Steam Review Time

How long does it take for Valve to review your store page and game build? Here's what to expect.

Typical Review Times

3-5
business days

Store Page Review

Initial review of your store presence — capsules, screenshots, description, and all required fields.

3-5
business days

Build Review

Review of your game build to ensure it launches, matches store page claims, and follows guidelines.

5-7+
business days

Adult Content

Games with mature sexual content may require longer review times.

Plan for 7+ days: Valve recommends submitting at least 7 business days before you need approval, to account for potential revision requests.

Review Process Timeline

1. Complete Store Presence Checklist

Fill in all required fields — capsules, screenshots, description, system requirements, etc.

2. Submit Store Page for Review

Click "Mark as ready for review" in Steamworks. Your page enters the review queue.

3. Wait for Store Page Approval (3-5 days)

Valve reviews your page. You'll get approval or feedback requesting changes.

4. Complete Build Checklist

Upload your game build and complete the build review checklist.

5. Submit Build for Review

Can only be done after store page is approved.

6. Wait for Build Approval (3-5 days)

Valve tests your game. Approval or feedback provided.

7. 2-Week Coming Soon Period

Your page must be public for at least 2 weeks before release.

8. Release

Once everything is approved and 2 weeks have passed, you can release.

What Causes Delays?

Store Page Issues

Build Issues

Each revision adds time: If Valve requests changes, fixing and resubmitting goes back to the end of the review queue. Multiple rounds of feedback can delay launch significantly.

How to Speed Up Approval

  1. Complete everything first — Don't submit partial pages
  2. Follow guidelines exactly — Read Steamworks documentation carefully
  3. Use gameplay screenshots — Not concept art or renders
  4. Test your build — Make sure it launches on all supported OSes
  5. Be honest in disclosures — Early Access, mature content, etc.
  6. Check for trademark issues — Don't mention competitors inappropriately

Minimum Timeline to Release

Assuming no revisions are needed:

Best practice: Submit your store page months in advance. Use the Coming Soon period to build wishlists. Only submit the build for review when you're actually ready to release.

What Happens After Approval?

Once both store page and build are approved, your page shows "Ready for Release." You control when to actually release — just press the release button when you're ready.

Approved games don't auto-release. You must manually trigger the launch.

Avoid Revision Delays

Check your page for common issues before submitting.

Run Free Check →

Related Resources