As a hardcore gamer, I rarely use Steam without a VPN.
It helps stabilize (and sometimes lower) my ping, minimize lag, and keep me safe from sore losers who make threats about DDoS attacks.
But what VPN do I use?
Easy.
I use NordVPN.
NordVPN is my favorite VPN for Steam – especially as it had the lowest ping during my tests!
It also has blazing-fast speeds, DDoS protection, a massive server network, and a split tunneling feature – all of which are must-haves for a VPN for Steam.
NordVPN isn’t alone, though.
I also found several alternatives, including ExpressVPN and Surfshark.
So, if you want all the important details, keep reading!
I’ll discuss everything you need to know in this guide.
Top 3 VPNs for Steam (November, 2024)
ExpressVPN is the fastest VPN for Steam, meaning your gaming experience will be seamless – with minimal to no lag, lightning-fast speeds, and low ping. The provider also has a split tunneling feature and DDoS protection to keep you safe at all times.
As the best VPN for Steam, NordVPN has blazing-fast speeds and the lowest ping out of all the VPNs on my list. This means you’ll experience minimal lag – if any. NordVPN also has a Dedicated IP add-on to help you avoid bans when violating Steam’s VPN policy.
Surfshark has everything you need for Steam – including fast speeds, a low ping, minimal lag, DDoS protection, split tunneling (Whitelister), and two obfuscation features for gamers in countries with strict censorship issues. Plus, it’s affordable!
Testing VPNs with games and gaming platforms is the best part of my job.
And I go way in-depth, too.
This time, I tested 30+ VPNs with Steam, paying special attention to latency and speed test results.
I also looked for the must-have gaming features mentioned above (massive server networks, DDoS protection, and split tunneling), plus any dedicated gaming features.
And before you ask – yes, I also researched the possibility of using a VPN to find cheaper games on Steam.
But we’ll discuss that later.
First, let’s take a look at my top VPNs for Steam!
Dying to Replay Portal 2 for the 500th Time on Steam? Here Are My Top 5 Picks!
I get it.
Portal 2’s story never grows old (nor does GLaDOS’ potato form)!
But if you’re playing Co-op mode, a VPN is indispensable.
So, utilize this shortcut and grab one of my recommended VPNs for Steam:
- NordVPN – Best VPN Overall for Steam (& Lowest Ping)
- ExpressVPN – Fastest VPN for Steam + Split Tunneling
- Surfshark – Fast Speeds, Low Ping, & DDoS Protection
- Private Internet Access – Best VPN for Steam Restrictions & Blocks
- CyberGhost – Dedicated Gaming Servers (With a Snag)
But after you’re done with P-body and ATLAS, check out the rest of my guide!
You might find a better VPN for your Steam needs after reading my in-depth mini-reviews (to which you can utilize your VPN’s 30-day money-back guarantee to get a refund and switch).
Detailed List of the 5 Best VPNs for Steam
Ready to get a handle on my researching, testing, and reviewing process?
You better be – because all your questions are about to be answered!
Let’s get to it.
Note: Among Us is the only Multiplayer game I had installed via Steam on my work PC at the time of writing, so it’s the game I used for screenshots.
However, I also tested my top VPNs on my personal PC over several weeks using multiple Steam games, including FFXIV, Black Ops 3, Portal 2, Dying Light, Among Us, and L4D.
1. NordVPN – Best VPN Overall for Steam (& Lowest Ping)
NordVPN swiping first place in my list of the top VPNs for Steam wasn’t a surprise.
Let’s start with my latency tests.
Not only did NordVPN have the lowest ping, but it wasn’t the first time the provider pulled ahead of its competition in that regard (and it won’t be the last).
In fact, NordVPN’s ping beat the fastest VPN for Steam, ExpressVPN, by several jumps.
Here’s a table to drive home that point:
| VPN Provider | Ping Without a VPN | Ping With a VPN |
|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | 13ms | 10ms |
| ExpressVPN | 11ms | 12ms |
| Surfshark | 11ms | 11ms |
| PIA | 10ms | 15ms |
| CyberGhost | 9ms | 13ms |
As shown, NordVPN’s ping was lower than ExpressVPN and Surfshark by a few jumps and quite a bit lower than PIA and CyberGhost as well.
