There is no standard size for a Steam game: check the specific game’s Steam Store page for its storage requirement and compare it with the free space on the drive you plan to use. Listings can vary widely. For example, Steam lists 500 MB for Monkey Business, while the X4: Foundations listing gives 35 GB minimum and 50 GB recommended. Those are examples, not a catalog average or a complete range.
How to check a Steam game’s storage requirement
- Open the game’s Steam Store page.
- Find the System Requirements section and choose the operating system you intend to use, if the page separates requirements by operating system.
- Read the listed storage figure, including whether it is marked minimum or recommended, then compare it with available space on the drive where you will install the game.
The Store figure is the title-specific available-space requirement published on that page. It is not established as a guarantee of the final installed size for every game or platform. Requirements and store information can change as developers update a game. Updates, expansions, or selected editions may also affect what you need to download, so check the product page for the particular version or content you plan to install.
Why Steam game sizes vary
Games differ in their content and technical requirements, so one title’s storage figure is not a reliable guide to another’s. The examples above show that difference, but they are not a representative sample. No catalog-wide average, median, or size distribution is established by these figures.
When comparing games, check the operating-system-specific requirement and note whether the listing distinguishes minimum from recommended space. Also confirm whether the listing or edition includes the expansions and additional content you want.
#1 Best Overall
- Get NVMe solid state performance with up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speeds in a portable, high-capacity drive(1) (Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device & other factors. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes.)
- Up to 3-meter drop protection and IP65 water and dust resistance mean this tough drive can take a beating(3) (Previously rated for 2-meter drop protection and IP55 rating. Now qualified for the higher, stated specs.)
- Use the handy carabiner loop to secure it to your belt loop or backpack for extra peace of mind.
- Help keep private content private with the included password protection featuring 256‐bit AES hardware encryption.(3)
- Easily manage files and automatically free up space with the SanDisk Memory Zone app.(5). Non-Operating Temperature -20°C to 85°C
Install or move games to another drive
Steam lets you create another library location and move installed games through its storage controls. Steam Support’s instructions use Steam Settings > Storage; the labels may vary slightly by client version.
- Open Steam > Settings > Storage.
- Create an alternate library location on the drive you want to use, if one is not already available.
- Select the drive that currently contains the game, choose the game or games, and select Move.
Steam Support cautions that installing the Steam client itself on an external hard drive is not recommended because of potential performance issues. That warning concerns the client; it is distinct from using Steam’s library controls to store or move game installations on another drive. See Steam Support’s guide to moving a Steam installation and games.
Rank #2
- Capacity Display Variance: 500GB external ssd often appears as around 465GB on Windows. MacOS can show full 500 GB capacity. This is binary calculation difference and doesn’t affect SSD hard drive actual physical storage
- 1050 MB/s Speed: Instantly access to your files with blazing-fast 10Gbps external SSD read up to 1050MB/s and write up to 1000MB/s. LED Light indicates USB SSD instant activity
- Data Security: Solid state drives S.M.A.R.T. health diagnostics and adaptive TRIM optimizing data block management ensures consistent write speeds and extends the longevity of the portable SSD
- USB-C & USB-A Cable: Both cables featuring rapid USB 3.2 Gen2, this USB SSD effortlessly bridges devices, enabling seamless cross-platform file transfers and backup between computers, smartphones, tablets and iPhone
- Always Fast: No slowdowns for large file transfers. With SLC caching (25% of current available capacity allocated as high-speed cache), this external SSD delivers steady 10Gbps for transfers within the cache capacity
Can you store Steam games on a Steam Deck microSD card?
Yes. Steam Deck users can format a microSD card for use with the device and manage storage through Steam > Settings > Storage. Valve says, “Any UHS-I (class 3 or better) microSD card is supported.” UHS-II and UHS-III cards are expected to work, but the Deck does not support their higher data-transfer speeds. To format a card, use Steam > Settings > System > Format SD card. See Steam Deck – Basic Use & Troubleshooting Guide.
The Steam Deck compatibility rating answers a different question from storage: it describes expected compatibility, not how much disk space a game requires. Check the game’s Store listing for storage and consult Valve’s Deck Verified information for compatibility context.
Rank #3
- MADE FOR THE MAKERS: Create; Explore; Store; The T7 Portable SSD delivers fast speeds and durable features to back up any endeavor; Build your video editing empire, file your photographs or back up your blogs all in an instant
- SHARE IDEAS IN A FLASH: Don’t waste a second waiting and spend more time doing; The T7 is embedded with PCIe NVMe technology that brings fast read and write speeds up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s¹, making it almost twice as fast as the T5
- ALWAYS MAKE THE SAVE: Compact design with massive capacity; With capacities up to 4TB, save exactly what you need to your drive – from large working files to game data and everything in between
- ADAPTS TO EVERY NEED: Whether using a PC or mobile phone, count on the T7 for extensive compatibility²; It’s a true team player when it comes to heavy-duty application usage or file-saving
- HI RESOLUTION VIDEO RECORDING: Record Ultra High Resolution (4K 60fs) videos directly onto the T7 Portable SSD with your favorite camera or mobile devices; Supports iPhone 15 Pro Res 4K at 60fps video and more³
Steam Deck internal storage figures
Valve’s technical-specifications PDF lists LCD Steam Deck configurations with 64 GB eMMC, 256 GB NVMe SSD, and 512 GB NVMe SSD, plus a microSD slot. These are the configurations named in that document, not a description of every Steam Deck model currently sold. The document does not establish how much space remains available to an owner after the operating system and system files are accounted for. See Valve’s Steam Deck technical specifications.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- NEARLY 2X FASTER THAN OUR PREVIOUS GENERATION(8) – move 1,000 high-res photos in under 60 seconds(6) with up to 2000MB/s transfer speeds(2).
- IP65 RATING AND UP TO 3M DROP PROTECTION(3) – protects against spills and drops.
- POCKET-SIZED – fits easily in pockets and small bags.
- SPACE TO OWN YOUR AI CONTENT – speed and capacity to download your high-res clips and photo edits.
- 256-BIT AES ENCRYPTION(4) – helps keep private files secure with password protection.
Rank #4
- Solid state performance with up to 800MB/s read speeds in a portable drive. (Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device, interface, usage conditions and other factors. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes.)
- Back up your content and memories on a storage solution that fits seamlessly into your mobile lifestyle.
- Take it with you on your adventures—up to two-meter drop protection means this durable drive can take a beating. (Based on internal testing.)
- Secure it to your belt loop or backpack for extra peace of mind thanks to the tough rubber hook.
- From Sandisk, a brand professional photographers trust to take on assignments.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
