How to Gift a Game on Steam: A Step-by-Step Guide

Giving a video game as a gift is a fantastic way to show someone you care, especially if they’re an avid gamer. Steam, the leading digital distribution platform for PC games, makes gifting games relatively easy. However, the process might be a bit confusing for newcomers. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, ensuring a smooth and successful gifting experience. We’ll cover everything from finding the perfect game to troubleshooting potential issues.

Why Gift a Game on Steam?

Before diving into the ‘how,’ let’s briefly touch upon the ‘why.’ Gifting a game on Steam offers several advantages:

* **Convenience:** No need to brave crowded stores or worry about shipping delays. The gift is delivered digitally.
* **Personalization:** You can add a personal message to make the gift even more special.
* **Instant Gratification:** The recipient can start playing the game almost immediately after receiving it (provided they have a compatible system).
* **Wide Selection:** Steam boasts an enormous library of games, catering to diverse tastes and preferences.
* **Sales and Discounts:** You can often snag great deals on games, making gifting more affordable.

Step-by-Step Guide to Gifting a Game on Steam

Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to gift a game on Steam:

Step 1: Accessing the Steam Store

First, you need to access the Steam Store. You can do this either through the Steam client (the desktop application) or via a web browser.

* **Through the Steam Client:** Open the Steam application on your computer. If you’re not already logged in, enter your username and password.
* **Through a Web Browser:** Go to the Steam website (store.steampowered.com) in your preferred web browser. Log in to your Steam account if prompted.

Step 2: Finding the Game You Want to Gift

Once you’re in the Steam Store, use the search bar or browse through the categories to find the game you want to gift. You can search by title, genre, developer, or publisher. Steam also has curated lists and recommendations to help you discover new and popular games.

* **Using the Search Bar:** Type the name of the game you’re looking for into the search bar located at the top of the Steam Store page and press Enter.
* **Browsing Categories:** Explore the various categories such as “New & Trending,” “Top Sellers,” “Specials,” and genre-specific categories (e.g., Action, Adventure, Strategy).
* **Checking Recommendations:** Steam’s recommendation engine suggests games based on your past purchases and playing history. Look for the “Recommended For You” section on the Steam Store homepage.

Once you find the game, click on its title to go to the game’s store page.

Step 3: Adding the Game to Your Cart

On the game’s store page, scroll down until you see the purchase options. Typically, you’ll see two options:

* **Add to Cart:** This option is for purchasing the game for yourself.
* **Purchase as a Gift:** This is the option you want to select to gift the game to someone else. It is often labeled clearly as “Purchase as a gift”.

Click the “Purchase as a Gift” button.

Step 4: Selecting the Recipient

After clicking “Purchase as a Gift,” you’ll be presented with a list of your Steam friends. You can select the recipient from this list.

* **Choosing a Friend from Your List:** Scroll through your friends list and click on the name of the person you want to gift the game to. A checkmark will appear next to their name to indicate that they’ve been selected.
* **Finding a Friend Using the Search Bar:** If you have a large friends list, you can use the search bar at the top of the friends list to quickly find the recipient by typing their Steam username or real name.
* **Sending the Gift via Email (If They’re Not on Your Friends List):** If the person you want to gift the game to isn’t on your Steam friends list, you can send the gift via email. Look for the option that says something like “Send via Email…” or “Don’t see your friend? Send via email instead.”. Clicking this option will prompt you to enter the recipient’s email address. They will receive a link in the email to redeem the gift. This is useful if the person prefers not to be friends with you on Steam.

**Important Note:** Ensure you select the correct recipient! Double-check the name and avatar before proceeding. Steam doesn’t offer refunds for gifts sent to the wrong person.

Step 5: Scheduling the Gift (Optional)

Steam allows you to schedule the gift delivery for a specific date and time. This is perfect for birthdays, holidays, or other special occasions. If you don’t schedule a gift, it will be sent immediately after you complete the purchase.

* **Scheduling the Gift:** Look for an option that says something like “Schedule delivery” or “Schedule gift.” If you choose to schedule, you will be prompted to select a date and time for the gift to be delivered.
* **Choosing a Date and Time:** Use the calendar and time selection tools to choose the desired delivery date and time. Keep in mind the recipient’s time zone when scheduling the gift.
* **Sending Immediately:** If you want the gift to be sent immediately, simply skip the scheduling step. The gift will be sent as soon as you complete the purchase process.

Step 6: Writing a Personalized Message (Optional but Recommended)

Adding a personal message to the gift makes it even more special. Take a moment to write a heartfelt message to the recipient.

* **Finding the Message Box:** Look for a text box labeled “Add a personal message” or something similar. It’s usually located below the recipient selection area or scheduling options.
* **Writing Your Message:** Type your message in the text box. You can wish them a happy birthday, congratulate them on an achievement, or simply express your appreciation for their friendship. Keep the message concise and appropriate.
* **Proofreading Your Message:** Before proceeding, take a moment to proofread your message for any typos or grammatical errors.

Step 7: Reviewing Your Order

Before finalizing the purchase, carefully review your order to ensure everything is correct.

* **Checking the Game Title:** Verify that you’re gifting the correct game.
* **Confirming the Recipient:** Double-check that you’ve selected the right recipient. If you sent it via email, verify the email address.
* **Verifying the Schedule:** If you scheduled the gift, confirm that the delivery date and time are correct.
* **Reviewing the Message:** Read your personal message one last time to make sure it’s perfect.
* **Checking the Total Price:** Ensure that the total price displayed is accurate.

