How to Use a VPN to Save Money on Games: A Complete Guide

Gaming can be an expensive hobby. Triple-A titles often launch at $60–$70 in some countries, while in others, the exact same digital game might cost half as much, or even less. If you’ve ever wondered why prices vary so drastically and whether you can use a VPN to snag better deals, we’ll answer your question below.

In this guide, we’ll break down how regional pricing works in the gaming industry, why platforms like Steam, Epic, and console stores charge different rates in different countries, and how gamers use VPNs like ZoogVPN to save money. We’ll also look at the risks involved, so you can make an informed decision.

Why Do Game Prices Differ by Country?

The first step to understanding how a VPN can help is knowing why games aren’t priced the same everywhere.

1. Regional Pricing Strategies

Game publishers set different prices based on the average income levels of each region. A $70 game in the U.S. may be unaffordable in countries with lower purchasing power, so publishers adjust prices downward to increase accessibility.

For example:

• In the U.S., a new release might cost $69.99.
• In Argentina, the same game might launch at the equivalent of $25–$30.
• In Turkey, the price could be around $35–$40.

This practice is meant to balance affordability and revenue, but it also creates opportunities for smart gamers.

2. Currency Fluctuations

Prices don’t always change in real time with exchange rates. When a local currency weakens, gamers outside that region may see disproportionately cheap prices compared to their own.

3. Platform Rules

Different stores follow different regional policies:

• Steam uses localized pricing extensively, and its database shows clear differences by country.
• Epic Games Store has regional pricing but sometimes offers even deeper discounts.
• Xbox and PlayStation Stores tie prices closely to regions, but with gift cards and workarounds, some gamers access cheaper stores.

What Role Does a VPN Play?

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) allows you to change your virtual location by routing your internet traffic through servers in another country. To the game store, it looks like you’re shopping from that region, not your actual one. Here’s what that means in practice:

Accessing Regional Stores

By connecting to a VPN server in Argentina, for instance, you’ll be able to see Steam’s Argentinian prices instead of your local ones.

Hiding Your Real IP Address

Your IP address reveals your country, which stores use to enforce regional pricing. A VPN masks this.

Extra Privacy and Security

Beyond gaming, a VPN also encrypts your traffic, protecting you from data collection, snooping ISPs, or unsecured public Wi-Fi networks.

ZoogVPN, for example, has servers worldwide, including in regions with cheaper gaming prices, so you can test different markets and see where the deals are best.

Can You Really Save Money on Games with a VPN?

Yes, but it depends. Game prices vary a lot depending on the country, and using a VPN can help you see those regional price differences. In some cases, the savings are small, but in others, they can be dramatic.

Steam

Some of the biggest savings are here. Steam VPN offers great prices in Argentina, Turkey, or Kazakhstan, which can be 50–75% cheaper compared to the U.S. or Europe. For example, a new AAA title that costs $70 in the U.S. might be priced around $20–25 in Argentina. However, Steam has tightened its regional policies, so you’ll usually need a local payment method or gift card in addition to a VPN.

Epic Games VPN Benefits

Epic also shows regional pricing, with discounts in certain countries. While it doesn’t always match the extreme savings of Steam, you can still find noticeable differences. On top of that, Epic frequently runs global free game giveaways and big seasonal sales, so combining those with a VPN can give you the best of both worlds.

Xbox / PlayStation VPN Opportunities

Console ecosystems are more locked down. Your account is tied to the region you registered it in, so simply switching your IP with a VPN isn’t enough. Still, some gamers get around this by purchasing region-specific gift cards (for example, from Turkey or Brazil) and redeeming them through a VPN, unlocking cheaper store prices.

Save Money With VPN On Other Platforms 

Ubisoft Connect, EA Play, and GOG also apply regional pricing. While the savings aren’t always as dramatic as on Steam, a VPN can still help you access discounts meant for lower-cost regions, especially during big release windows or seasonal sales.

Risks of Using a VPN for Game Purchases

While saving money sounds great, it’s important to be aware of the potential downsides.

Violation of Terms of Service

Steam’s Subscriber Agreement explicitly prohibits using tools to disguise your location for price manipulation. If detected, you could face:

• Temporary or permanent account bans
• Revoked games
• Loss of trading privileges

Payment Method Restrictions

Many platforms require that your payment method (credit card, PayPal, etc.) matches the region of the store. If you try to buy a game from Turkey with a U.S. credit card, the transaction may fail, or raise flags.

Gift Account Risks

Some gamers think they can bypass restrictions by creating a second account in a cheaper region, buying games, and gifting them to their main account. However, Steam and other platforms track these gifts, and if they suspect abuse, both accounts could be penalized.

Currency Conversion Fees

Even if you get a lower price, banks or payment services may charge extra fees for foreign transactions. These can sometimes eat into your savings.

Potential Region Locks

Some games are region-locked, meaning even if you buy them in one country, they won’t activate or run outside of that region.

