Conquer Your Steam Backlog: A Strategic Approach

Are you overwhelmed by your Steam library? Do you find yourself staring at hundreds—or even thousands—of games, unsure where to begin? You’re not alone. Many gamers feel this way, struggling with the paradox of having too many choices and yet feeling stuck. In this guide, we’ll walk you through a proven strategy to tackle that backlog, one game at a time.

Understanding the Problem

Having a massive Steam library is thrilling, but it can quickly lead to overwhelm. With so many options, deciding what to play next becomes daunting, often resulting in inaction. This strategy aims to simplify your decision-making process and help you enjoy your games without feeling pressured.

Step 1: Organise Your Library

The first step is to create a dynamic shelf focused on single-player games sorted by release date. Here’s why:

• Single-Player Games: These offer a self-contained experience, making them ideal for tackling one at a time without waiting for friends.
• Chronological Order: Sorting by release date allows you to explore your library chronologically, experiencing the evolution of game design over the years.

To set this up:

1. Go to your Steam library.
2. Click “Create Dynamic Shelf.”
3. Select “Single Player” under filters and sort by “Date Released.”

This setup creates a chronological list of games, organised by year, making it easier to browse through different eras.

Step 2: Curate Your Wishlist

Next, browse through each year starting from the earliest. As you go through each game, consider:

• Personal Preference: Which genres or themes appeal to you most?
• Ratings and Reviews: High ratings can indicate a game’s potential for enjoyment.
• Favourites Feature: Use Steam’s favourites to bookmark games you might want to revisit later.

Compile a list of the games that excite you. This curated list becomes your roadmap, ensuring you play what interests you most without feeling overwhelmed by choices.

Step 3: Dive In and Play

With your list ready, it’s time to start playing:

4. Install the Oldest Game: Begin with the earliest game on your list. Playing older titles can offer a nostalgic trip or a fresh perspective if you missed them initially.
5. Play at Your Own Pace: Whether you play for an hour or a week, enjoy each game without pressure. The goal is to savour the experience.
6. Uninstall Upon Completion: After finishing a game, uninstall it to keep your library tidy and focused on what’s next.

Step 4: Revisit Favourites

As you progress, use Steam’s favourites to mark games you might want to revisit later. This feature helps maintain flexibility without losing track of games you’re eager to play again.

Stay Motivated and Focused

Throughout your journey, remember:

• Consistency Over Speed: Focus on enjoying each game rather than rushing through them.
• Avoid Distractions: Stick to your list to prevent getting sidetracked by newer releases or impulse purchases.

Conclusion: Rediscover Your Passion

By organising your library and playing games in chronological order, you transform a daunting backlog into an exciting journey. This method not only simplifies decision-making but also enhances your gaming experience by allowing deeper immersion in each game.

Embrace this strategy, and soon you’ll be rediscovering the joy of gaming without the stress of a cluttered library. Let’s make that Steam backlog your playground again!

Final Thoughts:

This approach is more than just a method; it’s a mindset shift towards intentional gaming. By focusing on quality over quantity, you can enjoy each game fully while systematically reducing your backlog. Remember, the goal is enjoyment and discovery, so take your time, savour each experience, and most importantly—have fun!

We’d love to hear how this strategy works for you or if you’ve developed any tweaks of your own. Share your experiences in the comments below! Happy gaming!

(above image was generated with AI. It is kinda bad, we know. We just wanted to show a happy gamer)