How to Refund a Game on Steam?
Valve’s Steam platform has become the go-to hub to purchase games and downloadable content (DLC) and it has been ever since its launch in 2003. Steam allows gamers to purchase titles along with their expansions and downloadable content such as in-game currency, and it allows customers to receive refunds for certain qualifying purchases. However, with over 15,000 games* , the process of obtaining a refund on Steam can be a daunting process. With that in mind, this article will discuss the process of how to get a refund for a game or DLC purchased on Steam.
Overview of Steam Refunds
Steam offers refunds for purchases based on several conditions. If a game or DLC bought is activated within 14 days of purchase and has been played for less than two hours, it is eligible for a refund. Additionally, if a game fails to launch or is, in some way, defective, it may be eligible for a refund. Additionally, purchase error, such as double-paying for a game, can be rectified with a refund. Before requesting a refund, users should make sure to read Valve’s refund policy for full details, as many factors can be taken into account.
Requesting a Refund
Once the conditions for a refund have been met, the user can begin the process of requesting a refund. To do so, users should firstly open the Steam desktop application, click on account details and head to the “purchase history” section. There, the user can select the game or DLC purchase they want to be refunded for.
Once selected, users should click on the “request a refund” link and fill out the necessary form. A number of questions need to be answered, such as what the game was and why it is being refunded, before they can submit the request. Although the request time can vary depending on the refund situation, Steam guarantees to answer at most within 14 days.
When Will the Refund Arrive?
Once the refund request is accepted, the money will be deposited within one week in the same payment method used when purchasing the game. For example, if the purchase of the game was made through PayPal, then the refund will also be deposited into the PayPal account used. If the request is declined, then the user will receive a notification from Steam explaining why their request was declined.
Things to Know About Refunds on Steam
There are some exceptions to the refund policy on Steam, and users should bear this in mind when requesting a refund. Firstly, as of now, pre-purchases are not refundable, as the game is not officially available yet, so until then the purchase is considered a non-refundable donation. Secondly, Steam wallet funds cannot be refunded. User accounts should make sure to check the store page before purchase to make sure the game will run properly on their setup. Lastly, any DLC that needs to be refunded should be backed up with proof of purchase, as Steam will not refund any content without solid proof of ownership.
To sum up, users who want to refund a game or DLC purchased on Steam should make sure to read the store page and check for system requirements, as pre-purchases and incomplete or defective downloads cannot be refunded. Additionally, user should also make sure to read Valve’s refund policy before submitting a request, as not all criteria for refunds may be available. If the user meets the criteria, they must fill out a form with their purchase details and await their refund. If their purchase was successful, then they should receive their money back within a week.