- Home
- Random
- Browse Articles
- Learn Something New
- Guides
- Courses
- QuizzesHot
- Play Games
- This Or That GameNew
- Train Your Brain
- Explore More
- Support wikiHow
- About wikiHow
- Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use
wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow
',$(a).appendTo("#quiz_small_affiliate_placeholder"),$(a).insertBefore(".youmightalsolike"),a='
',$("#quiz_top_wrap").append(a),$('
').insertBefore("#newsletter_block_main"),H=new IntersectionObserver(function(a,b){a.forEach(function(a){Fa(a.target,a.isIntersecting)})},{rootMargin:"0px 0px 0px 0px"}),Ea(!0),b=document.getElementsByClassName("scrolltomarker"),a=0;a
- Categories
- Hobbies and Crafts
- Games
- Video Games
- Steam Games
Download Article
Explore this Article
Steps
Steps
Other Sections
Tips and Warnings
Related Articles
References
Author Info
Last Updated: December 25, 2023
Download Article
To buy PC games on Steam, you will need to first have the Steam software running on your computer. Steam is an alternative for buying PC games digitally, instead of having to own physical copies of games. When you buy a game from Steam, it downloads directly to your computer and automatically installs itself. After you have mastered how to buy PC games on Steam, you can uninstall and reinstall the game at any time, using your account from within the Steam software.
Steps
Download Article
1
Visit the Steam homepage and install the Steam software onto your computer. This should be a straightforward process accomplished by walking through the steps online until installation is complete.
- During the installation process, you will need to create a user account for Steam. This account will be unique, and you should create a password that is both secure and easy to remember.
2
Launch the Steam software once the installation process is complete. The application should pop up and display on your screen following a brief wait.
- If the application doesn't automatically open, look for the Steam icon on your task bar. Right click on it and select "Store."
Advertisem*nt
3
Utilize the search field function within the Steam store to search for the games you want to buy. If you do not have a particular game in mind to buy, you can use advanced search functions to seek for a game by genre, price, developer, publisher, category, operating system, and Metascore.
- To use the advanced search function, click on the magnifying glass icon next to the search field and then click on "advanced search." Steam also lists current top sellers as well as games that are on sale.
4
View the games that catch your interest by left clicking on their icons or names. This will bring you to their information page, where you can view videos of games, view screen shots, read about games and their features, read reviews, and see system requirements.
5
Add games to your shopping cart by clicking on the "Add to Cart" button. This button will also list the price of the game as well as indicate whether or not the game is currently on sale. This will also bring you to your newly created shopping cart.
- If you have not previously done so, you will need to enter digital payment information.
6
Access your cart when you are ready to check out and buy the games you selected. Once you have items in your shopping cart, a green "cart" button will appear in the upper right portion of your steam application. It will also list, in parenthesis, the number of items you have in the cart.
7
Choose whether to buy the game for yourself or whether you want to send it as a gift to a friend or family member.
- If you are sending the game as a gift, you can either have the information sent to the person's email address with information on how to access the gift, or allow them to unlock it directly through Steam.
8
Finalize your order by viewing the "Review + Purchase" screen, checking the terms box, and clicking the "purchase" button.
Advertisem*nt
Community Q&A
Search
Question
How do I pay for a game?
Community Answer
You can use your credit card, debit card, Steam credits, Paypal, or any other form of electronic payment.
Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support wikiHowYesNo
Not Helpful 22Helpful 92
Question
Do I need a credit card to buy games on steam?
Antonio Dintino
Community Answer
Yes, but an alternative would be to add money in your Steam Wallet by buying a pre-paid Steam card from your local retailer. You can then use the money for a game you want to buy.
Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support wikiHowYesNo
Not Helpful 4Helpful 34
Question
Can we download free games also?
Community Answer
Yes. There are many free games to download.
Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support wikiHowYesNo
Not Helpful 0Helpful 24
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Advertisem*nt
Tips
Steam often has sales and special offers. If a game you are interested in is currently being sold for a higher price than you'd like to pay, check back occasionally and you may find that it is on sale.
Thanks
Helpful0Not Helpful0
There is Steam software available for both PC and Mac users.
After you download or install a game, you can play the game by clicking on the "View" drop-down menu and then selecting "Games List." This will bring you to a list of all games available and ready to play. Simply double-click on the game you want to play, select the option to play it, and then click on the "Play" button.
Thanks
Helpful0Not Helpful0
Show More Tips
Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Submit
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
Advertisem*nt
You Might Also Like
Advertisem*nt
References
About This Article
wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 17 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 250,865 times.
How helpful is this?
Co-authors: 17
Updated: December 25, 2023
Views:250,865
Categories: Steam Games
In other languages
- Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 250,865 times.
Did this article help you?
Advertisem*nt
Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy.
About This Article
Click a star to vote
% of people told us that this article helped them.
Co-authors: 17
Updated: December 25, 2023
Views:250,865
Quizzes
Am I a Narcissist or an Empath QuizTake QuizDoes He Like Me QuizTake QuizWhat Is My Aesthetic QuizTake QuizAm I Gay QuizTake QuizWhy Can't I Sleep QuizTake QuizZodiac Compatibility QuizTake QuizYou Might Also Like
How to Speed Up Steam DownloadsHow toContact Steam SupportA Detailed Guide to Getting Your Game on SteamHow to Earn and Use Steam PointsFeatured Articles
How toInvest in YourselfHow to Win an "I Love You More" ArgumentHow toAvoid Letting Pessimistic People Get You DownHow toBe AuthenticThe Correct Way to Do Push-Ups for BeginnersWhich Myers-Briggs Personality Types Are Compatible?Trending Articles
How to Set Boundaries with Texting2 Simple Ways to Print Photos and Documents from an iPhoneNo Need for Laundry: 11 Easy Ways to Remove Musty Smells from Clothes Without Washing ThemChildhood Trauma TestHow to Automatically Forward Text Messages to Another PhoneFeatured Articles
How to Backup Your iPhone to an External Hard DriveDoes She Like Me? 15+ Signs She’s Into YouHow toPersevereHow toChoose the Right Car for You5 Quick Steps to Delete an App on Samsung TV's Smart HubFeatured Articles
How to Get Good Looking Nails Fast: Expert TipsHow toKnow if You Are Ready for a RelationshipHow toDevelop Personality21 Ways to Feel More Comfortable in Your Own SkinHow toWrite a BookWhat Does the Angel Number 0404 Mean?Watch Articles
How toFold Boxer BriefsHow toSuspend an Object in JelloAn Absolute Beginners' Guide to Applying Makeup Like a ProHow toMake Gummy BearsHow toStore Cut GingerHow to Draw a Bunny Step by Step: Easy and Realistic MethodsTrending Articles
What Instrument Should I Play QuizHow toTest Gold at Home12 Ways to Fix It When an iPhone Camera Is Not WorkingHow Long Does It Take to Go from Exclusive Dating to a Relationship?How and When Should You Prune a Money Tree?- Categories
- Hobbies and Crafts
- Games
- Video Games
- Steam Games
wikiHow Newsletter
You're all set!
Helpful how-tos delivered to
your inbox every week!
Sign me up!
By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
- Home
- About wikiHow
- Experts
- Jobs
- Contact Us
- Site Map
- Terms of Use
- Privacy Policy
- Do Not Sell or Share My Info
- Not Selling Info
- Contribute
Follow Us
wikiHow Tech Help Pro:
Develop the tech skills you need for work and life
Let's do this!
X
-
-