Where Does Steam Store Game Data?
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
Steam stores game data in multiple locations, primarily in the Steamsteamappscommon folder where Steam is installed on Windows, and in the %homepath%AppDataLocalLow directory for most save games. Additionally, some game data is stored on Steam Cloud, allowing for seamless access to saved games across different computers.
Understanding Steam Data Storage
Steam’s data storage system is designed to provide a convenient and secure way to manage game files, save games, and other related data. The Steam client plays a crucial role in this process, enabling users to access and manage their game libraries, including downloading, installing, and updating games.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I find the Steam game data folder?
To find the Steam game data folder, right-click on the game in your Steam library, hover over “Manage”, and then click “Browse local files”.
2. Where are Steam save games stored on PC?
On Windows, most save games can be found by opening File Explorer and navigating to “%homepath%AppDataLocalLow”.
3. Does Steam store all game data?
Steam does not necessarily store all your savegames; for example, with Civilization V, you have 10 savegame slots on Steam Cloud, so when you save a game, you have to choose to save there, or else the savegame will only be local.
4. How do I access game data from Steam?
To access game data from Steam, install Steam and log in to the correct Steam account, launch Steam, click on Steam, select Restore Game Backup, and then browse to the location of the game’s backup files.
5. Will deleting Steam delete my game data?
Deleting Steam will remove Steam and any installed game content from your machine, so if you plan to reinstall Steam and Steam games in the near future, please move the steamapps folder outside of the Steam directory to prevent your games from being deleted.
6. Does Steam automatically backup save files?
Steam Cloud automatically stores files from your game on Steam’s servers, so your players can log into Steam and access their saved games from any computer.
7. Where is video game data stored?
Typically, game data and user data are separated and often stored in very different places, e.g., game data would be stored in the same folder as the game’s executable file, and user data would be stored under the user’s documents.
8. How do I copy Steam games without backup?
To copy Steam games without backup, copy and paste the game’s folder in the original steamapps/common directory to the new one, go to the game’s page in the Steam store, note the URL, go to the original steamapps directory, copy the appmanifest file to the new steamapps directory, and restart Steam if you had it running.
9. Can I copy Steam games to another drive?
Yes, you can copy Steam games to another drive by navigating to your Steam client ‘Settings’ menu, opening the ‘Storage’ tab, selecting the drive where the games you wish to move are located, selecting the games you wish to move, and clicking ‘Move’.
10. Can I copy Steam game files to another computer?
Yes, local network game transfers allow for Steam users to copy existing Steam game installation and update files from one PC to another over a local area network, without having to download and install from a Steam content server on the internet.
11. How do I copy Steam games locally?
To copy Steam games locally, navigate to the settings menu, go to the Downloads entry, and at the bottom of the many menu options, select “Game File Transfer over Local Network”.
12. How do I retrieve game data?
Some games autosave your progress when you’re signed in with Google Play Games; if your game autosaves, you can sync your game data and pick up where you left off.
13. How do I get my game data?
To back up your game’s levels, trophies/crowns, or statistics, open Device Settings, select “System”, select “Backup”, and ensure the Back up to Google Drive toggle is selected.
14. How is game data stored?
All Saved Games are stored in your players’ Google Drive Application Data Folder, which can only be read and written by your game, providing additional protection against data corruption.
15. Will I lose my Steam games if I change computers?
No, you will not lose your Steam games if you change computers, as long as you can log into your Steam account; you can install games to the computer you are logged into, and many Steam games also support cloud saves, so your saved data can carry over as well.