how to see how much space steam games take up

4 min read 26-11-2024

how to see how much space steam games take up

When diving into the world of PC gaming, one of the most crucial considerations is storage space. Steam, one of the largest digital distribution platforms for video games, offers thousands of titles ranging from indie gems to AAA blockbusters—all of which can consume significant amounts of hard drive space. Having a clear understanding of how much space each Steam game takes up can help you better manage your storage, prioritize installations, and keep your library organized. In this article, we will explore several methods for checking game sizes on Steam, discuss best practices for managing space, and provide tips for optimizing your system for gaming.

Why Is Knowing Game Size Important?

Before we jump into the methods of checking game sizes, let's identify why this information is essential for gamers:

Storage Management: Knowing how much space games take facilitates better management of your hard drive, allowing you to make informed decisions about which games to keep and which to uninstall. This is particularly important when dealing with limited storage space.
Installation Planning: If you're planning to download a larger title or an update, understanding your available disk space is crucial to avoid any interruptions.
Game Updates: Games frequently receive updates, expansions, or downloadable content (DLC) that can occupy additional space. Knowing the sizes can help you plan for these expansions.
Performance: Having games installed on a full drive can lead to performance issues. By monitoring space, players can avoid lagging or stuttering gameplay caused by lack of storage.

Methods for Checking Game Sizes on Steam

Steam offers several methods to check how much space your games consume. Let’s delve into some practical ways you can easily find this information.

Method 1: Using the Steam Client

The simplest and most straightforward way to see how much space your Steam games take up is through the Steam client. Here’s how:

Open Steam: Launch the Steam client from your desktop or start menu.
Go to Library: Click on “Library” in the top menu to access your game library.
Select a Game: Hover over the game you want to check. Right-click on its title to open the context menu.
Properties: Click on “Properties” from the context menu.
Local Files: In the Properties window, go to the “Local Files” tab. Here, you'll find the total size of the game under “Size on Disk”.

This method provides a quick way to check the sizes of individual games. Remember to note that these values include the base game and any content packs or updates already installed.

Method 2: Using Steam Settings

For a broader overview of all installed games, you can check through the Steam settings.

Open Steam: Start your Steam client.
Settings: Click on “Steam” in the upper left corner and select “Settings”.
Downloads: Navigate to the “Downloads” tab, where you can find your library data.
Steam Library Folders: Click on “Steam Library Folders”. This will show you where your games are installed, along with the available space in each directory.

Method 3: Using Windows Explorer (for Windows Users)

If you’d like to check game sizes without accessing the Steam client, using your file explorer is another way.

Open Windows Explorer: Hit Windows + E to open it.
Navigate to the Steam installation folder. By default, this is usually located in C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common.
Inside this folder, find the game you're interested in and right-click its folder.
Select Properties. The size of the game folder will be displayed in the Properties window, giving you a direct measure of how large the game is, including all its files and subfolders.

Best Practices for Managing Space on Your Hard Drive

Once you've determined how much space your games are utilizing, here are a few strategies to help manage your storage effectively:

1. Uninstall Unused Games

If you have titles you haven't played in a while, consider uninstalling them. You can always reinstall them later if you decide to return. Use the Steam client or Windows Explorer to quickly remove unused games.

2. Store Games on an External Drive

If your internal HDD or SSD is running low on space, consider investing in an external hard drive. Steam allows games to be installed on external drives, freeing up internal space and allowing for easier organization.

3. Regular Maintenance

It’s essential to routinely check your game sizes and clean up any unused or unwanted games. This will prevent your storage from getting cluttered, making it easier to manage your library.

4. Cloud Saves and Backup

Take advantage of Steam Cloud to store your saves online, which allows you to delete games and redownload them later without losing progress.

Optimizing Your System for Gaming

Beyond storage management, performance optimizations can also enhance your gaming experience. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Upgrade Your Storage

If you're an avid gamer, consider upgrading to an SSD for faster load times compared to traditional HDDs. This will significantly improve your gaming experience.

2. Disk Cleanup Utilities

Using disk cleanup utilities can help free up space on your hard drive by removing junk files, temporary files, and other data clogging your system.

3. Defragmenting Your Drive

If you're utilizing an HDD (not SSD), ensure to defragment your drive regularly. This can help organize fragmented files, improving speeds and accessibility.

4. Monitor Game Updates

Some games can become bloated due to frequent updates. Being aware of each game's update history can help you manage space better.

Conclusion

Knowing how to check how much space Steam games take up is an important skill for any gamer. Whether you’re managing limited storage space or planning for future game installations, understanding your library can enhance your gaming experience significantly. By using the methods outlined above and practicing good storage management habits, you can enjoy your gaming library without the stress of running out of space.

In a continually evolving gaming landscape, staying informed and proactive is key. Embrace the tools and strategies available to you, and make gaming easier and more enjoyable.

This comprehensive guide aims not only to inform gamers about checking game sizes on Steam but also to provide additional insights into optimizing their gaming experience and managing their systems effectively. Implementing these practices can go a long way in enhancing your overall gaming engagement. Happy gaming!