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Where should you buy PC games? Compare the same game and edition in your region at the time you plan to buy, then weigh the checkout total against refund eligibility and your store preference. Neither Steam nor the Epic Games Store can be called the cheaper option overall from the available sale information: discounts vary by title, and a sale banner does not mean the game you want is discounted.
Steam sale vs. Epic Games Store sale: what can you compare?
Sale dates show when promotions are running, not which store has the better price for a particular game. Valve’s Steamworks schedule lists four Steam-wide seasonal sale events each year. The 2026 Steam Autumn Sale runs from October 1 through October 8. Valve’s seasonal sales schedule does not guarantee that any particular game will be discounted.
Epic Games Store’s Savings promotion displayed a September 24–October 8 window when its live page was checked on October 7, 2026. That regional page showed prices in New Zealand dollars, so those figures do not establish prices for other countries. Check Epic’s live sale page for the offers and currency shown to you.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
![VALORANT USD $25 [Online Game Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41qH6rhsO-L._SL160_.jpg)
|
VALORANT USD $25 [Online Game Code] | $25.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Visa Physical Gift Card $100 (plus $5.95 Purchase Fee) | $105.95 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
GameStop Physical Gift Card | $25.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Fortnite Physical Gift Card | $50.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Roblox Physical Gift Card | $50.00 | Buy on Amazon |
These are time-sensitive snapshots, not a like-for-like price survey. The promotions’ dates or displayed offers may have changed since they were checked.
How to find the cheaper price for the same game
- Open the listing for the exact game on both stores. Match the edition: a standard edition is not directly comparable with a deluxe edition or a bundle.
- Check the price and currency shown for your region, along with any offer that appears at checkout. Compare the amount you would actually pay, not just the sale percentage or banner.
- Confirm that the offer applies to the game and edition you want. A store-wide event does not mean every title is on sale.
- Before paying, check the product’s refund status and the applicable policy, then factor in which storefront you prefer using.
A lower displayed price on one listing is useful for that game, edition, region, and moment; it does not prove that the same store is cheaper for PC games generally.
#1 Best Overall
- UNLOCK A UNIVERSE OF EXPERIENCES and compete with a global community of millions across multiple battlefields with Riot Games
- Unlocks in-game currency that can be used to purchase in-game items
- Redeemable in VALORANT, League of Legends, Wild Rift, Teamfight Tactics, Legends of Runeterra, and 2XKO
- PC, mobile, console… it all works. Just enter your code at shop.riotgames.com/redeem and choose the game you want to use this virtual currency for
- This code is only redeemable on Riot Accounts in North America and Canada
Steam vs. Epic Games Store refunds
Refund windows can matter if you are unsure about a purchase or the price drops shortly afterward. The standard rules differ in their wording and eligibility details.
| Question | Steam | Epic Games Store |
|---|---|---|
| Standard game refund window | Generally within 14 days of purchase and with less than two hours played. Valve’s policy says exceptions and additional local rights may apply. | For PC and Mac games marked refundable or self-refundable: within 14 days and with less than two hours of runtime. |
| If the price drops soon after purchase | Valve says it does not refund the price difference. If eligible, you can request a refund and buy the game again at the sale price. | Epic says an eligible recent purchase that goes on sale may be refunded in full and repurchased. |
| Eligibility details | Separate rules apply to categories including DLC, bundles, subscriptions, and in-game purchases. | Listings identify products as self-refundable, refundable, or non-refundable. Some subscriptions, in-app purchases, consumables, virtual currency, and gifts are generally not refundable. |
Read the current policy and check the listing before purchase: the general window is not a guarantee that every product or transaction qualifies. See Valve’s Steam refund policy (last updated April 23, 2024) and Epic’s refund policy.
Rank #2
- Gift Cards are shipped active and ready for use.
- This card is non-reloadable. No cash or ATM access. Funds do not expire. If available funds remain on your card after the valid thru date has passed, please call customer service for a replacement card. A one-time purchase fee applies at the time of checkout. No fees after purchase.
- To access your card information safely, type the complete website address shown on your Gift Card (MyGift.GiftCardMall.com) directly into your browser's address bar. Don't use search engines or shortened versions of the website address, as these may lead you to fake or fraudulent sites. Do not provide any Gift Card details (example: Card Number) to someone you do not know or trust. If you believe you've reached an illegitimate website, contact cardholder service at 1-888-524-1283. Be cautious of phishing sites, there are a variety of scams in which fraudsters try to trick others into paying with gift cards.
- To report your Lost or Stolen Physical Visa Card, call Customer Service 24/7 at 1 (888) 524-1283 to cancel your Gift Card as soon as you can. You will be asked to provide the Gift Card number and other identifying information.
- Use your Visa Gift Card in the U.S. everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted, including online.
Which store should you choose?
- Choose the lower total if one store offers the exact edition you want for less in your region and its refund terms work for you.
- Give refund eligibility weight if you are uncertain about a game or expect to decide after trying it. Check the particular product’s eligibility rather than relying only on the general policy.
- Choose your preferred storefront when the prices are close or the game is not discounted on either store. The sale calendar alone does not establish a better deal.
For a specific game, the listing and account terms at the time of purchase are the practical deciding points. There is no supported platform-wide price winner here.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Redemption: Online only. Robux cards can only be redeemed in a browser at Roblox.com/redeem. They cannot be redeemed in the Roblox mobile app or any video game console.
- Roblox is an immersive platform for connection and communication. Every day, millions of people come to Roblox to create, play, work, learn, and connect with each other in experiences built by our global community of creators.
- Get more with every Roblox Gift Card! From now on, when you redeem a Roblox gift card, you get up to 25% more Robux. Perfect for gaming, creating, and exploring- more Robux means more possibilities!
- Deck out your avatar and unlock additional perks in your favorite experiences when you use Roblox Gift Cards to purchase Robux (Roblox's virtual currency).
- Each gift card grants a free virtual item upon redemption.
Rank #4
- An Epic Games account is required to redeem an Epic Games Store Card code
- If playing on a console platform (PlayStation Network, Xbox Live, Nintendo Switch or Mobile) you need to link your Epic Games account to that gaming platform (one time) to redeem your gift card code
- The 16 digit code on the back of the card WILL NOT work if redeemed directly through your gaming platform (PlayStation Network, Xbox Live, Nintendo Switch, Mobile, etc.)
- Note: Nintendo devices do not support Fortnite Shared Wallet, so V-Bucks purchased using your account balance will not show up on your Nintendo device. However, if you purchase items in the web Item Shop — or another platform where you play Fortnite — those items will be available in your Locker across all platforms.
- Redemption: Online
Rank #3
- Redeemable at US GameStop, EB Games, Babbage's, Electronic Boutique, EBX, Planet X, and Software Etc. stores. Also redeemable online at and GameStop.com and EBGames.com.
- Over 6,100 stores located throughout the United States.
- GameStop. Power to the Players.
- Redemption: Instore and Online
- No returns and no refunds on gift cards.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