But what about my speed tests?
Speed is just as important for Steam users, if not more important in some cases.
How else can you guarantee seamless gameplay?
Luckily, I have good news on that front, too.
While NordVPN didn’t place first, it did come in second!
And let me tell you, I test VPNs a lot, and I test their speeds a lot.
NordVPN almost always comes in second or third (usually neck-to-neck with Surfshark), so I can confidently attest to its relentless blazing-fast speeds.
Here’s a better look at my NordVPN speed test results!
Speed Without NordVPN:
Speed With NordVPN:
So, all in all, you can expect NordVPN to deliver a phenomenal gaming experience with Steam by stabilizing (and sometimes lowering) your ping, deterring lag, and maintaining your base internet speeds (with a minimal, barely noticeable drop).
AKA: you can play Black Ops 3 on Steam without the urge to throw your PC out the window due to overwhelming lag – if you don’t count all the wall glitchers, at least!
Now let’s discuss some of my research.
To start, I confirmed that NordVPN offers DDoS protection.
I also put it to the test by obliterating the opposing team in CoD (and possibly bragging about it a tiny bit afterward).
Eventually, several teams later, a guy finally said (paraphrasing), “We’ll see if you still think you’re hot $%#$ when your internet is gone.”
Spoiler alert: my internet never cut out, and I proceeded to pulverize him and his team for another four matches before they finally ragequit.
So, clearly, NordVPN’s DDoS protection is effective!
Moving on, confirming and testing NordVPN’s split tunneling feature was easier, as I use split tunneling regularly.
In this case, I make sure Steam (and all games running via Steam) are covered by my VPN while my browser uses my normal internet connection.
I listen to a local Slovak radio station while gaming, so this is pretty important to me.
Luckily, NordVPN’s split tunneling feature works perfectly!
Ready for some more good news?
NordVPN also has a massive server network with 5,200+ servers in 60 countries, meaning you can easily unblock Steam games that are blocked or restricted in your country!
As a final bonus, NordVPN also offers a Dedicated IP add-on for Steam users who prefer an unchanging, permanent IP address (to avoid VPN-related game bans, for example).
Likewise, NordVPN’s obfuscated servers might also come in handy if you’re playing Steam games that prohibit VPN use or if you’re a gamer in a country with heavy censorship.
Plus, NordVPN’s subscription plans are reasonably priced:
But for the best possible deal, use my exclusive sign-up link – gamers look out for other gamers, after all.
Pros
- Offers stable connection, lowest ping, and minimal to no lag while gaming on Steam
- Blazing-fast server speeds
- 5,200+ servers in 60 countries worldwide for unblocking Steam games from anywhere
- Split tunneling feature + DDoS Protection
- Dedicated IP add-on to avoid VPN-related bans on Steam games
- Obfuscated servers for gamers in countries with heavy censorship
Cons
- Speeds slower than ExpressVPN
- Dedicated IP add-on is more expensive than other providers with the same add-on
- Obfuscated servers can negatively influence speeds
2. ExpressVPN – Fastest VPN for Steam + Split Tunneling
ExpressVPN is more than deserving of its place on this list, though I had a hard time choosing between it and Surfshark – ExpressVPN has the fastest speeds, but its ping is higher than NordVPN and Surfshark.
However, what ultimately sold it for me was that despite having a higher ping, it’s just barely higher, so you’re still sure to have a flawless gaming experience when using ExpressVPN with Steam!
Throw in the provider’s lightning-fast speeds and…
It’s easy to see why I put it second!
So, to start, let’s look at a table comparing the different VPN speed test results:
| VPN Provider | Speed Without VPN | Speed With VPN | Speed Loss Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | 231.76 Mbps | 226.40 Mbps | -5.36 Mbps |
| ExpressVPN | 214.45 Mbps | 210.58 Mbps | -3.87 Mbps |
| Surfshark | 217.09 Mbps | 209.95 Mbps | -7.14 Mbps |
| PIA | 240.93 Mbps | 229.39 Mbps | -11.54 Mbps |
| CyberGhost | 235.49 Mbps | 218.97 Mbps | -16.52 Mbps |
As you can see, ExpressVPN blew the competition away!
