How To Change Your Steam Region – 2024’s Failproof Guide
Are you tired of being restricted from accessing certain Steam games due to your region? Or, have you noticed that the games you want to purchase are significantly more expensive in your Steam region? Fortunately, by changing your Steam region, you can gain access to geo-restricted games and potentially buy games at a lower cost and save a ton of money in the long run.
In this article, we’ll guide you through changing your Steam store region, allowing you to access a broader range of games and potentially save money on purchases. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or just looking to expand your gaming options, keep reading to learn how changing your Steam store region can benefit you.
What you will need to change your Steam store region
Below you can find a list of everything you will need to follow this guide. More information and how to do everything will be discussed later in this guide.
- A Steam account.
- A valid payment method that is accepted in the location you want to change to.
- A billing address that matches the country you want to change to.
- A new IP Address that matches the region you want to change to.
- Patience and attention to detail when following the steps to avoid any issues or misrepresentations of your location.
Tips & Rules
- Don’t use the mobile app during the process.
- Don’t skip any steps of the guide, or you will fail.
- Don’t rush things, and follow all the timelines and instructions.
- Don’t go cheap with free VPNs because you will most likely pay more creating new VCCs and then buying a premium VPN as well.
- Don’t use general VCC providers.
- Once you change your region on Steam to your preferred one, DO NOT REFUND or RETURN any games.
How To Change Your Steam Region
Below you will find instructions as well as suggestions on how exactly to perform every step successfully in order to change your Steam country to your desired one.
THIS ARTICLE IS INTENDED FOR INFORMATIONAL AND RESEARCH PURPOSES ONLY.
Step 1 – Go to your Steam Account settings
Before you start doing anything, I highly recommend you close the Steam launcher on your PC and do the following steps on your browser.
- Navigate to the official website of Steam.
- Log in to your Steam account using your login credentials.
- Once logged in, click on your account name in the upper right-hand corner of the Steam interface. This should open a drop-down menu.
- From the drop-down menu, click on “Account Details.” This should take you to your Steam account settings page.
Next, click on “Add a payment method to this account” and it will redirect you to another page.
Leave this page open, and let’s move on to the next step.
Step 2 – New Payment Method.
Now that you are one step closer to changing your Steam location, the next step is to get a local payment method from the new location that you want to switch to. This is a tricky part, and most people mess up and fail to change their Steam location. No worries though; I will give you all the possible options, and rest assured that all of them work.
The only thing you have to do is choose which is the best for you depending on your case and requirements.
Option 1: Borrow a Credit Card from a Friend
If you have a friend who lives in the new country you want to change your Steam country to, you can ask them if they’d be willing to let you use their credit card.
You will only need it once. After that, you will be able to load your Steam account with credits without using your friend’s card.
Option 2: Get a Virtual Credit Card
A virtual credit card(VCC) is like a regular credit card, but it’s online and doesn’t have a physical form. You can use it to make purchases on the internet, and it’s perfect for our purpose of changing the Steam country.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Find a VCC provider: Do a quick search on the internet for “Virtual Credit Card” followed by the name of the country you want to change your Steam region to. You’ll find many websites that offer VCC services.
- Sign up: Choose a VCC provider that looks trustworthy and easy to use and sign up for an account on their website.
- Load funds: Once you’ve signed up, follow the steps on their website to load money onto your VCC. Deposit the minimum allowed by the VCC provider. If they allow you even 1$, then go for it, it will be enough to change your region.
- Get your VCC details: After loading funds, the VCC provider will give you the card details, such as the card number, expiration date, and security code. You’ll use these details to make purchases on the Steam store, just like you would with a regular credit card.
Websites where you can get a VCC in different countries:
- Turkey: Oldubil
- Argentina: Uala
- Other countries: Privacy.com, Wise, Skrill. (MUST BE MASTERCARD, NOT VISA)
Phone number to verify these accounts if needed. -> 5sim
Now that you have either a virtual credit card from the desired country or a friend’s credit card from that country, you’re ready to proceed with changing your Steam region.
Step 3 – Get a new IP Address
To successfully change your Steam region, it’s mandatory to use a VPN. This step is inevitable, as Steam requires your IP address to match the location you want to change to and the payment method.
If you don’t use a VPN, you can’t move forward with changing your Steam region. This is because your new payment method will be flagged, because you won’t be able to match your new billing address, making it unusable. As a result, you’d need to create a new payment method to try again.
I recommend using NordVPN because they have high-quality VPN servers with a huge server network, ensuring that you won’t be flagged and you will change your region without issues.
