PC game stores compared: refund policies and what to check before you buy
Refund rules differ a lot between PC stores, and knowing them in advance makes it much less risky to try a game. Policies change, so treat this as a starting point and check the official page linked for each store.
Always check the official policy. The summaries below were accurate to the best of our knowledge when last reviewed (2026-10-22). Stores change their rules, and your local consumer law may give you more rights than the store's policy.
| Store | Typical refund window (summary) | Official policy |
|---|---|---|
| Steam | Request within 14 days of purchase with less than 2 hours of playtime; requests outside this may be reviewed case by case. | Steam Refunds |
| Epic Games Store | Most games can be refunded within 14 days of purchase if played for less than 2 hours; some titles are marked non-refundable. | Epic refund policy |
| GOG | Games can be refunded within 30 days of purchase, including after downloading or launching (with limits for abuse). | GOG refund policy |
| EA app / EA.com | Under the EA refund policy (formerly the "Great Game Guarantee"), eligible full games can be refunded within 24 hours of first launch, or within 14 days of purchase if never launched; pre-orders before release. DLC bought separately is excluded. | EA refund policy |
| Ubisoft Store | Refunds are limited and generally depend on the game not having been downloaded or played; check conditions. | Ubisoft Help |
| Authorised key sellers (e.g. Humble, Fanatical, Green Man Gaming) | Usually refundable only if the key has not been revealed or redeemed. Once redeemed, the platform's own policy may not apply. | See each seller's help centre |
Store accounts vs keys
When you buy on a store like Steam, GOG or Epic directly, the game is attached to that account straight away and that store's refund policy applies. When you buy from a key seller, you receive a code that you redeem on a platform (often Steam). That's perfectly legitimate with authorised sellers, and their prices are sometimes lower, but the refund is handled by the seller, and most won't refund a code after you've revealed it.
DRM and launchers
- GOG sells most games without DRM; you can download an offline installer and keep a backup.
- Steam and Epic generally need their launcher to install and run games, although some individual games are DRM-free.
- Publisher launchers (EA app, Ubisoft Connect and similar) may be required even if you bought the game elsewhere. A store page normally mentions any third-party account requirement; read it before buying.
Before you click "buy"
- Check the system requirements and, for laptops or handheld PCs, look for compatibility notes.
- Look for third-party account or launcher requirements on the store page.
- Check the region: keys can be region-locked, and prices differ between regions.
- Know the refund window, and try the game early within it.
Comparing prices across these stores is what our deal finder is for.