Or, well, it didn’t wash away NordVPN and Surfshark altogether, but PIA and CyberGhost were left in its dust.
Either way, that’s only the beginning.
Not only can you expect a seamless Steam experience with minimal to no lag, fast speeds, and a stable ping, but also must-have gaming features, including split tunneling and DDoS protection!
First, as ExpressVPN is my primary VPN, I can confirm that its DDoS protection works soundly.
Gosh knows it’s saved my ass many times while gaming – so don’t worry about petty losers trying to get revenge by launching a DDoS attack against you!
Next, ExpressVPN’s split tunneling feature is just as reliable.
In fact, I’ve been using it for years now to enjoy local music while playing games on Steam (with only Steam affected by the VPN).
So, if split tunneling is as essential for you as it is for me, you’re in luck.
And that’s still not all!
ExpressVPN also has 3,000+ servers in 94 countries, making it easy and quick to find a nearby server with fast speeds to unblock any Steam content that might be restricted or banned in your country.
And for the final bonus: all of ExpressVPN’s servers are automatically obfuscated, no matter what protocol you use!
This makes the provider an excellent choice for gamers in countries with heavy censorship – or if the game you play has strict rules on VPN use.
There is a downside, though.
All of ExpressVPN’s plans are expensive, which is disappointing, as it’s not unusual for VPNs to give superb deals on long-term plans (like NordVPN and Surfshark).
On the bright side, getting you superb deals is what we’re here for!
Pros
- Offers stable connection, low ping, and minimal to no lag while gaming on Steam
- Fastest VPN for Steam
- 3,000+ servers in 94 countries worldwide
- Split tunneling feature
- DDoS Protection
- Automatically obfuscated servers with any protocol
Cons
- More expensive than most providers
- Slightly higher ping than NordVPN and Surfshark
3. Surfshark – Fast Speeds, Low Ping, & DDoS Protection
Surfshark is a funny entry on my list of the most reliable VPNs for Steam, as it’s a phenomenal VPN…but somehow lands in the shadows of my top two.
This is because, while Surfshark’s ping is low, NordVPN’s ping is lower.
And while Surfshark is fast, ExpressVPN is faster.
Even NordVPN beat Surfshark during my speed tests, albeit just barely.
Here are those results.
Speed Without Surfshark:
Speed With Surfshark:
So, you get the idea.
Luckily, there are still many parts to Surfshark that make it unique to the others on my list, especially PIA and CyberGhost.
For starters, the provider maybe didn’t have the lowest ping on my list, but it still placed second during my latency tests!
This, combined with Surfshark’s super-fast speeds, make it an excellent choice for enjoying flawless gameplay via Steam.
Plus, you won’t get much – if any – lag, and your ping will be stable.
And that’s not all.
Surfshark also has must-have gaming features, such as DDoS protection.
And while I couldn’t get any sore losers to bite on my winning lines to test the feature specifically for this article, I have tested it in the past for similar articles – and the results were always promising (no DDoS attacks).
Of course, you’ll also find Surfshark’s split tunneling feature, Whitelister, tucked away in its app settings.
And I can confirm that Whitelister works perfectly.
I tested it by running the VPN through Steam only, so I could listen to my usual local radio station while gaming.
Plus, like NordVPN and ExpressVPN, Surfshark offers obfuscation.
In fact, it’s the only provider on my list to offer two separate obfuscation features – a lightweight one that’s perfect for maintaining Surfshark’s fast gaming speeds and a second, heavier one for Steam users in countries with strict censorship.
Finally, you’ll also appreciate Surfshark’s 3,200+ servers in 65 countries that make it super easy to access blocked or restricted Steam games from anywhere in the world.
Oh, and one more thing!
Surfshark has extremely affordable long-term plans:
But, as always, we’ve got you covered for an even bigger discount via this exclusive link.
