How to restore purchased games on steam. How to get your money back for a game on Steam and when is it possible?

Each of the PC players at least once in his life bought a game on Steam or some kind of add-on to it, which did not satisfy him in one way or another. Have you found yourself in a similar situation? Luckily for you, Valve some time ago introduced a refund option to the Steam digital distribution service. Money for the purchased product.

In some way, for this gift, players should “thank” Gearbox Software and the game Aliens: Colonial Marines, which at release was strikingly different from what was shown in its promotional materials, which is why many gamers around the world literally protested and demanded a return spent money.

The situation was so difficult and large-scale that Valve had to return the money spent to players, and over time the company decided to completely add a refund function to Steam. And this was one of the most good decisions Valve. However, it is worth noting that you can only get a refund for purchasing content in the store if certain conditions are met.

Let's take a closer look at the conditions that must be met for a refund, the refund process itself, as well as the consequences of abusing this opportunity in the service.

Conditions for refund

According to Valve, you can apply for a refund for a game under completely different pretexts: the game doesn’t start, it’s slow, or you just don’t like it - that’s all.

However, in order to return the funds, you must meet the following conditions:

• did not spend more than two hours in the game;
• less than two weeks (14 days) have passed since the date of purchase.

Please know that applications are reviewed by real Valve employees and not some automatic system. This means that your application may be approved even if you have not met any conditions, as long as you have a compelling reason.

The note: For example, let's remember the case with the game Batman Arkham Knight: the PC port was in terrible condition at the time of the initial release, so it was decided to meet the players halfway and return money to everyone, even if they spent more than two hours in the game.

However, what about other content and services (DLC, in-game purchases, wallet top-ups, etc.) on Steam? Well, let's look at the refund conditions for them too.

• DLC Exactly the same conditions as when returning games. However, you will not be able to get a refund for DLC that directly affects the game itself. It is also not possible to issue refunds for game add-ons from third-party developers.
• In-game purchases. Refunds for in-game purchases are possible within a couple of days, but only if the purchased content was not spent in any way in the game, modified or moved to another account.
• Pre-orders. Have you changed your mind about pre-ordering? Well, you can get your money back at any time before the game itself is released. However, if you do not manage to do this before release, then you will have to deal with the game's standard return conditions.
• Wallet replenishment. Refunds deposited to your Steam wallet are possible within two weeks.
• Sets of several games. In this case, everything is a little more complicated. You are also limited to two hours, but the limit is not on each game, but on the entire set, i.e. If total time in all games of the set will exceed two hours - you will not be able to return the money.

How to make a refund

Ok, let's move on to the main part of the material: how can I get my money back for the game? Let's figure it out. To get a refund for the game, you will need to do the following:

• Log into your Steam account through the client or browser;
• Click on your client's name on the right top corner and select “About account”;
• Click on “Purchase History”;
• Select the toy or content you need from the list;
• Click on the item “I want to request a refund”;

The note:you can access this support section through your game library. To do this, you need to go to the game page in the library and click on the “Support” item on the right side of the window.

Next, you will need to select the reason why you want the money back and also add a small note. Once you finish filling out the forms, click on the “Submit Request” button. Try to be as convincing as possible with your reasons and be mindful of the return policy. We remind you that your application will not be considered by robots, but by real people.

Valve promises refunds for the game or content within one week, however, refunds usually occur within a couple of hours. However, during sales and any holidays Consideration of your application and return of funds may take a day or two.

Consequences of return abuse

Let's now talk about the consequences that will follow if you often try to return money for purchases made. In fact, they are not so scary: if abused, the return function will simply be blocked from your account.

A special case

Some players from time to time find themselves in an unpleasant situation: they buy some game for full price, not suspecting that it will soon be sold at a good discount. If you find yourself in the same situation, then know that a refund in this case will not be considered abuse. Return the money and buy a toy at a discount, but do not forget about the return conditions.

