Why do I have to re download the whole game?

[RyukEUW]

Usually, as my ISP is not able to provide something better than 50MBit I sync all my games to my local NAS. This gives me the possibility to keep all my games even though I delete them from my PC.
When I need them again I just copy them over again and run the install process, which then detects: Game there just need to verify.
But BG3 doesnt do that at all. It just keeps downloading 109GB from scratch even though the files are there.
Its the only game so far doing this, so why would you do that?

[Hawke]

There are frequent relatively large patches (i.e. 30GB download then applying it to 100GB of the existing files). The copied files should be perfectly playable, just not updated. But Steam does not allow to choose a game's version or to ignore updates, so it happens quite often when playing close to release.

I've had this issue with Pathfinder: Kingmaker. So, I purchased the sequel on GOG and, judging by the still ongoing patches, it was the right decision.

Edit. To solve the issue in this particular case, I would suggest to set the updates to "at launch" (the latest possible option), copy the files, switch Steam to the offline mode, and start the game from /bin/bg3_dx11.exe.

This guide might be useful:
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3077201809

[RyukEUW]

Originally posted by Hawke:

There are frequent relatively large patches (i.e. 30GB download then applying it to 100GB of the existing files). The copied files should be perfectly playable, just not updated. But Steam does not allow to choose a game's version or to ignore updates, so it happens quite often when playing close to release.

I've had this issue with Pathfinder: Kingmaker. So, I purchased the sequel on GOG and, judging by the still ongoing patches, it was the right decision.

Edit. To solve the issue in this particular case, I would suggest to set the updates to "at launch" (the latest possible option), copy the files, switch Steam to the offline mode, and start the game from /bin/bg3_dx11.exe.

This guide might be useful:
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3077201809

Thanks for the reply.

I want the newest version so far. That explanation justifies the re-download for me :)
Somewhen this wont be an issue anymore when the patches get fewer and maybe smaller. Or my ISP finally decides to install the fibre optic cable onto my house (is planned for next year).

Top comment. Pretty rare here!