What Happens if You Delete a Purchased Game on Steam?
Purchasing a game on Steam can be a great way to access a vast library of games, but what happens if you delete a game you’ve already purchased? In this article, we’ll explore the consequences of deleting a purchased game on Steam and what you can do to protect your game saves and progress.
Your Saved Items and Progress Will Be Lost
Deleting a Game on Steam
When you delete a game on Steam, all of your saved items and progress will be lost. This means that if you’ve spent hours playing a game and making progress, deleting it will erase all of your saved data. This is because game saves are stored on your local computer, and deleting the game removes those saves.
Game Saves are Stored Locally
Cloud Saves
While game saves are stored locally, Steam also offers cloud saves for many games. This means that your saves are stored on Steam’s servers, and you can access them from any computer. However, deleting the game will not delete your cloud saves, so you won’t lose your progress entirely.
What Happens to Your Game Saves
Table: What Happens to Your Game Saves
| Game Save Type | What Happens When You Delete the Game |
|---|---|
| Local Saves | Saved items and progress are lost |
| Cloud Saves | Saved items and progress are preserved |
Refund Policy
Refunds for Deleted Games
If you delete a game on Steam, you will not be eligible for a refund. Steam’s refund policy states that you can request a refund within 14 days of purchase if the game is defective or doesn’t meet your expectations. However, deleting the game does not qualify for a refund.
Consequences of Deleting a Game
Consequences of Deleting a Game
• Lost Progress: Deleting a game will erase all of your saved items and progress.
• No Refund: Deleting a game does not qualify for a refund.
• Potential Data Loss: Deleting a game can result in lost data, including game saves and progress.
Best Practices for Deleting Games on Steam
Best Practices for Deleting Games on Steam
• Backup Your Game Saves: Regularly backup your game saves to an external hard drive or cloud storage service to ensure your progress is preserved.
• Use Cloud Saves: Enable cloud saves for games that offer this feature to ensure your progress is saved remotely.
• Don’t Delete Games: Avoid deleting games unless absolutely necessary, as this can result in lost progress and data.
Conclusion
Deleting a purchased game on Steam can have significant consequences, including lost progress and no refund. To protect your game saves and progress, it’s essential to regularly backup your saves, use cloud saves, and avoid deleting games unless absolutely necessary. By following these best practices, you can ensure your gaming experience is preserved and protected.