Have you ever looked at your library and wondered how much money you have spent on all those games you never played? The good news - or bad news - is that Steam actually has a hidden tool that helps you know exactly how much money you have spent since creating your account.
How to check your total spending on Steam
While there are many tools like Steam Calculator to estimate account value, Valve has an official feature to view the actual amount spent. According to a tip from Reddit user trotski94, you just need to follow these steps in the application:
Help > Steam Support > My account > Data related to your Steam account > External funds used
The “External funds used” section will display the total amount you have deposited and used to purchase games or top up your wallet since the day you created your account. This doesn't just count games; this amount also includes small transactions such as in-game items, DLC, expansions, or Steam Wallet top-ups.
If you want to view a detailed purchase history, you can also access: Help > Steam Support > My account > Data related to your Steam account > Purchase history
Or open the transaction history page here directly.
The information in these two sections helps you get the most comprehensive overview of your "investment" throughout your gaming journey on the platform.
Numbers that shock many gamers
The author of the article reveals that their personal total spending is approximately $1,920 USD, not including an old account from 2004. However, this figure is still low compared to many other users on Reddit:
- One person spent $14,842 USD on games.
- Another "whale" spent up to $26,437 USD on this platform alone.
And that is not even the record. A user named stasik is said to have spent $500,000 to $700,000 USD to reach the highest account level in the world: Level 5,960. This shows that for some people, gaming is not just a hobby - it is a form of investment in oneself and life experiences.
The community also suggests that the actual total spent is much higher when including other platforms like Epic, GOG, Battle.net, along with consoles, physical games, accessories, and subscription services like Game Pass, EA Play...
Passion is not cheap - but it is worth it
Even though the Steam figure shown is enough to "hurt the wallet," in reality, gamer spending is much higher. Many people bought hundreds of physical game discs before the digital era, not to mention consoles, early PCs, and other platforms.
With the trend shifting toward digital shopping, tools like “External funds used” help gamers:
- Manage spending better
- Look back at the development of personal hobbies
- Consider purchases when sale seasons arrive
- Lightheartedly compare themselves with the community
Ultimately, gaming remains one of the most profound and diverse forms of entertainment. The fact that you spend money - whether it is 1 million or 10 million VND - to exchange for thousands of hours of relaxation, interaction, and adventure is completely justifiable.
If you are curious about the total amount you have spent on Steam, use the “External funds used” section. This is an opportunity for gamers to face the truth - and also a time to better appreciate the experiences they have had. And if you find the number too large, remember: passion always has a price - what matters is that you find it worth it.
