Steam game launch options are parameters entered in a game’s Properties that can change how that specific game starts. They may adjust settings before launch or override settings chosen in the game itself, but they work only when that game supports them.
Where to enter launch options for a Steam game
- Open your Library in Steam.
- Right-click the game and select Properties.
- On the General tab, find the Launch Options field.
- Enter the parameters, separating multiple entries with spaces.
- Close the Properties window and launch the game.
The field belongs to the selected game. A parameter that works for one title may do nothing—or cause problems—in another.
What game launch options can do
Steam describes launch options as a way to change game settings before running a game. They can also take precedence over settings configured inside it. One use is troubleshooting incompatible video settings that prevent a game from starting properly. See Steam Support’s instructions for setting game launch options.
Examples for supported games
Steam’s examples below are associated with GoldSrc and Source engine games; they are not a universal set of commands for all Steam games.
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-windowedor-sw: requests windowed mode in games that support the parameter.-novidor-novideo: skips the introductory Valve video in supported games.-console: starts supported games with the developer console enabled.
Some console commands can be passed as launch options by prefixing them with +, but Steam notes that not every console command can be used this way. Steam also warns that its games no longer support -dxlevel 70; leaving it in the launch field can cause crashes.
Do launch options work for every Steam game?
No. Steam provides the field, but the game must recognize each parameter. Support varies by title and engine, so do not assume an example listed by Steam applies to a third-party game. Before adding an option, check the game developer’s documentation for the exact title, engine, operating system, and behavior you want. Steamworks also describes launch options in the context of particular application settings, rather than as commands guaranteed to work across games: Steamworks application settings for virtual reality.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Game launch options versus Steam client startup options
A game’s Launch Options field affects that game. Steam client startup options affect the Steam application itself and use a different setup: Steam Support describes adding options to the Target field of a shortcut to steam.exe. The two settings are not interchangeable. See Steam Support’s instructions for Steam launch options.
Steam’s client-options documentation warns against using the -login option on shared computers or machines accessible to other people. Its documented example places a username and password in the shortcut command, so do not store credentials in a shortcut that others could access.
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