locally and do not delete them when uninstalling. The saves either remain in the game folder or are stored somewhere else (e.g., “My Documents”). Upon reinstalling on the same computer, the saves will be available again, provided you haven’t deleted them manually.
4. How do I keep game saves in the Steam Cloud?
Go to Steam > Settings > Cloud and ensure “Enable Steam Cloud synchronization for apps which support it” is enabled. Additionally, for individual games, right-click the game, choose “Properties,” and make sure “Keep game saves in the Steam Cloud for [game]” is enabled under the “General” tab.
5. How do I retrieve Steam Cloud saves?
You can download save games directly from Steam Cloud through the Steam website. Visit the View Steam Cloud page (you’ll need to log into your account), locate the specific game, and choose “Download” to restore deleted saves.
6. Why is Steam Cloud save not syncing?
The most common reason is that synchronization is turned off. Go to Steam > Settings > Cloud and enable “Enable Steam Cloud synchronization for apps that support it.” Restart Steam afterward.
7. What happens if a Steam game gets deleted from the Steam store?
You keep all licenses to games, videos, software, and tools on your account, even if they are removed from the Steam store. You can still download and play them.
8. What happens when you permanently remove a game from Steam?
You lose the game and any associated content (like DLC). If you change your mind later, you’ll need to repurchase the game.
9. Does Steam automatically backup save files?
Yes, if a game supports Steam Cloud, Steam automatically stores files from your game on Steam’s servers.
10. Where are Steam game saves stored locally?
On PC (Steam, GoG, etc.), game saves can often be found under the AppDataLocalLow directory.
11. Does uninstalling a game mean you have to buy it again?
No, uninstalling a game simply removes it from your hard drive. You still own the game and can re-download it at any time. If you permanently remove it from your account, then you would have to buy it again.
12. What happens if you uninstall and reinstall a game on Steam?
If the game uses Steam Cloud, your progress will be preserved and restored when you reinstall the game. If not, your progress may be lost, depending on where the game stores its save data.
13. Does reinstalling Steam affect games?
Typically, the game settings will revert to default, but your save games should be safe if they are stored in Steam Cloud or a separate directory like “My Documents.” It’s always a good idea to back up your save game folder before uninstalling Steam, just in case.
14. Games appear uninstalled when Steam no longer recognizes the installation files. As long as the affected game’s folder is still in the proper location, attempting to launch the game will prompt a download. This will allow Steam to recognize the installation files during the download process.
If Steam thinks that your games are uninstalled when they are not, try the following:
- Ensure the game files are still located in the steamappscommon folder.
- Restart Steam.
- Clear the download cache in Steam settings.
- Verify the integrity of the game files.
- Reinstall the game, allowing Steam to recognize the existing files.
15. I accidently permanently removed a game from Steam. How can I get it back?
You can request to restore a permanently removed game by contacting Steam Support. Navigate to the support page for the game, select “Why is this game not in my library?”, and request restoration. Keep in mind that this is not always guaranteed, so it’s best to be careful when removing games from your account.
Conclusion: Your Saves Are (Usually) Safe
In the vast majority of cases, Steam Cloud provides a reliable way to preserve your game progress across installations. However, understanding the nuances of local saves, enabling Steam Cloud, and knowing how to retrieve your saves are essential for ensuring a smooth gaming experience. Always double-check how a particular game handles save data, and when in doubt, perform manual backups to safeguard your precious progress.
Want to learn more about gaming and its educational potential? Explore the insightful resources at the Games Learning Society website. You can visit GamesLearningSociety.org to delve into the intersection of games and learning. This organization researches and promotes the use of games for educational purposes, providing a wealth of information on the benefits of incorporating gaming into learning environments.
By understanding the ins and outs of Steam Cloud and save management, you can game with confidence, knowing that your progress is safe and secure, no matter what happens.