What Happens When You Buy a Game You Already Own on Steam?

Learn what to do if you accidentally purchase a game you already own on Steam and how to buy it as a gift instead.

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If you buy a game you already own on Steam, the platform will inform you that you already possess it in your library. Steam prevents duplicate purchases of the same game on a single account. If the purchase was part of a bundle, Steam applies a discount to exclude the already-owned content. For gifting purposes, buy the game as a gift to send it to a friend, ensuring it's not added to your library again.

FAQs & Answers

  1. What happens if I try to buy a game I already own on Steam? If you attempt to purchase a game that you already own on Steam, the platform will notify you that it is already available in your library. Duplicate purchases are not permitted on a single account.
  2. Can I purchase a game on Steam as a gift if I already own it? Yes, if you already own a game on Steam, you can still buy it as a gift for someone else. This way, the game won't be added to your library again, allowing you to share it with friends.
  3. Will Steam apply discounts if I buy a game in a bundle that I already own? Yes, when purchasing a bundle on Steam that contains games you already own, the platform will apply a discount to exclude the already-owned content, ensuring you only pay for the new games in the bundle.
  4. How does Steam handle duplicate game purchases? Steam prevents duplicate purchases of games tied to a single account by alerting users and restricting the additional purchase, ensuring that you do not accidentally buy the same game multiple times.

Watch More

If you're interested in learning more about Steam and optimizing your gaming experience, check out other videos discussing topics like game bundles, gifting options on Steam, and tips for managing your game library. These resources provide valuable insights to enhance your gaming journey.

  1. What to Expect When Buying a Game on Steam: A Complete Guide Learn what happens when you buy a game from Steam, including library access and updates.
  2. Do You Own Games on Steam Forever? Understanding Digital Ownership Learn if buying games on Steam means you own them forever. Understand your rights and limitations with digital ownership.