How To Use A VPN To Unlock Steam Games

(Many of the links in this article redirect to a specific reviewed product. Your purchase of these products through affiliate links helps to generate commission for Techsplurge.com, at no extra cost. Learn more)

Why Use a VPN with Steam?

Access Geo-Restricted Deals and Discounts

Steam offers different prices for games based on location. By using a VPN, you can change your IP address to a region where the game is cheaper, effectively getting better deals and discounts.

Protect Yourself from DDoS Attacks

DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attacks are common in the gaming community. A VPN helps by masking your IP address, making it difficult for attackers to target you.

Avoid ISP Throttling

Internet Service Providers (ISPs) sometimes throttle connections, causing buffering issues in games. A VPN can prevent this by concealing your online activities from your ISP.

Maintain Online Privacy

Browsing with a VPN encrypts your data, ensuring that your activities remain private and secure. This is particularly important when playing multiplayer games where your IP address could be exposed.

Understanding Steam's VPN Policy

Steam has strict policies regarding the use of VPNs. While using a VPN is generally allowed for certain purposes, there are specific scenarios where it is not permitted:

Purchasing Games to Bypass Regional Pricing

Using a VPN to buy games at lower regional prices is against Steam's terms of service. This practice can lead to account bans and other penalties.

Purchasing Games with Weak Currencies

If you use a VPN to change your region to one with a weak currency, you risk violating Steam's policies. This could result in your account being banned and reported to authorities.

Other Permitted Uses

Using a VPN to bypass regional restrictions on specific games or to improve ping times is generally acceptable. Additionally, downloading games through a VPN is allowed as long as you are not trying to bypass regional pricing.

Choosing the Right VPN for Steam

When selecting a VPN for Steam, consider the following factors:

Geographically Diverse Servers

A VPN with servers in multiple countries can help you access geo-restricted content more effectively. Look for VPNs with extensive server networks, such as Surfshark or IPVanish.

Speed and Reliability

A fast and reliable VPN is crucial for smooth gaming performance. Check the VPN's speed and latency to ensure it won’t affect your gameplay.

Security Features

Ensure the VPN offers robust security features like encryption, split tunneling, and obfuscation to protect your data and maintain online privacy.

Compatibility with Steam

Some VPNs may interfere with Steam’s functionality or cause connectivity issues. Choose a VPN that is known to be compatible with Steam and has good reviews from users.

Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up a VPN for Steam

Here’s a step-by-step guide to setting up a VPN for Steam:

Select a VPN Provider

Choose a reputable VPN provider that meets your requirements. Some popular options include Surfshark and IPVanish.

Download and Install the VPN Software

Download the VPN software from the provider’s website and install it on your device. Follow the installation instructions provided by the VPN provider.

Launch the VPN Software

Launch the VPN software and log in with your credentials. You may need to create an account if you haven’t already.

Connect to a Server

Once logged in, select a server location that is closest to your desired region. This will help you access geo-restricted content more effectively.

Verify Your Connection

After connecting to a server, verify that your IP address has changed by visiting a website like whatismyip.com. This ensures that your VPN is working correctly.

Launch Steam

Launch Steam and log in with your account credentials. Ensure that your VPN is still active to maintain your new IP address.

Access Geo-Restricted Content

With your VPN active, you can now access games and content that were previously restricted in your region. Enjoy your newly unlocked games and deals!

Using a VPN to access Steam games can be a powerful tool for accessing geo-restricted content and maintaining online privacy. However, it’s essential to understand and adhere to Steam’s policies regarding VPN usage. By choosing the right VPN and following the steps outlined above, you can enjoy a seamless gaming experience while protecting your data and identity. Always check the latest terms of service and community guidelines to ensure compliance. Happy gaming!