Steam Store Page Checklist: 40+ Items Before You Go Live

Launching a Steam store page involves a surprising number of moving parts. I've seen developers forget a single capsule size and lose days to back-and-forth with Steamworks review. Others nail every asset but launch on the same day as a blockbuster AAA release. It's the kind of process where one missed checkbox can cost you wishlists, confuse potential players, or flat-out delay your launch.

This checklist covers every element you need to address before going live. Bookmark it, work through it section by section, and don't skip the boring parts -- they matter more than you think. For a broader look at how all these pieces fit together, see our Steam store page optimization guide.

Coming Soon page setup

Your Coming Soon page is your game's home on Steam before launch. It collects wishlists, builds anticipation, and starts feeding the Steam algorithm data about your game. Get it up as early as possible -- ideally 6-12 months before your planned launch. Seriously, there's almost no reason to wait. Every day without a Coming Soon page is a day you're not collecting wishlists.

Account and app setup

•[ ] Steamworks account created and verified. You need a Steamworks developer account with the $100 app credit purchased.
•[ ] App ID created. Your game needs an app ID, which is generated when you create a new application in Steamworks.
•[ ] Store page build created. In Steamworks, create your first store page build. This is separate from your game build.
•[ ] Company/developer branding set up. Your developer and publisher names should be finalized and consistent with your branding elsewhere.
•[ ] Content survey completed. Steam requires a content survey describing mature content, violence, and other rating-relevant factors. Complete this honestly -- inaccurate surveys can lead to problems later.

Store page configuration

•[ ] Primary genre selected. Choose the genre that most accurately represents your game. This can't be easily changed later and affects how Steam categorizes your title.
•[ ] Developer and publisher fields filled. These appear on your store page and in search results.
•[ ] Release date set (or marked as "Coming Soon"). If you don't have a firm date, use "Coming Soon" rather than guessing. Missed release dates damage player trust.
•[ ] Supported platforms selected. Windows, macOS, Linux -- only check platforms you'll actually support at launch.
•[ ] Supported languages listed. At minimum, list the languages your game's interface and subtitles support. Be accurate -- listing unsupported languages leads to negative reviews.

Capsule images

I think capsules are the single most underrated asset on a Steam page. They appear everywhere -- search results, discovery queues, wishlists, sale events. If they don't grab attention, players never click through to see your actual game. You can have the best trailer in the world and it won't matter if nobody clicks your capsule to find it.

For a deep dive on making them work, check our capsule design guide.

Required capsule assets

•[ ] Header Capsule (460x215). Appears at the top of your store page and in search results. Must include your game's name and be instantly readable at small sizes.
•[ ] Small Capsule (231x87). Used in search results, wishlists, and lists. Your game name must be legible at this tiny size.
•[ ] Main Capsule (616x353). The primary promotional image. Used on the front page, in featured spots, and in sale events.
•[ ] Hero Graphic (3840x1240). The large banner at the top of your store page. Should be atmospheric and visually striking without relying on text.
•[ ] Capsule Header for Library (600x900). The vertical image shown in a player's Steam library. Often overlooked but visible to every player who owns your game.
•[ ] Community Icon (32x32). Small square icon used in Steam community features.
•[ ] Client Icon (varies). The icon shown in the Steam client when your game's running.

Capsule quality checklist

•[ ] Game title is legible at every capsule size. Zoom out and check the smallest display sizes. If you can't read the title, redesign it.
•[ ] Art is unique and eye-catching. Does your capsule stand out in a grid of other games, or does it blend in? Compare it against current top sellers in your genre.
•[ ] No excessive text. Beyond your game title, avoid cluttering capsules with taglines, review quotes, or award logos.
•[ ] Colors and contrast are strong. Steam's interface has a dark background. Capsules with dark edges can disappear. Make sure your capsule pops against the Steam UI.
•[ ] No JPEG artifacts or low-resolution elements. Upload at the highest quality possible. Compression artifacts signal low effort.

Run all your capsule images through our Capsule Validator to check dimensions, file size, and readability before uploading.

Screenshots

Screenshots are typically the second thing players look at after your capsule image (or first, if they skip the trailer). They need to sell your game's moment-to-moment experience. I've watched playtest sessions where players flipped through all the screenshots before even reading the description. Don't treat these as an afterthought.

Our screenshot optimization guide goes deeper on composition, ordering, and common mistakes.

Screenshot requirements

•[ ] Minimum 5 screenshots uploaded. Steam requires at least 5, but you should aim for 8-10.
•[ ] Resolution of 1920x1080 or higher. Steam supports ultra-wide and 4K screenshots, but 1080p is the minimum for a professional presentation.
•[ ] Screenshots show actual gameplay. Don't use concept art, marketing renders, or heavily photoshopped images. Players want to see what the game actually looks like.
•[ ] First screenshot is your strongest. The first screenshot appears as the default when your trailer isn't playing. Make it count.
•[ ] Variety of content shown. Cover different gameplay moments, environments, mechanics, and UI elements. Don't show five screenshots of the same area.
•[ ] No watermarks, logos, or overlay text on screenshots. Keep them clean. Steam's interface provides context; your screenshots should focus on the game.
•[ ] UI is visible but not dominant. Show the game's actual UI in some screenshots so players know what to expect, but make sure the game world remains the focus.

