The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Yes. You can ask Steam for a refund after playing for more than two hours, but the request falls outside Valve’s standard refund rule and approval is not guaranteed. Valve’s normal rule for games bought on the Steam Store is a request within 14 days of purchase and less than two hours of recorded playtime. You can submit a request through Steam Support.
What is Steam’s standard refund rule?
Valve’s standard policy for games and software applications bought through the Steam Store requires both conditions to be met:
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- Submit the request within 14 days of purchase.
- Have played the game for less than two hours.
The limits are independent. If you have played for two hours or more, or more than 14 days have passed, the purchase is outside the standard rule. These terms come from Valve’s Steam Refunds policy, last updated April 23, 2024.
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Yes. Valve says, “even if you fall outside of the refund rules we’ve described, you can ask for a refund anyway and we’ll take a look.” That means you may submit a request for Valve to review; it does not mean the refund will be approved. The policy does not promise exceptions for particular reasons, so explain the circumstances accurately rather than assuming a technical problem or another reason guarantees approval.
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- Visa Virtual eGift Cards are designed for online use only. Gift Cards are subject to Terms and Conditions: a.co/5bw3qXJ
- When you access your Visa Virtual eGift Card for the first time, you’ll need to register your name, address, phone number, and email address via activationspot.com. These details should also be used as your billing address for online purchases, as many merchants require address verification for purchase authorization.
- This Visa Virtual eGift Card is non-reloadable. No cash or ATM access. Visa Virtual eGift Cards are emailed active.
- Funds do not expire but your Visa Virtual eGift Card has a ‘valid thru’ date (9 years from date of purchase). If funds remain after this date has passed, please call the Toll Free number found on your Visa Virtual eGift Card for a replacement card. A one-time purchase fee applies at the time of checkout.
- This item is not eligible for refund, resale, or return. Available for sale within the United States only. Not available to residents of Puerto Rico, Hawaii, New Mexico, South Dakota, West Virginia and the US Virgin Islands.
How to submit a Steam refund request
- Check the purchase date and Steam’s recorded playtime for the game. Compare both with the standard limits: within 14 days and less than two hours.
- Go to help.steampowered.com and follow the prompts to select the purchase and request a refund.
- If you are outside either limit, submit the request if you want Valve to consider it. Describe the issue plainly and accurately; the request will be reviewed, but the outcome is not assured.
What happens if Steam approves the refund?
Valve says an approved refund is issued within a week of approval. The money goes to your Steam Wallet or, where supported, the original payment method. If the original method cannot receive the refund, Steam credits your Wallet; some payment methods in some countries do not support refunds to the original method. The week is the stated processing period after approval, not a deadline for Steam to decide your request.
Do other Steam purchases use the same rule?
No. The standard game rule should not be applied automatically to DLC, in-game purchases, early-access purchases, gifts, bundles, or other categories. Valve sets separate terms for them:
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- Visa Virtual eGift Cards are designed for online use only. Gift Cards are subject to Terms and Conditions: a.co/5bw3qXJ
- When you access your Visa Virtual eGift Card for the first time, you’ll need to register your name, address, phone number, and email address via activationspot.com. These details should also be used as your billing address for online purchases, as many merchants require address verification for purchase authorization.
- This Visa Virtual eGift Card is non-reloadable. No cash or ATM access. Visa Virtual eGift Cards are emailed active.
- Funds do not expire but your Visa Virtual eGift Card has a ‘valid thru’ date (9 years from date of purchase). If funds remain after this date has passed, please call the Toll Free number found on your Visa Virtual eGift Card for a replacement card. A one-time purchase fee applies at the time of checkout.
- This item is not eligible for refund, resale, or return. Available for sale within the United States only. Not available to residents of Puerto Rico, Hawaii, New Mexico, South Dakota, West Virginia and the US Virgin Islands.
| Purchase type | Relevant policy terms |
|---|---|
| DLC | Generally refundable within 14 days if the base game has been played for less than two hours since the DLC purchase and the DLC has not been consumed, modified, or transferred. Some third-party DLC is marked nonrefundable before purchase. |
| In-game purchases | For Valve-developed games, requests are generally possible within 48 hours if the item has not been consumed, modified, or transferred. Other developers may opt in; Steam indicates eligibility at purchase. |
| Early access or advance access | Playtime before release counts toward the two-hour limit. For games that cannot be played before release, a request may be made before release; the usual 14-day and two-hour period starts on release day. |
| Gifts and bundles | Gifts and bundles have additional conditions. A recipient who redeemed a gift must initiate the request; bundles have combined-use and transfer conditions. |
Steam also has distinct provisions for Wallet funds, renewable subscriptions, hardware, and video. Purchases made outside Steam cannot be refunded by Valve under this policy, and a VAC ban removes the right to refund that game. Check the applicable section of Valve’s policy for the purchase type in question. Valve also notes that consumers in some jurisdictions may have additional rights when a game is faulty; the policy does not spell out country-specific rules.
Quick Recap
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- Visa Virtual eGift Cards are designed for online use only. Gift Cards are subject to Terms and Conditions: a.co/5bw3qXJ
- When you access your Visa Virtual eGift Card for the first time, you’ll need to register your name, address, phone number, and email address via activationspot.com. These details should also be used as your billing address for online purchases, as many merchants require address verification for purchase authorization.
- This Visa Virtual eGift Card is non-reloadable. No cash or ATM access. Visa Virtual eGift Cards are emailed active.
- Funds do not expire but your Visa Virtual eGift Card has a ‘valid thru’ date (9 years from date of purchase). If funds remain after this date has passed, please call the Toll Free number found on your Visa Virtual eGift Card for a replacement card. A one-time purchase fee applies at the time of checkout.
- This item is not eligible for refund, resale, or return. Available for sale within the United States only. Not available to residents of Puerto Rico, Hawaii, New Mexico, South Dakota, West Virginia and the US Virgin Islands.
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- Visa Virtual eGift Cards are designed for online use only. Gift Cards are subject to Terms and Conditions: a.co/5bw3qXJ
- When you access your Visa Virtual eGift Card for the first time, you’ll need to register your name, address, phone number, and email address via activationspot.com. These details should also be used as your billing address for online purchases, as many merchants require address verification for purchase authorization.
- This Visa Virtual eGift Card is non-reloadable. No cash or ATM access. Visa Virtual eGift Cards are emailed active.
- Funds do not expire but your Visa Virtual eGift Card has a ‘valid thru’ date (9 years from date of purchase). If funds remain after this date has passed, please call the Toll Free number found on your Visa Virtual eGift Card for a replacement card. A one-time purchase fee applies at the time of checkout.
- This item is not eligible for refund, resale, or return. Available for sale within the United States only. Not available to residents of Puerto Rico, Hawaii, New Mexico, South Dakota, West Virginia and the US Virgin Islands.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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