Disabling automatic updates for a specific game on Steam can seem straightforward but is more complicated than it appears. Many gamers wish to stay on an older, mod-compatible version of a game without risking unintentional updates. However, Steam’s design prioritizes keeping games current, which makes fully disabling updates a challenge. This guide explores whether it’s feasible to entirely prevent updates for a game on Steam, along with practical workarounds and limitations.
Can You Fully Disable Updates for a Specific Game on Steam?
Officially, Steam does not offer a built-in method to completely block updates for an individual game permanently. The platform emphasizes maintaining game freshness and security, which generally involves automatic updates. The available options in the game properties menu allow some control but do not provide a foolproof way to stop updates entirely.
To view or modify update settings, follow these steps:
- Open your Steam Library.
- Right-click on the game of interest.
- Select Properties.
- Navigate to the Updates tab.
Within this menu, you’ll find three options:
- Always keep this game updated: Steam will automatically download and install updates as they become available.
- Only update this game when I launch it: Updates are deferred until the moment you start the game.
- High Priority – Always auto-update this game before others: Ensures this game takes precedence during updates.
None of these options prevent updates altogether; they only modify when or how updates are applied. Therefore, if you need to stay on an older version, these settings may not suffice.
Workarounds for Preventing Game Updates
Although Steam doesn’t officially support disabling updates permanently, there are some workarounds that can help maintain a static version of your game. These methods range from simple to more technical solutions, each with its own pros and cons.
1. Write-Protect the AppManifest File
One effective method involves modifying the game’s appmanifest file, which Steam uses to track installed games. By making this file read-only, Steam is unable to update the game, resulting in an error when trying to update.
Steps:
- Locate the appmanifest file:
Usually found in `Steamsteamapps` or `steamsteamapps`.
- Find the correct file:
Name format is `appmanifest_.acf`. You can find the AppID through Steam or online resources.
- Right-click the file and select Properties.
- Check Read-only or Write Protected.
- Launch the game via its shortcut or directly from Steam. Steam will attempt to update, fail, and show a disk write error, but the game will remain on the version you have.
Note: This method can break Steam’s normal functions and may prevent launching updates in the future. To revert, uncheck the read-only attribute.
2. Use a Separate Non-Steam Shortcut
Another approach is to create a shortcut to launch the game directly from its executable, bypassing Steam’s update system.
Steps:
- Find the game’s executable file in its installation directory.
- Add it as a non-Steam game via Steam’s Add a Non-Steam Game feature.
- Launch the game through this shortcut, which does not invoke Steam’s update mechanism.
This method requires careful management to avoid launching the game through Steam unintentionally.
3. Manually Remove or Rename the Appmanifest File
You can temporarily disable updates by renaming or removing the appmanifest file:
- Close Steam.
- Rename `appmanifest_.acf` to something like `DISABLED_appmanifest_.acf`.
- Restart Steam; the game will appear as not installed.
- To play, add the game as a non-Steam game using the executable.
- To re-enable updates, restore the original filename.
Limitations: Steam may re-detect the game as installed or re-create the appmanifest, so this method is best for temporary blocking.
4. Using Steam Console Commands (Partially Supportive)
Steam’s console commands can sometimes be used to prevent updates, but this feature is no longer officially supported or reliable after recent updates. One known command involves enabling a skip update feature:
“`plaintext
@AllowSkipGameUpdate 1
“`
Procedure:
- Launch Steam with the `-console` parameter.
- Open the Steam console.
- Enter the command above.
- Start the game and select Update Later.
Note: This feature is experimental, may not work with online-only games, and can be disabled by Steam updates.
Limitations and Risks
- No official, foolproof method exists for permanent, complete disabling of updates.
- Modifying files like appmanifest can cause Steam to malfunction or misreport game status.
- Some workarounds may break achievements, cloud saves, or online features.
- Updates may re-enable after Steam client updates or game reinstallation.
Additional Resources
For those interested in customizing game assets or exploring other modifications, a helpful resource offers guides on acquiring free game development assets, which can be useful for modding purposes: resource guide where to get free assets for game dev.
If you suspect a game has been tampered with or modified by third-party tools, understanding how to identify such alterations is crucial: identification how to know if a riot dev is in your game.
Lastly, for developers aiming to turn their game ideas into successful releases, insights on marketing and launching mobile hits can be invaluable: transforming concepts into chart topping mobile hits.
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In conclusion, while there is no official way to fully disable updates for a specific Steam game, using file protections, shortcuts, or temporarily renaming configuration files can help maintain an older game version. Always proceed with caution, as these methods can interfere with Steam’s normal operations and may have unintended consequences.