Steam users can now experience a major UI overhaul of the platform’s store by opting into the Steam Client Beta. The redesigned interface merges familiar elements into a more streamlined layout, while introducing improved search functions and additional navigation options.
Major UI Changes in the Steam Client Beta
After weeks of speculation and leaks, Valve has officially rolled out its new Steam Store design to beta testers. One of the most noticeable changes is the consolidation of the left-hand store navigation and the top blue bar into a single, more intuitive pane. This new layout is designed to make browsing and searching easier, especially for users with large libraries or niche interests.
Within the new interface, users will find core sections such as:
- Top Sellers and New Releases
- Personalized Game Recommendations
- Categories Organized by Genre
- VR-Ready Titles and Controller-Compatible Games
- Purchasing Options for Steam Deck and Docking Station
Improved Search Tools and Recommendations
The beta also revamps Steam’s search functionality. A more prominent search pane now gives users faster access to advanced filters, making it easier to find games by genre, price range, features, or compatibility with hardware like VR headsets and co-op play.
Recommendations are now more tightly integrated into the UI. Steam analyzes users’ recently played titles to surface relevant suggestions directly within the Store homepage, making game discovery more personalized and immediate.
Performance Monitoring Tools Still Available
This new Store update follows a recent June client update that introduced a built-in performance monitor. This tool allows users to track game performance in real time, showing data like FPS, CPU and GPU usage, temperature readings, and whether technologies like Nvidia DLSS are active. These features remain accessible in the latest beta builds.
How to Join the Beta
Steam users can opt into the beta by following these steps:
- Open Steam and go to Settings (top-left menu).
- Navigate to the Interface section.
- Use the dropdown under Client Beta Participation to opt into the beta.
- Restart Steam to apply the changes.
Users can leave the beta at any time by repeating the process and selecting to opt out.
Feedback and What’s Next
Valve is encouraging users to share feedback and report bugs through the Steam Beta group forum. No official release date for the redesigned Store UI has been announced, but its inclusion in the beta suggests a wider rollout may follow later in 2025.
The new interface arrives as Valve continues to refine its storefront amid user demand for more transparency and usability—especially following controversial decisions like the removal of certain adult titles. Whether this is the first of many changes remains to be seen, but the new beta makes it clear that Valve is listening to user feedback and evolving the platform accordingly.
