How to Refund a Game on Steam

Are you unhappy with a game you purchased on Steam? Maybe it didn’t live up to your expectations, or it had technical issues that made it unplayable. Whatever the reason, Steam has a friendly refund policy that allows you to return a game and get your money back. In this article, we’ll guide you through the simple process of refunding a game on Steam.

Eligibility for Refund

Before we dive into the refund process, make sure you meet Steam’s refund eligibility criteria:

1. Purchased within the last 14 days: You can only request a refund for games you purchased within the last two weeks.
2. Played the game for less than 2 hours: If you’ve played the game for more than 2 hours, you’re not eligible for a refund.
3. No exceptions for pre-orders: Pre-ordered games are not eligible for refunds, even if they don’t meet your expectations.

Step-by-Step Refund Process

Refunding a game on Steam is a straightforward process. Follow these steps to get your money back:

1. Open the Steam client: Launch Steam on your computer or device.
2. Go to the ‘My Games’ tab: Click on the ‘My Games’ tab in the top menu bar.
3. Find the game you want to refund: In the list of games, find the one you want to refund.
4. Click on the ‘Backup Local Game Files’ button: Click on the three dots next to the game title and select ‘Backup Local Game Files’. This will help preserve any game data you’ve accumulated.
5. Click on the ‘Request a Refund’ button: Click on the ‘Request a Refund’ button to start the refund process.
6. Fill out the refund form: Fill out the refund form with your reasons for returning the game. You can choose from a list of pre-defined options or write a custom message.
7. Submit the refund request: Click ‘Submit’ to submit your refund request.
8. Steam’s team will review your request: Steam’s customer support team will review your refund request. This may take some time, so be patient.

What Happens After Submitting the Refund Request

After submitting your refund request, Steam’s team will review your request and get back to you within 14 days. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Refund approved: If your refund is approved, you’ll receive a full refund for the game.
2. Refund declined: If your refund is declined, you’ll receive a message explaining why. You can re-submit your request if you believe you meet the eligibility criteria.
3. Game deleted from your library: If your refund is approved, the game will be removed from your Steam library.

Conclusion

Refunding a game on Steam is a relatively easy process, as long as you meet the eligibility criteria. Remember to backup your game files and fill out the refund form accurately to ensure a smooth refund process. If you have any questions or concerns about the refund process, you can contact Steam’s customer support team for assistance.