Found a typo? Select the text and press Ctrl + Enter

Relatively recently, the world-famous platform for purchasing licensed games and applications has introduced a refund function for purchased games. Before this, users often bought games without even really seeing them. However, before you can return money for a game on Steam, you need to understand whether you can still do so.

You can get a refund for the game, for purchases made within it (if they were spent, then, alas, nothing can be done), for an inactivated gift, for untouched sets, for game additions. If any of these rules are violated, then the money from Steam will not be returned.

Basic conditions

Should be paid Special attention on the conditions under which you will be able to restore your funds.

1. A return can only be made if the interval between the purchase and the day you contacted support was not more than 14 days. If you wanted to get your funds back, but you played the game for more than 2 weeks, then you won’t succeed.
2. If after purchasing you played for more than two hours, then you will not get your money back from Steam.
3. You can also get a refund on Steam for game add-ons within two weeks. If this is exactly the option that you want to do, then you need to know that if the supplement has done any kind of operation, then nothing will help in solving your problem.

Return Process

Below will be indicated step-by-step instruction upon return of money:

After this, you will see various types of information about this purchase. In the reason field, you can indicate it. However, this is an optional step. The decision on the refund will be sent by email.

On Kiwi

Unfortunately, it is not possible to make an instant direct transfer of money to Qiwi. However, there are several methods.

1. For this method, you must have a friend or acquaintance who wants to purchase the game in the near future. You must buy it with your game currency, give the user a key. For this, your friend must transfer money to your wallet.
2. Another way is to purchase items from famous games. Next, you will need to sell them on different sites. Payment will be made to Qiwi wallet.

To a bank card

First, find things to sell in your account. Go to any website that sells. Log in via Steam. Select items to sell. Usually the buyer is found quickly. After the sale, you can withdraw the currency to Qiwi and then to the card. This is the most profitable way to transfer funds to bank cards.

Sale

Often, after purchasing a video game they don’t like, users are interested in how to sell the game on Steam. It is for such people that this text is dedicated. In order to sell a video game, you must find the key to it. And then you need to sell it. You can post an ad on various websites. The main thing is not to overinflate the cost.

After reading the article, you learned how to return money for a game on Steam and how to sell it. The main thing is to know all the rules and conditions so as not to end up in the red. We hope that after reading the article you do not have any questions. But if you have them, then write them in the comments. The answers to them will be given in as soon as possible. We will also be grateful for liking and reposting the article to your friends.

One of the biggest fears when purchasing any product online is possible disappointment. The same is true for purchasing digital games, for example, on Steam. Valve, realizing the state of things, has implemented an advanced content return system. Anyone who completes the series can use it simple conditions. In this material, we will figure out how to get your money back for a game on Steam if it doesn’t work, doesn’t meet your quality standards, or you just don’t like it.

Return Policy

Despite the advent of semi-automatic refunds, this does not mean that you can now return all completed games and get rich. Only the following games are eligible for automatic refund:

• Which were purchased no more than 14 days ago.
• In which you spent no more than 2 hours of game time.
• Which were purchased with your help account.

You won’t have to calculate anything yourself; before Steam returns money for the game, an automatic check will be carried out to ensure compliance with all system requirements.

An exception

What content can be returned?

Only certain content is eligible for return to the store. You can return to the store:

• Any game purchased on Steam, unless otherwise stated during purchase (some developers still do not support this feature).
• Any add-on (DLC, additional levels), provided that you spent no more than 2 hours in the game (to which the add-on belongs) and the update itself was purchased no more than 14 days ago.
• A game bundle, unless it includes non-refundable content (this only applies to games).
• In-game currency and in-game items, if the game developer supports this feature (only works in games created by Valve).
• Gifted games, but the money will go to the account of the person who purchased it. If the gift has not been activated, the application can be submitted by the user who paid for it.

In what cases is a return not possible?

Before you can return money for a game on Steam, you should make sure that the developer supports this feature and that the game was purchased on Steam.

