How to Downgrade Steam Games to an Older Version

What Does Downgrading a Steam Game Mean?

Downgrading a Steam game is the process of replacing newly updated game files with an older version of those exact same files. You might want to downgrade steam game update files because a recent patch introduced performance bugs, broke compatibility with your favorite mods, or changed mechanics that disrupt your speedrunning routes. By reverting to a previous build, you force the software to run exactly as it did before the developer pushed their latest changes.

How to Revert to a Previous Version Using Steam Betas

In order to revert to a previous version using Steam Betas, you need to use the platform's native properties menu. This is the simplest method available, but it requires the game developer to leave older versions active on their servers for players to select.

• Open your game library and right-click the game you want to revert.

• Select Properties from the drop-down menu.

• Click on the Betas tab located on the left side of the window.

• Open the Beta Participation drop-down menu and select the older version you wish to play.

Once you select an older build, the client will immediately download and install those files over your current game. If the version you need is missing from this list, you will need to use the console method below.

How to Roll Back a Game on Steam Using the Steam Console

In order to roll back a game on steam using the Steam Console, you need to manually request older files directly from the platform's servers. This is an advanced but highly reliable method for games that do not list older versions in the Beta tab.

Step 1: Enable the Steam Console

First, you must open the hidden developer console. Press the Windows key and the R key on your keyboard at the same time to open the Run dialog box. Type steam://open/console into the box and press Enter. This command will launch the client and reveal a new Console tab right next to your username at the top of the screen.

Step 2: Find Game and Depot IDs on SteamDB

Next, you need to find the specific identification numbers for your older game files using the Steam Database (SteamDB). Open your web browser, go to SteamDB, and search for your game. Write down the App ID listed at the top of the game page. Next, click on the Depots tab on the left and find the ID number for your operating system. Click on that Depot ID, click the Manifests tab, and copy the exact Manifest ID matching the date of the older version you want to play.

Step 3: Download the Older Version

Return to the Console tab you opened in Step 1. You will use the three IDs you just collected to request the download. Type download_depot followed by a space, the App ID, a space, the Depot ID, a space, and the target Manifest ID. Your command should look exactly like this: download_depot 123456 123457 9876543210. Press Enter. You will not see a traditional progress bar, but once the download is complete, the console will print a message showing the exact folder path where your files are saved.

Step 4: Replace Your Game Files

Navigate to the file path provided by the console, which is normally inside a content folder within your main installation directory. Copy every file inside this downloaded folder. Then, go to your regular steamapps/common folder where your game is officially installed. Paste your old files here and allow your operating system to overwrite all existing files. You have successfully completed the rollback process.

How to Downgrade Steam Games on Different Platforms

While the Windows method is the most commonly used, you can apply these same rollbacks on other operating systems. The core console commands remain identical across platforms, but you need to know where your operating system stores local game files.

How to Downgrade Steam Games on Mac

If you need to know how to downgrade steam games on mac, you start by typing the steam://open/console command directly into your Safari or Chrome browser address bar to launch the terminal. After you type your download command and the files finish downloading, you must navigate through the macOS Finder. Your existing game files are located in your user Library under Application Support/Steam/steamapps/common. Simply copy the downloaded depot files and paste them over the newer files in this folder.

How to Downgrade Steam Games on Steam Deck

To learn how to downgrade steam games on steam deck in 2026, you must press the Steam button, go to Power, and switch your device to Desktop Mode. Open a web browser to run the console launch command. Since you are navigating the Linux file system within SteamOS, use the on-screen keyboard (Steam + X) or connect a physical keyboard to type your depot commands. Once the download finishes, use the pre-installed Dolphin file manager to copy your files and paste them into your local steamapps/common directory.

How to Downgrade Non-Steam Games

Downgrading a non-Steam game involves an entirely different process because titles added manually to your library cannot be managed by the platform's console or SteamDB. If you want to revert an external game, you must search for standalone patches provided directly by the developer. You should also check the native launcher where you originally purchased the title, such as GOG or Epic Games, to see if they feature an integrated rollback option. If those options fail, you must uninstall the game and reinstall it using an older physical disc or an archived installer file.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can you downgrade any Steam game?

No, you cannot downgrade every single game. Multiplayer and live-service games typically block older versions from connecting to their online servers to prevent cheating or matchmaking errors. Furthermore, some developers actively delete older manifests from the database, which stops you from downloading past builds entirely.

How do I stop a Steam game update?

In order to stop an update, right-click your chosen game in your library and select Properties. Navigate to the Updates tab and change the setting to only update the game when you launch it. This step is highly recommended after a rollback so the client does not automatically overwrite the older files you just installed.

Does downgrading a Steam game update delete my save files?

Downgrading an update does not inherently delete your save files, but older game versions often struggle to read save data created on newer patches. You must always create a manual backup of your game's local save folder before replacing any files to ensure your progress remains safe.