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How to Access Games and Servers Outside your Region
7 min. read
Published onSeptember 27, 2024
published onSeptember 27, 2024
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Online gaming is always fun until you run into region restrictions. Whether you want to access exclusive content or play on international servers for a different challenge, it can be difficult without the right tools.
As an avid gamer, I decided to explore the possibilities, what works, and the steps to take so you can access video games and servers outside your region. Here’s everything you need to know:
Why access games or servers from different regions?
There are many benefits to unlocking different regions of games and servers. These include:
Exclusive Content– Some games and servers offer region-exclusive content, such as special in-game items, events, or game modes.
By accessing servers in different regions, you can enjoy entirely new content from your native region and breathe new life into your favorite games.
Better Matchmaking– In multiplayer games, the matchmaking system usually prioritizes players from the same region to ensure a smooth and lag-free gameplay.
However, you may choose to play on international servers to find more players, to play with friends who are located elsewhere, or for a more challenging experience.
Early Access to Games– Sometimes, games are released in certain regions before they become available globally. Unblocking these regions allows you to play the game before its official release in your home country.
Accessing Blocked Games–In some cases, entire games or game servers may be restricted in certain regions due to local laws, regulations, or licensing agreements. Bypassing geo-restrictions can open a whole new library of titles you may never get to play in your home country.
Pricing– Although this is a gray area, purchasing games, DLC, and content in another region can be cheaper than your home region.
Language and Community Preferences– You may prefer to play on servers in a specific region due to language preferences. Perhaps you grew up in a different country or otherwise wish to be part of a gaming community in that region.
Gaming and Traveling– If you are traveling to different countries, it makes sense to want access to games and servers in the places you travel, which can be difficult if your account is already set to your home region.
General Solutions for Accessing International Games and Servers
Some common methods for accessing different regions for gaming include:
Game Server Browsers– Some games have built-in server browsers that allow you to view and connect to international game servers directly. This can be a convenient option if your game supports it.
Direct Connection– In some cases, you may be able to connect to international game servers by manually entering the server’s IP address into your game’s network settings. This method may require some technical knowledge and can vary depending on the game you’re playing.
Proxy Servers– Aproxy serverin your chosen region acts as an intermediary between your device and the internet, allowing you to bypass regional restrictions and access international gaming content.
While there are free proxy lists and web-based browsers, you’ll want a paid service to provide enough speed for gaming.
Nonetheless, proxies tend not to work on mainstream platforms like Steam.
Smart DNS– Similar to a proxy, a Smart DNS service can help you access region-specific content by rerouting your DNS queries through a server located in that region.
VPNs– The best way to change your visible location and IP address is to use a premium VPN. Agood VPN servicelets you choose the specific country or region you wish to gain access to.
How to change Steam Region Legitimately?
Steam uses your account region to determine the content and pricing you see in the store. While it is technically possible to change your Steam region, this is usually limited to situations where you move country or are overseas for an extended period.
1.Log in to your Steam accountandclick your usernamein the top-right corner of the page and then open yourAccount Details page.
- UnderStore and Purchase History, click onUpdate Store Country.
3.Follow the promptsto update your store country and payment information.
Note:You must use a payment method supported locally in that country to successfully change regions. CD Keys and Steam Wallet Codes are not valid for this process.
Alternatively, you can follow a similar process while checking out a purchase:
-
Browse the store while in the new country andbegin the checkout process.
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From theCartpageselect the countryyou are currently located. This will update the pricing and payment methods.
3.Use one of the available payment methodsin that country to checkout and your Steam region is now updated.
Create a New Steam Account
If you do not wish to carry over your purchase history and library, you can easily create a brand-new Steam account in the country you have moved to or traveled to and use it while in that region.
Once you return or move again, you could keep the account by following the steps above to legitimately change your Steam region. The only drawback is you can onlyupdate the region once every 3 months.
How to change Steam Region when located in a different region?
Attempting to change your Steam Country while located in a different country is technically a violation of terms of service, but it is not impossible when using some clever workarounds.
Note:We do not officially endorse these methods, and you take on any risks associated with losing your Steam account.
Use a VPN
You canuse a VPN to change your Steam country, but it cannot be just any VPN, especially afree VPN provider.
This is because Steam recognizes general VPN usage and extra steps and advanced features, such as those fromservices like CyberGhost VPNare required.
Note:It’s safer to open a new Steam account through a clean browser, with the VPN switched on, rather than changing your Steam country from a previously active account.
Nonetheless, follow these steps for the best chance of successfully bypassing Steam geo-restrictions.
- Clear your browser data, making a special note toremove all cookies from Steam.
2.Purchase a premium VPNthat includes your desired region and the ability to use astatic and private IP addresslinked to that region.
This is important, because constant IP changes or IPs shared by different users can be a red flag for VPN usage.
Note:VPNs with server networksbetween 1-10 Gbpsandoptimized gaming serverswill also ensureadequate speeds for online Steam gaming.
3.Enable your static IP address and connect to your desired region.
4.Follow the previous stepsto change your Steam country or create a new account as suggested above.
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To make a store purchase with a regional payment method, options include purchasing asteam gift cardonline for that country/currency, loading aprepaid cardfor that country, or borrowing a friend’s payment information from that country.
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Whenever you launch Steam or play a game,ensure the VPN is connected. Make use of the VPN’sautomatic kill switch, which will halt all internet activity if the connection drops, so your real location is never leaked and flagged by Steam.
Note:If you are not familiar with the country’s language, you should access the Steam store via web browser and use Google Translate.
Conclusion
Accessing games and servers outside your region is a great way to experience new content, players, early releases, and blocked games.
In some cases, games are open to everyone and it’s as easy as choosing the right server or making a direct connection. In others, a basic proxy or Smart DNS is all you need.
Platforms like Steam are a little more stringent, but by using the change country setting or carefully using a VPN with the right features, you can unblock content in any region from anywhere in the world.
What’s your chosen method for bypassing geo-restrictions for gaming, or do you know of other methods that work? Let me know in the comments below!
Keelan Balderson
Keelan is a lifelong Windows user and is passionate about all things tech and security. He likes to dig into the latest tools and software to see what really works, so users can make an informed choice.
As a trained journalist from the UK, Keelan combines his love of computers and writing, to create helpful reviews and guides for others.
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