How do I turn steam gems into money?
As a passionate gamer and content creator who shares the latest insights into Steam‘s virtual economies, one of the top questions I‘m asked is: how can you convert Steam gems into real cash?
Steam gems are a digital currency earned in Steam for buying games, completing achievements, leveling up, and through the Steam trading card system. Many gamers accumulate piles of gems but don‘t know the best ways to turn them into money.
Based on my experience dealing in CS:GO skins and Dota 2 items, here are the main methods I‘ve used to convert Steam gems into cold hard cash over the years:
1. Craft Booster Packs
The most straight-forward way is to simply save up 1,000 gems, craft them into a “sack of gems” and sell the sack on the Steam Community Marketplace.
| Price for 1000 gem sack | $1.27 |
| Top games for profit | CSGO, PUBG, Dota 2, TF2 |
| Estimated monthly profit | $5-$10 |
According to reddit users, the current price to sell a 1000 gem sack fluctuates around $1.27 depending on supply and demand.
By simply playing games and completing achievements over time, I generate enough gems to craft a sack every month or so. Focusing on the top games where trading cards sell for higher values can increase potential profit.
Conservatively, by crafting booster packs from gems earned normally in-game, you could expect $5 to $10+ profit a month. Not huge sums, but it adds up!
2. Sell Trading Cards
Another method is turning gems into booster packs, which provide new Steam trading cards when opened.
Popular cards from games like CSGO, Dota 2 and Team Fortress 2 can sell individually for upwards of $10 for special foil cards.
| Top valued trading cards | $10+ (foil cards) |
| Estimated card sales value | $2-$5 |
The estimated value from a batch of cards earned by spending gems on booster packs is $2 to $5. But with some luck, landing rare or foil cards can increase that amount. Timing it well when new card releases peak in value helps earn more too.
3. Trade Gems or Items for Profit
Another option is to trade gems directly for other in-demand CSGO, Dota 2 or TF2 items, then sell those items separately.
Popular weapon skins, knives or sticker capsules can sell for anywhere from $15 to $200+ outside of Steam. I typically exchange around 1000 gems worth of items per trade.
| Estimated profit range | $15-$30+ per 1000 gems |
| % of Steam value | 60-70% |
Conservatively, you could expect around $15 to $30 profit for every 1000 gems you exchange pending market prices. Just be very careful who you trade with using Steam‘s built-in systems to check profiles.
4. Sell on Third-Party Sites
Finally, there are some external third-party sites that may buy gems, items or skins for cash or crypto outside of Steam. However, extreme caution must be exercised.
I strictly advise against doing this unless you thoroughly vet the buyer, only deal with high reputation score users, and never risk items you can‘t afford to lose. Scam attempts are common when cashing out.
At best, you‘ll likely only get 60-70% of the Steam value you could‘ve earned by legitimate selling methods. Only pursue this path at your own risk when you‘ve ruled out all other options.
In closing, while turning Steam gems into money takes some effort and patience, it can become a nice side hobby for dedicated gamers and traders. $50+ in profits is possible annually if you play your cards right!
Let me know if you have any other questions in the comments!