How to Use a VPN to Find Cheaper Game Prices

If you decide to explore this method, here’s how it typically works:

Step 1: Pick a Reliable VPN

You’ll need a VPN with:

• Servers in multiple countries (Argentina, Turkey, etc.)
• Fast connections for smooth browsing and downloads
• Strong security so your real IP stays hidden

ZoogVPN, for example, has servers across the globe and affordable plans, allowing players to buy games cheaper and compare prices across the globe.

Step 2: Research Cheapest Regions

Use resources like SteamDB.info to compare game deals across regions. This way, you know exactly where the best deals are before connecting to a VPN server.

Step 3: Clear Cookies and Cache

Booking sites, game stores, and digital platforms can track your browser. Clear cookies or use Incognito Mode to make sure your old location data doesn’t interfere.

Step 4: Connect to the Target VPN Server

Connect to a server in the country where the game is cheapest. For example, choose Buenos Aires for Argentina pricing.

Step 5: Check Payment Options

Some platforms may require a local payment method. Solutions include:

• Gift cards purchased online in the right currency
• Prepaid cards accepted by the platform
• Digital wallets that don’t verify location as strictly

Step 6: Test Carefully

Don’t buy dozens of games at once in a different region. This is more likely to trigger account reviews. Instead, test small purchases to see what works.

Game Price Comparison by Region (September 2025)

Alternative Ways to Save Without Breaking Rules

If you don’t want to risk violating terms of service, there are still plenty of ways to cut costs:

The easiest way to save without any tricks is to time your purchases around major sales. Steam’s Summer and Winter Sales are legendary, with discounts often hitting 70–90%. Epic Games also runs its Mega Sale and regular weekly discounts. If you can be patient, waiting just a few weeks can cut your gaming costs dramatically.

Look for Bundles

Platforms like Humble Bundle and Fanatical specialize in selling game collections for a fraction of their usual price. For the cost of one AAA title, you can sometimes get 10–15 games, including big-name franchises. These bundles often support charity as well, which makes them a win-win.

Use Regional Gift Cards

Even if you don’t want to change your VPN location, buying region-specific gift cards can sometimes unlock cheaper rates. For example, purchasing a Turkish or Brazilian Steam gift card through a verified reseller can give you access to local pricing when you redeem it. Just make sure the platform allows redemption across regions.

Consider Subscription Services

Services like Xbox Game Pass, PlayStation Plus Extra, and Ubisoft+ give you access to massive game libraries for a flat monthly fee. If you play frequently or like trying new titles without paying full price, gaming subscriptions often deliver the best value for money.

Beyond Savings: VPNs for Gaming Performance

Even if you don’t end up using a VPN just to buy cheaper games, there are still many reasons why gamers rely on one for everyday play. A reliable VPN like ZoogVPN doesn’t just protect your wallet, it can also boost your gaming experience in several key ways.

Reduce Lag and Ping

Sometimes your internet service provider (ISP) routes traffic inefficiently, leading to higher ping. By connecting to a VPN server closer to your game’s server region, you can sometimes get smoother, more stable gameplay.

Access Early Releases

Game publishers often launch titles at different times across the globe. With a VPN, you can “shift” your location and play as soon as a game unlocks in places like New Zealand or Japan, while others in your region are still waiting.

Protect Against DDoS Attacks

Competitive gamers, especially streamers or eSports players, are prime targets for DDoS (distributed denial-of-service) attacks. A VPN masks your real IP address, making it much harder for attackers to disrupt your matches.

Stay Safe on Public Wi-Fi

If you game on the go with a Steam Deck, laptop, or even mobile device, public Wi-Fi can be risky. A VPN encrypts your connection, keeping your login credentials and in-game purchases secure from snoopers.

Bypass Throttling from ISPs

Many ISPs intentionally slow down traffic from gaming platforms during peak hours. A VPN hides your traffic type, making it harder for providers to single out and throttle gaming connections.

Play with Friends Abroad

Some multiplayer titles use region locks for servers or lobbies. With a VPN, you can join friends in other countries, even if the game normally limits you to your local matchmaking pool.

Access Geo-Locked Content

Certain game deals, expansions, and downloadable content (DLC) are only available in specific countries. A VPN like ZoogVPN lets you switch your location and unlock content that might not be accessible in your region.

Final Thoughts

Using a VPN to save money on games is tempting, especially when regional pricing makes some titles 50–75% cheaper in certain countries. With tools like ZoogVPN, it’s technically possible to access those deals by changing your virtual location.

However, it’s important to remember the risks: account bans, payment restrictions, and potential region locks. For some gamers, the savings are worth the gamble; for others, sticking to official sales, bundles, and subscription services is a safer bet.

At the end of the day, a VPN for gaming remains an invaluable tool, not only for exploring regional pricing but also for reducing lag, securing online play, and protecting your privacy. If you use it wisely and stay aware of the rules, it can be a powerful ally in your gaming journey.

• 
  Diana Bestaieva

  Content Writer at ZoogVPN. Diana deeply explores the newest technologies and shares valuable insights engagingly and comprehensively. Keeping up with the tech news, she makes in-depth content, explaining complex concepts with ease.