Downgrade Elden Ring Steam

2 min read 27-12-2024

Many players find themselves needing to downgrade their Elden Ring installation on Steam, whether to access older versions with preferred gameplay mechanics or to resolve issues introduced in newer patches. This guide provides a clear and concise walkthrough of the process, emphasizing safety and caution. Remember: Downgrading can void warranties or impact online functionality. Proceed at your own risk.

Understanding the Risks

Before we begin, it's crucial to acknowledge the potential downsides of downgrading Elden Ring:

Compatibility Issues: Older versions might not be compatible with your current mods, save files, or even your operating system.
Online Restrictions: You may be unable to connect to online multiplayer services if you're playing an outdated version.
Bug Reintroduction: A patch you're downgrading from likely fixed bugs; reverting could reintroduce these problems.
Security Vulnerabilities: Older versions may contain security vulnerabilities patched in later releases.

How to Downgrade Elden Ring

The process involves accessing previous versions of the game files through Steam's built-in tools. This method is generally safer than manually downloading and replacing files from external sources.

Step 1: Accessing Previous Versions

Open Steam: Launch the Steam client on your computer.
Locate Elden Ring: Navigate to your Steam library and locate Elden Ring in your list of games.
Access Properties: Right-click on Elden Ring and select "Properties" from the context menu.
Betas: In the Properties window, select the "Betas" tab. You should see a dropdown menu labelled "Select the beta you would like to participate in". This menu will list available versions (though not always all previous versions). If your desired version isn't present, you may need to utilize other methods (see alternative methods below). Select the version you want to revert to.
Download: Steam will now download the selected version of Elden Ring. This might take some time depending on your internet connection and the size of the download.

Step 2: Verifying Game Files (Recommended)

After the download completes, it's highly recommended to verify the integrity of your game files. This ensures that the downgrade was successful and that no files are corrupted.

Verify Game Files: In the Elden Ring Properties window (still in the Betas tab), click the "Verify Integrity of Game Files..." button.
Wait for Completion: Steam will scan your game files and replace any corrupted or missing ones. This process may take several minutes.

Alternative Methods (Proceed with Extreme Caution)

If your desired version isn't listed in the Betas tab, obtaining older versions requires finding them through unofficial means. This carries significantly greater risk and is strongly discouraged. Incorrectly replacing files can severely damage your game installation, leading to unplayable issues.

Important Considerations

Backup Your Save: Before downgrading, make sure to back up your save files. This safeguards your progress in case of compatibility issues.
Consult Communities: If you encounter problems, search online forums and communities dedicated to Elden Ring. Other players might have encountered and resolved similar issues.
Understand the Risks: Always be aware of the potential risks involved in downgrading software. Proceed with caution and at your own risk.

This guide provides a general overview. Specific steps might vary slightly based on your operating system and Steam client version. Remember to always exercise caution when modifying game files.