Yes. You can ask Steam for a refund after playing more than two hours, but the request falls outside Valve’s standard game-refund rule and approval is not guaranteed. Valve says it will review requests outside its stated rules.
How Steam’s standard refund rule works
For games and software applications, Valve’s standard refund offer generally requires both of these conditions: you request the refund within two weeks of purchase and have played the game for less than two hours. Valve’s policy page was last updated April 23, 2024; check the Steam Refunds policy for the current terms.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
GameStop Physical Gift Card | $25.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Xbox Physical Gift Card | $25.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
![$100 XBOX Gift Card [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41vrrAVO+zL._SL160_.jpg)
|
$100 XBOX Gift Card [Digital Code] | $100.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Fortnite Physical Gift Card | $50.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
![$25 PlayStation Store Gift Card [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41cEZpeUA1L._SL160_.jpg)
|
$25 PlayStation Store Gift Card [Digital Code] | $25.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| Situation | What it means |
|---|---|
| Within two weeks and under two hours | Meets the standard timing and playtime conditions for requesting a refund; approval is still subject to Valve’s policy. |
| More than two hours, or outside the two-week window | Outside the standard conditions. You can still ask Valve to review the request, but the policy does not guarantee approval. |
What to do if you have played more than two hours
- Open Steam Support and sign in to the account that bought the game.
- Select the game and choose the option to request a refund.
- Submit the request with a clear, truthful explanation of why you are seeking a refund. Valve says customers outside its stated rules may still ask and that it will take a look; it does not promise a particular outcome.
Requesting a review is different from qualifying under the standard rule. More than two hours of playtime does not prevent you from sending the request, but it means you should not count on a refund.
When the usual timing or playtime calculation differs
Games bought before release
For a game purchased before release, the two-week period starts on the release date. Time spent playing during Early Access counts toward the two-hour playtime limit.
Recommended Free Tools
#1 Best Overall
- 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.
VAC bans and purchases made elsewhere
- A Valve Anti-Cheat (VAC) ban removes the right to a refund for that game.
- Valve cannot refund purchases made outside Steam, including third-party Steam Wallet cards.
Possible local consumer rights
Valve notes that consumers in some jurisdictions may have additional rights when a game is faulty. Those rights depend on the relevant jurisdiction and circumstances; Valve’s policy links to information about EU withdrawal rights, but this article does not establish a specific country’s legal rule.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.If Valve approves the refund
Valve says an approved refund is issued within a week, either to your Steam Wallet or to the original payment method when that method supports returns. Some payment methods cannot return funds to the original method. See Valve’s refund policy and Steam Support for the applicable process and payment details.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Redeem for anything on PlayStationStore: games, add-ons, PlayStationPlus and more.
- Everything you want to play. Choose from the largest library of PlayStation content.
- Use gift card funds to contribute towards PlayStationPlus memberships.
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
- THE PERFECT GAMING GIFT — Buy an XBOX Gift Card for yourself or a friend and let them choose the games, add‑ons, subscriptions, and accessories they want most.
- USE FOR GAMES & CONTENT — Redeem for thousands of digital XBOX games, from backward compatible classics to the latest new releases, plus DLC and in‑game currency.
- GAME PASS READY — Apply your balance toward XBOX Game Pass Ultimate to play new titles on day one* and access a library of hundreds of high‑quality console games.
- PRE‑ORDER & PRE‑INSTALL GAMES — Use your balance to pre‑order and pre‑download upcoming titles so you’re ready to play the moment they launch.
- NO FEES OR EXPIRATION — XBOX Gift Cards never expire and have no service fees, so your balance is ready whenever you are.
Rank #2
- XBOX GIFT CARD: Buy full digital game downloads, game add-ons, in-game currency, memberships, devices, apps, movies, TV shows, and more.
- DIGITAL GAMES: Choose from hundreds of games, from AAA to indie options. Start playing the moment your most anticipated game is available when you pre-order and pre-download it.
- GAME AD-ONS: Extend the experience of your favorite games with add-ons and in-game currency.
- MOVIES & TV SHOWS: Rent or buy new and popular movies and TV shows from a massive library.
- PERFECT GIFT: Great as a gift for a friend or yourself. Xbox Gift Cards are easy to use, never expire, and give the freedom to pick the gift they want. Enjoy more ways to play without a credit card attached to your Microsoft account.
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.