You may find other working VPNs as well, but NordVPN is one that we tested and it works flawlessly in combination with the VCC providers we mentioned above.
I can’t find a completely free working method to go around changing your Steam store region since we couldn’t find a free VPN that works, but this is the cheapest it can get.
Step 4 – Change Your Region on Steam.
Now that you have your new payment method ready to use, as well as the VPN server to change your IP address go back to your “Account details” section and do the following:
Install NordVPN on your PC and log in to your account.
Connect to a server to match the Steam region you want to change to.
Refresh your “Add a payment method to this account” page a few times and add your new payment method.
Then go back to your “Account details” page, and click on Update store country, and change your Steam region to your preferred one.
Add the cheapest game possible to your cart.
Examples of cheap Steam games you can buy:
- Sixtieth Kilometer
- The Deed
- Poly Squad
Change your cart currency to the region currency you want and click on “Yes, my billing address is in”.
For billing information, you can use a random address generator from Google, and you should be good to go.
For the phone number, you can use a random number(it will work) or get a virtual phone number just for a one-time verification.
(Optional but highly recommended)
You can use smsPVA for a one-time verification or any other service that you may find online.
Then click “Continue” and buy the game.
That’s it, ladies and gentlemen. That’s how you successfully change your Steam region to any country that you wish.
Now you may ask, how can I continue buying games from this Steam country, or how to add credits to my account? The good news is that the hard part is already done. Adding money to your Steam account is pretty easy and you will find all the information you need in the following steps.
How To Top Up Your Steam Account.
Now that your Steam region has been changed, you may want to buy Steam games from that region. There are two ways you can achieve that.
Method 1 – Add more to the card.
You can use the Virtual Credit Card you previously created, add more money there, and use it as your Steam payment method. If you want to cancel that card, you are free to do so since there are other ways to add credits to your Steam account.
Method 2 – Buy Gift Cards. (Easiest & Safest)
This is by far the most convenient and easy way to replenish your Steam account with the currency of your new region.
Visit any of the following websites and type “Steam gift card” + the country that you want.
Buy the gift card, and to redeem the Steam gift card, follow these simple steps:
- Log in to your Steam account.
- Navigate to your account details by clicking on your username in the top-right corner, then select “Account details.”
- On the right side, find the “Steam Wallet” section and click on “Redeem a Steam Gift Card or Wallet Code.”
- Enter the unique code of the gift card in the email received. Be sure to enter it exactly as shown, including dashes.
- Click “Continue” and your account balance will be updated with the gift card’s value.
Once your Steam Wallet has been topped up with the gift card, you can use the funds to purchase your favorite games.
Method 3 – Using the Steam Community Market.
For this method, you must have an unlimited Steam account that can trade and sell items freely on the market.
This method works in the following way, you add money to websites that sell Steam items and buy items from them. Then, you open the Steam marketplace and sell the items there. I won’t go into detail on how to do it, but you get the point.
Pros and Cons of Changing Steam Region
Advantages
Changing your Steam region can open up new possibilities for gaming. One major benefit is the ability to access better deals. Different regions may offer games at lower prices due to various factors like currency exchange rates or regional sales.
- Access discounts not available in your home country.
- Buy games at a reduced price during regional sales events.
Another advantage is getting games that are not yet available where you live. Some developers release their titles in specific markets first. By changing your region, you might play these games before they launch in your area.
- Play exclusive titles only released in certain regions.
- Enjoy early releases by switching to earlier time zones.
Lastly, by using a VPN as discussed earlier, gamers can switch to time zones where a game releases earlier than their own. This means playing anticipated titles hours or even days ahead of friends who wait for the local release.
Potential Risks
However, there are risks involved when attempting to change your Steam region. The most severe is the possibility of an account suspension or ban from Steam if they detect irregular activities such as frequent region changes which violate their terms of service.
- Risk losing access to your game library and community features.
Legal issues could also arise depending on where you live. Some countries have strict digital content laws that might classify altering one’s virtual location as an offense.
Security concerns should not be taken lightly either. Using unreliable VPN services might expose users’ data and lead to potential security breaches which affects personal information safety.
Choosing the Best VPN for Steam
Essential Features
When selecting a VPN for Steam, certain features are critical. A kill switch is vital. It stops all traffic if the VPN disconnects, protecting your data. Also important is a no logs policy, ensuring your activities aren’t recorded.
Strong encryption keeps your information safe from hackers. This is crucial when using public networks to play on Steam. Without it, your personal details may be at risk.
Performance Metrics
For gamers, speed and stability are non-negotiable in a VPN service. Slow connections cause lag that can spoil gameplay experience on Steam. You need high-speed servers to avoid this issue.
