How to See When You Bought a Game on Steam: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re an avid gamer, chances are you’ve purchased games on Steam, the largest digital distribution platform for PC gaming. Whether you’re curious about your purchase history, need to track your spending, or want to know when you bought a specific game, Steam makes this information readily accessible. In this guide, I will walk you through the steps to view when you bought a game on Steam. Let’s dive in!

Step 1: Launch the Steam Client

To get started, you need to open the Steam client on your PC. Make sure you are logged into your account. If you do not have the client installed, you can download it from the official Steam website and create an account if you don’t already have one.

Step 2: Navigate to Account Details

Once you’ve logged in, look to the top right corner of the Steam client. Here, you’ll find your username. Click on it to reveal a dropdown menu. From this menu, select “Account Details.” This will take you to a detailed page containing information related to your account.

Step 3: Access Purchase History

On the Account Details page, you will find various sections that provide insights into your account. To view your purchase history, look for the “Purchase History” option. Click on it. This will display a list of all the digital orders you’ve made through your Steam account, including games, downloadable content, and in-game purchases.

Step 4: Review Your Transactions

After selecting “Purchase History,” you will be taken to a list detailing your purchases. This list will show you the date of each transaction, the games you purchased, and their respective prices. Scroll through the list to find the specific game you are interested in. You can also check for any additional information, such as promotions or discounts that were applied at the time of purchase.

Step 5: Filter Your Purchases (Optional)

If you have a long list of transactions, it might be challenging to find what you’re looking for. In some instances, Steam provides filtering options to help you narrow down your search. If available, use these filters to streamline the process and quickly locate the game you purchased.

Step 6: Email Receipts

In addition to viewing your purchase history in the Steam client, you should also receive email receipts for every transaction. Check the email account associated with your Steam account; the receipts will contain details about what you bought, when you bought it, and how much you spent. This can serve as a helpful reference, especially for tracking your spending over time.

Step 7: Download Your Purchase History (Optional)

For those who prefer to keep a more comprehensive record, Steam allows users to export their purchase history as a CSV file. This can be particularly useful for budgeting purposes or for keeping a personal record of your gaming investments. You can find the option to download your purchase history on the purchase history page.

Step 8: Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you have trouble finding certain games or don’t recall purchasing specific content, there are a few reasons this might occur. It could be that the content was purchased with another Steam account or through a different platform. Additionally, if you’ve used family sharing, the games you see may differ based on the libraries that you have access to. If issues persist, consider reaching out to Steam support for assistance.

Step 9: Check for Sales and Refunds

As you review your purchase history, you might discover that a game you recently bought is on sale. While Steam has a policy for refunds, note that there is typically no option to refund just the difference of the price drop. However, you can inquire about refunds if you determine that you no longer wish to keep the game, provided it meets Steam’s refund criteria.

Conclusion

Knowing how to access your game purchase history on Steam is an essential skill for any gamer. Not only can you keep track of your spending, but you also gain insights into your gaming habits and preferences. By following the straightforward steps laid out in this guide, you can easily see when you bought a game on Steam and make the most of your gaming experience. Happy gaming!