There is certain content that cannot be returned, including:

• Steam Gift Cards and Digital Keys - Valve cannot issue refunds for games purchased outside of Steam. Games on physical media or digital activation keys taken from third-party resources can only be returned to the seller.
• Games blocked using VAC - if the system of protection against dishonest players notices that you are using dishonest gaming methods, then you will be deprived of access to the game and a refund for it.
• Video material - purchased films and game videos cannot be returned in the store, but you can return the game or bundle to which they belong.

Access to the refund system may be restricted if employees notice that the user is abusing this function. The system is designed to reduce the level of risk when purchasing games, and not for games to be used as two-hour demos. Therefore, before you return money for a game on Steam, you should make sure that you do not play frequently. The exception to this rule is an upcoming sale. If you bought a game, and an hour later you found out that it will be sold at a discount, then you can return the game to the store without pangs of conscience; technical support will not have any unnecessary questions for you.

How to get money back for a game on Steam: instructions

In order to return funds to Steam, you must use the service client or go to the official Steam website.

• You must select the “Steam Help” menu.
• Provide your account information (account name and password).
• Select the sub-item “Games, programs, etc.”
• Find the game you want to return and select it by clicking on the icon or game name.
• A menu will appear in which you need to select one of two items: “Purchased by mistake,” “Product did not meet expectations.”
• Then click the “Send request” button and wait for an email from the technical support service confirming the operation.

When will the money come and where?

The money will be returned to its owner within one week from the moment the refund request was submitted.

Depending on what payment instrument was used when purchasing the game, the money will be returned either to your Steam account or to a credit card. Users are often interested in how to return money for a game on Steam to Qiwi, Yandex.Money and other payment systems, but the answer is no. Valve does not cooperate with such services, which means that the money will return to your Steam wallet.

Prices for games can reach several thousand rubles, and users are not always satisfied with the quality of the product. If necessary, you can return money for a game on Steam, but to do this you must meet specific requirements. Refunds follow a standard procedure, which will be useful for new users to know. Because it is important to demand a refund in a timely manner, otherwise it will be impossible to cancel the purchase.

Is it possible to get a refund for a game on Steam?

It should already be clear that you can return the funds spent on Steam. The company's policy includes providing a warranty for goods. After all, people want to purchase quality content that will be worth the money spent. But you still may not like the game, and then you can demand your money back.

Of course, there are some nuances that should not be forgotten. After all, the company is not obliged to return money to everyone, since this will lead to many scammers. There are conditions, in particular regarding the terms of application. Specific restrictions make it possible to make sure that a person is really not satisfied with the game. After all, if he spent many hours in it, and then decided to give up, then such a decision can be considered suspicious. It’s another matter when the user just tried out the purchase and immediately made a return request.

The positive side of Steam is that you can refuse not only the games themselves, but also some in-game purchases, as well as additional content. But it’s worth looking in advance to see if there is a clause that mentions refunds. Because not all materials can be cancelled.

Steam refund policy

You can get money back for a game you don’t like if you meet the conditions. The company has established specific requirements that you need to familiarize yourself with before returning funds. If the conditions are not met, then asking for the money back will be pointless. Therefore, everything needs to be done correctly and in a timely manner.

Primary requirements:

1. No more than two weeks have passed since the purchase. If the period is longer, then it will not be possible to cancel the acquisition.
2. A person should play no more than two hours. This time will be enough to understand whether the game suits you or not. Note that the time that the user will play is always recorded in the system.
3. The user must buy the game on Steam. If he purchased the key online, then he will not be able to request a refund.
4. Pre-orders can be canceled at any time before release. However, if it has already taken place, then the standard rules will apply.
5. The game can be received as a gift and in the absence of activation, the donor has the right to request a refund general rules. If the recipient managed to activate, then the task of returning the funds falls on him. However, it should be understood that the money will be returned to the donor.

If the user a large number of If he makes a return, then he may be suspected of fraud. Because it will be suspicious that the user did not like any game out of many options. Therefore, you should not abuse the return function and constantly cancel in order to try out more games.

Important! If all conditions are met, then in almost all cases you can return the purchase. In this case, it doesn’t even matter why a person wants to refuse the product.

