Does Steam Cloud Still Save for a Deleted Game? The Definitive Answer
Yes, generally, Steam Cloud will still save your game data even after you delete or uninstall a game from your local machine. This is because Steam Cloud is designed to store your save data on remote servers, separate from your local files. So, when you uninstall a game, you’re removing the game files from your computer, but your save data remains safely stored in the Steam Cloud. This allows you to reinstall the game later and pick up right where you left off.
However, there are a few key caveats to consider. First, the game must support Steam Cloud saves. Not all games on Steam utilize this feature. Second, Steam Cloud must be enabled for both the specific game and your Steam account globally. Finally, if you’ve manually disabled Steam Cloud synchronization or encountered errors preventing proper syncing, your save data may not be stored in the cloud.
Understanding Steam Cloud and Game Saves
Steam Cloud is a fantastic feature that offers convenience and peace of mind for gamers. It automatically backs up your save data to Steam’s servers, protecting it from data loss due to hardware failure, operating system issues, or accidental deletion. When you reinstall a game, Steam automatically downloads your saved games, allowing you to continue your progress seamlessly.
How to Check if a Game Supports Steam Cloud
It’s essential to verify whether a game supports Steam Cloud before uninstalling it. You can quickly check this in your Steam library. Look for the Steam Cloud icon (a cloud symbol) on the game’s page. Additionally, the game’s store page will usually indicate if Steam Cloud is supported under the “Features” section.
Enabling Steam Cloud
Steam Cloud needs to be enabled on both a global account level and, optionally, on a per-game basis. To ensure it’s enabled globally:
- Open Steam.
- Click on “Steam” in the top-left corner.
- Select “Settings.”
- Go to the “Cloud” tab.
- Ensure the box labeled “Enable Steam Cloud synchronization for applications which support it” is checked.
To check on a per-game level:
- Right-click the game in your Steam library.
- Select “Properties.”
- Select the “General” tab.
- Check to see if the “Keep games saves in the Steam Cloud for (Game name)” box is checked.
Potential Issues and Data Loss
While Steam Cloud is reliable, there are instances where save data might not be retained after uninstalling a game. This can occur due to:
- Steam Cloud Synchronization Errors: Sometimes, Steam Cloud may fail to sync your save data properly due to network issues or other technical glitches.
- Corrupted Save Files: If your save files become corrupted, they may not be successfully backed up to the cloud.
- Disabling Steam Cloud: If you’ve manually disabled Steam Cloud for a specific game, your save data will only be stored locally, and deleting the game will erase the save data.
- Game-Specific Cloud Issues: Some games have their own internal cloud storage systems in addition to or instead of Steam Cloud. These may have different behaviors regarding data retention after uninstallation.
Restoring Deleted Steam Cloud Saves
Even if you’ve deleted a game and are unsure if your save data is safe, you can check and potentially restore it through Steam Cloud:
- Go to the Steam Cloud page through your web browser.
- Log into your Steam account.
- You will see a list of games stored in Steam Cloud.
- Find your deleted game and click “Show Files”.
- Locate the specific saved file and choose “Download” to restore the deleted saves from Steam Cloud.
Remember that this method only works if the saves were successfully stored in the Steam Cloud before the game was deleted.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Steam Cloud and Deleted Games
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to provide you with additional information about Steam Cloud and its interaction with deleted games:
1. Does deleting a game from Steam permanently delete my progress?
Not necessarily. If the game supports Steam Cloud and it was properly enabled, your progress should be saved in the cloud, allowing you to pick up where you left off when you reinstall the game.
2. How do I know if a game’s save is on the cloud?
Check the game’s page in your Steam library for the Steam Cloud icon (a cloud symbol). Also, the game’s store page usually indicates Steam Cloud support in the “Features” section.
3. Can I manually backup my Steam game saves?
Yes, you can manually backup your save files. Locate the game’s save file directory on your computer (usually found in Documents, My Games, or the game’s installation folder) and copy the files to a safe location.
4. Where are Steam cloud saves stored locally?
Steam Cloud stores files locally within the Steam directory, typically under C:Program Files (x86)SteamUserdata<Your Steam ID>. However, accessing and managing these files is best done through the Steam interface or the Steam Cloud website.
5. What happens if I uninstall a game without Steam Cloud enabled?
If Steam Cloud is not enabled, your save data will only be stored locally on your computer. Uninstalling the game will delete this local save data, resulting in the loss of your progress.
6. Does Steam Cloud automatically save my progress?
Yes, Steam automatically synchronizes the user’s Steam Cloud files for your game before and after every session. Any matching files which change during the session will be uploaded to Cloud storage immediately afterward.
7. What if my game saves aren’t syncing to the cloud?
Ensure that Steam Cloud is enabled in your Steam settings and for the specific game. Check your internet connection, restart Steam, and verify that your save files are not corrupted.
8. Can I recover deleted save files from Steam Cloud?
You can try to download the specific saved file from Steam Cloud using the Steam Cloud page through your web browser.
9. Is Steam Cloud a reliable backup solution?
While Steam Cloud is convenient, it’s not a substitute for a comprehensive backup strategy. Critical save data should also be backed up manually to ensure no data loss.
10. Does Steam Cloud cost extra?
No, Steam Cloud is a free service included with your Steam account.
11. How often does Steam Cloud synchronize game saves?
Steam Cloud synchronizes save files before and after each gaming session. Any changes made during the session are uploaded to the cloud after you exit the game.
12. What happens if I play a game offline with Steam Cloud?
Your progress will be saved locally. The next time you connect to the internet, Steam will synchronize your local save data with the Steam Cloud.
13. Does reinstalling Steam delete my games and saves?
Uninstalling Steam shouldn’t delete your games automatically. You’d have to opt to delete them along with the Steam files. Games and their respective saves are usually safe but it’s always a good idea to backup important save data.
14. Can I disable Steam Cloud for certain games?
Yes, you can disable Steam Cloud for individual games by going to the game’s properties in your Steam library and unchecking the Steam Cloud synchronization option.
15. Does Steam Cloud support all types of save data?
Steam Cloud primarily supports standard save files. However, some games may store settings, profiles, or other data outside the Steam Cloud system. Always refer to the specific game’s documentation for details.
Remember to regularly check your Steam Cloud settings and verify that your important games are properly synchronized. By understanding how Steam Cloud works, you can ensure your progress is safe, even when uninstalling games.
Steam Cloud offers a great service for gamers, but it is also important to consider that there are other resources to improve digital learning with games, you can always check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org for further information.