How to Check What Version of Game in Steam: A Complete Guide

In the world of gaming, keeping track of updates and versions of your favorite games is essential. Knowing the current version can help you troubleshoot issues, understand what has changed after updates, and enhance your overall gaming experience. Steam, being one of the largest digital distribution platforms for video games, offers a straightforward way to check the version of any game you own. In this guide, we will explore several methods for checking the game version on Steam.

Method 1: Using Steam Library

One of the simplest methods to check what version of a game you are running is directly through the Steam Library. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Open Steam: Launch your Steam client.
Go to the Library: On the main interface, click on the “Library” tab located at the top of the window. This will bring up a list of all the games you own.
Select Your Game: From the list, find the game whose version you want to check.
Open Properties: Right-click on the game title. A dropdown menu will appear. Click on “Properties.”
Local Files Tab: In the Properties window, navigate to the “Local Files” tab. This section often contains details about the game files, and in many cases, it will display the current version as well.
Check for Updates: While you are in the Local Files tab, you can also click on the “Verify integrity of game files” option. This can sometimes bring up version information, especially if there is a pending update.

Method 2: In-Game Version Information

Many games display their version number within the game itself. Here’s how you can find it:

Launch the Game: Start the game you wish to check.
Main Menu: Look for the version number, which is often displayed at the main menu or title screen.
Options or Settings: If you don’t see the version number on the main screen, navigate to the Options or Settings menu. Some games provide version information in these sections.

This method is often game-specific, and not all games will clearly display their version number.

Method 3: Checking Patch Notes

In addition to the methods above, game developers usually release patch notes accompanying updates. These notes include information about the current version of the game, along with details about what has been fixed or added. Here’s how to find them:

Official Game Website: Visit the official website of the game you are playing. Most developers maintain a news section where they post updates.
Community Forums: Many games have dedicated forums on platforms like Reddit or Steam Community. You can search for patch notes in these forums, where players often discuss updates and version changes.
Steam News Hub: Go to the Steam store page for the game. Often, developers will post news updates regarding major changes directly on the game’s page.

Method 4: Checking Purchase History

Your Steam purchase history might also provide clues about the version of the game you have. Here’s how to check:

Log into Steam: Open your Steam client or go to the Steam website and log into your account.
Account Details: Click on your username in the top right corner and select “Account details.”
View Purchase History: In your account details, look for the “View purchase history” section. This will show you the games you have purchased along with their activation dates, which may lead you to find version-specific details.

Additional Tips

Following Developers on Social Media: Developers often post updates regarding their games on their social media accounts. Following them can provide real-time updates about version changes and new features.
Check for Driver Updates: Sometimes, ensuring your graphics drivers are up to date can enhance your gaming experience, especially when new game versions are released.
Join Gaming Communities: Engaging with fellow gamers in forums or communities can be a good way to stay updated on version changes and get tips from other players.

Conclusion

Being informed about the version of a game you are playing can significantly enhance your gaming experience. By using the methods outlined above, you can easily keep track of which version you have and stay updated on any new changes or fixes. Remember that each game may have its own way of displaying version information, so don’t hesitate to explore different approaches. Happy gaming!