Pros
- Offers stable connection, low ping, and minimal to no lag while gaming on Steam
- Super-fast server speeds
- 3,200+ servers in 65 countries worldwide
- Split tunneling (Whitelister) + DDoS Protection
- Two obfuscation features for gamers in countries with heavy censorship
Cons
- Slower than ExpressVPN and NordVPN
- Higher ping than NordVPN
- Heavy obfuscation feature can negatively impact speeds
4. Private Internet Access – Best VPN for Steam Restrictions & Blocks
The heading says it all – Private Internet Access (or PIA) is the best VPN for Steam restrictions and blocks!
This is thanks to the provider’s colossal server network.
The last known number is 30,900+ servers in 78 countries.
So, yes, when I say “colossal,” I truly mean colossal.
And that giant server network means you won’t have any trouble unblocking Steam games that are banned or restricted in your country.
(Ignore my FFXIV notes in that screenshot…lol. :D)
Plus, you’re guaranteed to find a nearby, fast server!
Speaking of fast servers, let’s discuss PIA’s performance during my speed and latency tests.
For speed, PIA placed fourth – and it was quite a length away from my third place VPN, Surfshark.
But don’t let that concern you.
PIA’s speeds are still ultra-fast and sure to help you minimize lag while gaming via Steam.
Take a look.
Speed Without PIA:
Speed With PIA:
As for PIA’s ping…well, unfortunately, the provider had the highest ping on my list.
Even CyberGhost – a VPN notorious for its poor performance at times – had a lower ping than PIA.
I won’t lie; that’s a major disappointment.
But, fortunately, PIA’s ping is still low enough that it won’t impact your gaming experience too much.
Just don’t expect a completely lag-free Steam experience, and remember that a tiny bit of lag is better than a lot of lag!
Plus, PIA includes must-have gaming features for Steam users, including DDoS protection and split tunneling.
First, for DDoS protection, you can expect a flawless performance, even if you piss off an entire clan of tech-wizards on CoD.
And while PIA’s split tunneling feature had some rough feedback in the past, it’s been up to the task lately during my tests – which is good because I can’t enjoy FFXIV (or almost any other game) without my Slovak radio station!
Like NordVPN, PIA also offers a dedicated IP add-on.
It’s also cheaper at $5/month (vs. NordVPN’s $5.83/month).
So, if you’re in the market for a permanent, non-shared IP address, PIA has you covered!
And, as a final bonus, PIA is the only VPN on my list to offer port forwarding in its full capacity (as opposed to ExpressVPN via its router setup), meaning you can up your Steam experience even more for HQ voice chats and graphics.
PIA’s long-term plans are also affordable:
Of course, you can get an even bigger discount by clicking here!
Pros
- Offers stable connection, decent ping, and minimal lag while gaming on Steam
- Fast server speeds
- 30,900+ servers in 78 countries worldwide
- Split tunneling + DDoS Protection
- Port forwarding for HQ Steam experience
- Dedicated IP add-on
Cons
- Slower than top three VPNs for Steam
- Highest ping on my list
- Some lag expected as a result of the above
5. CyberGhost – Dedicated Gaming Servers (With a Snag)
Last on my list of the most trustworthy VPNs for Steam is CyberGhost.
And true to its header – the provider offers dedicated gaming servers…with a snag.
So, what exactly is the snag?
Well…CyberGhost’s gaming servers don’t always work.
Sometimes the speeds are so slow that using Steam (let alone gaming via Steam) is impossible.
Other times, you can’t even connect.
The fact that most times, CyberGhost’s normal servers are faster than its gaming servers is confusing as heck.
What’s the point of having gaming servers?
But then, when I finally get one working, I have my answer.
If you’re persistent, you’ll eventually get a good gaming server, and when you do, it’ll be faster than the provider’s normal servers.
It’s just not very often that you do.
This is made worse when considering that CyberGhost is the slowest VPN on my list with the second-highest ping.
Take a look.
Speed Without CyberGhost:
Speed With CyberGhost:
So, that’s a lot of negatives to start with.
But it’s important to mention that CyberGhost made my list for a reason.
