Is Steam Unlocked Safe for Downloading Legit Games in 2024?

Steam Unlocked offers premium games for free. However, most of these titles are cracked versions of games where the license check has been removed.

Using unauthorized services to download premium games is not only illegal but also risky. Downloading from these sources might expose your computer to malware and other security threats. Plus, there's an ethical aspect to consider — pirated games deprive hardworking developers of the revenue they rightfully deserve.

That said, I’ve put together a list of legitimate services where you can get games for free or at a very reasonable cost. These platforms are well-established and work directly with game developers, offering a great mix of both indie and mainstream titles. This way, you can enjoy your gaming without any legal worries or risks to your computer’s safety.

Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

What Is Steam Unlocked?

Steam Unlocked is a website where you can download paid video games for free. Unlike traditional pirated games, you often don't need to go through complex installation procedures, as most games come in a pre-installed state. Once downloaded, you can usually start playing the game right away.

The website provides a vast library of games

All games on the site are also free from copy protection measures. This means that the DRM (Digital Rights Management) systems, which typically protect games from unauthorized access and copying, are removed. As a result, you can run the software on any PC without restrictions.

Unlike torrenting, which relies on peer-to-peer sharing, Steam Unlocked provides direct download links for pirated games. This means you can download game files directly from the website's servers, avoiding the need to wait for others to share the content.

Why It’s Best to Avoid Using Steam Unlocked

It might be tempting to snag some games from Steam Unlocked thanks to its free and easy access, but there are several crucial reasons why you might want to steer clear:

• Legal risks. Using Steam Unlocked means you’re downloading games you’d normally pay for — essentially, this is piracy. This isn’t just frowned upon in most countries; it’s illegal and could lead to some pretty hefty fines or even criminal charges.
• Security concerns. Sites that offer pirated software can be hotbeds for malware and viruses. These nasty bugs can hide in game files or pop up on download pages, and once they’re on your computer, they can steal personal information or mess up your system.
• Unreliable game performance. Ever download a game only to find it crashes every two minutes? That’s often the case with games from Steam Unlocked. Since they’re cracked versions, they can be buggy or even incomplete. You miss out on official updates and patches that improve the game and fix issues, which can really dampen your gaming experience.
• Ethical and economic impacts. When you download games for free that you’re supposed to pay for, game developers and publishers lose out on revenue. This doesn’t just hurt their wallet — it affects the whole gaming industry. Less money means less budget for new games, which can mean fewer games and lower-quality releases in the future.
• No access to online features. A lot of games these days have online parts that need you to be logged into a platform like Steam to work. Pirated games often can’t access these features, so you might miss out on multiplayer fun or community content that can really enrich your experience.
• Lack of support. Got a problem with a pirated game? You’re on your own. Pirated games don’t come with customer support, so if you run into issues, you won’t be able to get help from the game’s developers or the community.

How to Recognize Safe and Legit Gaming Platforms

Figuring out which gaming platforms are safe and legit is key to protecting your personal info and ensuring a top-notch gaming experience. Here’s how you can spot the real deal:

1. Check official licensing and partnerships. Look for clear licensing agreements or partnerships with game developers and publishers. Official badges or statements are good indicators of a legitimate relationship with reputable companies.
2. Watch out for unusual game assortment. Be wary of platforms offering games not typically available for PC, like Nintendo exclusives Mario or Zelda. If you spot these, it’s likely not a legit platform.
3. Research reputation and reviews. Dig into the platform’s history through user reviews, professional critiques, and forum discussions. Established platforms like Steam, GOG, Epic Game Store, and PC Game Pass often have extensive user feedback that attests to their legitimacy.
4. Verify secure payment systems. Ensure the platform uses secure, encrypted payment systems to safeguard your financial data. Look for HTTPS in the URL and trusted payment methods like PayPal, Visa, or Mastercard.
5. Read the Terms of Service and privacy policy. Legitimate platforms provide clear, accessible terms and privacy policies. These documents should be easy to find and understand and detail how your data is used and protected.
6. Evaluate customer support. Check the quality of the platform's customer support. Legitimate sites offer accessible contact options like email, phone, and live chat, and often have a detailed FAQ or help section.
7. Identify the presence of DRM. Though DRM has its critics, its presence can indicate a platform’s lawful access to its content. Platforms like Steam use DRM to manage game rights and distribution, ensuring proper agreements with content creators.
8. Look for regular updates. Legitimate platforms frequently update their software and game catalogs, which improves user experience, boosts security, and expands content offerings.
9. Follow official communication channels. Check for active official communication channels such as social media accounts, blogs, or press releases. These are typically well-maintained by legitimate platforms and used to share updates, news, and events.

Top 4 Safe and Legit Alternatives to Steam Unlocked

If you're on the hunt for some safe and legit places to download games, I've got you covered. Here are 4 fantastic alternatives that not only offer a mix of free and affordably priced games but also stick to the rules and keep your security in check:

1. Steam — Free Game Weekends and Demos

Steam frequently hosts free weekends for various games, letting you try before you buy, which is great for exploring new titles without immediate commitment. Its frequent sales, like the famous Steam Summer Sale and Winter Sale, often slash prices dramatically, making it an affordable way to expand your library. Case in point — I bought the Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League game with a 60% discount.

