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Originally Posted On: A Noob’s Guide to Steam Keys – FullOnApp

What is a Steam key?

You may have come across one of these keys when looking to buy cheaper games on the internet. It is perfectly possible to find great discounted games online, but you need to know what to do with the associated key.

If this is you, then read our short guide and find out how to make Steam keys work for you.

What Is A Steam Key?

A Steam key is a digital license that will allow you access to one of the many thousands of games available in Valve’s Steam library. Valve started life as a games developer and publisher and created a software client back in 2003, which they used to launch and update their games.

After a time, they expanded this project to include a digital storefront that provides third-party games to their audiences. Thus, the Steam Store that we know today was born.

If you buy a Steam Store game, you will never see your key for the game. It is there, but the Steam client automatically handles the Steam key activation process. However, it is perfectly possible to acquire Steam keys through other resellers and stores that you will need to activate in the Steam software.

Are Steam Keys Legit?

If you buy a game that needs to be activated through Steam on an external store, you will be given a 12-digit key to activate on Steam. If the supplier has a good reputation and is a legitimate business, your key will be instantly provided and will be an official Steam key.

However, there are many less reputable suppliers out there that are looking to make a quick buck and will sell you unofficial keys that either do not work or run the risk of your account being blocked on Steam.

Always check the supplier’s credentials, reputation, and contact policies before making any purchase. There are many legitimate cheap steam keys available to buy from the right people; you just have to know where to look.

How Do I Activate a Steam Key?

Suppose you purchase a Steam key from a legitimate store or receive a code as a Steam gift key from a friend. You will need to activate it in Steam. To do this, you will first need to boot the Steam client on your PC.

Once the client is open, you need to access the Games tab on the top menu. The top menu is much smaller than the main Steam menu and is in the top left of your screen. Choose Games, and from the drop-down, select Activate a Product on Steam.

This will open a small window where you can activate the key. Read and agree to the subscriber agreement, and in the next window, you will see a field where you can put a product code.

Type or paste your key in here and click Next. Steam will verify which game you wish to activate in your account. Be sure to check this matches with the game that you purchased.

Click OK, and the game will activate. You can now install it and enjoy it.

Purchase Legitimate Steam Keys

You do not have to pay full price on the Steam store for your Steam keys, but do be careful where you buy your cheap Steam keys from. Now you know what is a Steam key, so get out there and enjoy your games.

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