Is Valve working on a solution to deleting shader cache from uninstalled games?

[Prime Rib]

Shader cache stays in the storage after uninstalling games, for 64GB owners this is a big problem that is constantly brought up in discussions. It would be helpful for Valve to explain how they store shaders and why currently the cache stays.

I am familiar with shader cache in other applications such as DirectX12 games and emulators. For example if an Emulator such as RPCS3 requires shader caching to load a game for a smoother experience you have the option to clear the cached shaders whenever you like. When uninstalling Modern Warfare 2019 the shaders are uninstalled with the game so when reinstalled you have to wait for the shaders to compile again to get that smooth experience. The Steam Deck must not be too different from the way these Windows applications compile shaders and I wonder when Valve will finally address this as it just makes sense especially for users who cannot afford the benefits of a higher storage capacity.

If Valve wants the Steam Deck and SteamOS to be a one stop experience for gaming then it really baffles me why they are basically asking of their users to go into Desktop mode and understand a Linux environment and their file directories to track down the shader cache folders and remove them manually.

If Valve believes I am ignorant of how the hardware and software work then please could you explain how it works so we don't have to make assumptions for you.

[FandangoChristmas]

Interesting post, I would of thought it would be deleted when the games are uninstalled. Do you know where these shaders are stored? I did find a script online that deletes all proton files for games off the deck, but i'm not sure that includes shaders as well. If uninstalls dont delete shader cache , then that would be a big problem for Steam decks longevity for shure!

[Nathan]

I guess they are left there so if you reinstall there is no recompile.

There was also the idea that the shaders could simply be on valve's servers and get downloaded with the game, precompiled since the hardware is the same for everyone, but I don't know if it would be that simple.

Either way, I agree there is definitely work to be done with organizing proton, it's messy and wasteful right now.

[Mahjik]

Originally posted by Nathan:

There was also the idea that the shaders could simply be on valve's servers and get downloaded with the game, precompiled since the hardware is the same for everyone, but I don't know if it would be that simple.

That is how it works. The OP is suggesting the pre-compiled shaders are not removed when the game is removed.

[MrGoat]

Shader cache deletes automatically for me every time. Compatdata you do have to manually remove. It's very simple tho, just look up the steamid for the game you uninstalled and delete the folder with that number.

[invision2212]

Shader cache deletes for me too but sometimes requires a reboot for it to update on the memory side

[NayDay]

Shader cache should be stored in game folder. I have different scenario of usage : I have multiple SD cards and change then when I want to play some other game. On steam deck itself I store only essential games for me. So all sahdercache store on steam deck and consumes a lot of my internal storage. I'd rather hold cache on SD card alongside with game itself.

[Mahjik]

Originally posted by MayDay:

Shader cache should be stored in game folder. I have different scenario of usage : I have multiple SD cards and change then when I want to play some other game. On steam deck itself I store only essential games for me. So all sahdercache store on steam deck and consumes a lot of my internal storage. I'd rather hold cache on SD card alongside with game itself.

There are multiple feature requests in this area. Here's one:

https://steamcommunity.com/app/1675200/discussions/2/3428948355370503811/