How to Return Games on Steam: A Comprehensive Guide

I. Introduction

Have you ever purchased a game on Steam that didn’t live up to your expectations? Whether it’s due to technical difficulties or discrepancies in the game’s description versus its actual content, many of us have experienced the frustration of wanting to return a game on Steam.

In this article, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to return games on Steam. We’ll also discuss common reasons for refunds, Steam’s refund policies, and how to avoid the need to return games in the future. Let’s get started!

II. A step-by-step guide on how to return a game on Steam

Before we dive into the reasons for refunds and Steam’s policies, let’s first discuss the process for requesting a refund on Steam.

Firstly, it’s important to understand what a refund actually is on Steam. According to Steam’s website, a refund is “when a product is removed from your account or the purchase price is reduced to zero.” This essentially means that you will get your money back for the game in question.

Now, onto the step-by-step guide:

1. Log in to your Steam account



2. Go to your account details by clicking on your profile name in the top-right corner of the Steam client



3. Click on “Purchases” in the account details menu



4. Find the game you want to refund and click on “Request a refund”



5. Choose a reason for your refund and write a brief explanation



6. Wait for Steam to process your refund request

Once you’ve submitted your refund request, Steam will review your request within a few hours. If your request is approved, your refund will be issued to the original payment method within seven days. If your request is denied, you’ll receive an explanation of why it was denied and may have the option to appeal the decision.

It’s worth noting that Steam may deny a refund request if you’ve played the game for more than two hours, so make sure you request a refund sooner rather than later.

7. Check your email for confirmation of your refund

Once your refund has been processed, you’ll receive an email confirmation from Steam. Make sure to double-check that your refund has been issued to the correct payment method.

Now that you know the process for requesting a refund on Steam, let’s move on to some tips for dealing with common issues that may arise during the refund process.

III. Top reasons why you may want to return a game on Steam

There are a number of reasons why you might want to return a game on Steam. Let’s take a look at some of the most common reasons:

Technical difficulties

One of the most common reasons for refunds is technical difficulties. If a game is riddled with bugs or simply doesn’t work on your computer, it’s understandable that you’d want to return it.

Many developers release updates to fix bugs, so it’s worth checking to see if any updates are available before requesting a refund. It’s also a good idea to make sure your computer meets the game’s system requirements before purchasing it.

Discrepancies in game description versus actual game content

Another common reason for refunds is discrepancies in a game’s description versus its actual content. For example, if a game is advertised as having multiplayer capabilities but these capabilities are not included in the actual game, you may want to request a refund.

To avoid falling victim to these types of discrepancies, it’s a good idea to read reviews and watch gameplay videos before purchasing a game.

Performance concerns

If a game performs poorly on your computer, you may want to request a refund. This can be particularly frustrating if you’ve spent a lot of money on a game, only to find that it doesn’t run smoothly.

Again, it’s worth checking to see if any updates are available to improve performance before requesting a refund. It’s also a good idea to make sure your computer meets the game’s system requirements.

Now that we’ve covered the top reasons for refunds, let’s discuss the impact of returning a game on Steam.

IV. Steam’s refund policies: What you need to know

Before requesting a refund on Steam, it’s important to understand the different types of refunds available and what is required for each.

Refunds within 14 days of purchase

If you’ve purchased a game on Steam and are unhappy with it, you can request a refund within 14 days of purchase. There are a few requirements to keep in mind:

• You must have played the game for less than two hours
• You must have purchased the game within 14 days of the refund request
• You must not have violated any of Steam’s terms and conditions, such as cheating or fraud

Refunds after 14 days of purchase

If you’ve owned a game for more than 14 days and are still unhappy with it, you can request a refund. However, there are more limitations:

• You must have played the game for less than two hours
• You must have owned the game for less than two weeks (14 days) at the time of the refund request
• The game must not have been played for a significant amount of time since the purchase
• You must not have violated any of Steam’s terms and conditions, such as cheating or fraud
• Steam reserves the right to deny refunds on a case-by-case basis

Refunds for pre-purchases

If you’ve pre-purchased a game on Steam and are unhappy with it, you can request a refund up until the game’s release date. After that, the standard refund policy applies.

Refunds for in-game purchases

In-game purchases, such as DLC or skins, cannot be refunded unless the underlying game itself is also refunded.

It’s important to note that there are some exceptions to Steam’s refund policies for certain types of games, such as VR games, that have specific refund policies. Make sure to check the policy for each game before requesting a refund.

V. The benefits of returning a game on Steam

Returning a game on Steam can have a number of benefits. Firstly, it can save you money if you’re not happy with a game. Secondly, it can help you avoid wasting time on a game that doesn’t meet your expectations.

Additionally, returning games on Steam may help inform other gamers about potential issues with a particular game, as well as encouraging developers to improve their offerings in the future.

VI. How to avoid needing to return a game on Steam

While returning games on Steam can be helpful, it’s always better to avoid needing to refund a game in the first place. Here are some tips on how to avoid refunds:

• Read reviews and watch gameplay videos before purchasing a game
• Stay up-to-date on system requirements and software updates
• Utilize support forums for help if you’re experiencing technical difficulties
• Wait for sales to purchase games at a discounted price

Remember, prevention is always better than cure.

VII. Conclusion

Now that you know how to return games on Steam, as well as Steam’s refund policies and common reasons for refunds, you can make more informed decisions when purchasing games on the platform.

Remember to stay up-to-date on each game’s policies and requirements, as well as to read reviews and watch gameplay videos before purchasing a game. By doing so, you’ll minimize the need for refunds and ensure a better gaming experience overall.

Feel free to share your own experiences with returning games on Steam in the comments below.