Tired of redownloading different versions of Awesomenauts just to play with your friends? This guide will show you how to keep both the stable (3.2.8) and the beta builds installed at the same time, so you can switch between them instantly.

Let's get you set up!

First, we need to make sure you're starting fresh. This prevents any file conflicts.

IMPORTANT: Before deleting the folder in the steps below, make sure to save any personal files you want to keep, such as replays or mods. Move them to a safe location outside the Awesomenauts directory.

1. In your Steam Library, right-click on Awesomenauts and go to Manage → Browse Local Files.
   
2. A folder will pop up. Take note of its location e.g.
   `C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Awesomenauts`
3. Delete this `Awesomenauts` folder once you have backed up your files.
   
4. Back in Steam, right-click Awesomenauts → Manage → Uninstall. This prevents Steam from immediately re-downloading the files we just deleted.

Now, let's install the stable, non-beta version of the game.

1. In Steam, right-click Awesomenauts → Properties.
   
2. Go to the Betas tab and make sure "None" is selected from the dropdown menu.
   
3. Now, install Awesomenauts through Steam as you normally would.
   (You might see some Workshop content download, which is perfectly fine.)

To protect this version from Steam's updates, we'll "hide" it by renaming its folder.

1. Go back to the Awesomenauts installation folder (`...\steamapps\common\`).
   
2. Rename the `Awesomenauts` folder to something new. For this guide, we'll use Awesomenauts328.

With the legacy version safely renamed, you can now grab the beta.

1. In Steam, go back to the Betas tab for Awesomenauts (Properties → Betas).
   
2. Select "premium-beta" from the list.
   
3. Steam will see that the original `Awesomenauts` folder is "missing" and will start a new download. This new folder will contain the beta build.

If you check your `...\steamapps\common\` directory, you should now see both `Awesomenauts` (the beta) and `Awesomenauts328` (the legacy version).

It's time to make our legacy version easily launchable from the Steam client.

1. In the bottom-left corner of your Steam window, click "+ ADD A GAME" and then select "Add a Non-Steam Game...".
   
2. Click "Browse..." and navigate to the folder we renamed in Step 2.
   
3. Select the `AwesomenautsLauncher.exe` file inside your Awesomenauts328 folder.
   
4. Click "Add Selected Programs".

Let's clean up the new entry in your library to avoid confusion.

1. Find the new `AwesomenautsLauncher` in your Steam Library and right-click it, then select Properties.
   
2. You can rename it to something clear, like "Awesomenauts 3.2.8".

Add a logo and a custom grid artwork to make it look official!
Check out SteamGridDB[www.steamgriddb.com]for cool images.

You should now have two entries for Awesomenauts in your library, allowing you to launch whichever version you need!

Important Note: The "official" Steam entry must remain the beta build. This ensures you continue to receive game patches and updates from the developers.

When you launch the non-Steam version (3.2.8), Steam will still show you as playing the beta. This is normal! Steam recognizes the game's App ID, but it is correctly running the files from your `Awesomenauts328` folder. You'll still have access to the Steam Overlay, invites, and all your friends!

This guide is an adaptation of an original method shared by Stewball32 in the Atari #awesomenauts Discord.

• Original author's profile: Stewball32
  
• Original guide post: View on Discord[discord.com]

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