Battle.net Request Refund: Your Complete Guide to Getting Your Money Back on Blizzard Games
You just bought that shiny new expansion for World of Warcraft, pre-ordered the next Diablo installment, or impulsively grabbed an Overwatch 2 bundle — only to realize moments (or hours) later… you made a mistake. Maybe it’s not what you expected. Maybe your PC can’t run it. Or maybe you just changed your mind. Whatever the reason, you’re now asking: “Can I request a refund on Battle.net?” — and more importantly, how?
Good news: Blizzard Entertainment does offer refunds — but not unconditionally, and not without rules. Navigating the Battle.net request refund process doesn’t have to be frustrating. In this guide, we’ll walk you through eligibility, timelines, step-by-step instructions, real user scenarios, and insider tips to maximize your chances of getting your money back — without losing your sanity.
Understanding Blizzard’s Refund Policy
Before diving into the “how,” let’s clarify the “when.” Blizzard’s refund policy is clear but strict:
- Digital game purchases (including expansions, in-game items, and currency) are eligible for refund within 14 days of purchase.
- You must have played less than 2 hours total across all characters or accounts associated with that purchase.
- Pre-orders are refundable anytime before the official release date — no playtime restrictions.
- Physical goods, game time cards, and Balance top-ups are NOT refundable.
- Bundles or promotions may have unique restrictions — always read the fine print.
This policy applies globally, though regional consumer laws (like in the EU or Australia) may offer additional protections. If you’re outside the U.S., check your local regulations — you might have more leverage.
Step-by-Step: How to Submit a Battle.net Request Refund
- Log into your Battle.net account via the official website — not the app.
- Navigate to “Account Settings” > “Purchase History.”
- Locate the transaction you want refunded. Click “Request a Refund.”
- Select your reason from the dropdown menu. Be honest — “Changed my mind” is acceptable.
- Submit. You’ll receive an automated confirmation email.
- Wait 3–5 business days for processing. Refunds return to your original payment method.
Pro Tip: If the “Request a Refund” button is grayed out, you’re likely outside the eligibility window — but don’t give up yet. Keep reading.
Real-Life Scenarios: When Refunds Succeed (and When They Don’t)
✅ Case Study #1: The Overzealous Pre-Order
Sarah pre-ordered Diablo IV the moment it went live. Two weeks later, she watched a gameplay stream and realized the game’s art style wasn’t for her. She hadn’t downloaded it yet. She submitted a Battle.net request refund — approved within 24 hours.
→ Lesson: Pre-orders are low-risk. Refundable until release — no questions asked.
✅ Case Study #2: The 1-Hour Regret
Mike bought the WoW: Dragonflight expansion, created a new Dracthyr, played for 55 minutes, hated the starting zone, and requested a refund. Approved.
→ Lesson: Under 2 hours? You’re golden. Even if you’ve launched the game, as long as you’re under the limit, you qualify.
❌ Case Study #3: The Weekend Warrior
Lisa bought Overwatch 2, played 3 matches over a long weekend (total playtime: 2h 12m), then tried to refund. Denied. She appealed, citing a “technical issue,” but without evidence, Blizzard upheld the denial.
→ Lesson: The 2-hour rule is automated and strict. No exceptions unless you have proof of malfunction.
What If You’re Outside the Window? Appeal Tactics That Work
Sometimes, life happens. Maybe you forgot about the purchase. Maybe your kid grabbed your credit card. Maybe the game crashed every 10 minutes — and you only realized after 15 days.
Here’s what to do:
- Gather evidence. Screenshots of error messages, crash logs, or even gameplay timestamps proving technical issues.
- Contact Blizzard Support directly. Use the web form or live chat (if available in your region). Avoid phone support — it’s rarely effective for refunds.
- Be polite, concise, and factual. Example:
“I purchased [Game Name] on [Date]. Due to recurring crashes (see attached logs), I was unable to enjoy the product. I respectfully request a refund under exceptional circumstances.”
- Mention consumer protection laws if applicable (EU’s 14-day digital refund law, Australia’s consumer guarantees). Blizzard often complies to avoid legal escalation.
Note: Success isn’t guaranteed — but users report ~30% approval rates on well-documented appeals.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Don’t wait. The clock starts ticking at purchase — not download or first launch.
- Don’t assume “unused” = refundable. Blizzard tracks playtime, not installation.
- Don’t spam support. One clear, documented request > five frantic emails.
- Don’t lie. Blizzard can verify playtime and system logs. False claims may result in account penalties.
Special Cases: Subscriptions, Shop Items, and Regional Nuances
- World of Warcraft Subscriptions: Game time is non-refundable.