Steam has no single safe command or folder that deletes every game save. Saves may be stored locally, in Steam Cloud, or in both places, and each game can use different files. To reset a game, handle it individually: turn off that game’s Cloud sync, close the game and Steam, find the save location using the developer’s instructions, back up anything you may want, and remove only the intended files. Then deal with the Cloud copy using the game’s instructions before turning sync back on.
Why deleting a local save may not reset the game
A game can save progress on your computer, through Steam Cloud, or in both places. Steam says developers choose how Cloud works for their games, including which user files are uploaded. A local deletion may therefore leave a cloud copy that restores progress or triggers a sync conflict when you next launch the game. Steam’s Steam Cloud FAQ explains Cloud behavior and sync conflicts.
| Save type | Where to check | Main risk |
|---|---|---|
| Steam Cloud data | The game’s Cloud setting and developer guidance; Steam’s local Cloud files are arranged by account and app ID under userdata. |
A cloud copy may restore progress or conflict with a changed local save. Removing local files does not establish that the server-side copy is gone. |
| Game-specific local save | The developer or publisher’s instructions for that title. Some Windows saves may be in DocumentsMy Games. |
Save locations vary, and deleting the wrong files can remove unrelated settings or progress. |
A game may use both kinds of storage. Disabling sync is not the same as deleting a cloud save, and deleting a local file does not prove the cloud copy was removed.
Reset one Steam game’s save data
- Confirm which game you want to reset. Steam does not provide a universal all-games save reset. Repeat this process for each title, following that game’s instructions.
- Check Cloud support and the game’s save guidance. Steam’s store page indicates whether a game supports Steam Cloud, but the developer determines which files are synced and where saves live. Consult the game’s support material as well.
- Turn off that game’s Cloud synchronization. In the Steam Library, right-click the game, select Properties, open General, and switch off the per-game Steam Cloud option. This pauses syncing for the game; it does not delete the remote copy.
- Close the game and exit Steam. This avoids changing files while the game or client may still be using them.
- Find the exact save files for that game. Use the developer or publisher’s instructions. Do not assume the Cloud folder is the active save location or that every game uses the same path.
- Make a separate backup if you might want the progress later. Copy the identified save files to another location before deleting them. Steam Backup is not a guaranteed save backup: Valve-created game backups omit saved games, and third-party save locations vary. See Steam’s Backup Feature FAQ.
- Delete only the intended save files. Follow the title-specific instructions, rather than deleting the whole game folder or Steam’s entire
userdatadirectory. - Resolve the Cloud copy before syncing again. If Steam presents a conflict, compare the dates and times it displays and select the version that matches the progress you intend to keep. If you want a full reset, use the developer’s instructions for removing or resetting that game’s Cloud data; the general Cloud FAQ does not provide a universal remote-delete procedure.
- Launch only after confirming the intended state. Re-enable Cloud sync when you know which local and cloud state you want. Steam warns that ignoring a sync problem and playing can lead to a conflict and lost progress.
Where Steam Cloud files are stored locally
Steam’s default local Cloud-data directories are:
#1 Best Overall
- 1TB NVMe SSD
- 1280 x 800 HDR OLED display with premium anti-glare etched glass, 7.4" Diagonal display size up to 90Hz refresh rate
- Wi-Fi 6E
- 50Whr battery; 3-12 hours of gameplay (content-dependent)
- Carrying case with removable liner
| Platform | Default directory |
|---|---|
| Windows | C:Program Files (x86)Steamuserdata |
| macOS | ~/Library/Application Support/Steam/userdata |
| Linux | ~/.local/share/Steam/userdata |
Within userdata, account folders contain game folders identified by app ID. For example, Dota 2 uses app ID 570. The directory also contains Steam client settings under app ID 7, so it is not a simple folder of game saves. Do not delete an entire account folder or assume that removing a local Cloud file deletes its server-side counterpart. See Steam’s Cloud FAQ for the directory details.
How to find saves that are not in Steam Cloud
There is no universal local save path. Steam says that on Windows many non-Cloud third-party saves may be under C:Users[Windows user name]DocumentsMy Games, but titles can use other locations. If the files are not there, Steam directs users to the game’s developer or publisher for the correct path. Its guidance is in Moving a Steam Installation and Games.
Rank #2
- International (UK) Version
- 7.4” diagonal, HDR OLED, 1280 x 800 x RGB, up to 90Hz Refresh rate, High performance touch, <0.1 ms Response time, 1,000 nits peak brightness (HDR), 600 nits (SDR)
- SteamOS 3.0 (Arch-based)
- 512GB NVMe SSD, 16GB LPDDR5 on-board RAM (5500 MT/s quad 32-bit channels), microSD UHS-I supports SD, SDXC and SDHC
- 6 nm AMD APU, CPU: Zen 2 4c/8t, 2.4-3.5GHz (up to 448 GFlops FP32
Does uninstalling a game delete its saves?
Do not treat uninstalling as a complete save-data reset. Steam’s uninstall guidance covers removing Steam and installed game content, while its Cloud documentation describes cloud-stored user files separately. Whether a particular save remains depends on the game and its storage method. Check that game’s instructions and handle its local and Cloud data explicitly. Steam’s uninstall steps are at Uninstall Steam.
Why you should not delete your Steam account to reset progress
Account deletion is a separate, permanent action—not a save-reset method. Steam says deleting an account removes game licenses and associated account information. See Account Deletion – Common Questions.
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What to do if a save is lost or Steam shows a conflict
Preserve any remaining local files and avoid launching into a sync conflict until you have checked which version contains the progress you want. Steam says Support can explain how Cloud works but cannot recover lost saves or resolve Cloud conflicts for users. Its Steam Cloud FAQ advises comparing the displayed file dates and times when choosing a version.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Valve is entering the gaming console marketplace with the new Steam Deck, a console geared towards PC gamers. The Steam Deck can be docked to a monitor, and used as a PC, or docked to a TV.
- Players can play a huge variety of games at any time with the comfort of a console and the freedom of a PC. Not anti-glare screen.
- Like the name suggests, the Steam Deck will include upgraded 1TB storage, and will include a carrying case. A micro SD slot will also enable expanded storage.
- Valve partnered with AMD to create a specialized APU optimized for handheld gaming, and Valve says the chip will deliver performance to run AAA gaming titles.
- The Steam Deck is outfitted with a 7-inch touchscreen, and two trackpads under the control sticks that allow gamers to operate games never designed outside of mouse and keyboard capabilities.
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