Whether it’s for a birthday, holiday, or just because, gifting a game on Steam is a thoughtful gesture that brings joy to friends and family across the world. As the biggest digital distribution platform for PC games, Steam makes sharing your favorite titles with others relatively straightforward. Yet, for those who are new to Steam or not entirely confident with its features, the process might seem a bit intimidating at first. Luckily, this step-by-step guide will walk you through everything you need to know to send the perfect game gift on Steam.
Contents
TL;DR:
You can gift a game on Steam directly through the Steam Store by purchasing it as a gift and selecting a friend from your list. If the recipient isn’t your Steam friend yet, you can invite them before completing the process. Games can also be scheduled to arrive on a specific date. Be sure to check region restrictions and refund policies before completing your purchase.
Why Gift a Game on Steam?
Gifting a game on Steam can be a perfect choice for several reasons:
- Instant delivery: Perfect for last-minute presents.
- Massive selection: Steam offers thousands of games spanning virtually every genre imaginable.
- Personalized: You can include a custom message or schedule delivery for a specific date.
Whether you’re surprising a friend with the latest blockbuster or sharing an indie gem, Steam’s gifting system makes it easy and enjoyable.
Step 1: Make Sure You and the Recipient Have Steam Accounts
Before you can send or receive gifts, both parties must have active Steam accounts. If your recipient doesn’t yet have one, they can sign up for free. To add them as a friend, you’ll need to either know their Steam username or send an invite to their email.
Keep in mind that new accounts might face limitations based on purchase history. Users who haven’t spent at least $5 on Steam will have restricted features, including the inability to accept gifts fully.
Step 2: Browse for the Game You Want to Gift
Once you’ve confirmed that both you and your friend are active users on Steam, navigate to the Steam Store to look for the game you’d like to send. Use the search bar or browse through categories like top sellers, new releases, or your friend’s wishlist.
When you find the game, click on the title to visit its individual store page. Make sure the game is available in your recipient’s region and doesn’t already exist in their game library. Steam will notify you at checkout if a conflict arises.
Step 3: Choose “Purchase as a Gift”
On the game’s store page, click the green “Add to Cart” button. In your cart, instead of selecting “Purchase for Myself,” choose “Purchase as a gift”.
Steam will now prompt you to select a recipient from your friend list. If your intended recipient isn’t listed, you’ll need to add them as a friend first. Here’s how:
- Click on your profile icon in the upper right corner.
- Select Friends and then click “Add a Friend”.
- Send them an invite manually or copy and share your friend code.
Step 4: Personalize Your Steam Gift
After selecting your recipient, you’ll have the opportunity to personalize your gift with a message. This is a great place for a birthday wish, inside joke, or festive greeting. You can also choose to have the gift delivered immediately or schedule it for a future date.
Scheduled gifting is especially useful during holidays—your game will automatically land in their inbox bright and early on Christmas morning, for example.
Step 5: Complete the Purchase
Review your order details, select your preferred payment method, and confirm your purchase. Steam supports various payment options such as credit cards, PayPal, and Steam Wallet. Once the transaction is complete, your gift will either be delivered right away or queued up for the scheduled date.
The recipient will receive an email and a Steam notification about your gift. They must accept it to add it to their library. If they decline (hopefully that never happens!), you’ll receive a refund automatically.
Bonus Tips for Savvy Gifting
- Check Region Compatibility: Some games have region-specific restrictions. Always verify that the recipient can activate the game in their country.
- Consult Their Wishlist: Steam allows users to create a game wishlist. You can view this on their profile and see which titles they’re excited about.
- Buy During Sales: Steam’s seasonal sales—like the Summer Sale or Winter Sale—offer huge discounts. Gifting during these events can stretch your budget further.
- Avoid Gifting Duplicates: If your recipient already owns a game, Steam won’t allow you to send it. Instead, consider gifting them downloadable content or a similar title.
Steam Gift Cards: The Flexible Alternative
If you’re unsure what game your friend would enjoy or if they’re picky about titles, a Steam gift card can be a fantastic alternative. These cards are available in various denominations and can be purchased:
- Directly through Steam for digital delivery
- In retail stores as physical cards
Recipients can add the card’s value to their Steam Wallet and use it on any game, DLC, or item within the Steam platform.
How to Check If Your Gift Was Received
Curious whether your friend claimed the game yet? You can check your “Account Details” and navigate to “View purchase history.” Click on the gifted game to view its delivery status. You’ll see whether the recipient accepted or is yet to respond.
Can You Refund a Steam Gift?
Yes, but there are conditions. If the recipient hasn’t accepted the gift yet, you can request a refund through Steam support. If they have accepted but haven’t played the game for more than 2 hours and it’s within 14 days of purchase, they can also request a refund themselves.
To initiate a refund:
- Go to Steam Support
- Click on the game in question from your purchase history
- Select “I would like a refund” and follow the prompts
Final Thoughts
Gifting a game on Steam is more than just a digital transaction—it’s a way to share experiences, connect over stories, and surprise someone with a moment of joy. Thanks to Steam’s convenient process, you can select, personalize, and send a game in just a few clicks.
By following this guide, you’ll not only simplify the process, but also ensure your gift brings maximum happiness to your gaming buddy. Happy gifting—and happy gaming!
