Buying digital games as gifts on Steam is now easier following a fresh update from Valve. Users can now send gifts via email, check out without an account, or send titles to friends in other regions.
Guest checkout arrived in 2024, but previously worked only for Steam hardware and gift cards. Now, anyone without an account can use a wishlist link to purchase any game on it.
Games and gift cards can also be delivered to an email address. Both parties must reside in the same country, and unclaimed items automatically refund after 30 days. To activate a game, the recipient still needs a Steam account.
Gifting to another region requires adding the recipient as a friend. Steam calculates the price using the recipient’s regional rates – replacing previous restrictions on transfers between countries with big price differences.
Wishlists can now be split into custom categories with tailored discount notifications. Users can share links to specific categories or filtered views, even if their overall wishlist is set to private.
Finally, Steam now labels games that feature playable demos and previews quick trailers when hovering over titles. The update is already live for everyone.
