Easily, repeatedly switching between beta and stable?

[myxal]

Any ONI enthusiasts who are switching between releases (or "updates", U57 vs U58 and so on..) more than just once/twice during a release cycle? Any tips on the "OS/Steam plumbing" of your setup you can share?

So far I've only got multiple userdata folders (~/.config/unity3d/Klei/Oxygen Not Included<sufffix>) - the ones not is use get some kind of suffix, but the whole "(un)select beta in steam, then add suffix the current default folder, then remove suffix from the desired folder" dance is a bit tiresome. Is there a way to make it as simple as selecting a different "game" in the steam library?

Spoiler

I'm thinking of trying out this approach, not sure if it's gonna work:

• The "ONI" game installed "normally" through steam is the regular branch.
• The other releases are downloaded as depots using steam console, then added to the library as a "non-steam game"
• All library entries get some command modification to use the correct data directory. Maybe ONI has a CLI switch for this, maybe I'll need a wrapper script that does the rename dance (More likely, would bind-mount before launching and unmount on exit, a suffixed folder to the expected path).

 

[KittenIsAGeek]

I haven't really messed with it. Could you write a bash script to automate the folder renaming process?  Then you could call it from your home folder in the terminal with an argument for the release you're switching from and to and it would take care of everything else.  Something like:  ./oni-switch <from> <to>

I mean, that might help simplify things even if it doesn't make it as easy as a "non-steam game" option.

[BLACKBERREST3]

Have you tried game streaming with geforce now? I forget if it is free with a time limit or not. You might be able to run it concurrently on the same device.

I used it to play subnautica 2 the other day.

Another option, just gonna spit out what ai told me;

To quickly switch between a game's beta and stable versions on Steam without waiting for redownloads, you can use the folder duplication trick. Steam requires one specific folder name for active game verification; making a copy of the installed files bypasses this restriction. [1]

1. Locate your game files: Go to your Steam Library, right-click the game, and select Manage > Browse local files. [1, 2, 3, 4]
2. Duplicate the folder: Copy the game's folder (e.g., "MyGame") and paste it in the same directory. Rename the copy so you know what version it is (e.g., "MyGame - Stable"). [1, 2]
3. Switch to the Beta: Go back to Steam, right-click the game, and select Properties > Betas. From the "Beta Participation" dropdown, select your desired beta branch. Steam will verify files, which may take a moment, but will avoid a full re-download. [1, 2, 3]
4. Add as a Non-Steam Game: To play the version you didn't set as active, click Add a Game (in the bottom left of your Steam Library) and select Add a Non-Steam Game. Browse to the .exe file inside your duplicated folder. [1, 2, 3, 4]

This allows you to launch either the active Steam version or your duplicate folder offline without ever needing to toggle the dropdown and re-verify files again. [1, 2]

[KittenIsAGeek]

On 6/16/2026 at 6:03 PM, BLACKBERREST3 said:

you can use the folder duplication trick.

I think step 4 is what they were missing.  

[BLACKBERREST3]

ah ok. I wasn’t sure