In the online gaming world, everyone knows about Steam. It’s a platform where game distribution, forums, servers, single and multiplayer experience converges. You can buy your games online and download them immediately to your computer to start playing with your friends. However, you may often find your connection restricted, be it local or regional. Bypassing these obstacles with a VPN sounds like an easy job, but is it really that easy? And more importantly: is it possible to buy a cheaper version of the game that has a regional lock, and disguise yourself as a foreign player to get around the system? The short answer: yes, but it’s risky.
There are two main reasons someone would resort to using a VPN in conjunction with Steam. First, is just to be able to access the service anywhere, anytime. Schools and workplaces often prohibit their network to reach Steam, because kids or employees could use it to secretly play games. This is obviously an issue outside of Steam’s boundaries, as they aren’t the ones restricting you. Nevertheless, you are the one suffering the consequences. You may try to log into a remote PC that is outside of the network but setting up a VPN is much easier. Just search for a provider who offers you its own client to avoid unnecessary complications with the settings.
The other case is related to Steam’s pricing strategy: when buying a game, you buy a key to unlock said game on your account. There are regional and local keys. The former can be activated regardless your location, while the latter is meant for the players of the given country only. Naturally, a Russian game key is much cheaper because it was meant for a smaller target audience. This leads to a conclusion that purchasing a regional key and accessing Steam via VPN would potentially allow you to spare some cash, right? Sadly, the answer is no, because of the…
In its SSA, Steam clearly states that “You agree that you will not use IP proxying or other methods to disguise the place of your residence, whether to circumvent geographical restrictions on game content, to purchase at pricing not applicable to your geography, or for any other purpose. If you do this, we may terminate your access to your Account.” This clearly covers any use of VPN. No matter whether you want to bypass the network regulation of your workplace, or just want to enjoy a game for less money, you bring doom to your own head for trying.
The interesting thing is that you find countless pages on the internet describing the advantages of VPN usage to exploit Steam, despite the obvious dangers. The topic gained publicity when a large number of players used a VPN to gain early access to the popular game Fallout 4. They logged in through a region that had an early release date, thus starting the Fallout 4 fun much earlier. But keep in mind that just because a trick works, it doesn’t mean you won’t be punished later on. Sure, you can bypass the blocks and start playing a game belonging to another region– you just might not be able to finish it, because Steam may catch you sooner or later.
As you see, your account only be banned if Steam discovers that you are using a VPN. There are certain elements that could tell an automated program that the IP you are using is from a VPN server. This is most likely the result of you connecting to a shared server.
The main characteristics of a shared server are that multiple people are using the same IP (which is a surefire way to get caught) and that the address has numbers indicating that it belongs to a VPN server. These are the tiny technical details that could cost you your account. However, there are dedicated servers, too. In this case, you gain entry to your very own private IP, with a more believable address that no one else shares. This way you could greatly reduce your chance of being detected by Steam.
We also have an extra tip for you: pick a VPN service with a long trial period! If you are determined enough, you can finish your game before it ends, saving you from additional expenses.
When it comes to choosing between proxies and VPN, be sure to pick the latter. It doesn’t seem to make much of a difference at first sight, but VPNs are far more dependable. When you do some research about unlocking content via data tunneling, you’ll realize that others always recommend using a VPN. And there is a good reason for it. VPN rerouting is a much more refined process, where you have more control over the security options. You can choose the server type, the protocols, the strength of the connection etc. Fooling Steam isn’t easy, and the hubris of overlooking such credential details only invite downfall. When it comes to choosing your provider, don’t be hasty; read some reviews to gather all the necessary information.
A number of VPN companies specifically cater to avid Steam gamers. We’ve handpicked a couple of recommended options and tested them to ensure they play nicely with Steam, so you don’t have to worry about losing your account.
A surfing shark might not conjure up an image of security, but it does represent an effective way of defending yourself from the threats of the deep ocean that is the internet.
Established in 2018, Surfshark offers aesthetically-pleasing apps for multiple platforms. The Netherlands-based company continues to enhance its cybersecurity, merging with Nord Security in 2022. The VPN service doesn’t miss out on any critical security features, such as a static IP address and kill switch, and provides servers in more than 100 countries.
Additionally, Surfshark offers encryption protocols (including WireGuard) and P2P support, alternative IDs, and a no-logs policy. It is one of the cheapest services on the market and offers a 7-day free trial for Android, iOS, and macOS devices, plus a 30-day money-back guarantee to test the service risk free.
First of all, please do not feel intimidated: the perhaps vulgar name of the UK-based company is intended to be a pun. HMA VPN has a mascot in the form of a donkey, and thus this little wordplay is nothing to worry about. You should rather pay attention to the fact that HMA VPN is easily one of the best VPN companies today; they offer much more than a standard package. You are also welcome to try out the free web proxy, an anonymous e-mail service and an IP:Port premium service, which is essentially a more elaborate proxy product. On top of this, you also have VPN browser extensions for Chrome and Mozilla to use. HMA VPN does all this while still maintaining decent speeds and healthy prices. These are coupled with the fact that HMA VPN remains one of few providers who still enable access to Netflix. But the most impressive thing about this organization is the number of locations provided – it is unprecedented today.
VyprVPN, provided by Swiss-based Golden Frog, is one of the longest standing VPN services in the world. They own and manage both their server and their client software under one roof, without outsourcing anything to third party companies. Thanks to this, they not only guarantee unlimited bandwidth and stellar server uptime, but it has also allowed Golden Frog to come up with a set of innovative features. VyprVPN users have access to a unique network protocol called Chameleon, which scrambles metadata allowing you to bypass restrictions. Those who regularly run into unwanted malware sites, could prevent malicious redirections with the built-in VyprDNS feature and you can even manage your own VPN network via VyprVPN Cloud. The fast and secure routing is made complete with a large group of possible server locations, counting more than 70 countries and 200,000 IP addresses. VyprVPN is available for every major home device, smartphone and operating system. The subscription cost starts from $5 per month, but you can give it a go for free thanks to the 3-day trial.
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