Are Steam Games Available in All Countries?
Steam games are available in 237 countries, according to Valve, although the number of countries recognized by the world is 194, with some territories considered as separate countries by Valve. The availability of Steam games without region restrictions applies to products purchased directly from the Steam store, but region restrictions may apply to products purchased as gifts.
Understanding Steam Availability and Region Restrictions
The concept of region restrictions and geo-blocking can be confusing, especially for gamers who want to access their favorite games from anywhere in the world. To address this, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) to provide clarity on Steam’s regional availability and region locking.
FAQ 1: What Happens to My Steam Games if I Move to a Different Country?
Every game in your library becomes region-free 90 days after activation, allowing you to install and play it from anywhere in the world, making it ideal for users who move to other countries.
FAQ 2: Can You Get Banned from Steam for Using a Different Region?
Steam only allows you to change your region once every three months, and you must make a purchase to set your new location as your default country, and attempting to spoof your location for better deals may result in a banned account.
FAQ 3: Can You Use VPN to Buy Steam Games Cheaper?
You can use a professional VPN to change your location and buy Steam games at a discounted price, but be cautious, as Steam may block your account if it detects VPN usage.
FAQ 4: Is It Cheaper to Buy Steam Games in Different Countries?
Prices can differ significantly from one location to another, depending on the publisher, with countries like Turkey and Argentina often having cheaper game prices than Europe or the United States.
FAQ 5: Why Are Some Games on Steam Region Locked?
Region locking exists due to law and licensing issues, as well as financial reasons, as game prices vary significantly between regions, with Russia and other CIS countries having much lower prices than the EU or North America.
FAQ 6: How Do I Bypass Region Lock?
You can use a VPN to bypass geo-blocking by signing up for a suitable VPN, downloading and installing the VPN app, connecting to a server in the desired country, and logging in to access previously geo-blocked content.
FAQ 7: Can Steam Detect a VPN?
Steam can detect VPN usage through various methods, including blocklisted IP addresses, but you can use certain VPNs to bypass Steam’s detection.
FAQ 8: What Is the Best VPN for Steam Games?
The best VPNs for Steam include NordVPN, Surfshark, ExpressVPN, and CyberGhost, which offer fast speeds, strong security, and large server networks.
FAQ 9: Can You Trick Steam with a VPN?
While it’s possible to trick Steam with a VPN, doing so may violate Steam’s terms of service and result in account termination.
FAQ 10: Is Bypassing Region Lock Illegal?
Using a VPN to access geo-blocked content isn’t illegal, but it may violate a streaming service’s user agreement, leading to account termination or suspension.
FAQ 11: Does Region Locking Still Exist?
Region locking still exists, but it’s becoming less common, especially with the rise of digital game purchases and the new generation of consoles.
FAQ 12: What Does a Region Lock Do?
A region lock ensures that a device or game can only be used in a specific region or country, preventing grey market sales and piracy.
FAQ 13: Why Is Steam Argentina So Cheap?
Steam games are cheaper in Argentina due to the country’s weak currency and exchange rates, making it an attractive option for gamers looking for discounted prices.
FAQ 14: Which Country Uses Steam the Most?
The top 10 countries with the most Steam users include the United States, China, Russia, Brazil, and Germany, with the United States having the largest user base.
FAQ 15: Is Steam Legal in the US?
Steam games are legal in the US, as they follow all applicable laws and regulations, making it a safe and reliable platform for gamers to purchase and play their favorite games.