Steam, the beloved digital distribution platform for video games, has continually evolved to provide more than just a way to purchase and play games. One of its fairly recent additions, Steam Points, that was added in 2020, has generated intrigue and excitement among many of the hardcore users, but it seems that still many are unaware of them. In this guide, we will explore what Steam Points are, how you can acquire them, and the multitude of ways in which they can enhance your overall Steam experience.
What are Steam Points?
Steam Points are a virtual currency introduced by Valve Corporation, the company behind the Steam platform. They serve as a form of reward system for users, allowing them to earn points through various activities and then redeem them for a range of digital items. These points are separate from your regular Steam wallet funds and cannot be used to purchase games directly (at least not yet).
How to earn Steam Points?
There are several ways to accumulate Steam Points. Currently the primary way to earn points are by spending money on the Steam Store. For every purchase you make, you will receive a portion of the amount spent as Steam Points. As of right now the rate at which you earn points is 100 points for each 1$ (or your regional equivalent).
One other way to earn points are by getting rewarded by other users. how do you get rewarded you ask? by being helpful in the steam community. when you engage in the discussions and provide helpful comments or make useful guides community members that feel generous can award your posts with Steam points. these range from 100 all the way to 1600 points.
Here’s a full list of award costs and the points
| Award Name | Cost | Points received / given |
| Take my points | 4800 | 1600 |
| Golden Unicorn | 2400 | 800 |
| Clever | 2400 | 800 |
| Saucy | 1200 | 400 |
| Fancy pants | 1200 | 400 |
| Mindblown | 1400 | 400 |
| Warm Blanket | 600 | 200 |
| Slow clap | 600 | 200 |
| Jester | 600 | 200 |
| Treasure | 600 | 200 |
| Super star | 600 | 200 |
| Deep thoughts | 300 | 100 |
| Michelangelo | 300 | 100 |
| Mad scientest | 300 | 100 |
| Extra helpful | 300 | 100 |
| Gotta have it | 300 | 100 |
| Poetry | 300 | 100 |
| Hilarious | 300 | 100 |
| Heartwarming | 300 | 100 |
| Hot take | 300 | 100 |
| Wild | 300 | 100 |
| Wholesome | 300 | 100 |
| Whoa | 300 | 100 |
As you can see, when someone awards you points 1/3 of the points get wasted. If made a guide or a workshop item with another steam user and get awarded, than the award sum will be split between the authors.
How to use Steam Points?
Once you’ve accumulated Steam Points, an entire virtual bazaar of rewards awaits you. First of all head over to the points shop by visiting the link: https://store.steampowered.com/points/shop/ and spend away.
Here are some of the ways you can use your points:
- Customizing Your Profile: Steam Points allow you to personalize your profile and make it stand out. You can purchase profile backgrounds, animated avatars, and special emoticons to express your unique style and personality.
- Chat Stickers and Effects: Enhance your communication with friends and fellow gamers by using exclusive chat stickers and effects. These can add a touch of fun and creativity to your conversations.
- More Showcases: With Steam Points, you can unlock additional showcases for your profile, like showing additional artwork, more item showcases, more rare achievements rows and more.
- Steam Deck Customization: If you’re a lucky owner of the brilliant handheld console you can unlock keyboard themes or a bunch of cool startup movies.
- Rewarding other users hard work: Like we mentioned in the section above, about how to earn Steam points. you can do the same and award other users if cosmetics and showcases are not your thing.
How to award users with Steam Points?
Here we will go into detail on how to award other users with Steam points. there’s multiple ways to award users. if you visited steam’s discussion boards and saw a post that helped you, simply enjoyed what was written or feeling generous, highlight the post, and select the small yellow Award ribbon as shown below:
Now click the award button and choose the amount of points you wish to award the user.
Same method can be applied when viewing a guide, a workshop item and even when visiting someones profile and giving it to them directly.
In conclusion
Steam Points have added a new layer of excitement and engagement to the already vibrant Steam community. With the ability to earn points through various activities and purchases, users now have the opportunity to unlock a range of customization options and award others for their hard work.
Whether you’re a passionate gamer looking to express your individuality, or a collector of exclusive cosmetic items, Steam Points offer a diverse set of options to enhance your Steam experience.
Game on!
