Can You Use VPN to Buy Steam Games Cheaper?

Last week, I found myself staring at my screen in disbelief. The new AAA game I'd been eagerly waiting for was finally released, but the $69.99 price tag made me wince. That's when my gaming buddy mentioned something that piqued my interest – using a VPN to buy Steam games at lower prices. Could it really be that simple? I had to find out for myself.

After diving deep into research and testing various methods, I discovered that yes, you can use a VPN to buy Steam games cheaper, but there's more to the story than just changing your virtual location. Let's explore how this works, the potential risks, and whether it's worth your time.

Why Steam Games Have Different Prices Around the World

Steam, like many digital platforms, implements regional pricing to account for different economic conditions worldwide. This means the exact same game might cost significantly less in countries with lower average incomes. For example, a game priced at $69.99 in the US might cost only $5.99 in Turkey or Argentina.

Here's a quick look at some price differences I found (prices may vary due to exchange rates):

Seeing these differences, it's no wonder many gamers are tempted to use a VPN to access these lower prices.

How to Buy Steam Games Cheaper with SafeShell VPN

After testing multiple VPNs, I found SafeShell VPN to be particularly effective for accessing different Steam regions. Here's how you can use it:

1. Get a Reliable VPN

First, you'll need a VPN with servers in countries where games are cheaper. SafeShell VPN stands out with its ultra-fast speeds (essential for browsing and downloading games) and extensive server network that includes key countries like India, Brazil, and the Philippines.

2. Connect to a Server in a Cheaper Region

Launch SafeShell VPN and connect to a server in your target country. For most users, India offers the best balance of significant discounts and payment accessibility.

3. Add a Game to Your Steam Cart

With the VPN connected, open Steam, browse to the game you want, and add it to your cart. At this point, you'll still see prices in your local currency

4. Change Your Steam Store Country

In your cart, look for the country dropdown in the top-right corner. Select the country matching your VPN location. Steam will ask you to confirm this change.

5. Set Up Payment

This is where things get tricky. Steam will require a payment method from the country you've selected. For most regions like Turkey and Argentina, you'll need a local payment card – which is nearly impossible to get unless you actually live there.

However, India is unique because it accepts third-party payment providers like Skrill, which can be used internationally. This makes India the most practical choice for most users looking to save money.

6. Complete Your Purchase

Enter a billing address from your selected country (you can find one using Google Maps), complete the payment, and enjoy your discounted game!

Is This Against Steam's Rules

I'd be doing you a disservice if I didn't mention the risks. Using a VPN to change your Steam region primarily to get cheaper games is technically against Steam's Terms of Service. Valve (Steam's parent company) states:

"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."

The potential consequences include:

• Account suspension or permanent ban
• Loss of access to your entire game library
• Wasted money on games you can no longer play

Is saving a few dollars worth risking your entire Steam account? That's a question only you can answer.

Important Limitations to Consider

Before you jump into using SafeShell VPN to change your Steam region, keep these limitations in mind:

1. You can only change your Steam region once every three months – choose wisely!
2. Most regions require a local payment method – India is one of the few exceptions where third-party payment providers work.
3. Steam has been cracking down on region-switching – in 2023, they removed local currency support for Argentina and Turkey, making these previously popular choices less attractive.
4. You need a VPN that won't be detected – SafeShell VPN's advanced encryption and obfuscation features help prevent detection.

Alternative Ways to Save Money on Steam Games

If the risks seem too high, there are legitimate alternatives to save money on Steam games:

• Wait for seasonal sales – Steam runs major sales several times a year with discounts up to 90%
• Use sites like Humble Bundle – often offer game bundles at steep discounts
• Add games to your wishlist – get notified when they go on sale
• Check key resellers – sites like Green Man Gaming often sell Steam keys at lower prices
• Join loyalty programs – earn points for discounts on future purchases

My Personal Experience

I decided to try this method using SafeShell VPN to connect to an Indian server. The process was smooth – SafeShell's lightning-fast connection speeds meant no lag while browsing the Steam store, and their server was reliable throughout the transaction.

I managed to purchase a game that would have cost me $59.99 for the equivalent of about $27 – a savings of more than 50%. The game works perfectly, and I've had no issues with my account.

However, I'm still a bit nervous about potential consequences. While I haven't experienced any problems yet, I'm not sure I'd recommend this method to someone with a large Steam library they can't afford to lose.

The Bottom Line: Is It Worth It?

Can you use a VPN to buy Steam games cheaper? Yes, technically you can, and SafeShell VPN makes the process as smooth and secure as possible with its ultra-fast speeds and reliable servers.

But should you? That depends on your risk tolerance. You're potentially violating Steam's Terms of Service, which could result in losing your account.

If you do decide to try it, SafeShell VPN offers the security and performance you need, with servers in key regions like India where payment is more accessible. Their no-logs policy and advanced encryption also provide an extra layer of protection for your activities.

Personally, I think the safest approach is to combine methods – use legitimate sales and bundles for most purchases, and perhaps reserve the VPN method for those few must-have games that rarely go on sale.