How to Buy Steam Games Cheaper from Another Country
Are you tired of shelling out top dollar for your favorite Steam games? Do you want to discover ways to save money while still getting the games you love? Look no further! In this article, we’ll explore the strategy of buying Steam games from another country to get better deals.
Why buy Steam games from another country?
Many regions on Steam have different pricing for the same games. This phenomenon is known as pricing variation. By simply changing your Steam region to a country with lower game prices, you can bag the same game at a lower cost. This isn’t illegal, and as long as you follow certain guidelines, you can make the most of this gaming loophole.
How does it work?
Steam uses your IP address to determine your region. Therefore, you need to have a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to mask your IP address and make your computer appear as if you’re located in a different country. Here’s the step-by-step process to get started:
- Choose a VPN: Select a reliable VPN that has servers in the countries with lower game prices you’re interested in. Keep in mind that some popular VPNs may have restricted access to certain regions for copyright reasons.
- Install the VPN client: Download and install the VPN client on your device.
- Start the VPN: Launch the VPN client and connect to a server in the region you’ve chosen.
- Create a Steam account: If you haven’t already, create a Steam account.
- Change your Steam region: Log in to Steam and navigate to your user settings. Click on ‘Account’ and then select ‘Change Region.’ Now, select the region your VPN is connected to (the country with lower prices).
- Checkout: Go to the store page of the game you want to buy and ‘Add to Cart.’ Enter your payment information, taking note of the new local currency and prices.
- Verify your IP address: Steam may flag your purchase if your VPN doesn’t work correctly, so ensure your IP address is masked correctly.
Tips and Tricks
Keep in mind the following advice to make the most out of this strategy:
- Check for free trials: Some games are available as free trials for a limited time. After experiencing a title for the trial period, you may not want to buy, which saves you money even without a VPN.
- Look for developer sales: Many game developers offer sales on their official Steam stores. Keep track of these sales to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
- Check for bundle deals: Bundles often include two or more games at an discounted price. This tactic can help you save by purchasing multiple games at the same time.
- Be cautious of credit card restrictions: Some game developers or publishers may blacklist certain card numbers due to fraudulent purchases. This means you should avoid using the same payment method repeatedly.
- Understand Steam gift cards: Steam gift cards can be purchased in most regions and redeemed on multiple platforms. This is not a recommended solution, as it may increase the price due to various conversion fees.
Disadvantages and Risks
Before you start scouring the Steam store in a different region, make sure you’re aware of the potential drawbacks:
- Potential account ban: Steam may flag your purchase and temporarily ban your account if your VPN doesn’t work correctly or if other users report suspicious activity related to your account.
- Currency conversion fees: Converting your local currency to the new region may result in additional fees depending on the payment method. These fees can eat up your savings.
- Region-specific content: Purchasing a game from another region may not guarantee its compatibility with your region.
- Game availability and DRM: Some games have regional restrictions or use geolocation-based DRM (digital rights management). This limits access to certain games solely based on your location, making it difficult to secure a copy.
Real-World Examples
Look at the following examples, where Steam games are substantially cheaper in other regions. Bold prices include the difference between the American and international prices.
• DOOM Eternal, $59.99 US / $27 RUB (Russian Rubles) in Russia
• Cyberpunk 2077, $50 US / $15 CAD (Canadian Dollars) in Canada
• Assassin’s Creed Origins, $40 US / £25 GBP (British Pounds) in the UK
Pricing Variation Table
- Region | Game | United States | Costa Rica | Brazil | Poland
- PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds | $29.99 | $29.99 | $19.99 | $24.99 | $24.99
- Overkill’s The Walking Dead | $29.99 | $29.99 | $19.99 | $26.99 | 26.99
- Resident Evil 6 | $19.99 | $19.99 | $9.99 | $14.99 | 14.99
Conclusion
As you’ve seen, changing your Steam region to shop for games in another country can lead to significant price savings. However, understand the potential risks and adhere to Steam’s terms and conditions to avoid any issue. Remember to always do your research and stay up-to-date about regional pricing variations to unlock the best deals. Be smart, be patient, and you’ll be splurging on your dream games in no time – at a fraction of the cost!