Afghan Deployment: Ordering A Steam Card For R&R Entertainment

It is not possible to make Steam purchases from Afghanistan due to country restrictions. However, there are some workarounds that soldiers have suggested, such as using a VPN or proxy to make purchases, although this may not work as Steam may be able to detect the base IP address. Another option is to have someone from another country purchase games and send them as gifts, or to buy keys for games from places like GreenManGaming, GamersGate, GetGamesGo, or Amazon and then activate them on Steam.

Workarounds for country restrictions on Steam purchases

Steam purchases are subject to region restrictions, which are clearly noted on the product's Steam Store page. While there are typically no region restrictions on products purchased directly from the Steam store, gifts and CD keys may have restrictions.

If you are travelling, ensure that your store region is correctly set to your country of permanent residence. You can view and change your store region from your Account Details page.

Region restrictions on CD keys vary by publisher, and there is no universal restriction placed on retail games. To avoid issues, ask the retailer about any region restrictions before purchasing.

If you encounter the error message "Game not available in your territory", it means you have purchased a regionally restricted copy of a game and are trying to register its CD key in a different region. In this case, you must contact the seller for a refund, as Steam Support cannot offer refunds on CD keys purchased from third-party retailers.

It is important to note that using a proxy, VPN, or other methods to disguise your location to circumvent region restrictions is strictly against the Steam Terms of Service and may result in restrictions or termination of your Steam account.

If you receive a region-restricted Steam gift, you cannot modify the region restriction. You should contact the giver to return the gift or request a refund.

To avoid issues with region restrictions, it is recommended to purchase products directly from the Steam store, ensure your store region is correctly set, and refrain from using proxies or VPNs to disguise your location.

Using VPNs to access Steam

Using a VPN with Steam is a popular way to get around geo-restrictions and access Steam content from anywhere in the world. However, it's important to note that using a VPN with Steam can be risky as it may result in a ban if you're caught. According to the Steam Subscriber Agreement, using a VPN to disguise your place of residence, bypass geographical restrictions, or purchase games at cheaper prices is prohibited.

That being said, if you're looking to use a VPN with Steam, here are some detailed instructions on how to do so:

Choosing a VPN

When choosing a VPN for Steam, there are several factors to consider:

• Speed: Look for a VPN with fast speeds and low ping to ensure quick download times and smooth gameplay.
• Reliable servers: Select a VPN with a large number of servers worldwide to easily find one in your region that isn't overcrowded.
• Strong security features: Opt for a VPN with robust security features like IP/DNS leak protection, military-grade encryption, and a kill switch to protect your gaming sessions from DDoS attacks.
• Steam compatibility: Choose a VPN that is known to work well with Steam and has features like multihop and server obfuscation to hide the fact that you're using a VPN.
• Responsive support: Go for a VPN that offers reliable customer support through live chat, email, or phone.
• Money-back guarantee: Select a VPN that offers a money-back guarantee so you can try the service risk-free and get a refund if you're not satisfied.

Some of the most popular VPNs for Steam include ExpressVPN, NordVPN, CyberGhost, Private Internet Access (PIA), and Surfshark. These VPNs offer a combination of fast speeds, strong security, and reliable servers, making them suitable choices for gaming on Steam.

Setting up a VPN for Steam

Once you've chosen a VPN service, follow these steps to set it up for Steam:

• Subscribe to a VPN provider and create an account.
• Download and install the VPN app on your device. Most VPNs offer apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.
• Launch the VPN app and sign in with your credentials.
• Connect to a VPN server in your desired location. If you're looking to access geo-restricted content, choose a server in the corresponding country.
• Open the Steam application and log in to your account.
• Go to the Steam menu and navigate to "Account Details."
• Click on "Update Store Country" and select your new country. Steam will automatically detect your location based on your VPN connection.
• Browse the Steam store and select the game you want to purchase.
• Add the game to your cart and proceed to checkout.
• Set up your billing information, ensuring that your payment method and billing address match the country you selected.

By following these steps, you can use a VPN to change your region and access geo-restricted content on Steam. However, keep in mind that using a VPN with Steam comes with risks, and it's always a good idea to refer to Steam's Terms of Service and your country's laws regarding VPN use.

Buying games on Amazon and activating them on Steam

Soldiers in Afghanistan have reported difficulties in purchasing games directly from the Steam store due to country restrictions. However, there are alternative ways to buy games and play them on Steam. One way is to purchase games on Amazon and activate them on Steam. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do this:

Buying Games on Amazon

• Log in to your Amazon account.
• Go to the search bar and type in the game title you want to buy, along with "Online Game Code" or "PC Code Steam". For example, search for "FIFA 22 Ultimate - Steam PC [Online Game Code]".
• Click on the game listing and select the one with the highest reviews.
• Confirm if the selected game has "Steam PC [Online Game Code]" among its features.
• Click on "Add to Cart" and review your purchase.
• Use your Amazon account balance or an Amazon gift card to buy the game. To use a gift card, enter the code in the "Enter a gift card, voucher, or promotional code" box and hit "Apply".
• Check for your purchased Steam game under the "Digital games and software" section in your Amazon account.

