Download vs. Copying files from friend

[Don R. Wetter]

Hello,
I buyed today a game with 50GB of files, but my internet connection is very bad. If I copy the files from a friend and then activate my steam code, will it work as well or do I have to download it?

[Blaagh]

Yes you can use the built-in backup-feature or copy the files over while steam is not running and then start steam and install.. it will use the files already in the directory.

[Don R. Wetter]

Great! Thanks for your help :)

[Panama Simon]

:D

[wuddih]

the files include no personal authentication, so you can copy them from your friend and steam will check for files that are already there or missing on startup or installation.

dont use the built-in backup feature, just copy the files from steamapps game directory

[Don R. Wetter]

So I first copy the files in and then activate it, right ?

[wuddih]

Originally posted by Threey27:

So I first copy the files in and then activate it, right ?

doesn't really matter. but closing steam while copying the files is probably for the best.

[Away]

bad tips

[DarkChaplain]

I'd also say that a straight copy of the game's folder in the SteamApps directory is easier than going through the Backup tool. That usually takes quite some time, both creating the backup and extracting it. Personally, the last time I used it, it ended up missing files anyway, and redownloaded a lot.

[Don R. Wetter]

I guess it doesnt matter, where you copy it in, right?

[Don R. Wetter]

I copied the files now in my directory, which is not the SteamApps directory and I'm not sure, what I have to do now

[🕌 🍆 💦 🐪 🔞]

ayy lmao

[WooHoo ツ]

Put the game files into your SteamApps\Common folder and then tell Steam to download the game.

Steam should see the files, it shouldn't download anything (maybe 1 or 2 missing files).

When Steam has finished making sure all the files are there, you will be able to play the game.

[Charlie]

Originally posted by ☔ wuddih SpNv ✔:

the files include no personal authentication, so you can copy them from your friend and steam will check for files that are already there or missing on startup or installation.

dont use the built-in backup feature, just copy the files from steamapps game directory

What he said, copy the files from the 'Common' directory straight into your account. Also make sure you copy the .acf file for the game aswell. Aslong as you buy the game this is completely legal and will work on your PC/Account with no issues.

[Don R. Wetter]

I did this, but steam doesnt get it

[TheRev]

Originally posted by WooHoo ツ:

Put the game files into your SteamApps\Common folder and then tell Steam to download the game.

Steam should see the files, it shouldn't download anything (maybe 1 or 2 missing files).

When Steam has finished making sure all the files are there, you will be able to play the game.

Just do this.