Trading Cards on Steam: Are They Really Worth Collecting?

15 June 2025

When it comes to gaming, Steam isn’t just a hub for buying, downloading, and playing games—it’s a massive ecosystem filled with additional features meant to enhance your experience. One of these features includes trading cards, introduced by Valve back in 2013. But if you’re like most gamers, you’ve probably asked yourself, “Are these digital trading cards really worth collecting?” It’s a fair question, and the answer isn’t a simple yes or no. Let’s dig in and see if these little pixels are worth your time, effort, or money.

What Are Steam Trading Cards?

For those of you who might not be fully clued in, Steam trading cards are virtual collectibles you earn while playing certain games on the platform. Think of them like baseball cards, but instead of featuring athletes, they showcase art or characters from your favorite games. You get a random drop of cards as you play supported games, and once you’ve collected a full set, you can craft them into badges. These badges contribute to your Steam profile level and unlock other bonuses, like emoticons for chatting, profile backgrounds, and sometimes discounts for more games.

Sounds cool, right? But before you dive headfirst into trading card collecting, let’s weigh the pros and cons.

Why People Love Collecting Steam Trading Cards

There’s something inherently satisfying about collecting things. It triggers that little dopamine rush in your brain every time you complete a set or unlock something exclusive. But with Steam trading cards, the appeal goes beyond psychology. Here's why people enjoy them:

1. They’re Just Fun to Collect

There’s no objective reason why some people collect stamps or vinyl records. It’s fun, plain and simple. Steam trading cards are no different. If you’re a fan of a particular game, collecting its themed cards might feel like gathering souvenirs or memorabilia from that world. It’s a way to keep your love for a game alive, even when you’re not playing it.

2. Crafting Badges = Leveling Up Your Profile

When you craft a badge with your cards, your Steam profile level increases. And let’s be honest, we all love seeing that little number go up. A higher profile level doesn’t just boost your ego—it also increases your chances of earning booster packs over time.

3. Community Engagement

The trading aspect of "trading cards" isn’t just a gimmick. It’s an actual part of the ecosystem. You can swap cards with friends or strangers in the Steam community. It’s a great way to meet new people, bond over shared interests, or even negotiate some savvy trades. It’s almost like a virtual flea market but without the awkward bartering face-to-face.

4. Real-World Value

Surprising as it may sound, Steam trading cards have a monetary value. Many cards can be bought and sold on the Steam Community Market for a small fee. If you’re willing to put in the time, you could potentially make some money—or at least enough to offset costs for your next game purchase.

Why Steam Trading Cards Might Not Be Worth It

Of course, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Steam trading cards have their fair share of downsides, too. Let’s break them down.

1. Digital Collectibles vs Physical Collectibles

Think about it: when you collect real-world items like Magic: The Gathering cards or Pokémon cards, you’re holding onto something tangible. They can gain value, become antiques, or even be passed down. Steam trading cards are purely digital, and their value only exists within the Steam ecosystem. If you’re someone who likes to “own” something in the physical sense, this might not satisfy you.

2. The Monetary Value Is… Barely There

Yes, you can sell trading cards on the market, but let’s be real here—the vast majority of cards sell for pennies. Unless you’re snagging rare, foil cards or you’re expertly flipping cards on the market, it’s hard to make any meaningful profit. You might end up spending hours managing your sales just to earn a couple of bucks, which doesn’t feel like a great use of time.

3. They’re Totally Optional

Unlike microtransactions in some games, Steam trading cards are completely optional. If you ignore them completely, it won’t have any impact on your gaming experience. That’s a good thing, but it also brings up the question: Do you really need them?

4. It’s a Bit of a Grind

Earning cards isn’t instantaneous; it takes time to “drop” cards while playing supported games. Plus, you’re only eligible to get a limited number of cards per game—you won’t get a full set just by playing. You’ll have to trade or purchase the rest, which might feel more like a chore than a hobby after a while.

Are There Hidden Benefits?

All this skepticism aside, Steam trading cards can be a solid option for certain types of gamers. For example, if you’re someone who buys lots of games and plays them for long hours, the cards can accumulate without any extra effort on your part. You can sell them for wallet credit to buy more games, essentially making them a passive perk of your gaming habits.

Gamers Who Might Enjoy Them:

- Collectors: If you love completing sets for the sake of completion, you’ll enjoy this aspect of Steam.
- Bargain Hunters: Those who use the marketplace creatively can sometimes snag cheap games using wallet funds earned from selling cards.
- Achievement Junkies: If you’re someone who likes earning trophies, badges, or other symbols of accomplishment, trading cards feed into that same itch.

Should You Spend Money on Steam Trading Cards?

Here’s the million-dollar (or maybe a few bucks) question: Should you actually spend money to buy trading cards? For most people, the answer is no. Unless you deeply care about completing a specific badge or you’re flush with disposable income, buying cards can feel like a waste.

Instead, focus on the free aspect of trading cards. Play the games you already love and see the cards as a bonus. If you’re missing just one or two cards from a set, buy them cheaply from the market. But spending a large amount to complete badges probably won’t bring much lasting satisfaction.

Final Thoughts: Are They Really Worth Collecting?

So, are Steam trading cards worth it? Well, that depends on how you look at them. If you go in with a casual mindset, collecting trading cards can be a fun little side activity while gaming. They’re not going to make you rich, and they won’t change your life, but they might add a little joy to your Steam experience.

On the other hand, if you’re trying to turn card collecting into a serious investment or expecting it to revolutionize how you game, you’re probably going to be disappointed. Steam trading cards are only as valuable as the enjoyment you get out of them. So, play your games, have fun, and if collecting cards adds to that fun, go for it. If not, don’t sweat it—there are plenty of other ways to enjoy Steam.