Resolving Download Item Failed (Failure) SteamCMD
Users of SteamCMD may encounter the download item failed (Failure) steamcmd, often leading to frustration and hindrance in their gaming experience. This error typically occurs when trying to download items or mods for games. Understanding and resolving this issue is crucial for a smooth gaming setup.
Understanding SteamCMD and the Error
SteamCMD (Steam Console Client) is a command-line version of the Steam client. It’s used to install and update dedicated game servers and can be a bit tricky to handle, especially when errors like “Download item failed (Failure)” pop up.
Common Causes
- Game Not in Steam: If the game is on a platform like Epic Games and not on Steam, SteamCMD can’t locate it.
- Incorrect AppID: Using the wrong AppID for downloading content.
- Access Restrictions: Some items can’t be downloaded anonymously or require specific permissions.
Fix
A proven solution to the ‘Download Failed’ error in SteamCMD is to delete specific directories within the SteamCMD folder. Here’s how you can do it:
Deleting ‘userdata’ and ‘steamapps’
- Locate Your SteamCMD Folder: Navigate to the directory where SteamCMD is installed.
- Delete ‘userdata’ and ‘steamapps’: In the SteamCMD folder, find and delete the ‘userdata’ and ‘steamapps’ directories. These folders contain game data and user settings which can sometimes get corrupted.
Why This Works
- Resetting Corrupted Data: Deleting these folders clears any potentially corrupted data that might be causing the download issues.
- Fresh Start: When SteamCMD is restarted, it recreates these directories with fresh, uncorrupted data, allowing downloads to proceed normally.
User Experiences
Several users have reported success with this method across different games and scenarios:
- Diverse Game Compatibility: Users like Joji_Legend and guestferroz have confirmed that this fix worked for various games, including ones with large mods like Crusader Kings 3.
- Community Validation: The solution has been upvoted and validated by the Steam community, indicating its effectiveness for a broad range of users.
Steps to Follow After Clearing Directories
After deleting the ‘userdata’ and ‘steamapps’ folders, follow these steps to ensure everything runs smoothly:
- Restart SteamCMD: Open SteamCMD again. It will automatically recreate the deleted folders.
- Reattempt Downloads: Try downloading your game files or mods again. The error should now be resolved.
Additional Tips
- Backup Important Files: Before deleting any folders, consider backing up important files, such as specific game configurations or mods.
- Regular Updates: Keep SteamCMD updated to avoid compatibility issues and benefit from the latest fixes from Steam.
- Check Internet Connection: Ensure your internet connection is stable, as connectivity issues can also lead to download failures.
Alternative Fixes
Here’s a comprehensive guide to fixing the “Download item failed (Failure)” error in SteamCMD.
Verifying Game Ownership
- Steam Account Login: Ensure you log in to your actual Steam account on SteamCMD and own the game for which you’re trying to download items or mods.
- Using Valid Login for Downloads: For some games, it’s not possible to download mods combined with the server game ID. Only the client game ID would allow the download of mods, and only with a valid Steam login.
Checking AppIDs
- Understanding AppIDs: Games have different AppIDs for client and server versions. For instance, ‘Project Zomboid’ Client = ‘108600’, but the Server = ‘380870’.
- Using Correct AppIDs: Ensure you’re using the right AppID for what you’re trying to download. Client AppIDs generally allow downloading workshop items, but with account restrictions.
- Finding AppIDs: Use resources like the dedicated servers list on Valve’s developer site or SteamDB.
Specific Download Commands
For downloading items with workshop content, the command format in SteamCMD differs:
steamcmd.exe +force_install_dir <folder> +login <user> <pass> +"app_update <AppID>" +workshop_download_item <ItemID1> <itemID2> validate +quit
Replace <folder>, <user>, <pass>, <AppID>, <ItemID1>, and <itemID2> with your specific details.
Trying Alternative Solutions
- WorkshopDL: Utilize WorkshopDL from GitHub (if available) to download workshop items.
- Steam Workshop Downloader: While some mods can’t be downloaded directly through Steam Workshop Downloader, it’s useful for checking the mods.
Utilizing Client AppIDs
For games without a dedicated server option, use the client AppID to download files:
steamcmd.exe +force_install_dir C:\SteamCMD\Game +login <user> <pass> +"app_update 289070 " validate +quit
Reviewing File Locations
Once downloaded, mods or workshop items are generally found in the specified directory, for example, C:\SteamCMD\Game\steamapps\workshop\content\289070\.
Conclusion
Resolving the “Download item failed (Failure)” error in SteamCMD involves ensuring you are using the correct AppID, logged in with an account that owns the game, and using the appropriate download commands. Regular updates to SteamCMD and individual games can also affect how downloads work, so staying informed on the latest developments is crucial.
