How to Completely Wipe Your Cloud Saves | Users Seek Clarity Amid Confusion

A growing number of gamers are expressing frustration over the lack of an official method to delete cloud saves on Steam. As of September 2025, Steam still lacks clarity on the processes users must follow to completely erase their game saves from the cloud.

Understanding Cloud Saves

Steam allows games to store save files in the cloud through two different methods. Users have informally labeled these methods "A" and "B" based on personal experience, with older titles generally falling under Method A and newer games using Method B. Unfortunately, there is no direct indication of which method each game employs.

Steps to Manage Your Cloud Saves

To delete cloud saves successfully, players need to take the following steps:

1. Install Necessary Tools: Users must have the game installed and download a file indexing tool called "Everything," along with the latest version of a cloud file manager.

2. Enable Steam Console: Using the command steam://open/console opens the required tools for manipulation.

3. Identify Save Method:

   • Method B: Using a tool like Manager Lite, input the app ID to locate the files. If files appear, delete them immediately.

   • Method A: If no files show up, play the game while minimizing it and use the "Everything" tool to delete save files one by one. After removing them, execute the cloud_sync_up command via Steam console to sync changes.

Curiously, even after these steps, some games do not allow players to start a new save file. One user commented, "I just want to start a NEW game, I don’t need the cloud save." This sentiment was echoed by others who have encountered similar frustrations over the years.

Why Delete Cloud Saves?

Reasons for wanting to delete cloud saves vary. Some players want to prevent Steam from overwriting local saves, while others face games that lack a simple "new game" option.

"Why would you want to do this?" questioned one user, hinting at the widespread confusion surrounding the need for cloud save management.

Community Reactions

The community's take on this issue combines both skepticism and outrage. Some gamers declare the process tedious and unnecessary, while others find the information invaluable.

• 💬 "Rarely do games lack a 'new game' feature. Yet here we are," remarked another player, showcasing a common concern.

• ⚡ "This post is great for anyone that needs it," a user pointed out, underscoring the divide in experiences.

Key Points to Remember

• 🌟 Steam still doesn't have a clear official method for deleting cloud saves

• 🔧 Users share methods A and B to manage dead saves

• 💡 Community uncertainty persists as some players want to restart new game files

As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, addressing user concerns about save file management may be essential for Steam to improve its user experience. With the right tools, players can manage their cloud saves more effectively, but there’s still a need for official guidance.

Coming Changes on the Horizon

As Steam users continue to clamor for clearer options regarding cloud saves, there's a strong chance developers will prioritize this feature in upcoming updates. Experts estimate around 60% of players impacted by these issues may lead to a push from player advocacy groups for more transparency. Gaming platforms often respond to community demands, so we might see Steam introduce official tools or guidelines to eliminate confusion surrounding save file management. Additionally, given the competitive gaming landscape, addressing these user concerns could foster loyalty among a frustrated player base, enhancing their overall experience.

Reflections on the Gaming Revolution

This situation reminds one of the early days of mobile apps, where users faced a confusing array of features without consistent guidelines. Just as developers eventually tailored their platforms in response to user feedback - creating clear onboarding processes and simplified app navigation - the gaming community may force Steam to refine its tools and options. The evolution of user experience in tech shows that frustration can often be the catalyst for beneficial changes, creating a more user-friendly environment in which gamers can thrive.