Can I Refund a Game on Steam If I Haven’t Played It?
Yes, you absolutely can refund a game on Steam even if you haven’t played it, provided you meet certain conditions. The primary criteria are that the purchase must be made within 14 days and that the game has less than two hours of playtime. This means if you bought a game, had second thoughts, and haven’t launched it at all, you are well within your rights to request a refund. Valve, the company behind Steam, understands that sometimes purchases aren’t what you expected, or they might be accidental. Their refund policy is designed to be fairly lenient, allowing players to feel secure in their purchasing decisions.
The reason you can get a refund even with zero playtime is simple: Steam wants to ensure that you’re satisfied with your purchase. A game might look great from the store page, but you might discover that it isn’t suitable for you once you’ve looked at it further. Or perhaps you’ve made an accidental purchase and want to undo it quickly. No playtime at all is the most straightforward situation for a refund.
Understanding Steam’s Refund Policy
Steam’s refund policy is quite user-friendly, but there are some specific details you should know. Here’s a breakdown:
The 14-Day and 2-Hour Rule
The core of Steam’s refund policy is the 14-day purchase window and the 2-hour playtime limit. You must request the refund within 14 days of purchasing the game, and your total playtime for the game must be under two hours. These two criteria go hand-in-hand; failing to meet either one will render you ineligible for a standard refund.
How to Request a Refund
The refund process is straightforward:
- Log in to your Steam account.
- Click ‘Help’ then ‘Steam Support’.
- Select ‘Purchases’.
- Choose the game you wish to refund.
- Click ‘I would like a refund’.
- Select ‘I’d like to request a refund’.
- Choose your preferred refund method.
- Click ‘Submit Request’.
After submitting your request, Steam will review it. Most refunds that meet the basic criteria are approved quickly. Approved refunds usually take up to 7 days to process; if you refund to your Steam Wallet, it often takes only about 24 hours, while refunds to external payment sources can take up to 14 days.
Refunds Beyond the Standard Policy
While the 14-day and 2-hour rules are the norm, exceptions can occur. If you miss either of these deadlines, you can still attempt a refund request, but be aware that it will not be guaranteed. Steam will likely evaluate these requests on a case-by-case basis, taking your reasons into consideration. However, be prepared that this type of refund will have a lower chance of success. For example, you may be able to make a case if you didn’t have access to your PC for 14 days or could not test if the game would run.
Steam’s Warning About Excessive Refunds
Steam doesn’t want their refund policy to be abused, and it is not meant as a demoing tool. If you consistently request refunds, you may receive a warning message like, “You’ve requested a bunch of refunds recently. Please keep in mind that refunds are not a method for trying out games.” It’s important to use the system responsibly, or Steam may revoke your refund access.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Steam Refunds
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Steam refunds, providing a deeper dive into various aspects of the policy:
1. Can I refund a game I got as a gift on Steam?
You can only refund a game if you were the original purchaser. If a game was gifted to you, the original purchaser needs to request the refund. Additionally, the game cannot have been played by you for more than two hours, and the request has to be within 14 days of the original purchase.
2. What happens if I request a refund and then try to buy the game again?
You are free to repurchase a game that you’ve previously refunded. However, if you try to rebuy it immediately after requesting a refund it may cause issues until the first refund request has been approved. Also, be aware that you’ll pay the current price; if the price has changed since you purchased it the first time, that could mean you won’t get the same price.
3. Is there a limit to how many refunds I can request on Steam?
There is no fixed limit on the number of refunds you can request, however, Steam monitors users and may revoke refund access if it is believed to be abused. It is not meant as a way to demo or rent games. Think of it as more of a cooldown period.
4. Can I get a refund on DLCs or in-game purchases?
Yes, you can typically request refunds on DLC (Downloadable Content) or in-game purchases within 48 hours of the purchase. However, if the content has been consumed, modified, or transferred, a refund may not be possible.
5. Can I get a refund if my PC doesn’t meet the game’s requirements?
Absolutely. If a game doesn’t run well on your PC, this is a valid reason for requesting a refund, even if you’ve played it for a short period. Just ensure your playtime is still under two hours and the purchase was made within 14 days.
6. What if I bought a game by accident?
Accidental purchases are a perfectly valid reason for requesting a refund. As long as you've not played more than two hours and it's been less than 14 days since you bought it, Steam will likely grant the refund.
7. How long does it take for a refund to process on Steam?
Refunds to your Steam Wallet typically take about 24 hours, while refunds to external payment sources, like a bank account or PayPal, may take up to 14 days to process.
8. Can I refund a game bought during a sale after the sale is over?
Yes, you can refund a game purchased during a sale within the standard refund window (14 days/2 hours) and if approved, you will receive a refund of the purchase price you paid.
9. What is the standard refund window for Steam?
The standard refund window for Steam is 14 days from the date of purchase and less than 2 hours of playtime.
10. Will Steam ban me if I request too many refunds?
Steam won’t ban you outright, but if you abuse the refund system, they may revoke your access to refund features. Using refunds as a way to try games is not within the intent of Steam’s refund policy.
11. Can I get a refund on Steam if I purchased the game from a third-party site?
No, games purchased from third-party sites are not eligible for a refund through Steam. Refunds need to be handled through the original seller.
12. If I refund a game, does it get removed from my library?
Yes, if your refund is approved, the game will be removed from your Steam library.
13. Can I choose how I receive my refund?
Yes, Steam allows you to choose between receiving the refund to your Steam Wallet or to your original payment method. The refund method is selected when you submit the refund request.
14. What if my playtime is slightly over 2 hours?
While the 2-hour limit is firm, Steam may consider a refund if your playtime is marginally over, especially if you have a valid reason. However, there is a much higher chance of the request being denied.
15. Can I trade a game I own on Steam?
No, you cannot trade a game you own on Steam with another user. The only exceptions are if you have an un-opened copy that you received as a gift. Once you open a Steam Gift and add it to your account it is locked there until the game is refunded, but that is limited to two weeks from purchase.
In conclusion, Steam’s refund policy is designed to provide flexibility and security for gamers. While the 14-day and 2-hour rule is critical, understanding the nuances of the policy can help you make confident purchase decisions on the Steam platform. Remember to utilize the system responsibly and reach out to Steam support if you encounter any issues or need clarification on your refund.