How to Gift a DLC You Already Own on Steam
Gifting a digital game or downloadable content (DLC) on Steam can be a thoughtful and convenient way to share your favorite games with friends and family. However, there are some restrictions and guidelines to keep in mind, especially when gifting DLC that you already own. In this article, we’ll explore the process of gifting a DLC you already own on Steam and provide some important tips and considerations to keep in mind.
Why Can’t I Gift DLC I Already Own?
Unfortunately, Steam does not allow users to gift DLC that they already own. According to Steam’s policy, DLC can only be gifted to friends who do not already own the game or DLC. This is because the DLC is already part of your Steam library, and gifting it would essentially be a duplication of the content.
What Are the Consequences of Trying to Gift a DLC You Already Own?
If you try to gift a DLC that you already own, Steam will not allow you to complete the transaction. Instead, you’ll receive an error message indicating that the DLC is already part of your library. This is because Steam’s system checks to ensure that the DLC is not already owned by the recipient before allowing the gift to be sent.
What Are the Alternatives to Gifting a DLC You Already Own?
If you want to share a DLC with a friend or family member, but you already own it, there are a few alternatives you can consider:
- Purchase a new copy of the DLC: You can purchase a new copy of the DLC and gift it to your friend or family member. This will ensure that they receive the DLC and can play it without any issues.
- Lend the DLC to your friend or family member: You can lend the DLC to your friend or family member, allowing them to play it for a short period of time. This can be a good option if you want to share the DLC with someone, but don’t want to give up ownership of it.
- Give the DLC as a gift and then refund it: You can gift the DLC to your friend or family member and then refund it after they’ve had a chance to play it. This can be a good option if you want to give the DLC as a gift, but also want to ensure that the recipient is satisfied with it.
How to Gift a DLC on Steam
If you want to gift a DLC that you don’t already own, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
- Find the DLC you want to gift: Search for the DLC in the Steam Store and add it to your cart.
- Select the gift option: When you’re at the checkout page, select the "Gift" option.
- Enter the recipient’s email address: Enter the email address of the person you want to gift the DLC to.
- Add a personal message (optional): You can add a personal message to the gift, which will be sent to the recipient along with the DLC.
- Review and confirm the gift: Review the gift details and confirm the purchase.
Conclusion
Gifting a DLC on Steam can be a thoughtful and convenient way to share your favorite games with friends and family. However, there are some restrictions and guidelines to keep in mind, especially when gifting DLC that you already own. By understanding the consequences of trying to gift a DLC you already own and exploring alternative options, you can ensure that you’re able to share your favorite games with others while also following Steam’s policies.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I gift a DLC that I already own on Steam?
- No, you cannot gift a DLC that you already own on Steam.
- What are the consequences of trying to gift a DLC that I already own?
- Steam will not allow you to complete the transaction, and you’ll receive an error message indicating that the DLC is already part of your library.
- What are the alternatives to gifting a DLC that I already own?
- You can purchase a new copy of the DLC, lend the DLC to your friend or family member, or give the DLC as a gift and then refund it.
- How do I gift a DLC on Steam?
- To gift a DLC on Steam, search for the DLC in the Steam Store, add it to your cart, select the "Gift" option, enter the recipient’s email address, add a personal message (optional), and review and confirm the gift.