Creating backup of Steam game files.

[Amit3945]

I have been a gamer but so far have brought legit physical copies and used cracks to run them.
I have never used steam as a distribution medium since I don't like to be connected to the net when playing.

Looking at how the JC3 cracking is progressing.....(don't know if it's even in the works.), I have a few options
1) Wait for a few months...it MAY eventually get cracked...not sure...and then buy the physical copy and use the crack.
2) Download it completely from steam....(might be the ONLY game that I buy from steam.)

If I buy the physical copy, after installation from the DVD's, I will have to download the 2.5 GB additional data from steam...before I can start the game.

In future, if I format my PC, will I have to re-download the 2.5 again before I can start JC3?
Can I backup all the files (data from the DVD's + the additional downloaded data from steam) and just copy paste them on my newly formatted machine and launch the game from steam without having to be online?
I am assuming that since I have the original DVD's and downloaded the data from steam,steam would register me as a legit customer and wont ask me to re-download/re-verify my authenticity next time I am running JC3.
Is this how steam works....or is there any other way I can backup all the game data?

Above is a noob Q as I am completely new to the way steam works.

Thanks.

 

[UberNeuman]

Just copy the current full install folder of the game onto your save media and when you reinstall, just drag the folder into the Steam Apps\common folder on the hard drive you plan to reinstall. Most times Steam will detect the old files, download updates and you won't have to download the full game again.

 

[gorobei]

you can go to library

right click on a game and bring up properties.
under local files will be "backup game files"
click and it will guide you through making an archive.

you can save it to dvd or hd. when you need to transfer to new hd/install just install steam client and run the self extracting archive.

 

[keyed]

If you want to play it offline, you'll have to put steam in offline mode and log back in every 30 days.

 

[Amit3945]

Thanks.
Do I have to be online even to launch the game?
After complete installation, can I just unplug my PC from the net and launch JC3?
I believe there is a offline mode...but how does it work?
I have absolutely no interest in the leaderboard bs that they have implemented.
Will the game routinely try to get online in between play sessions?
The idea is to just have the base game... and play...(not interested in any further updates & patches.)
So will it work?