Use our Screenshot Checker to verify your screenshots meet Steam's technical requirements and follow best practices.

Trailer

Your trailer has more influence on wishlist conversion than any other single asset on your store page. Players who watch it are significantly more likely to wishlist than those who only browse screenshots. That's not a guess -- the data is very clear on this.

Read our trailer best practices guide before you start editing.

Trailer checklist

•[ ] At least one trailer uploaded. You need a gameplay trailer at minimum. An additional cinematic or announcement trailer is optional but helpful.
•[ ] Trailer shows real gameplay within the first 10 seconds. Don't open with a 30-second logo sequence. Players will click away. They always click away.
•[ ] Trailer is 60-90 seconds long. Shorter trailers outperform longer ones for indie games. Respect the player's time.
•[ ] Resolution is 1080p or higher. Upload at the highest quality possible. 4K is ideal but not required.
•[ ] Audio quality is professional. Bad audio (distortion, imbalance, silence) immediately signals an amateur production. Use a proper music track and make sure sound effects are balanced.
•[ ] No spoilers for story-driven games. Show enough to intrigue, not enough to resolve.
•[ ] Trailer ends with your game title and a call to action. "Wishlist Now" or "Coming [Date]" gives the viewer a clear next step.
•[ ] Trailer is set as the first media item. In Steamworks, make sure your primary trailer plays automatically when players visit your store page.

Game description

Your store page description is where you convert interest into wishlists. Players reading your description are already somewhat interested -- they clicked your capsule, maybe watched the trailer. Now you need to close the deal and get them to hit that wishlist button.

Our Steam description writing guide covers this in much more detail.

Short description

•[ ] Short description is filled in (max 300 characters). This appears in search results and at the top of your store page.
•[ ] Leads with your unique selling point. What makes your game different? Put that first.
•[ ] Uses specific, concrete language. "Build and manage a colony of 200 survivors on a procedurally generated alien world" beats "unique gameplay in an immersive world" every time.
•[ ] No typos or grammatical errors. Proofread carefully. Errors in your short description undermine credibility.

Long description (About This Game)

•[ ] Long description is complete and formatted. Use Steam's formatting (headers, bold, lists) to make it scannable.
•[ ] Opens with a compelling hook. The first paragraph should capture attention and communicate your game's core appeal.
•[ ] Includes a feature list. Bullet points listing your game's key features are expected and effective.
•[ ] Addresses the target audience. Make it clear who this game is for. "If you loved [comparable game], you'll love this" is a valid strategy.
•[ ] Includes early access disclosure (if applicable). If launching in Early Access, clearly state the current state of the game, your development roadmap, and your planned timeline.
•[ ] No broken formatting or HTML errors. Preview your description in Steamworks before publishing. Broken formatting looks unprofessional.
•[ ] Reviewed for keyword relevance. While Steam's search isn't purely keyword-based, having relevant terms in your description helps discoverability.

For a detailed guide on writing compelling Steam descriptions, read our Steam Description Writing Guide.

System requirements

System requirements are frequently overlooked, but they do two things for you: they inform potential buyers about compatibility and they protect you from refund requests based on performance issues. Skipping this section or filling it with guesses is a recipe for angry reviews on day one.

•[ ] Minimum requirements specified for all supported platforms. CPU, GPU, RAM, storage, and OS version at minimum.
•[ ] Recommended requirements specified. Show what hardware delivers the intended experience.
•[ ] Requirements are realistic and tested. Don't guess. Actually test your game on hardware matching your minimum specs.
•[ ] Storage space is accurate. Listing the wrong download size frustrates players, especially those with limited storage.
•[ ] DirectX/Vulkan/OpenGL version listed. Specify which graphics API your game requires.
•[ ] Controller support indicated (if applicable). If your game supports controllers, mark this in the features section.

Pricing setup

Pricing is weirdly stressful. You've spent months or years on your game and now you have to put a dollar amount on it. Don't overthink it, but don't wing it either.

•[ ] Base price selected. Refer to our Steam Pricing Strategy Guide for data-driven guidance on choosing your price point.
•[ ] Regional pricing reviewed. Check Steam's recommended regional prices and adjust where necessary. Don't set all regions to the same USD equivalent -- that's leaving money on the table in some markets and pricing yourself out in others.
•[ ] Launch discount planned (if applicable). Set up your launch discount in advance. A 10-15% discount is standard.
•[ ] Currency display tested. Verify that your price displays correctly in major currencies.

