The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Where should you buy PC games? Compare the same game and edition in your region at the moment you’re ready to buy, then weigh refund eligibility and which storefront you prefer. Neither Steam nor the Epic Games Store is a proven across-the-board sale winner: discounts vary by title, and a sale banner does not tell you which store has the lower checkout price.
Steam sale vs. Epic Games Store sale: What can you compare right now?
As of October 7, 2026, Steam’s Autumn Sale runs from October 1 through October 8, according to Valve’s Steamworks seasonal sales schedule. Valve documents four Steam-wide seasonal sale events per year, but individual game discounts are set by publishers and developers; a seasonal event does not mean every game is discounted.
The Epic Games Store page reviewed on October 7 displayed an Epic Savings window of September 24 through October 8. That page rendered prices in New Zealand dollars, so those displayed prices are not a reliable guide to what a buyer will pay in another region. Check the current listing and checkout total in your own account and currency.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
These dates are snapshots, not a basis for declaring one store cheaper. The official materials reviewed do not establish a meaningful platform-wide average discount or typical savings figure.
How to tell which store is cheaper for the same game
- Match the product. Compare the same base game or edition on both stores. Deluxe editions, bundles, and add-ons are not like-for-like comparisons.
- Use your region and currency. Open each regional product page and compare the price shown to you, rather than relying on a sale page rendered for another market.
- Compare the amount due. Check the checkout total and any offer or discount visible to your account. A headline percentage alone does not establish the lower final price.
- Check the title’s listing and terms. Confirm that the specific game is discounted and review its refund label or eligibility before purchasing.
- Choose based on the whole decision. If prices are close, refund eligibility and the storefront you prefer may matter more than a small difference in the displayed price.
A current, same-game, same-edition, same-region comparison can answer which store is cheaper for that purchase. It cannot establish a universal winner for other games, regions, or sale periods.
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How Steam and Epic refunds compare
| Question | Steam | Epic Games Store |
|---|---|---|
| Standard PC game refund window | Generally within 14 days of purchase and with less than two hours of playtime, under Valve’s Steam refund policy. | For PC and Mac products marked refundable or self-refundable: within 14 days and with less than two hours of runtime, under Epic’s refund policy. |
| If the game’s price drops soon after purchase | Valve does not refund the price difference. If the purchase is eligible, you may request a refund and buy the game again at the sale price. | Epic says an eligible recent purchase that goes on sale may be refunded in full and repurchased at the sale price. |
| Important eligibility limits | Separate rules apply to categories including DLC, bundles, subscriptions, and in-game purchases; the policy also says exceptions and additional local rights may apply. | Check the product’s refundable, self-refundable, or non-refundable label. Some subscriptions, in-app purchases, consumables, virtual currency, and gifts are generally not refundable. |
The policies are similar on the basic time and playtime limits, but the product category and eligibility matter. Read the store’s policy and the listing for the specific purchase; do not assume every transaction qualifies.
What if the game goes on sale after you buy it?
Both stores describe a route for an eligible purchase: request a refund under the applicable policy, then repurchase at the lower price. Valve explicitly says it does not consider it abuse to refund a title bought just before a sale and immediately rebuy it at the sale price. Epic likewise says an eligible recent purchase can be refunded in full and immediately repurchased. This is not an automatic price adjustment, and it does not override either store’s eligibility rules.
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- Gift Cards are shipped active and ready for use.
- This card is non-reloadable. No cash or ATM access. Funds do not expire. If available funds remain on your card after the valid thru date has passed, please call customer service for a replacement card. A one-time purchase fee applies at the time of checkout. No fees after purchase.
- To access your card information safely, type the complete website address shown on your Gift Card (MyGift.GiftCardMall.com) directly into your browser's address bar. Don't use search engines or shortened versions of the website address, as these may lead you to fake or fraudulent sites. Do not provide any Gift Card details (example: Card Number) to someone you do not know or trust. If you believe you've reached an illegitimate website, contact cardholder service at 1-888-524-1283. Be cautious of phishing sites, there are a variety of scams in which fraudsters try to trick others into paying with gift cards.
- To report your Lost or Stolen Physical Visa Card, call Customer Service 24/7 at 1 (888) 524-1283 to cancel your Gift Card as soon as you can. You will be asked to provide the Gift Card number and other identifying information.
- Use your Visa Gift Card in the U.S. everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted, including online.
Which storefront should you choose?
- Choose Steam for a particular purchase when the same edition’s regional checkout price is better for you, or its policy and your preference make it the better fit.
- Choose Epic for a particular purchase when its same-region offer gives you the better total, or you prefer that storefront and the product’s refund terms work for you.
- Wait or compare again if the game is not discounted where you expected. A platform-wide sale does not guarantee a discount on a specific title.
For a purchase you care about, check both listings on the day you buy. The right answer is the better eligible offer for that exact game and edition in your region—not a permanent ranking of the stores.
Quick Recap
Best Value
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Rank #4
- An Epic Games account is required to redeem an Epic Games Store Card code
- If playing on a console platform (PlayStation Network, Xbox Live, Nintendo Switch or Mobile) you need to link your Epic Games account to that gaming platform (one time) to redeem your gift card code
- The 16 digit code on the back of the card WILL NOT work if redeemed directly through your gaming platform (PlayStation Network, Xbox Live, Nintendo Switch, Mobile, etc.)
- Note: Nintendo devices do not support Fortnite Shared Wallet, so V-Bucks purchased using your account balance will not show up on your Nintendo device. However, if you purchase items in the web Item Shop — or another platform where you play Fortnite — those items will be available in your Locker across all platforms.
- Redemption: Online
Rank #3
- Redeemable at US GameStop, EB Games, Babbage's, Electronic Boutique, EBX, Planet X, and Software Etc. stores. Also redeemable online at and GameStop.com and EBGames.com.
- Over 6,100 stores located throughout the United States.
- GameStop. Power to the Players.
- Redemption: Instore and Online
- No returns and no refunds on gift cards.
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.
