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Every now and then, a new game will launch in one region that’s not available in others. Sometimes it’s a closed beta, other times it’s region-locked for a time, and our brains end up finding it more appealing because we can’t have it.
Still, what if you could ‘relocate’ your system to another region? What if you could convince the game’s servers you’re in an eligible location and gain access? It’s possible with the best gaming VPNs, but not as straightforward as you may think.
Here’s all you need to know about hopping the region fence and smelling the daisies on the other side - or, you know, playing region-locked games.
Before we begin: A note on terms and conditions
As with buying a game from another storefront, it’s not always worth the risk to access geolocked content.
Digital storefronts can potentially reject your access, and even ban accounts that try to move their locations around. Is playing that hot new MMORPG a few months early worth it if it means potentially losing your Steam Library?
That’s a decision for you to make, but it’s important to mention it upfront.
On PC, it’s relatively simple
If you’re on PC (or Mac), you’re in luck. Using a VPN is easy and reliable, particularly if you’re using one of the trusted options we’ve mentioned below.
Just as you can flit between different Netflix libraries with the likes of SurfShark or NordVPN, you can also log in elsewhere and potentially download something you otherwise wouldn’t be able to.
You can also access alternative storefronts, like other Steam or Epic listings unavailable in your region - just keep in mind the caveats above. In our experience, you may need to create a fresh account on those platforms that you use specifically with a VPN, like an EU account for an EU region.
What about on console?
On console, things are trickier. A VPN can’t run on your console, but you can access one by running it via your router.
Doing so only half the battle, though. You’ll need to set up a fresh account in most instances where you can link a region-specific payment card. In the UK? You might need to set up a US account, with a US payment card, and access the PlayStation Store or Xbox Store via a VPN on your router to be able to buy something that’s US-only.
Whether the juice is worth the squeeze is up to you, especially when considering that you may need to log into that specific account to play the title each time.
GamesRadar+’s VPN recommendations
These VPNs are great for gaming, but don’t expect them to play nicely with getting around console restrictions on their own - you’ll still need to jump through the hoops we covered above.
We recommend VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
