Steam, launched by Valve way back in 2003, is the biggest digital storefront for PC games. It's not a subscription service itself, but you can subscribe to specific games, like MMOs, through it. Maybe you subscribed to a game to play with friends but now everyone's moved on to Helldivers 2 and you're stuck with a monthly charge. It happens. This guide helps you cancel those pesky recurring payments, which can range from $12.99 to $14.99 a month. By canceling, you can save up to $180 a year, freeing up cash for the next big Steam sale. The process is handled on desktop through the client or website.
How to Cancel Steam Subscription on Desktop (Client or Website)
Canceling a game subscription on Steam is done through your account settings. It's not super intuitive, but it's the only way to do it if you're billed through Steam. Weirdly, I've heard from some people on Reddit that the 'Manage Subscriptions' link sometimes doesn't appear right away. A page refresh usually fixes it.
1 Log In to Your Steam Account
First, you need to log into your Steam account. Use either the desktop client you have installed or just go to the Steam website in your browser. The steps are the same for both.
2 Click Your Profile Name
Look at the top-right corner of the window. You'll see your profile name. Click on it to open a dropdown menu.
3 Select 'Account Details'
From that dropdown menu, select Account Details. This is where Steam hides all the important billing stuff.
4 Find 'Manage Subscriptions'
On the Account Details page, look under the 'Store & Purchase History' section. You should see a link that says Manage subscriptions. It's not always obvious, so you might have to scan the page for it. I had to look twice before I found it tucked away.
5 Locate the Subscription to Cancel
This page lists all your active, recurring game subscriptions. Find the one you want to get rid of and click the Edit button next to it.
6 Confirm the Cancellation
Steam will show you the details of the subscription and an option to cancel. Select the option to cancel your subscription and follow the final prompts to confirm. Make sure you get to a screen that says it's been cancelled.
Before you cancel, know this. Your game data and Steam account are safe, you're only stopping the recurring payment for one specific game. Steam does not offer refunds for subscription periods you've already paid for, so if you cancel, you can typically keep playing until the current billing cycle ends. There's no 'pause' option, canceling is your only move.
Steam Plans and Pricing 2025
Steam itself is free to use. The 'plans' are actually recurring subscriptions for individual games, mostly Massively Multiplayer Online games (MMOs). You pay a monthly fee to access the game's servers. The price is set by the game's publisher, not by Steam.
Here are some typical examples:
| Game Subscription Example | Estimated Monthly Price (USD) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Final Fantasy XIV Online | $12.99 - $14.99 | The standard subscription for one of the most popular MMOs. Price varies by the number of characters you want per server. |
| The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO Plus) | $14.99 | This is an optional subscription that gives you access to all DLC, an in-game currency stipend, and a craft bag. |
| EVE Online (Omega Time) | $20.99 | Provides access to advanced skills and faster training speed in this massive space-based MMO. |
Frequently Asked Questions about Steam
Can I unsubscribe from Steam anytime?
Can I get a refund from Steam if I forgot to cancel?
How do I know my Steam subscription is cancelled?
How long does it take for Steam to cancel?
What else should I know before I cancel my Steam subscription?
How do I raise a complaint to Steam?
Olivia Harper
Content Manager
Olivia Harper, a Content Manager with nine years of experience, creates user-focused guides on subscription services. Featured in Digital Consumer Reports, her work simplifies subscription terms and cancellations.