It might be in last place, but it still beat the other 30+ VPNs I tested with Steam.
The speeds aren’t phenomenal, but the VPN is still fast enough to offer a great gaming experience with only some lag (during intensive in-game tasks).
Plus, CyberGhost offers most of the must-have gaming features for Steam users, including DDoS protection and a Dedicated IP add-on ($5/month)… though its split tunneling feature is only available with the Android app.
But the provider at least has the second biggest server network on my list – 7,200+ servers in 91 countries!
This means you’ll have no trouble finding a nearby server with decent speeds.
And if you’re in a country that bans or restricts your favorite games, CyberGhost will help you bypass those bans/restrictions.
As a final bonus, while CyberGhost’s monthly plan is the most expensive on this list, its long-term plans are fairly priced:
But if you want to save the MOST, use my exclusive sign-up link.
Pros
- Offers stable connection, decent ping, and only some lag while gaming on Steam
- Dedicated gaming servers
- Decent server speeds (fast when you get a good gaming server)
- 7,200+ servers in 91 countries worldwide
- Split tunneling + DDoS Protection
- Dedicated IP add-on
Cons
- Speeds slower than other VPNs on this list
- Second highest ping
- Split tunneling is only for Android
- Gaming servers don’t always work
How to Choose the Right VPN for Steam?
Shopping for VPNs isn’t like shopping for games on Steam – there are a lot more criteria you need to consider before committing to a purchase (especially in regards to free VPNs).
So, if you want to shop around, make sure you check this in-depth buying guide first!
Shopping for VPNs Isn’t Like Shopping for Games on Steam – Use This Checklist to Help You!
First, let’s talk about what critical criteria to look for before committing to a VPN for Steam.
Here’s a thorough checklist to refer to during your VPN shopping spree:
Fast Server Speeds + Big Server Network
For the best possible gameplay, your VPN for Steam needs to have fast server speeds.
A big server network will help with this (3,000+ servers, ideally).
But a big server network alone isn’t enough to guarantee fast speeds.
CyberGhost and PIA are great examples.
They have the biggest server networks on my list but the slowest speeds.
So, to make sure your VPN is up to the task of improving your Steam experience, do lots of tests (speed, latency, testing features, etc.).
If you’re unimpressed with your chosen VPN, request a refund – all the best VPNs will offer a money-back guarantee, including the ones listed here.
Seamless Gameplay Experience via Steam
Speaking of the best possible gameplay – don’t forget to test your chosen VPN with your favorite Steam games!
More than that, do ping tests on the servers you play on (and latency tests in general).
A VPN for Steam is useless if it doesn’t improve your gaming experience, after all!
Must-Have Gaming Features
Something that helps ensure a seamless gameplay experience with Steam is if your VPN has all of the must-have gaming features.
This includes DDoS protection (to negate DDoS attacks) and split tunneling (to choose what apps are affected by your VPN).
Bonus features to look for include dedicated IP add-ons (if you want a permanent, unshared IP address for gaming) and obfuscation (if you’re a gamer in a country with heavy censorship, like China).
Fair Pricing
Fair pricing is another important thing to look for in a VPN for Steam.
So, during your research and testing phases, make sure to compare the different features, prices, and plans offered by your chosen VPNs.
After all, you might be surprised to find a better deal elsewhere!
Bonus: Security
As a quick bonus, keep an eye out for essential security features, including 256-bit AES encryption, double VPN features, secure protocols (OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2, etc.), and verified no-logging policies.
Can I Use a Free VPN With Steam?
I don’t recommend using a free VPN with Steam.
Moreover, Free VPNs are complicated.
A select few are good.
Most are terrible.
Beyond that, many free VPNs log your data and sell it to third parties.
This isn’t exactly shocking, as they have to make their money somehow.
So…you end up being the product.
It gets worse, though.
Some free VPNs aren’t even VPNs.
Instead, they’re apps filled with malware meant to harm your device (and you).
So, let’s briefly discuss the “select few” good ones.
I usually recommend two of them: ProtonVPN and AtlasVPN.
