To buy PC games on Steam you must first install the specific program on your computer. Steam is a platform that allows you to purchase games digitally, rather than on disc. When you purchase a game on Steam, it will be automatically downloaded and installed on your computer. Once you understand how it works, you can also delete and reinstall the games you have purchased.
Steps
Step 1. Go to the Steam website and install the program on your computer
You should be able to do this by simply following the instructions that will appear on the screen.
During installation, you will need to create an account for Steam. The account will be unique, and it would be best to choose a password that is secure and easy to remember
Step 2. Start the Steam program
The application should open after a few seconds.
If the application does not open automatically, look for the Steam icon in your system tray, right click and select "Shop"
Step 3. Use the search function within the Steam store to find the games you want to buy
If you don't have a specific game in mind, you can use the advanced search functions to browse games by genre, price, manufacturer, distribution company, category, operating system and metascore.
To use the advanced search features, click on the magnifying glass next to the search box and then click on "Advanced Search". Steam also highlights the most purchased and discounted games
Step 4. View the games that catch your interest by clicking on their name or icon
This way you will be able to see their information pages, which contain videos, images, storyline, reviews, system requirements.
Step 5. Add games to your cart by clicking the "Add to Cart" button
This button also indicates the price of the game, and the percentage discount in the case of a game on offer. Clicking this button will take you to your shopping cart page.
If you have not already done so, you will need to enter the information relating to the payment method you want to use
Step 6. Log in to your shopping cart when you are ready to purchase
When you have placed at least one game in the cart, a green button called "Cart" will appear in the upper right corner of the application. In brackets you will also be able to see how many games are contained in the cart.
Step 7. Choose if you want to buy the game for yourself or if you want to give it to a friend or family member
If you decide to gift the game, you can send all information to the recipient by email, or you can have them activate the game directly via Steam
Step 8. To confirm your order you must read the "Check and buy" page, accept the terms and conditions and finally click on the "Proceed to checkout" button
Advice
- Steam often offers discounts and special offers. If you are interested in a game that currently sells for a higher price than you are willing to pay, wait to buy it and check its page frequently - you will probably find it on offer sooner or later.
- Steam can be used on both PC and Mac.
- After you have downloaded and installed a game, you can run it simply by selecting the "View" menu and clicking on "List of games". You will be shown a list of all the games available to you. Double-click the game you want to play to start it.
- After you have purchased a game, you can download it by right clicking on the game name and selecting the "Install Game" option. On the downloads page (click on "Library" and then on "Download") you can see which games you are downloading, and you can decide to cancel or pause the download.