Release date strategy

•[ ] Release date set or marked as Coming Soon. A specific date creates anticipation. "Coming Soon" is acceptable if you're not confident in your timeline.
•[ ] Release timing checked against major releases. Avoid launching the same week as a highly anticipated AAA title in your genre. You will lose that fight.
•[ ] Release timing checked against Steam sales. Don't launch during a major Steam sale. Your game will be buried under discounted titles from established games.
•[ ] Day of week considered. Tuesday through Thursday are generally the best days for indie game launches.
•[ ] Time zone considered. Steam updates occur at 10 AM Pacific. Plan your release and marketing around this timing.

Legal and compliance

Nobody's favorite section, but you'll be glad you handled it before launch instead of scrambling after.

•[ ] EULA reviewed (if custom). If you use a custom EULA beyond Steam's default subscriber agreement, make sure it's legally sound.
•[ ] Privacy policy linked (if your game collects data). Multiplayer games and games with online features may need this.
•[ ] Third-party account requirements disclosed. If your game requires a separate account (e.g., for multiplayer services), disclose this on your store page.
•[ ] DRM information disclosed. If your game uses DRM beyond Steam's built-in protection, this must be listed.

Community setup

•[ ] Steam Community hub enabled. This is where players post screenshots, guides, and discussions.
•[ ] Discussion boards configured. Set up relevant discussion categories (General, Bug Reports, Suggestions, etc.).
•[ ] Community moderators identified (if applicable). For games expecting significant community activity, have moderators ready. Check our review management guide for tips on handling early feedback.

Pre-launch final check

Before pressing the "Release" button, do one final pass. I know you're exhausted and just want to ship, but this is the last chance to catch something embarrassing.

•[ ] Full store page reviewed on a live browser. Preview your page and check every element as a player would see it.
•[ ] Store page reviewed on mobile. A significant percentage of Steam browsing happens on mobile. Make sure your page looks good on smaller screens.
•[ ] All links tested. If your description includes links to your website, social media, or Discord, verify they work.
•[ ] Spelling and grammar checked across all text. Description, short description, and any other text fields.
•[ ] Achievement art uploaded (if applicable). If your game has achievements, upload custom achievement icons.
•[ ] Trading cards set up (if applicable). Trading cards require separate asset uploads and configuration.
•[ ] Store page shared with trusted friends or community for feedback. Fresh eyes catch things you've become blind to after staring at your page for weeks.

If you're planning to participate in Steam Next Fest, now's a good time to review our Steam Next Fest checklist and make sure your demo and event assets are ready too.

The 48-hour pre-launch protocol

In the final 48 hours before launch, everything should already be done. This isn't the time for big changes -- it's the time to verify and prepare.

•[ ] Game build uploaded and set to the default branch. Verify that the build players will download is the correct, final version.
•[ ] Launch discount configured. Double-check that your launch discount is set up and will activate at release.
•[ ] Marketing materials prepared. Launch trailer, social media posts, press emails, and Discord announcements should all be drafted and ready to go.
•[ ] Monitoring plan in place. Know where you'll be watching for issues: Steam discussions, your Discord, social media, and review feeds.
•[ ] Day-one patch prepared (if needed). If you know of last-minute fixes, have a patch ready to deploy immediately after launch.

Frequently asked questions

How long before launch should I put up my Coming Soon page?

As early as possible -- 6 to 12 months is the sweet spot. The longer your page is live, the more wishlists you accumulate, and wishlists are the main driver of launch-day visibility. Our Coming Soon page guide walks through the full setup process and timing strategy.

Which store page element matters most for wishlists?

Your trailer has the biggest single impact on wishlist conversion rates, but it doesn't work in isolation. A weak capsule means fewer people click through to see the trailer in the first place. Think of it as a funnel: capsule gets the click, trailer seals the deal, description handles the skeptics.

How do tags affect my game's visibility?

Tags feed directly into Steam's recommendation and discovery queue systems. Accurate, well-chosen tags mean your game shows up for players who are most likely to buy it. Bad tags waste your slots and send your game to the wrong audience. Our guide on best Steam tags in 2026 covers specific strategies by genre.

Should I hire a professional for my capsule art and trailer?

If your budget allows it, yes -- especially for the trailer. These two assets do more heavy lifting for conversions than anything else on the page. A $500-1000 trailer edit can pay for itself many times over. That said, strong capsules are achievable on your own if you study what works. Our capsule design guide breaks down the principles.

This checklist gets you to launch-ready, but checking boxes is just the starting line. Go back through each section and ask yourself whether every asset is actually good, not just present.

Validate your visuals with the Capsule Validator, Screenshot Checker, and Tag Optimizer. Then read our Steam store page optimization guide, trailer best practices, and Steam pricing strategy to squeeze more performance out of every element.

Browse our genre-specific optimization guides for strategies tailored to your game type, and check the Steam Page Leaderboard to see how top games optimize their store pages.