How to refund Steam games — even after you've played them

Steam's refund policy explained

The House that Gordon Freeman built has also made some crucial changes to its refund policy since Steam refunds first became a thing.

Before 2025, players could exploit a loophole by racking up hours in an Early Access game, then claiming a refund within two weeks of its full release. That’s no longer the case now with the latest Steam refund policy. Early Access games now fall under the same two week/sub two hour return agreement as any other title once they launch.

DLC works more or less the same if we’re talking about major expansions. In the case of, say, cosmetic items though, as soon as these are installed you’re no longer entitled to a refund. The same goes for any DLC that may irreversibly level up your character in a constantly online game like Destiny 2.

There’s yet another wrinkle. If you purchase an in-game item for a Valve-developed title, you’re entitled to a refund within 48 hours — providing said item hasn’t been used or gifted to another Steam account.

Below, we'll guide you through the process of getting a Steam refund on that game you may have quickly regretted committing your hard-earned into after precisely one hour and 59 minutes of play. Here’s how you can get a Steam game refund.

1. Go to the Steam website

Annoyingly, no version of the Steam app allows you to apply for a refund. Not to worry though, simply visit help.steampowered.com on your browser of choice and you can begin the refund process once you log in to your Valve account.

2. Select the game you want refunded

A handful of the most recent games you’ve either installed or played will appear once you log in to your Steam account.

Simply scroll down and click on the title you’d like a refund for — obviously providing it meets Valve’s two week/under two hours playtime rule — and you’re on your way to clawing your money back for that game you might have bought over-impulsively.

3. Choose the reason you want a refund

Valve is pretty lenient when it comes to why you want to refund a Steam game. There are seven main options you can choose from regarding getting your money back.

From It’s not what I expected to or I purchased this by accident, Gabe Newell’s company will almost certainly green-light your refund if you meet those "less than two weeks/under two hours played" policy.

4. Request your refund

The I’d like to request a refund button is the only step you need to be concerned with here.

As long as you meet Valve’s playtime/hours played reimbursement rules, you’re well on your way to getting the money back you now regret pumping into that Steam game.

5. Select your refund method

Another easy step. Simply click the Choose refund method dropdown and then select how you want to be refunded — whether that’s to you a card or your Steam balance.

6. Submit your Steam refund method

The last step requires a little bit of steely determination. If you meet Valve’s refund requirements and want your money back without hesitation hit Submit request.

If you change your mind before you get to the final screen, you can also select Cancel your refund request.

As previously stated, Valve honour its refund policy if you fall within the company’s stated parameters, so it’s good to see the iconic firm provide you with one final opportunity to change your mind.