Yes, you can swap the game files from the Steam installation directory.
Yes, you can swap the game files from the Steam installation directory.
The repack often omits certain elements such as audio and subtitles for languages other than English. This varies by game. Repacks typically include executable and library files that bypass Steam’s DRM. If you keep the original from Steam and only swap out large files with new data (textures, audio, etc.), the game should function properly. Steam checks file integrity, but this isn’t always automatic—you can manually verify it to ensure files aren’t missing or corrupted. Another potential problem is save games stored in the Steam cloud with original content. Using a modified game from the cloud might cause crashes because those save files could no longer exist in the updated version.
IANAL, but this really depends on your local regulations. As long as you have the proper license for the game, you should be allowed to play it. However, if the developer had to bypass security features (like encryption), it could cross into illegal areas. The recipient probably doesn’t have the right to share these files either, which would likely breach copyright laws. Whether you can modify the files is unclear—it might depend on whether Steam or the game checks for validation (such as an MD5 checksum). Additionally, anti-cheat systems might flag any changes made to the executable if the modder altered them.
some issues are combined here: in many areas getting a 'repack' remains illegal even though you have the proper license for the game. (similar to buying a train ticket, leaving it behind, and still taking the train) since the 'repack' functions well with Linux and the executable accepts Steam's launch settings, it should work fine. if you ever need to 'verify game files', they'll overwrite everything. this applies whether the game gets updated too.
I discovered a tutorial and plan to test it this weekend. It's surprisingly straightforward. The process involves installing the repack version, then launching the game client (Steam) and clicking install for the desired game. After installation, simply move the repack files into the newly created folder and close Steam. Once reopened, instead of downloading, it prompts to verify the files. Apparently, this works because repack isn't missing anything—it's just compressed. It would be great if it functions, as I'd enjoy a long weekend trying it out on my Steam Deck (around 30GB or more). I’m curious if there’s a chance to expand it to a larger size on my PC first.
It seems you still need to own the game on Steam for it to function properly, like a CD key. I had to make some modifications to a few titles so they would work even though they previously required too many updates. I believe when Steam upgraded to support more games, that was the time something in Steam updated, and now many games no longer work. Or perhaps games that worked on Windows 7 are no longer compatible. Edited September 20, 2022 by thrasher_565