Check how many users share a server too; more users often mean slower speeds due to high server load. An uptime guarantee shows confidence in network reliability from the provider.
User Reviews
User feedback provides real insights into how well a VPN works with Steam. Look for patterns in reviews regarding connection issues or any other common problems. Ratings of customer support indicate how much you can rely on help when needed.
Effects of Changing Steam Region on Games
Game Availability
When a user switches their Steam region, they might find some games are now within reach. Regional exclusivity means certain titles only appear in specific areas. For instance, a game may be available in Asia but not Europe.
Changing regions can unlock these exclusive games. This is because publishers sometimes release titles to target audiences based on culture or popularity trends. A gamer in the US could access Japanese-only RPGs by switching regions.
Another aspect is the release date variance across different territories. Gamers eager for early releases can change regions to where a game launches first.
Price Variation
Game prices on Steam don’t stay constant worldwide due to regional economic factors. Some countries have lower pricing strategies to match local purchasing power.
By comparing costs, users might spot significant savings with a changed region setting. It’s like finding a hidden discount for your favorite game just by shopping from another country’s store.
However, remember that currency exchange rates come into play after changing regions. What looks cheap at first glance may end up costlier once you convert the price back to your home currency.
Licensing Issues
Steam enters into publisher licensing agreements that vary per region. These deals determine which games are sold where and who can legally buy them.
Accessing content outside licensed territories carries risks—like violating terms of service (ToS). If caught, there could be penalties from both Steam and the game publishers involved.
Users should weigh these potential repercussions before attempting to bypass regional restrictions.
Legal Aspects of Buying Steam Games from Another Country
Steam’s Terms of Service
Steam, like many digital platforms, has a Terms of Service (TOS) agreement. This is crucial for users to understand. The TOS includes specific clauses about changing your region and using VPNs. If you don’t follow these rules, there could be consequences.
For example, trying to buy games cheaper in another country can lead to trouble. Your account might get suspended or banned if caught. It’s essential to know the risks before attempting a region change on Steam.
The need to comply with the TOS cannot be overstated. When considering how to change your steam store country legally, always refer back to these terms.
Regional Laws and Regulations
Legal issues go beyond just Steam’s policies though. Different countries have different laws about accessing digital content through means like VPNs.
Some countries are strict about using such services for bypassing geo-restrictions. Others may not enforce these laws as much but it’s important for users to check their local regulations first.
When you use online platforms like Steam, it’s your responsibility to adhere to both the platform’s rules and your local laws regarding digital content distribution and access.
Final Remarks
Changing your Steam region can unlock a variety of benefits, from accessing diverse game libraries to potentially finding better deals. We’ve explored the practical steps to make this change, the pros and cons, and the importance of selecting a reliable VPN. It’s crucial to weigh these factors against the legal considerations and potential impact on your game library. Security is paramount, hence the emphasis on using VPNs responsibly while mindful of Steam’s policies.
As you consider altering your Steam region, remember that knowledge is power. Stay informed about the latest developments in digital rights and regional pricing strategies. If you encounter issues or have questions, seek expert advice to navigate this process smoothly. Share your experiences and insights with the community, contributing to a safer and more informed gaming ecosystem. Now, take control of your digital experience—responsibly and strategically.
Can Changing my Steam Region Affect My IP Address and Location Privacy?
Changing your Steam region does not directly hide IP address and change location. However, utilizing a VPN can help you achieve this. By connecting to a server in a different country, you can access games from other regions and protect your IP address and location privacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I change my Steam region settings?
To change your Steam region, you need to update your store country through the Steam client by providing a payment method that matches the new region.
Can using a VPN get me banned on Steam?
Yes, using a VPN to falsify your location for purchases can lead to account restrictions or bans as it violates Steam’s Subscriber Agreement.
What are the disadvantages of changing my Steam region?
Changing regions may affect game availability and pricing. It could also lead to potential account penalties if done against the platform’s terms of service.
Which VPN is best for use with Steam?
Choose a reputable VPN provider with strong encryption and no-logs policy. Ensure it has servers in desired countries and offers good speeds for gaming.
Will changing my Steam region affect my current game library?
Your existing game library will not be affected; however, content access might vary based on regional restrictions of certain games.
Is it legal to buy games from another country’s Steam Store?
Purchasing games from another country’s store usually breaches Valve’s terms and can have legal implications depending on copyright laws in your country.
What are some benefits of changing my steam region?
Benefits include potentially lower prices, access to earlier releases, or titles not available in your