Activating Games on Steam

• Sign into your Steam account.
• Go to the "Games" menu and select "Activate a Product on Steam".
• Read the Steam Subscriber Agreement and click "Next".
• Enter the Steam code you obtained from Amazon and click "Next" again.
• Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the activation process.

Please note that not all games on Amazon are available as digital Steam codes. Usually, only major titles can be found on Amazon with the Steam DRM. Many indie titles are sold exclusively on Steam and cannot be purchased from Amazon. Therefore, before purchasing, ensure that the game you want is available on Amazon and supports Steam activation. To check this, look for "Steam" or "Steam PC [Online Game Code]" in the game's features on Amazon.

Additionally, when activating a game on Steam, you may encounter issues if you have already downloaded the game from Amazon. In such cases, you may need to verify the integrity of the game files or create a backup of the original Steam files before installing the game.

Using a friend's US address to buy games

Understand the Risks

Using a friend's address to buy games in another region may violate the terms of service of the platform or retailer you're purchasing from. While it may be a common practice, there is a risk of your account being flagged or banned if the transaction is detected. This is especially true if you are using a VPN or proxy to disguise your location.

Set Up a New Account

If you're purchasing digital games, you may need to set up a new account with the US region selected. This is because some platforms, like Steam, require you and your friend to be in the same region for pricing and currency reasons. You will also need to link this account to your friend's address.

Use a VPN or Proxy

While this step is optional, it can help disguise your actual location and make the transaction appear more legitimate. However, as mentioned earlier, using a VPN or proxy may increase the risk of account flagging or banning if the platform detects that you are using one. Choose a reputable VPN service and connect to a US server before making your purchase.

Gift the Game

Instead of purchasing the game directly, consider gifting it to your friend's account. On platforms like Steam, you can select the "Purchase as a Gift" option during checkout and choose your friend as the recipient. This will ensure that the game is properly linked to your friend's account and their US address.

Use a US Payment Method

If possible, use a US payment method, such as a credit card or gift card, to make the purchase. This can help reduce the risk of the transaction being flagged as suspicious due to currency or regional discrepancies. Prepaid cards or gift cards can be a good option if you don't have a US payment method.

Get Your Friend's Permission

Before using someone's address, always make sure to get their permission. This is not only a courtesy but also ensures that they are aware of any potential mail or packages that may arrive in their name. Additionally, they may need to forward mail or provide you with certain codes or information to access the games.

Consider Alternative Options

If you're unable to use a friend's address or prefer not to, there are other options to explore. You can look into purchasing games from regional retailers that serve your area or using a service like Borderlinx, which provides you with a real US address for a small fee. Alternatively, you can contact the platform's customer support and inquire about removing the region restriction from your account.

Using UK VPNs to purchase games

Using a UK VPN to purchase games can be a great way to improve your gaming experience. Here are some key points to consider:

• Speed and Performance: Using a VPN can impact your internet speeds, so it's crucial to choose a VPN service that offers fast and reliable connections. Look for VPNs with a large number of servers in multiple countries, as this will provide more options for a stable and low-latency connection.
• Security and Privacy: Online gaming comes with security risks such as DDoS attacks. A good VPN will encrypt your data, hide your real IP address, and protect your privacy. Look for features like military-grade encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and a kill switch.
• Geo-restriction Bypass: A UK VPN can help you access games that are unavailable or restricted in your current location. By connecting to a VPN server in the UK, you can spoof your location and purchase games as if you were in the UK.
• Compatibility and Ease of Use: Ensure that the VPN you choose has user-friendly apps for your device (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, etc.). If you plan to use the VPN with a game console, look for a VPN that can be configured on Wi-Fi routers or offers pre-configured routers.
• Free Trials and Money-Back Guarantees: Many VPN services offer free trials or money-back guarantees. Take advantage of these to test out the VPN with your games and ensure that it meets your performance and security needs.
• ExpressVPN: Offers fast and secure connections, with servers in over 100 countries. Provides strong privacy features and 24/7 customer support.
• NordVPN: Delivers excellent speeds and advanced security features. Has a large global server network, including dedicated gaming servers.
• Surfshark: Budget-friendly option with reliable servers and strong privacy features. Allows unlimited simultaneous connections.
• CyberGhost: Beginner-friendly VPN with an extensive server network in over 100 countries. Offers an easy-to-use interface and useful features for gaming.
• IPVanish: Provides fast and reliable connections, with a focus on security and privacy. Owns and operates its servers, ensuring good speeds.

Frequently asked questions