Steam is by far the most popular gaming platform on PC. With such a huge library available, you can certainly find a game you like. They’ve made sure to have something for everyone. A quick look at the Steam game and player statistics report shows a minimum of 20 Million active users at any time.
That said, Steam is a geo-restricted service which means there’s a different library set for every region, much like Netflix does it. Some games are not avialable in certain regions. The list of banned games is surprisingly long with some AAA titles on there as well. Perhaps the most popular game to get a ban in some countries is PUBG.
In order to get rid of pesky regional blocks, and account hacks you need a good gaming VPN. However, most VPNs will get you banned on Steam so choose wisely. The VPNs I’ve selected for this article have been tested with steam and confirmed to be working without causing any ban.
Access Geo-Blocked Content With a Steam VPN
One of the main reasons to use a VPN with Steam is to access geo-restricted games. Some games are available on Steam in specific regions only. I personally tend to find that some games are more enjoyable in specific regions. For example, I like playing CS:GO on US servers so I can effectively communicate with my team in a common language.
A VPN allows you to change your IP address to the region of your choice. Which in turn will trick Steam into thinking your actually in that region. You can then get full access to the library of your choice. All you have to do is connect to a VPN server in the US for example and you’ll be able to download and play PUBG in India and China where there’s currently a ban on it.
Another beneficial use of a VPN for Steam is getting around local network restrictions. You’ll need a VPN if you want to access Steam while you’re at work, school, or a hotel since most of these networks restrict access to gaming and social platforms like Steam, Facebook, Instagram, and others.
Secure Your Steam Account With VPN Encryption
Cyber attacks on gaming platforms like Steam are very common given the astronomical value some accounts hold. That’s not the only concern though, there’s also DDoS attacks to fear just as much.
A VPN provides additional security on top of Steam’s built in two factor authentication system. VPNs utilize the most advanced encryption algorithms to secure your data as you interact with game servers. It does so by creating an encrypted tunnel between you and the game or Steam server through which it routes your traffic.
That’s why gamers have been opting for VPN security to protect their game profiles, personal and payment information.
How to Avoid Bans While Using a Steam VPN?
Using a VPN for Steam is generally tricky as some activities might get you banned. Don’t worry though, if you follow these simple guidelines you’ll be in the clear.
Valve, the company that owns steam, won’t ban you unless you violate their terms of service. But what they really mean is the following: It’s ok as long as you’re not messing with the bottom line.
How not to get banned on Steam for using a VPN:
- Don’t hunt for cheaper prices: If you hop around different regions looking for a cheaper deal on a game, Steam will most likely ban you immediately. Just buy the game in your region and then use the VPN to play it in different regions, Steam wouldn’t mind that at all.
- Don’t use a VPN for in-game purchases: Buying in-game items that are not available in your region can cause a ban as well and quite frankly it’s not worth it.
- Don’t break the Steam code of conduct: This one is general and is not exclusively a VPN related issue. You should never bully or harm anyone on steam, with or without using a VPN you’ll get banned.
Best Steam VPN
An extremely important point to make here and I can’t stress this enough, don’t use free VPNs for Steam. Those VPN IPs are well known and will get you banned immediately.
Which is why you need a premium VPN. One that won’t result in a ban as long as you abide by the guidelines mentioned in the section above. These 4 VPNs work on Steam and allow you to play Steam games in different regions with virtually no lag.
NordVPN
NordVPN is an excellent choice for gaming and specifically Steam. With it’s worldwide server network reaching 5800 locations, you can rely on NordVPN to place you anywhere in the world.
The servers are optimized to deliver high speed and low latency for a better gaming experience. Additionally you benefit from NordVPN’s top of the line encryption and security features that will ensure your gaming profile is protected.
Furthermore you can use NordVPN to unblock geo-restricted streaming services so you can watch the latest movies, shows, and sports events on your preferred streaming device.
All NordVPN subscriptions include a 30-Day Money-Back guarantee so you can test it out yourself.
Surfshark
Surfshark is known for it’s advanced security features and ability to unblock streaming services. But it also works great on Steam games with over 20,000 servers worldwide.
Surfshark supports all P2P traffic. You can use any torrent client anonymously with unlimited bandwidth. Additionally you can benefit from a number of built in security features like the ad and malware blocker.
The company does not keep any logs as per it’s zero-logs policy. You can also ask for a full refund within 30 days of your purchase if you change your mind.
CyberGhost VPN
CyberGhost offers a user-friendly app at a relatively cheap price considering the competition. Don’t be fooled by the low price though, it’s a premium service and it works with Steam games.
The service provides a network of 6000+ servers worldwide, all of which are encrypted with the AES-256 bit encryption algorithm. On top of that it offers additional security features like malware/ad-blocking, and DNS leak protection.
You can use CyberGhost on 7 devices simultaneously with a risk free subscription since you get a 45-Day Money-Back guarantee.
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is one of the fastest VPNs money can buy. However it is a bit more expensive than the other 3 on this list. But if you’re willing to pay a little extra for a premium service, ExpressVPN is the your best bet. It works well on Steam games and guarantees you won’t get banned (unless you break the rules I mentioned earlier).
The service offers 3000+ locations spread around the world. With full support for P2P applications so you can download torrents anonymously. You also benefit from military-grade encryption and advanced security features that will ensure your data is safe and secure at all times.
You can use ExpressVPN on 5 devices simultaneously or install it directly on your router and protect all your devices at once. Additionally you have a 30-Day Money-Back guarantee to protect your investment.
Best VPN For Steam – Bottom Line
If you want to get around Steam’s regional blocks, or play your Steam game in a different region because it’s more fun, then you’re going to need a premium Steam VPN. Preferably one that doesn’t get you banned.
The VPNs I’ve selected for this article allow you to bypass geo-blocks, play games in different regions, reduce your lag, and protect your gaming profile without getting you banned.
Keep in mind that certain actions like the ones I mentioned in this article will get you a permanent ban on Steam regardless of what VPN you’re using. That said, if you stick to the simple rules and guidelines, you’ll be fine.