Many festivals also host exclusive demos of upcoming games

As for the game library, Steam really does have one of the largest collections out there. Whether it's the blockbuster thrill of Half-Life: Alyx or the clever puzzling in Portal, there's something for everyone.

The platform is super user-friendly, making it easy to connect with friends or make new ones through various community features like friend lists and in-game chat. When it comes to safety, Valve Anti-Cheat is vital for keeping games fair, while Steam Guard adds an extra layer of security with two-factor authentication, helping keep your account safe from intruders.

All in all, Steam isn't just a powerhouse for game variety and deals — it's also a secure and social platform, perfect for any gamer looking to expand their library and play safely.

2. Epic Game Store — Free Premium Games Every Week

The Epic Games Store really shines with its weekly free game giveaways, where it hands out premium titles for absolutely nothing. It's a brilliant way to bulk up your game library without spending a penny. Every week, you might find anything from blockbuster hits like Death Stranding to indie favorites such as Slay the Spire.

Once you add games to your account, you can install them as many times as you want

One of the coolest things about Epic is its exclusive offers. Games like Alan Wake 2 and Fortnite are up for grabs here and nowhere else. Plus, it often gets first dibs on new releases, which means you can play the latest games months before they hit other platforms.

Using the Epic Games Store is a breeze, too. The interface is user-friendly, so it’s easy to jump in and grab those freebies each week. The store has also put a lot of effort into community features, like building friend lists and integrating social tools, which makes it a lively spot to connect with other gamers.

3. GOG — A Vast Selection of DRM-Free Games at No Additional Cost

GOG (Good Old Games) really stands out with its dedicated section for free games, where you can find everything from classic hits to indie gems. What’s great is that GOG commits to DRM-free gaming, which means once you download a game, it's yours to keep forever without any restrictions—all perfectly legal.

All games let you download packages for offline installation

I also appreciate how GOG ensures classic games are revived to run smoothly on modern hardware. You won’t need to tweak settings or search for community patches — the games are ready to go right after download. Its selection is carefully curated, and you’ll find major classics like S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl fully playable without any hitches.

Beyond its extensive catalog, GOG offers a user-friendly client (GOG Galaxy), which simplifies managing your game library. It integrates seamlessly with other platforms, so you can keep all your games in one place. GOG Galaxy also supports cloud saves, automatic updates, and cross-platform multiplayer, enhancing your overall gaming experience.

4. PC Game Pass — Super Cheap Deal to Access the Latest AAA Games From Microsoft

PC Game Pass is a nifty subscription service where, for just a $1 monthly fee during the trial, you can play a wide array of games. This includes brand new releases from Microsoft’s Xbox Game Studios right on their launch day. I even managed to finish Persona 5 Tactica and Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 at no additional cost.

Most games from Xbox Game Studios are available on PC Game Pass on day 1

Plus, it syncs beautifully with the Xbox ecosystem, offering features like cross-play and cross-save with console versions for some games. This means you can start your game on a big TV in the living room and pick it up later on your laptop somewhere else — all without fussing over transferring saved files.

As for usability, PC Game Pass is very user-friendly whether you’re on a controller or keyboard. It adopts the sleek design language of the Xbox OS, complete with snappy animations and light use of system resources, making sure your gaming experience is smooth and enjoyable.

FAQs on Steam Unlocked

Is Steam Unlocked legal?

No, Steam Unlocked isn’t legal. The site offers games by getting around DRM, which is basically a form of piracy. When you download games from there, you're getting copyrighted material without the proper permission. This is illegal in many places and can lead to some pretty serious consequences.

Does Steam Unlocked downloads contain viruses?

Yes, it’s quite possible. Since Steam Unlocked operates outside legal boundaries and isn't regulated, its downloads may not go through the security checks that you'd find with official vendors. It's safer to stick with legitimate alternatives to ensure you're not risking your system with viruses or malware.

Will my Steam account get banned for using Steam Unlocked?

There’s a slight possibility it will. Although Steam Unlocked doesn’t directly connect to Steam, using pirated games from Steam Unlocked on the Steam platform can be risky. If you try to add or play these pirated games through Steam, and it triggers the game's DRM, you might face penalties like account bans.

Can a VPN make downloading from Steam Unlocked safe?

Yes, a VPN can hide your IP address and encrypt your internet traffic, which helps protect against online snooping and some cyber threats. However, it won’t change the legality of downloading from Steam Unlocked. Using a VPN doesn’t make it legal to download pirated games, nor does it safeguard your system from any malware that might be in those files. For truly safe downloading, it’s best to stick to legitimate alternatives.

Conclusion

Wrapping up, it’s tempting to snag free games from sites like Steam Unlocked, but honestly, it’s not worth the risk. This site sits in a legal gray area and often comes with the added headache of malware, which can really mess up your computer.

Your best bet for a secure and solid gaming experience is to stick with well-known, legitimate platforms. These authorized sites not only support the creators behind the games we love but also ensure that you’re gaming safely and responsibly. By choosing the right sources, you’re not just protecting your device — you’re also giving a thumbs up to the hardworking folks who develop these games.