Valve has introduced a major update to the Steam client, now available for beta testing. The developers have completely revamped store navigation, added new search features, and placed a stronger emphasis on personalized recommendations. Users can experience these changes, aimed at making the platform more user-friendly and intuitive.
The first changes affect the store menu and structure. The left navigation panel and the top blue menu bar are now combined, allowing for quicker transitions between sections. The new menu system appears on more pages, and the menu bar itself is now dynamic: it disappears when you scroll down and returns as you scroll up. This approach keeps the focus on content and minimizes distractions from unnecessary interface elements.
Valve notes that many gamers previously had difficulty finding certain sections. The new design addresses this issue, making access to popular categories and features as simple as possible. Users can now find their favorite games, deals, and collections faster.
Enhanced search and filtering capabilities
One of the key innovations is an improved search system. Now, searching on Steam is no longer limited to just game titles. Users can enter tags, publisher names, genres, and even specific parameters to get the most relevant results. In addition, the system suggests popular queries and provides quick access to recently viewed pages.
Filtering is now more flexible: users can sort games by release date, popularity, price, or whether they’re on sale. This is especially convenient for those tracking new releases or searching for the best deals. The new search also takes individual preferences into account, offering recommendations based on browsing and purchase history.
Valve emphasizes that the updated search and filtering system will allow users to spend less time looking for the right content and more time discovering new games and genres.
Personalized recommendations and new collections
The updated Steam now features a centralized recommendations section that brings together all personalized collections. Users now see suggestions tailored to their interests, purchases, and time spent in games. This approach helps discover new projects that might have gone unnoticed in the previous version of the store.
In addition, new personalized categories and tags have appeared, generated based on each user’s preferences. This means that two different people may see entirely different store homepages, reflecting their unique tastes and interests.
Valve claims that the new recommendation system is another step toward creating a personalized experience for every gamer. Users will be able to discover interesting projects faster and avoid missing important releases.
Updated video player and other improvements
Among the most notable changes is the new video player, now available on some game pages. It offers smoother trailer and demo playback and supports modern video formats. This will enable developers to better showcase their projects and help players get a fuller picture of their future purchases.
Access to popular store sections has also been optimized. Filters and selections are now organized so users can quickly jump to the categories they’re interested in—whether it’s new releases, discounts, or themed collections. This approach makes navigating the store more intuitive and convenient.
Valve notes that all changes were made based on community feedback and suggestions. The company actively gathered user opinions to make Steam as comfortable as possible for all types of gamers.
How to join the testing and when to expect the release
Those eager to try out the new interface can join the beta testing right now. To do this, open the Steam client settings, go to the ‘Interface’ section, and select ‘Steam Beta Update’ in the beta participation menu. After restarting the program, users will gain access to all the new features.
The exact release date for all users has not been announced yet. Valve promises to share the launch date once testing is complete and any issues have been addressed. The company encourages beta participants to share their feedback and suggestions to make the final version as user-friendly and functional as possible.
Valve is an American company founded in 1996 by Gabe Newell and Mike Harrington. It is known not only as the developer of iconic games like Half-Life, Portal, and Dota 2, but also as the creator of Steam, the world’s largest digital game distribution platform. Today, Steam connects millions of users around the world and remains the leader in the PC digital game distribution market.
