What are Steam trading cards and how do they work?

Steam trading cards are virtual collectibles that players can earn by participating in games on the Steam platform. These cards serve multiple purposes, enhancing the gaming experience and providing players with opportunities to trade, craft, and showcase their in-game achievements. Each game on Steam may have its own unique set of trading cards, which players can obtain by playing the game, completing specific achievements, or through random drops. When a player plays a game that includes trading cards, they may receive a limited number of cards as they progress. Each game typically has a set of cards that players can collect, and once a player collects a complete set, they have the option to craft it into a badge. Crafting a badge not only enhances a player’s profile on Steam but also provides various rewards, such as in-game items, discounts on future purchases, and additional experience points for leveling up their Steam profile. Moreover, Steam also allows players to trade their extra cards with one another. This trading feature enables players to complete their sets more easily by swapping duplicates with friends or other players. Players can list their cards on the community market as well, where they can buy and sell cards with Steam Wallet funds. In addition to providing a fun collectible aspect to gaming, Steam trading cards motivate players to engage with games and the broader Steam community, fostering a vibrant ecosystem around game ownership and appreciation. For more detailed information, it may be helpful to visit the Steam support page or community discussions.