How To Take Dlc Out Of A Game On Steam

How to Take DLC Out of a Game on Steam

Have you ever downloaded some extra content (that’s what DLC stands for) for your favorite game on Steam and then thought, “Hmm, maybe I don’t want this anymore?” It happens! Maybe the DLC makes the game too easy, or maybe you just want to play the original version. Luckily, Steam makes it pretty simple to manage your DLC. Let’s dive into how you can take that extra content out of your game.

Understanding DLC and How It Works on Steam

First, let’s quickly talk about what DLC actually is. Think of DLC like extra pieces of a puzzle. The main game is the big picture, and DLCs are smaller bits that add new things, like characters, levels, or even just cool outfits for your characters. When you buy and download DLC on Steam, it gets linked to your game automatically. Steam knows you own it, and it usually gets included when you start the game. But, what if you want to play without these extra pieces?

The Difference Between Uninstalling and Disabling DLC

It’s important to know the difference between removing (uninstalling) DLC and simply disabling it. Disabling DLC keeps the files on your computer, but tells the game not to use them. Uninstalling removes the files completely, which saves space on your hard drive. Think of it like having a toy box: disabling is like leaving the toys in the box but not using them, while uninstalling is like taking those toys out of the box entirely. Both options achieve the goal of not having the DLC affect the game, but they do so in different ways.

Methods for Removing DLC on Steam

Now, let’s get into the fun part: actually taking the DLC out of your game. Here are a few ways you can do it, using the Steam desktop client.

Using the Steam Client to Disable DLC

This is probably the easiest way to manage your DLC. Here’s how:

1. Open the Steam application.
2. Go to your Library. You will find it at the top of your screen.
3. Find the game you want to take the DLC out of. Click the game’s name.
4. On the game’s page, look for the “Manage My DLC” or “DLC” link. Sometimes, this might also be located within the “Properties” menu. You may need to click the little gear icon on the game’s page, and choose “Properties”.
5. A window should open that lists all of the DLC you own for the selected game.
6. You will see check boxes next to each of DLC. To disable a DLC, uncheck the box. Steam will then stop loading that content when you start the game.
7. Close the DLC window. Steam usually doesn’t need to do anything or download anything at this point.
8. Now, when you start your game, the DLC should not be included.

Disabling the DLC using the checkbox method is often a quick and reliable approach when you want to revert back to the base game without completely removing content from your system. It works well for most games and is a very simple and straight-forward method that doesn’t require you to download or uninstall files.

Using the Steam Client to Uninstall DLC

If you would rather remove the DLC from your computer completely, you need to uninstall it. The process is very similar to disabling it:

• Start by opening the Steam desktop application.
• Head over to your game library by selecting “Library” in the main menu.
• Choose the game you wish to modify from your library. Click the game’s name.
• Find the DLC area, as described before. Click “Manage My DLC” or the “DLC” link. or you need to click gear icon and “Properties”.
• Instead of unchecking the boxes next to the DLC, look for “Uninstall”. The button you need may vary game by game. There may be uninstall buttons next to the DLC in this area, or they may be in the general Steam “Properties” for the game, and in “DLC” tab.
• Click “Uninstall” to remove the DLC files. Steam will start the uninstallation process. This might take a little time.
• Once uninstalled, the DLC should not be on your computer, and the game will play without it.

Uninstalling DLC is a good idea when you want to free up space on your computer. If you think you will not use a certain DLC at all, then it is best to fully remove it from your computer.

Verifying Game File Integrity

Sometimes, when you enable or disable DLC, your game might have some issues. For example, the game might not load correctly, or it might crash. Steam has a simple tool that can help with this: verifying game file integrity. This tool checks to see if all your game files are in their right place, and if not, it re-downloads them automatically. Here’s how to do it:

1. Go to your Steam Library.
2. Right-click on the game you have had issues with.
3. Choose “Properties”.
4. Go to the “Local Files” tab.
5. Click the “Verify integrity of game files” button.
6. Steam will then check all your game files. If it finds something wrong, Steam will replace the file.

Using the “Verify integrity of game files” tool will help ensure your game is in working order and that DLC management actions did not affect it in a bad way. Use this tool anytime you are having issues after making changes to your game’s DLC.

Specific Game DLC Removal Tips

While the general methods above work for most games, some games might have their own ways of managing DLC. It’s always a good idea to check your game’s specific community forums or guides if you run into problems. Here are some common scenarios and how to deal with them:

In-Game DLC Management Menus

Some games have their own menus inside the game for handling DLC content. If you do not see the DLC listed in Steam’s properties, check inside the game. Often this might be in the setting menu or in a new “DLC” or “Add-on” area. Check the game’s manual or help guides to get more information.

DLCs That Appear as Separate Entries

Sometimes, DLC might appear as a separate game in your Steam library. For example, a DLC might need it’s own separate download and application to be installed. This can be confusing, but to remove it, you simply uninstall that specific ‘game’ just like you would uninstall any other game on Steam. Look for any extra things listed along with the main game.

When DLC Changes the Core Game

Some DLC are not just extra content, they alter the core game experience, adding new features. Disabling or uninstalling this kind of DLC can lead to problems. If you run into such issues after changing DLC settings, use the “Verify integrity of game files” tool to fix any issues.

Important Things to Keep in Mind

Managing DLC is usually easy, but there are a few things you should always remember:

• Backing up your game saves: Sometimes, when you remove DLC, it may cause problems with saved games that use the DLC content. Before you make a big change to your game, make a backup of your save files, just in case. Your game’s save game files are usually somewhere in your Documents folder or in the game’s install location.
• Not all DLC can be removed: Some DLC are built into the game itself and cannot be removed through Steam, or they may have very particular instructions for removal. In these cases, look up the game itself and see if the instructions or a forum for it. You may have to manually edit your game files, but this is usually not recommended.
• The difference between disabling and uninstalling: Disabling only prevents the DLC from being used. Uninstalling completely removes the DLC files. If you only want to free up space, you should uninstall.

Why You Might Want to Remove DLC

There are several reasons why you might want to take DLC out of a game:

• To make the game harder: Some DLCs include powerups or equipment that can make the game much easier. If you want more of a challenge, you may want to play without that DLC.
• To play the game as it was originally intended: Some players like to experience a game without any additions. If you want to play the original version, you may want to remove the DLC.
• To save space on your computer: If you don’t plan to use the DLC, removing it frees up space. Especially for large DLCs, this can be a great benefit.
• To fix bugs or conflicts: Sometimes, DLC may cause problems with the game. By removing it, you might fix the problem.