Double Trouble: What Happens When You Accidentally Buy the Same Game Twice on Steam?

So, you’ve done it. You’ve been browsing the Steam store, perhaps fueled by late-night caffeine or an irresistible sale, and accidentally purchased a game you already own. Panic might set in, visions of wasted money dancing in your head. But fear not, fellow gamer! Steam’s refund system is generally quite forgiving, especially in cases of accidental duplicate purchases.

The most likely scenario is that Steam will recognize you already own the game. When you go to complete the purchase, the “Buy for myself” button will be grayed out. The store will then attempt to cancel your purchase, by notifying you that you already have a copy of the game. You’ll usually be presented with the option to buy it as a gift for a friend or store it in your Steam inventory (though this is becoming less common and isn’t possible for games using VAC, Valve Anti-Cheat).

However, if, through some quirk of the system – perhaps a different edition of the game or a temporary glitch – you do manage to buy the same game twice, don’t worry, you have options. The primary one is to request a refund.

The Steam refund policy is your friend here. Valve, the company behind Steam, generally offers a no-questions-asked refund within a specific timeframe: 14 days from the date of purchase, and with less than two hours of playtime across all copies of the game you own.

To initiate a refund, you’ll need to head to Steam Support. Log into your Steam account, navigate to the “Purchases” section, select the duplicate game purchase, and choose the “I would like a refund” option. Follow the prompts, selecting your preferred refund method (usually back to your Steam Wallet or your original payment method), and submit your request.

Steam’s support team will review your request, and in most cases of accidental duplicate purchases within the specified timeframe, the refund will be approved quickly. Just be aware that repeatedly buying and refunding games can raise a red flag and potentially lead to your account being flagged for abuse of the refund policy. So, try to be mindful of your purchases!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Duplicate Steam Purchases

Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of frequently asked questions to further clarify the ins and outs of buying the same game twice on Steam:

Will Steam automatically stop me from buying a game I already own?

Generally, yes. The “Buy for myself” button is usually grayed out if the game is already in your library. However, as mentioned above, glitches or different editions (e.g., base game vs. GOTY edition) might sometimes allow a duplicate purchase to slip through.

Can I own two copies of the same game on one Steam account?

Nope, not possible. You can only have one active instance of a game on your account at a time. That’s why the system usually prevents you from buying it again.

I accidentally bought a game I already own, and I’ve played a little of it. Can I still get a refund?

As long as your total playtime for the game across all owned versions is under two hours, and the purchase was made within the last 14 days, you should be eligible for a refund. The key is the combined playtime – if you already had 1.5 hours on the game and played another 30 minutes on the duplicate, you’re still within the refund window.

What happens if I bought the game a long time ago and just accidentally purchased it again?

The 14-day window is crucial. If you’re outside of that window, your chances of a refund are significantly lower. However, you can still submit a refund request and explain your situation. Steam might make an exception, but don’t count on it.

Can I refund a game that was gifted to me if I already own it?

If you receive a gift of a game you already own, the person who purchased the gift can request a refund, provided you (the recipient) have played less than two hours. If you’ve redeemed the gift, the gifter will see a message indicating that the product has been gifted to you.

Where does the refund money go when I return a game?

You usually have the option to have the refund credited to your Steam Wallet or back to your original payment method (credit card, PayPal, etc.).

What if I used Steam Wallet funds to buy the duplicate game?

The refund will almost certainly be credited back to your Steam Wallet.

Can Steam ban me for requesting too many refunds?

Yes, excessive refund requests can flag your account. Steam’s refund policy is intended for genuine accidental purchases or dissatisfaction with a game, not for “trying out” games repeatedly. The standard warning message is as follows: “You’ve requested a bunch of refunds recently. Please keep in mind that refunds are not a method for trying out games.”

I bought a bundle that includes a game I already own. Can I get a refund for the bundle?

This is a more complicated scenario. If you haven’t played any of the games in the bundle for more than two hours total, you might be able to get a refund for the entire bundle. However, if you’ve played other games in the bundle beyond that limit, a refund is less likely. It’s best to submit a request and explain the situation.

What if my bank issues a chargeback instead of requesting a refund through Steam?

Issuing a chargeback (disputing the charge with your bank) can lead to serious consequences with Steam. Your account may be locked until the issue is resolved. It’s always better to attempt a refund through Steam’s official channels first.

Can I sell the duplicate copy of the game to someone else?

Unfortunately, no. Digital game licenses on Steam are tied to your account and cannot be transferred or sold. The concept of “owning” a digital game is more accurately described as licensing it for your personal use. This aligns with the broader discussion of game ownership and digital rights, a topic explored by institutions like the Games Learning Society. Check out GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more about the intersection of games, learning, and culture.

I pre-ordered a game, and then I accidentally bought it again. Can I get a refund?

Yes, the same refund rules apply to pre-ordered games. You can request a refund before the game is released or within 14 days of its release date, as long as you haven’t played it for more than two hours.

Are there any games that are not eligible for refunds on Steam?

Generally, almost all games purchased through Steam are eligible for refunds, provided they meet the time and playtime requirements. However, there might be exceptions for certain third-party titles or promotional items. Always check the specific terms and conditions of the purchase.

What if I accidentally bought 10 of Steam’s cheapest games?

The same refund rules apply. As long as you haven’t played any of them for more than two hours each, and the purchases were made within 14 days, you should be able to get a refund for all of them. However, requesting so many refunds at once might raise a flag with Steam support, so be prepared to explain the situation.

I disputed a Steam purchase, what now?

With any chargeback, funds are held from Steam or returned to the cardholder. Since the funds are removed, the product is temporarily locked. It is very likely that Steam will ban you for chargebacks.

By understanding Steam’s refund policy and following the proper procedures, you can easily resolve accidental duplicate purchases and avoid unnecessary headaches. Happy gaming!