However, the point of using a VPN with Steam is to improve your gaming experience or unblock games/Steam content.
Frankly, no trustworthy free VPN is fast enough to improve your Steam experience.
Sure, you might get lucky and unblock a game using ProtonVPN or AtlasVPN.
But what’s the point if the actual gameplay is slow and laggy?
Furthermore, you won’t find a free VPN that offers DDoS protection and split tunneling, let alone bonus features like the VPNs on my list do.
For this reason, I recommend using a premium VPN with Steam instead of a free VPN.
Remember, you can get a stellar discount on NordVPN by using my exclusive sign-up link!
How to Use a VPN With Steam?
Using a VPN with Steam is super easy.
Just follow these step-by-step instructions:
- Choose one of my recommended VPNs (or a VPN you found after thorough research) and purchase a subscription.
- Download and install the VPN app on your device(s).
- Open the VPN app and sign in to your account.
- Click the Connect button for the fastest server near you. Or, if you need a server from a specific country, select your preferred location from the server list.
- Open your browser and check for IP, DNS, and WebRTC leaks.
- Enjoy a seamless gaming experience via Steam!
What Are the Best Settings for Using a VPN With Steam?
The best settings for using a VPN with Steam will largely depend on you, your device, your internet speeds, the VPN you use, and your personal preferences.
However, in general, here are some things you can tweak to improve your Steam experience with a VPN:
- In your VPN’s app settings, make sure you’re using the fastest protocol. If your VPN has a proprietary protocol (like NordVPN and ExpressVPN), use that. Otherwise, WireGuard is the next fastest option. OpenVPN UDP is a last resort. If your VPN doesn’t offer at least OpenVPN UDP, it’s not a great VPN, to begin with.
- Make sure you’re connected to the closest and fastest VPN server. Try a few VPN servers, speed and latency test them and choose the best one.
- In the Steam app, there’s not a whole lot to change. If you’re struggling while browsing game servers, make sure your Server Browser Pings / Minute (in the In-Game tab) is set to Automatic. If it is, try lowering it anyway.
- For a faster connection, you can also set Steam Networking to Friends Only or Always. However, this will show your IP address, so make sure you’re always connected to the VPN (use split tunneling if your VPN has it, along with an app kill switch), or your real IP will be visible.
- For faster downloads (in the Downloads tab), make sure your Download Region is set to the same country as your VPN server.
That’s pretty much it!
Any additional settings will depend on you.
How to Not Get Banned for Using a VPN With Steam?
Using a VPN with Steam isn’t perfect.
In fact, due to Steam’s harsh policy on VPNs, it can be pretty scary.
Take a look at this critical paragraph in the Steam Subscriber Agreement:
“You agree that you will not use IP proxying or other methods to disguise the place of your residence, whether to circumvent geographical restrictions on game content, to purchase at pricing not applicable to your geography, or for any other purpose. If you do this, Valve may terminate your access to your Account.”
So, to avoid getting banned on Steam for using a VPN, here’s a list of rules to follow:
- Don’t purchase Steam games for lower prices via a VPN. (More on this in a minute.)
- If you’re in a country with restrictions on some Steam games, make sure you have and are using your VPN’s dedicated IP add-on. If your VPN doesn’t offer this, don’t bother.
- In that same vein, if you decide to use your VPN to get around restrictions, create a new Steam account using your new location/IP. Don’t try bypassing restrictions on a Steam account linked to your real location.
- If you use your VPN for any of the above things, understand there’s always a chance you get banned. There is no way to avoid this possibility entirely. However, taking the appropriate precautions (a dedicated IP and a new Steam account) will lower your chances of being banned tenfold.
Can I Use a VPN to Get Cheap Games on Steam?
Technically, yes, you can use a VPN to get cheap games on Steam.
While Steam has attempted to make this harder in recent years, there’s always a workaround.
This time, the key is using a Steam gift card (otherwise, Steam asks for a billing address with your credit card or PayPal account).
However, before I give details, I want to be clear: do NOT abuse this method.
If you’re in the US and trying to get cheaper deals on games, don’t.
You’re ruining it for people in other countries who can’t afford the same prices you can.
