Escape from Tarkov refunds depend on where you bought the game and how long ago
Battlestate Games, the developer of Escape from Tarkov, does not offer refunds through their own store once a purchase is complete. However, if you bought the game through Steam, PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, or another third-party platform, you may be able to request a refund under that platform's policy instead of going directly to the developer.
The key is understanding which storefront processed your purchase and what rules that storefront enforces. Steam has the most consumer-friendly refund window; console stores and the official Tarkov launcher have stricter terms. If you bought a game package (Standard, Left Behind, Prepare for Battle, or Edge of Darkness), the refund rules are the same regardless of which tier you purchased.
Key Takeaways
- Battlestate Games does not refund purchases made directly through their launcher, even within the first two weeks.
- Steam allows refunds within 14 days of purchase if you have played fewer than 2 hours, and will process the refund to your original payment method within 5 to 10 business days.
- PlayStation Store and Xbox Store have their own refund windows (usually 14 days) but require you to contact their support teams directly, not the game developer.
- Refunds for in-game purchases like stash upgrades or cosmetics are almost never issued once the transaction is confirmed.
- If your account was banned, neither the developer nor the storefront will refund your purchase.
Refunds through Steam
If you purchased Escape from Tarkov on Steam, you can request a refund through Steam's standard refund system. Steam allows refunds within 14 days of purchase as long as you have played the game for fewer than 2 hours total. The clock starts the moment you first launch the game, not when you buy it.
To request a refund on Steam, go to your library, right-click Escape from Tarkov, select Properties, then click the Support tab. From there, choose "I would like a refund" and select your reason. Steam will review your request and either approve or deny it within a few days. If approved, the money returns to your original payment method (credit card, PayPal, Steam wallet, etc.) within 5 to 10 business days.
Steam's refund policy is automatic for purchases that meet the time and date requirements. You do not need to contact Battlestate Games or provide additional proof. However, if you have played more than 2 hours or it has been longer than 14 days, Steam will almost certainly deny the request, and you will have no further recourse through that platform.
Refunds through PlayStation Store or Xbox Store
Console versions of Escape from Tarkov are sold through PlayStation Store and Xbox Store, each with its own refund policy. Both platforms typically allow refunds within 14 days of purchase if the game has not been played extensively, but the exact rules and approval process differ.
For PlayStation Store, visit your library, find Escape from Tarkov, and select the option to report a problem or request a refund. You will need to provide a reason and may be asked about your playtime. PlayStation support will review your request and respond within a few business days. For Xbox, go to your purchase history, select the game, and choose "Get help with this purchase," then "I want a refund." Xbox processes these requests similarly.
Both platforms are more restrictive than Steam if you have logged significant hours. If you are denied, you can contact their support teams directly by phone or chat, but the outcome rarely changes once an automated review has been completed. Refunds, if approved, take 5 to 10 business days to appear in your account.
Refunds for purchases made directly through Battlestate Games
If you bought Escape from Tarkov directly from the official Battlestate Games launcher or website, the developer's policy is that no refunds are issued after purchase. This applies regardless of how recently you bought the game or how much you have played.
Battlestate Games states this clearly in their terms of service. Unlike Steam or console stores, they do not have a grace period or a playtime threshold. Once your payment is processed, the transaction is final. The only exception would be if your payment was fraudulent or unauthorized, in which case you would need to dispute the charge with your bank or payment processor, not contact the developer.
In-game purchases and stash upgrades
Refunds for in-game purchases—such as stash expansions, cosmetic items, or battle pass access—are not issued by Battlestate Games or any storefront once the transaction is confirmed and the item is added to your account. These are treated as consumable digital goods, not as game licenses.
If you accidentally purchased an item or changed your mind, contact Battlestate Games support through their official website to explain the situation. They may issue a one-time courtesy reversal if the purchase was very recent (usually within hours), but this is not may provide and is not a formal refund policy. Do not expect a refund for in-game purchases made days or weeks ago.
What to do if your account was banned
Escape from Tarkov has an active anti-cheat system, and accounts found to violate the terms of service are banned permanently. Battlestate Games does not refund purchases for banned accounts under any circumstances, even if you believe the ban was issued in error.
If you believe your account was banned incorrectly, you can appeal through their support system on the official website. However, an appeal is a request to review the ban decision, not a refund request. If your appeal is denied, you have no further recourse with the developer or with the storefront where you purchased the game. The purchase is considered final once the account is flagged.
Disputing a charge with your bank or payment processor
If you have exhausted all other options and believe you are may have access to to a refund that was denied, you can file a dispute or chargeback with your bank or credit card company. This is a last resort and should only be used if you believe the charge was unauthorized or fraudulent.
Be aware that filing a chargeback may result in your Battlestate Games account being permanently closed or flagged. The developer views chargebacks as a breach of the purchase agreement. Use this option only if you have a legitimate reason to believe the transaction should not have gone through, not simply because you changed your mind about the purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a refund if I bought the game more than 14 days ago?
On Steam, no—the 14-day window is firm. On console stores, policies vary but are similarly strict. If you bought directly from Battlestate Games, refunds are not issued at any time. Your only option at that point is to contact your bank if you believe the charge was unauthorized.
What if I played the game for 3 hours on Steam?
Steam will deny your refund request because you exceeded the 2-hour playtime limit. Once denied, you cannot resubmit the same request. Your only remaining option is to contact Steam support directly to explain your situation, but reversals are rare after an automated denial.
Do I lose my progress if I request a refund?
Yes. If a refund is approved, your access to the game ends immediately, and your character and stash are deleted. You cannot recover them if you later repurchase the game. Make sure you want a refund before you submit the request.
Can I refund a cosmetic item I bought in-game?
Cosmetic items and stash upgrades are almost never refunded once purchased. Contact Battlestate Games support immediately if the purchase was made within the last few hours, but do not expect approval. After a few hours have passed, refunds are extremely unlikely.
What happens if I dispute the charge with my bank?
Your bank may reverse the charge and return the money to you, but Battlestate Games will likely close or flag your account as a result. You will lose access to the game permanently, and you may be unable to purchase from them again. Use this option only if you have a legitimate fraud claim.