Valve’s new Steam Client Beta brings a redesigned store menu and upgraded search tools. Here’s what’s new, how to try it, and why it matters for gamers.
Steam’s UI Glow-Up Is Officially Live in Beta — and It’s Kinda Slick
After weeks of leaks and speculation, Valve just dropped the redesigned Steam Store UI — and if you’re running the Steam Client Beta, you can test it out right now.
We’re talking streamlined menus, smarter search, and even direct Steam Deck shopping baked into the app. No more clunky sidebar clicks or hunting for that one game you forgot the name of.
What’s New in the Steam Store Redesign?
Here’s what’s packed into the beta:
🧭 Merged Navigation Pane
The left-side column and top blue bar have been combined into a single, cleaner UI pane, making it easier to browse everything from top sellers to your personalized game picks.
🔍 Smarter Search Functionality
The new search bar now features better auto-recommendations and direct access to the Advanced Search page. Find exactly what you want without digging.
🎮 Hardware Integration
You can now buy a Steam Deck or Docking Station directly in the client, and the store lets you filter games by features like:
- VR support
- Controller compatibility
- Local/online co-op
📊 Performance Monitor (From Previous Update)
ICYMI, a recent update also added an in-app performance monitor, letting you see:
- FPS
- CPU/GPU load
- Temps
- DLSS and upscaling usage
Perfect if you’re trying to tweak settings or see if your rig is about to turn into a toaster.
How to Opt In to the Steam Client Beta
Want to try the new UI? Here’s how to get in:
- Open Steam
- Go to Settings > Interface
- Find the Client Beta Participation dropdown
- Select the beta and restart Steam
Make sure your client is fully updated first — beta changes won’t show unless you’re on the latest build.
Can You Switch Back? Yep.
Not vibing with the redesign? No worries. You can opt out of the beta at any time using the same dropdown in settings. Just switch back to “None” and restart.
Why This Matters (And What Might Come Next)
This revamp isn’t just a fresh coat of paint. It’s part of Valve’s ongoing push to make Steam more user-friendly, especially as the storefront deals with:
- Ongoing moderation debates (like removed adult games)
- Increased Steam Deck usage
- A growing demand for better discoverability
Also worth noting: Valve hasn’t announced when this redesign will hit the main client, but judging by past updates, expect a few weeks (or months) of beta testing first.
Steam’s Store Just Got a Major Quality-of-Life Upgrade
- ✅ Redesigned UI in Steam Client Beta
- ✅ Combined menu navigation pane
- ✅ Better search tools and advanced filters
- ✅ Performance monitor tool still included
- ✅ Hardware shopping and feature filters built-in
- 🔁 Beta is opt-in/out anytime
Whether you’re hunting for the next indie banger or just trying to stop impulse-buying open-world games you’ll never finish, the new Steam Store is worth checking out.
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