Hello and welcome to our comprehensive guide on Steam game backups. If you’re an avid gamer, you know how important it is to keep your game progress safe. Losing your saved games can be frustrating and demotivating. That’s where game backups come in. In this article, we’ll give you a complete rundown on Steam game backups and how to create and restore them. Read on to learn more!
What is a Steam Game Backup?
If you’re new to gaming or haven’t yet heard of game backups, let us explain. A game backup is essentially a copy of your game files and progress. It’s a way to safeguard your game progress in case of system crashes, hardware failures, or any other unforeseen circumstances. In the context of Steam, a game backup is a compressed file that contains all the necessary game files, including saved games, settings, and DLCs. You can use this backup to restore your game progress on another computer or after reinstalling the game on the same computer.
How to Create a Steam Game Backup?
Creating a game backup on Steam is a straightforward process. Here’s how to do it:
| Steps | Description |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Launch Steam and log in to your account. |
| Step 2 | Click on the “Library” tab to view your games. |
| Step 3 | Right-click on the game you want to backup and select “Backup game files” from the context menu. |
| Step 4 | Select the location where you want to save the backup file and click “Next.” |
| Step 5 | Choose what you want to include in the backup (game files, saved games, DLCs, etc.) and click “Next.” |
| Step 6 | Review the backup settings and click “Finish” to start the backup process. |
It’s important to note that you need to have enough storage space available to create a backup. The backup file size varies depending on the game and its associated files.
How to Restore a Steam Game Backup?
Restoring a game backup on Steam is just as easy as creating one. Here’s how to do it:
| Steps | Description |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Launch Steam and log in to your account. |
| Step 2 | Click on the “Steam” menu and select “Backup and Restore Games…” |
| Step 3 | Select “Restore a previous backup” and click “Next.” |
| Step 4 | Browse to the location where you saved the backup file, select it, and click “Next.” |
| Step 5 | Choose what you want to restore (game files, saved games, DLCs, etc.) and click “Next.” |
| Step 6 | Review the restore settings and click “Finish” to start the restore process. |
Note that restoring a game backup overwrites the existing game files and progress. Make sure to backup your current game files before restoring an old backup.
FAQs
Q: How many game backups can I create on Steam?
A: You can create as many game backups as you want, as long as you have enough storage space available.
Q: Can I use a game backup to transfer my game progress to another computer?
A: Yes, you can. Simply create a backup on your current computer and restore it on the new computer. Make sure to install the game on the new computer before restoring the backup.
Q: Can I create a game backup for multiplayer games?
A: Yes, you can. However, keep in mind that your progress in multiplayer games is often tied to your account and not your local files. So, restoring a backup may not restore your progress in multiplayer games.
Q: Can I create a game backup for games that are not on Steam?
A: Yes, you can. However, the process may vary depending on the game and its associated files. We recommend checking the game’s documentation or forums for specific instructions.
Q: How often should I create a game backup?
A: It’s a good practice to create regular backups, especially if you’re playing a game with long play sessions or if you’re making significant progress. We recommend creating backups every few hours or at the end of each play session.
Q: Can I create a game backup for games that are not installed on my computer?
A: No, you can’t. You need to have the game installed on your computer to create a backup.
Conclusion
That’s all you need to know about Steam game backups. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create and restore backups of your favorite games and never worry about losing your progress again. Remember to create backups regularly and keep them in a safe location. Happy gaming!