How to Buy a Game on Steam

Steam has become synonymous with PC gaming, known for its massive library, seasonal sales, and user-friendly platform. From indie gems to AAA blockbusters, the platform offers something for every type of gamer.

But navigating your first purchase can be a bit challenging if you’re new to Steam, especially if you’re considering using cryptocurrency. Here’s an easy-to-follow breakdown of how to buy a game on Steam.

Can you buy games on Steam with crypto? 

Steam does not currently support direct cryptocurrency payments. That might come as a surprise, especially since the platform briefly accepted Bitcoin in 2017. The experiment was short-lived. Valve, the company behind Steam, cited high transaction fees and price volatility as the two key reasons for removing the option. At the time, Bitcoin’s network was congested, slow, and expensive, which created inconsistencies in pricing and problems with refunds.

While there’s no clear timeline for Steam to return to crypto payments, the landscape has changed dramatically since 2017. Lightning Network has reduced Bitcoin’s transaction fees and sped up processing. But more notably, stablecoins like USDT (Tether) and USDC (USD Coin) are now widely used for their price stability, which solves one of Steam’s original concerns. Platforms that want to collect crypto payments, including those selling gaming content, have started integrating stablecoins into their payment systems to avoid the swings of Bitcoin or Ethereum.

This leads us to a workaround: Steam gift cards. You can buy these cards using cryptocurrency on third-party websites, then redeem them on Steam as if you paid with traditional fiat. These gift cards are usually delivered instantly via email, and the platforms offering them accept a wide range of cryptocurrencies.

So, when you pick the newest crypto, you are not only getting the best transaction fees. It’s also about investing wisely. Gamers who dive into crypto to buy games often find themselves exploring investing opportunities. Whether it’s holding stablecoins, staking tokens, or exploring NFT-based in-game assets, the line between gaming and investing is increasingly blurred.

Creating a Steam account 

Before buying anything on Steam, you’ll need an account. This is your access point to the entire Steam ecosystem, including your game library, friends list, achievements, cloud saves, and personalized recommendations.

To set it up, go to store.steampowered.com, click “Login,” and then “Join Steam.” You’ll be asked to enter your email, choose a username, and create a password. Steam also uses two-factor authentication to secure your account. It’s highly recommended to set this up through the Steam Guard mobile app, which provides an extra layer of protection against unauthorized logins.

Once your account is verified, you can download the Steam client for your PC or Mac. It’s free and gives you access to the full store, game updates, and integrated chat features.

Browsing and choosing a game

Inside the Steam client or web store, you’ll find a wide selection of games categorized by genre, popularity, user reviews, and price. Steam’s search engine is robust, which allows you to filter by tags like “Open World,” “Multiplayer,” “Under $10,” or even “Steam Deck Compatible.”

When you click on a game title, you’re taken to its store page, which includes a trailer, screenshots, reviews, system requirements, and sometimes even a free demo. Pay close attention to the system requirements, especially if you’re not using a high-end gaming rig. 

Steam also has a refund policy: if the game doesn’t run properly or isn’t what you expected, you can request a refund as long as you’ve played less than two hours and it’s within 14 days of purchase.

Buying with traditional payment methods 

To purchase a game, click the green “Add to Cart” button. From there, you can proceed to the checkout. Steam accepts credit cards, PayPal, and a variety of regional payment methods depending on your location. Once you’ve selected your method and completed the payment, the game will automatically appear in your Library, where you can download and play it.

You can also add funds to your Steam Wallet using payment methods of your choice. This is helpful if you want to keep track of your gaming budget or buy games for someone else.

Using gift cards to buy games 

Steam gift cards are the bridge for gamers who want to pay with crypto. They come in physical and digital formats, usually in denominations ranging from $5 to $100, if not lower. You can buy them directly from stores like Walmart or Amazon, or from digital platforms like Coinsbee, Bitrefill, or G2A.

These platforms allow you to pay with cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and stablecoins. Some sites even accept altcoins such as Litecoin, Solana, and Dogecoin. Once purchased, the gift card code is delivered via email. You can redeem it by going to your account’s Wallet section and entering the code. The funds are immediately credited to your Steam Wallet, and you can use them just like cash to buy games, DLCs, and in-game items.

While this method takes a few extra steps, it’s the most reliable crypto workaround for buying games on Steam in 2025.

Redeeming third-party game keys 

Another method worth exploring is purchasing Steam keys from authorized resellers. Sites like G2A, Green Man Gaming, and Humble Bundle frequently offer game keys at discounted prices. You pay on their site (some even accept crypto), receive a Steam code, and then redeem it in the Steam client under “Games > Activate a Product on Steam.”

This is especially helpful if you want to save money or use alternative payment options that aren’t accepted by Steam directly. Always make sure you’re buying from a trusted seller, as unauthorized resellers can sometimes distribute invalid or previously used keys.

Checking regional restrictions and pricing 

Steam prices vary depending on your region, and so do gift card and key compatibility. Before purchasing a game or card from a third-party store, make sure it’s compatible with your Steam account’s country setting. Steam’s regional pricing is based on the location of your account and payment method, and trying to bypass it can lead to issues, including potential account restrictions.

Many gift card platforms allow you to choose a specific region before buying, which helps avoid these issues. Always double-check whether the gift card or key you’re buying will work in your country.

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