What happens with a CD-KEY of a steam game if I add the same game through a pack?
I have a game added to my steam library a long time ago (I redeemed it with a physical retail CD-key, let's call "XXXX") and then I would know what happens with this retail cd-key if I buy a steam key ("YYYY") of a pack collection of various games that includes this same game that I had redeem with a retail CD-Key, so then after activating this pack will I have the same retail CD-Key still for this specific game (the "XXXX"), or it will be changed for other different key ("ZZZZ")?
Best Answer
As you know, CD keys can only be used once (or deactivated before it is used, from the developer's side). Once used, they'll go into a list of used keys, where it'll be eventually (after a very long time^) be reused.
If you apply a new CD key containing a subset of games and you own copies of one (or more) of the games you have already owned is in that bundle, you do not get a second copy, or a new CD key in replacement to the old one.
All you get is the remaining games (and DLC's) in the bundle that you do not already own that the key grants.
However, there are exceptions to the rule but only apply to games purchased from the Steam Store, and are granted as a Steam Gift (item).
^Open to speculation
Pictures about "What happens with a CD-KEY of a steam game if I add the same game through a pack?"
What happens if you use a Steam key for a game you already own?
If you enter a steam key of a different copy of the same game you already own, your steam key won't be used. It will say that you already own the game. The exception is when the game is included with others game in a bundle, in this case the key would be lost.Can you use the same steam key twice?
Each Steam key can only be activated in a single Steam account. You can however login using the same Steam account on more than one computer, but only one at a time. When logged into Steam all the games activated within that Steam account can be downloaded, installed and played on the PC.Can I add a game to Steam with a CD key?
Log in to the Steam client application (if you haven't yet, you can download the Steam client here). Click the button labeled "+ Add a Game" on the bottom left on the Steam client and select "Activate a Product on Steam..." and follow the on-screen instructions.Are Steam CD keys permanent?
1 Answer. Show activity on this post. Steam Keys bought from Steam never expire - you can wait as long as you want; even if the game is removed from the Steam store the key is still valid. However, there is no guarantee that Steam keys bought from third-party sources will remain valid for eternity.Games: trova, acquista, risparmia e attiva. CD Key dalla A alla Z. Tutorial
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: Victoria Borodinova, Miguel Á. Padriñán, RODNAE Productions, Pixabay