Step 8: Choosing a Payment Method

Steam supports various payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, PayPal, and Steam Wallet funds.

* **Selecting Your Payment Method:** Choose your preferred payment method from the available options. If you’re using a credit card or debit card, you’ll need to enter your card details (card number, expiration date, and CVV code).
* **Using Steam Wallet Funds:** If you have sufficient funds in your Steam Wallet, you can use them to pay for the gift. Simply select “Steam Wallet” as your payment method.
* **Using PayPal:** If you choose PayPal, you’ll be redirected to the PayPal website to log in to your account and authorize the payment.

Step 9: Completing the Purchase

Once you’ve selected your payment method and entered the necessary information, click the “Continue” or “Purchase” button to complete the transaction. You might be asked to verify the purchase through your bank or payment provider, depending on your security settings.

After the purchase is complete, you’ll receive a confirmation message on the screen. If you scheduled the gift, it will be delivered on the specified date and time. Otherwise, it will be sent to the recipient immediately.

What Happens After You Send the Gift?

After you send the gift, the recipient will receive a notification on Steam (if they’re on your friends list) or an email (if you sent it via email). They will need to accept the gift to add the game to their Steam library.

* **Recipient Receives a Notification:** The recipient will receive a notification on Steam, usually indicated by a small envelope icon in the top-right corner of the Steam client. Clicking on the notification will take them to the gift acceptance page.
* **Recipient Receives an Email:** If you sent the gift via email, the recipient will receive an email with a link to redeem the gift. They will need to click on the link and log in to their Steam account to accept the gift.
* **Accepting the Gift:** On the gift acceptance page, the recipient will have two options: “Accept Gift” or “Decline Gift.” If they accept the gift, the game will be added to their Steam library and they can start downloading and playing it. If they decline the gift, it will be returned to your inventory, and you may be eligible for a refund (depending on Steam’s refund policy).

Troubleshooting Common Issues

While gifting games on Steam is generally straightforward, you might encounter some issues. Here are some common problems and their solutions:

* **”This game is not available in your region” Error:** Some games have regional restrictions, meaning they can only be purchased and played in certain countries. If you see this error, it means that the game is not available in the recipient’s region. Unfortunately, there’s no workaround for this issue other than choosing a different game.
* **”Recipient already owns this game” Error:** Steam won’t let you gift a game to someone who already owns it. If you see this error, you’ll need to choose a different game or consider gifting them a Steam Wallet gift card instead.
* **Payment Issues:** If you’re having trouble completing the purchase, make sure your payment information is correct and that you have sufficient funds in your account. You might also want to try using a different payment method.
* **Gift Not Received:** If the recipient hasn’t received the gift, ask them to check their Steam notifications and email inbox (including the spam folder). If they still haven’t received it, contact Steam Support for assistance.
* **Issues with Scheduled Delivery:** Sometimes scheduled deliveries can be delayed. Check the Steam status page or contact support if the gift does not arrive within a reasonable timeframe.

Alternatives to Gifting Games Directly

While gifting a game directly is a great option, there are alternative ways to give a gift related to Steam games:

* **Steam Wallet Gift Cards:** You can purchase Steam Wallet gift cards in various denominations and give them to the recipient. They can then use the funds to buy any game they want on Steam. This is a good option if you’re not sure which game the recipient would like.
* **Physical Copies of Games (If Available):** Some games are still available in physical copies, which can be a more tangible and personal gift. However, keep in mind that the recipient will still likely need a Steam account to activate and play the game.
* **Gaming Accessories:** Consider gifting gaming accessories such as a new headset, mouse, keyboard, or controller. These can enhance the recipient’s gaming experience.
* **Subscription Services:** Some games offer subscription services (e.g., MMOs). Gifting a subscription can give the recipient access to exclusive content and features.

Tips for Choosing the Perfect Game to Gift

Choosing the right game to gift can be challenging, especially if you’re not familiar with the recipient’s gaming preferences. Here are some tips to help you make the best choice:

* **Consider Their Favorite Genres:** Think about the types of games the recipient enjoys playing. Do they prefer action, adventure, strategy, RPG, or puzzle games?
* **Check Their Steam Wishlist:** Many Steam users create wishlists of games they want to buy. This is a great place to find inspiration for gifts.
* **Ask Their Friends:** If you’re unsure, ask the recipient’s friends for suggestions. They might have a better understanding of their gaming tastes.
* **Read Reviews:** Before purchasing a game, read reviews from other players and critics to get an idea of its quality and gameplay.
* **Watch Gameplay Videos:** Watching gameplay videos on YouTube or Twitch can give you a better sense of what the game is like.
* **Look for Games on Sale:** Steam often has sales and discounts on games. This is a great way to save money and get more for your gift.
* **Think About Cooperative Games:** If you enjoy playing games with the recipient, consider gifting a cooperative game that you can play together. This can be a fun way to bond and spend time together.
* **Avoid Gifting Games They Already Own:** This might seem obvious, but double-check that the recipient doesn’t already own the game you’re planning to gift.
* **Consider Their System Requirements:** Make sure the game you’re gifting is compatible with the recipient’s computer. Check the game’s system requirements on the Steam store page.

Conclusion

Gifting a game on Steam is a thoughtful and convenient way to show someone you care. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure a smooth and successful gifting experience. Remember to choose the right game, personalize your message, and double-check all the details before completing the purchase. Happy gifting! And may your friend enjoy their new adventure.