The money will be returned even in the situation if the user simply did not like the gameplay. Therefore, there do not necessarily have to be technical problems in order to claim your funds.

Step-by-step instructions for returning funds

Refunds for playing games on Steam must be made according to a certain scheme. In general, the procedure will not take much time, the main thing is not to wait until the last minute. It is recommended to follow a specific procedure in order to quickly refuse the product.

Returning a game to Steam is a simple process, but only if you meet several conditions.

Return Policy

1. No more than two weeks have passed since the date of purchase

2. The user spent no more than two hours in the purchased game/DLC

Almost all goods are subject to return, with the exception of DLC, the effect of which (such as a one-time character upgrade) occurs immediately and is irreversible. It is separately noted that returning funds for a game purchased shortly before the discount in order to purchase it at a reduced price is not an abuse of the system and will not be prosecuted in any way. Those. If you purchased a game, but did not have time to play it, and then they announced a discount on it, then you can safely return your hard-earned money and buy the game at a reduced price.

However, the FAQ section states that those who abuse this function will have their return option disabled. However, what exactly constitutes “abuse” is not stated. I think this applies to examples where people buy, play, and then return games multiple times. Or buy different games very often and after playing a little they return.

If you do not have any selfish intentions, to return, go here.

Choosing a game

Select an item from the list “The product did not live up to expectations”.

select reason for return

The list of reasons is wide:

• Not interested
• The game does not match trailers and screenshots
• The computer does not meet the requirements
• Doesn't start
• Bought by mistake
• Multiplayer mode doesn't work
• Performance issues
• The game is too difficult
• My problem is not on the list

It is not known for sure how the decision to return funds is made, but I returned the games after playing them for a little more than two hours. I highlighted the reasons that I tried to choose when returning.

And I read to some citizens that funds are not returned even if all conditions are met.

In addition to the reason for the return, write a few lines below in the “Note” section and click “Submit Request.” The application approval period varies. They may return the funds within an hour, or in a few days.

completion of sending request

Where will the money be returned?

If the conditions are met and the return is approved, the funds for the purchase will be returned to your Steam wallet. It’s worth saying here that you won’t be able to withdraw money to the card. The funds will remain in your wallet for future purchases.

How to return a gift to Steam

If you gave a game to a friend, but he doesn’t need it, then you can return the money for it. The rules are the same as for a regular return. If the game is not activated and no more than two weeks have passed since the date of purchase and you have spent no more than two hours in the game. If activation is completed, then the return to Steam should be requested by the person to whom you gave the game. But if approved, the funds will be returned to your account.

Refund for DLC

You can get your money back for DLC (additional content). But!

1. If you spent no more than two hours in the main game for which this add-on was purchased and it was purchased no later than 14 days ago.
2. If it has not been irretrievably used up. For example, you bought a cool elixir that increases your character’s strength. We activated it, but were not satisfied with the result. In this case, the money will not be returned. The same applies to items that you have improved or transferred to another player.
3. Steam does not refund money for add-ons. content you purchased from third parties.

Refund for pre-order

If you change your mind about purchasing the game, you can get your money back, but only after the release. Plus the rules apply for no more than 2 hours in the game and within 14 days.

The game key was purchased from another store

Despite the fact that they activated it on Steam, they will not return the money for it.

I received a VAC ban, how do I get my money back?

Personal experience

Regarding the second point, you need to spend two hours in the game. I bought PUBG during the New Year's sale. He seemed interesting on streams and I decided to give it a try. Initially I was expecting to return it. I set the timer on my smartphone twice to track the time and not exceed the threshold. As a result, something went wrong and I played on the timer for a total of 2 hours and about 20 minutes on top.

I realized that I was not ready to play it yet and decided to return it. Returning to the game page, I saw that in the line the time spent in the game was: 3 hours. Steam does not display minutes and, apparently, in addition to one, immediately records the hour. I was upset, but still decided to try. I made a request and wrote that I didn’t like the game: there were a lot of cheats and it was poorly optimized.

Three days later the money was returned.