Steam refunds games for any reason if you request a refund within 14 days of purchase and have played for less than 2 hours.
Steam can provide returns and refunds on software products bought on its servers. You can send a request for a return within a time-sensitive window and still receive a full refund on the product. There are different conditions for each type of product return.
Steam Return Policy
To receive a full refund on a return transaction, you must request a refund within the necessary time frame, which varies based on the product type. Steam also requires that you have less than 2 hours of gameplay or have not otherwise manipulated the purchase.
Types of Purchases
- Games
- Pre-purchased games
- Gifted software
- Downloadable Content
- In-game purchases
- Steam wallet currency
1. Games
Video games published on Steam are eligible for a refund. To receive a refund on a Steam game, request it within 14 days of purchase and have played the game for less than 2 hours. This means you cannot have played more than 2 hours of the game or software to receive a full refund.
2. Pre-purchased games
Pre-purchased games are games bought before their release, which the buyer receives when they are released on the Steam page. To receive a refund on a pre-purchased game, request it before the game’s release. After the game’s release, you have 14 days from its release to request a refund, provided you have played for less than 2 hours. This means you cannot have played more than 2 hours of the game or software to receive a full refund.
3. Gifted Software
Gifted software consists of games that a Steam account holder purchases to send to someone else through the application. Unredeemed gifts can be refunded within the standard 14-day/2-hour period; redeemed gifts can also be refunded under the same conditions if the recipient starts the request, and the funds go back to the purchaser. The recipient must initiate the refund for it to return to the purchaser within 14 days of purchase, with less than 2 hours of gameplay. This means you cannot have played more than 2 hours of the game or software to receive a full refund.
4. Downloadable Content
Downloadable content is gameplay that adds to the experience of its intended game. To receive a refund on Steam downloadable content (DLC), request it within 14 days of purchase and have played the game for less than 2 hours. This means you cannot have played more than 2 hours of the game or software to receive a full refund. Steam also states that the DLC must not have been modified in any way, such as by tampering with the game files.
5. In-game Purchases
In-game purchases are purchases made within the game application rather than the Steam application. To receive a refund on an in-game purchase in a Valve-owned game, request it within 48 hours of the purchase. The in-game purchase must not have been used in the game, depending on the elements it adds. Other games not owned by Valve have their own refund policies, and you should be able to find their conditions through the company.
6. Steam Wallet Currency
The Steam Wallet holds money used through the Steam application to make purchases. You can add money to your wallet for future purchases. To receive a refund on Steam Wallet currency, request it within 14 days of purchase. You must also not have used the currency to receive a full refund.
Conclusion
Now we have learned about the Steam return policy. Purchases made through the Steam application can be returned and refunded within the timeframe for each type of purchase. Purchases that do not follow the requirements for their product type may not receive a full refund. Other types of returns can be found in the policy within the application.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) What is the Steam policy for hardware?
You can request a cancellation on hardware purchases through the Steam application from your account. From there, you will be redirected to a representative to discuss the hardware’s condition and whether it qualifies for a full refund. Steam hardware bought through Steam is refunded under Steam’s Hardware Refund Policy; Valve cannot provide refunds for purchases made outside of Steam.
2) What is the Steam policy on Renewable Subscriptions?
Renewable subscriptions are recurring purchases made through the Steam application that you can access under a contract period. You can cancel the subscription anytime through your account; however, if you want to refund a previous purchase within the cycle, you must request it within 48 hours of the initial purchase or renewal period.
3) What cannot be returned?
Products that cannot be requested for a refund through Steam include purchases from outside sources, such as third-party key purchases. Video content is also non-refundable unless it is part of a bundle of refundable content. Abusing the refund system can also result in products becoming non-refundable.