How to Set Up Custom Game Launch Options on Steam

12 April 2025

Have you ever wished you could tweak the way your favorite game launches on Steam? Maybe you want to improve performance, troubleshoot an issue, or personalize things a bit more? Well, you’re in luck because Steam has a nifty feature called "Launch Options" that allows you to customize how your games run. Think of it as adding a cheat code to your gaming experience, but instead of unlocking infinite lives, you unlock better settings tailored to your needs. In this guide, I'll walk you through everything you need to know about setting up custom game launch options on Steam. And don’t worry—it’s simpler than it sounds.

What Are Steam Launch Options?

Before diving into the nitty-gritty, let’s talk about what launch options actually are. In plain English, launch options are specific commands that tell a game what to do before it opens. It’s like sending a memo to the game with special instructions: "Hey, start in windowed mode," or "Don’t use my CPU like it’s preparing to launch a rocket, okay?"

These options let you tweak settings beyond what’s available in the game’s menu. They’re especially useful if you’re troubleshooting, running on a low-spec PC, or testing custom configurations for performance boosts. Whether you’re looking to change resolution, disable intro videos, or force certain settings, launch options have got you covered.

Why Use Custom Game Launch Options?

So, why bother with custom launch options? Can't you just tweak the in-game settings? Sometimes, yes—but not always. Here are a few scenarios where launch options come in handy:

1. Performance Boosts: If your game runs like a slideshow, you can disable demanding features right from launch.
2. Fixing Bugs: Certain commands can help bypass bugs, crashes, or compatibility issues.
3. Convenience: For instance, you can start a game in windowed mode if it always defaults to full screen.
4. Specialized Features: Some games have hidden developer settings you can unlock via launch options.

It’s like having a secret backdoor to your games—once you know it’s there, you’ll start wondering why you didn’t use it sooner.

Setting Up Custom Game Launch Options on Steam

Alright, now for the fun part—how do you set up these launch options? Grab a cup of coffee (or a soda, no judgment here), and let’s get to it. Don’t worry, this process is super beginner-friendly.

Step 1: Launch Steam and Find Your Game

First things first, open Steam. Yeah, I know, it’s obvious, but let’s cover all the bases. Once you're in, head over to your Library. Find the game you want to tweak from your list of installed titles.

Step 2: Head to Game Properties

Right-click on the game’s name in your library (or if you’re on macOS, use Control + Click). From the pop-up menu, select Properties. A new window will open up—it’s like peeking behind the curtain of your game settings.

Step 3: Locate "Launch Options"

In the Properties window, you’ll see several tabs on the left-side menu. Look for the one labeled General (it should be selected by default). At the bottom of this section, you’ll find a text field labeled Launch Options.

Step 4: Enter Your Commands

Here’s where the magic happens. In the Launch Options box, type in the commands you want to apply. Each command should be separated by a space. For example, if you want your game to launch in windowed mode and skip intro videos, you might type:

plaintext
-windowed -novid

Press Enter or just close the Properties window, and you’re good to go! Steam automatically saves your changes.

Common Steam Launch Option Commands

Not sure where to start? No worries—I’ve got you covered with some of the most popular launch option commands. Think of these as your starter kit.

General Commands

- `-fullscreen`: Launches the game in full-screen mode.
- `-windowed`: Opens the game in a window.
- `-noborder`: Removes the border for windowed mode (great for multitasking).
- `-novid`: Skips intro videos (because who needs to watch unskippable logos for the 10th time?).

Performance Boosts

- `-high`: Forces the game to run with high CPU priority.
- `-dxlevel 90`: Forces DirectX 9 mode (replace `90` with other numbers for different DirectX versions).
- `-threads X`: Allocates the number of CPU threads (replace `X` with a number).
- `+fps_max 60`: Caps the game’s frame rate at 60.

Troubleshooting

- `-safe`: Launches the game in safe mode. Useful if it’s crashing on startup.
- `-autoconfig`: Restores the game’s default video settings.
- `-nosound`: Disables all sound (handy for troubleshooting audio issues).

Game-Specific Commands

Some games have their own unique commands. For example:
- CS:GO: `-tickrate 128` sets the server tick rate to 128 ticks per second.
- Dota 2: `-console` enables the in-game console for advanced players.

It’s worth noting that not all games support every command, so you might need to do a bit of Googling specific to the title you’re working with.

Tips and Tricks for Using Launch Options

Want to take things up a notch? Here are a few pro tips:

1. Keep a Backup List: If you’re experimenting with a lot of commands, save them in a text file. This way, you don’t accidentally lose your setup if you clear the Launch Options box.
2. Combine Commands Smartly: You can use multiple commands at once, but make sure they don’t conflict. For example, setting `-fullscreen` and `-windowed` together won’t work—they cancel each other out.
3. Test Individually: If you’re not sure what a command does, test it alone first. That way, you can pinpoint which option is causing changes (or potential problems).
4. Don't Overdo It: While it’s tempting to pile on every tweak out there, too many commands can cause instability. Keep it simple and focused.

Can Launch Options Break Your Game?

Good question! The short answer is: probably not. The long answer: while launch options themselves are safe, entering the wrong commands might cause games to misbehave—for example, freezing, crashing, or failing to open. If that happens, don’t panic. Just go back to the Launch Options box, clear everything, and your game will be back to normal. Phew, right?

Conclusion

Steam’s custom game launch options are a criminally underrated feature that lets you take more control over your gaming experience. Whether you’re fine-tuning settings for optimal performance or troubleshooting pesky bugs, launch options are like your Swiss Army knife for PC gaming. And the best part? They’re easy to use and completely reversible.

So, next time your favorite game is acting up or you want to squeeze out a few extra frames, don’t forget to mess around with those launch options. Who knows? You might unlock a whole new level of gaming nirvana.