How To Reset Achievements On Steam: A Quick Guide
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Resetting achievements on Steam can be a necessary process for various reasons. Whether you want to experience the thrill of unlocking achievements again or you're looking to clear your progress for personal reasons, knowing how to reset achievements can enhance your gaming experience. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to reset your achievements on Steam, the reasons for doing so, and some important tips to keep in mind.
Why Reset Achievements? 🎮
Before diving into the "how," it's important to understand the "why." There are several reasons players choose to reset their achievements:
- Fresh Start: Sometimes, players want to relive the joy of achieving everything from scratch.
- Glitches or Bugs: Certain games may have bugs that prevent achievements from unlocking correctly. Resetting might fix these issues.
- New Account: Players might want to reset achievements on a game they've played on a different account to start over without duplicating their progress.
How to Reset Achievements on Steam 💻
Resetting achievements is not a straightforward option available within the Steam interface, so it often involves the use of third-party tools or manual file adjustments. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Backup Your Game Data 📂
Before making any changes, it's vital to backup your game data to avoid losing any important files or progress.
- Locate the folder where your game is installed (usually found in the
Steam/steamapps/common/directory). - Copy the entire game folder and paste it in a safe location, such as a desktop folder.
Step 2: Use a Third-Party Tool 🛠️
One of the more popular methods for resetting achievements is through third-party tools. Here’s how to use one:
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Download an Achievement Manager Tool:
- Look for reputable achievement manager tools (e.g., Achievement Manager).
- Ensure it’s safe and has good reviews before downloading.
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Run the Tool:
- Open the tool and find the game whose achievements you want to reset.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to remove your achievements.
Step 3: Manually Adjusting Game Files 📝
If you prefer not to use third-party tools, you can also reset achievements by modifying specific game files. Here's how:
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Find the Game’s Save File:
- Navigate to the game's save file directory, typically located in
Steam/userdata/YourUserID/GameID/.
- Navigate to the game's save file directory, typically located in
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Locate Achievement Files:
- Search for files that contain achievement data (usually named something like
achievements.dat).
- Search for files that contain achievement data (usually named something like
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Delete or Rename the File:
- Delete or rename this file. Renaming allows you to keep it as a backup just in case.
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Launch the Game:
- When you start the game again, it should treat it as a fresh playthrough, allowing you to unlock achievements anew.
Step 4: Verifying Game Files ✅
After resetting achievements, it's always good practice to verify your game files to ensure everything is intact:
- Open Steam and go to your Library.
- Right-click on the game and select Properties.
- Go to the Local Files tab and click on Verify Integrity of Game Files.
This will ensure that any missing files are restored and that the game runs smoothly.
Important Notes 📌
- Risk of Game Ban: Using third-party tools carries some risks. Ensure that the tool you are using is reputable to avoid potential bans from Steam.
- Game-Specific Limits: Some games may have limitations on resetting achievements. Always check the community forums or discussions for game-specific information.
- Steam Cloud Saves: If you're using Steam Cloud for saves, achievements may sync back after you reset. You might need to disable Cloud Saves before resetting.
Conclusion
Resetting achievements on Steam can rejuvenate your gaming experience, allowing you to relive the excitement of unlocking accomplishments in your favorite games. Whether you choose to use third-party tools or modify game files, always remember to back up your data to avoid losing any important progress. By following the steps outlined in this guide and keeping the important notes in mind, you’ll be well on your way to resetting achievements successfully. Happy gaming! 🎉