What is a factory reset in Steam?

What is a Factory Reset in Steam?

A factory reset, in the context of digital entertainment platforms like Steam, refers to the process of restoring the console or device to its default settings and configuration as when it was first set up. This process eliminates all user data, files, and settings, which is why it is called a "reset" because everything is wiped clean like the device just came out of the factory.

In this article, we’ll discuss the implications of factory reset in Steam, when you should perform it, and what it means for your gaming experience.

Does Factory Reset Affect Steam?

When performing a factory reset on Steam, you will lose access to all your games, as well as any downloadable content (DLC). If you’ve made custom game settings, those changes will also be lost during a factory reset. Steam keeps track of your downloads and saves your game, which means your progress might also be reset.

Another essential aspect of a Steam factory reset is that all game data, including Save data, Mod data, Settings, will be ERASURE.

Reset vs. Delete

For instance, let’s use Rust Survival Mod as a classic example:

• To install the Rust Survival mod for the game, simply drop the zip file inside the Rust directory, overwrite any files if required_. When Steam gets updated, it installs everything from scratch.
  You wouldn’t copy settings, but reinstall if you wish to restart game settings to default without touching the data. As shown in rustconfig.txt, custom variables are the ones affecting. If these variables got overwrought, don’t worry!

Steam Users’ Reviews

Various opinions from gamers who were brave enough to try steam reset

"It was worth it I got all my content wiped out and now its just like it was yesterday, I think it also cleans up old data…"

"So I thought it sounded stupid, so easy to make a stupid change and wipe off all this work out…"