Home : Extensions : .gcf files

.gcf File Extension

File Type Game Cache File

Developer Valve
Category Game files
File Format Binary

GCF file type

Cache file used by Valve's Steam game distribution software; contains a virtual file system that may include file fragments, metadata, checksums and other game information; used for storing downloaded games and game updates from the Valve distribution service.

More Information

GCF was initially short for "Grid Cache File," but now stands for "Game Cache File." It is the format used for storing official Steam-integrated games and for downloading official content. GCF files are not meant to be manually altered by the user.

NOTE: Valve released the Mac version of Steam in May 2010.

Programs that open GCF files

Windows
Valve Steam
GCFScape
GCFExplorer
Linux
Valve Steam
Macintosh
Valve Steam
GridMount

About GCF Files

Our goal is to explain what .gcf file is used for for and how to open it.

File Game Cache File usage cases for Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, and iOS software listed on this page have been individually researched and verified using the FilesWiki team. We strive for 100% accuracy and only publish information about file formats that we have tested and verified.