There’s a reason their prices are lower.
Worse, when you take advantage of those low prices, you risk Steam increasing the cost of its games, which negatively affects the people in countries like Argentina and India who can’t afford it.
But with that out of the way, there is a legit reason for finding cheaper deals.
For example, if you’re in a European country with a terrible minimum wage (like Slovakia), you’re still stuck with high prices due to Steam restricting you to one “Euro Zone” – regardless of whether you’re in a low-income EU country or not.
This makes it very, very tempting to use a VPN to purchase cheaper games on Steam.
So, if you fall under this category of people, here’s some advice:
- Get a VPN that has a Dedicated IP add-on. Make sure you’re connected to your Dedicated IP.
- Purchase a Steam Gift Card.
- Create a new Steam account (just in case) in the region you want to use for a cheaper deal.
- Find the game you want and use your Steam Gift Card to pay.
- Understand, at all times, that this method is NOT foolproof, and you ALWAYS run the risk of getting banned anyway. That said, I’ve used this method numerous times to help my friends in Slovakia get better deals, and none of them have been banned (yet).
VPN for Steam Isn’t Working?
It’s a real bummer when your VPN for Steam isn’t working properly!
Luckily, there are some troubleshooting steps you can do to (hopefully) solve the problem:
- Close Steam (and any game you’re playing). Disconnect from your VPN. Find a new server and connect. Restart Steam and see if your problem is solved.
- Make sure your VPN doesn’t have any updates. If it does, close Steam, update your VPN, reconnect, and try again.
- Try a different VPN protocol. I recommend switching between WireGuard (or a proprietary protocol) and OpenVPN UDP.
- Open Steam and make sure your region is set to that of your VPN server (Account Details > Update Store Country).
- Make sure you’re connected to your VPN in the first place, especially if you’re using split-tunneling to run Steam through your VPN only.
- If you’re still not having luck, contact your VPN’s customer support. If you’re using your VPN for something that can potentially get you banned on Steam, do NOT contact Steam support.
FAQ
Can Steam Detect VPNs?
Yes, Steam can detect VPNs, especially if you’re using regular VPN servers shared with other users.
This is due to changing IP addresses every time you connect to your VPN.
If this is a concern for you (or if you plan to go against Steam’s VPN policy), I recommend using a VPN with a Dedicated IP add-on, such as NordVPN or PIA.
Can You Get Banned for Using a VPN on Steam?
You can get banned for using a VPN on Steam if you disregard the platform’s VPN policy, which prohibits you from using a VPN to buy cheaper games, unblock restricted games (or restricted content in-game), or commit any malicious activities.
And while there aren’t many (if any) examples of people being banned for these reasons, you’re better safe than sorry.
Thus, if you plan to use a VPN to buy cheaper games or unblock Steam content, make sure your VPN offers a dedicated IP add-on and create a new Steam account to be on the safe side.
Can I Use a VPN for an Argentina IP to Buy Steam Games?
Yes, but you’ll need a Steam Gift Card to bypass Steam’s requirement of a billing address from Argentina, a VPN with servers in Argentina, and a new Steam account made with an Argentinean IP address.
That said, do not use the VPN method to access cheaper games if you can afford to pay your country’s listed price, as you might negatively impact the people who truly can’t afford it.
Can I Unlock Games Early on Steam With a VPN?
If there are games that release early in other countries, then yes, you can use a VPN to connect to a server in one of those countries and unlock the game early regardless of your true location.
However, this is against Steam’s VPN policy, meaning you’ll need to take the appropriate steps to avoid a Steam ban (use a dedicated IP add-on, make a new Steam account with that IP, etc.).
Conclusion
What a journey!
At this point, you should be ready to fire up your VPN and use it with Steam for a better gaming experience.
My top recommendation is still NordVPN, as it has everything you need, including a Dedicated IP add-on that’s necessary for users who insist on violating Steam’s VPN policy!
NordVPN also has blazing-fast speeds, a low ping, DDoS protection, and split tunneling.
AKA: everything you need!
So grab this NordVPN deal while you still can and get gaming.
