Is it Safe to Download PC Games for Free? Don‘t Risk It!
As an avid PC gamer and content creator, I often get asked whether downloading games illegally is safe. So let‘s cut to the chase: no, "free" game downloads from unauthorized sources are extremely risky and not worth it!
Taking shortcuts to avoid paying for games may seem tempting. But it opens you up to viruses, malware, spyware, hacking, identity theft, and other threats. As much as I love helping fellow gamers get access to hot new titles, I cannot condone piracy in good conscience.
Instead, I‘ve compiled some legitimate ways to score games at little or no cost – along with hard truths on why sketchy "free" downloads should be avoided at all costs. Read on for more details!
Free Downloads Come Loaded with Threats
Let‘s start by getting into the nitty gritty on why visiting file-sharing sites and torrent trackers is asking for trouble…
- 35.8% of PC gamers have engaged in piracy at some point, according to Statista. So it‘s extremely common – but far from wise!
- 1 in 10 downloads in file-sharing programs like BitTorrent contain viruses or other malware, per Symantec.
- Researchers found that 16% of recently-pirated game installers came bundled with info-stealing Trojans, as detailed by CSO Online.
| Risks of Downloading Pirated Games | Impacts |
|---|---|
| Viruses | Corrupted data, hijacked system resources, infections spread to other devices |
| Malware, spyware | Personal data and credentials theft, remote system control/lock-out |
| Cryptojacking | GPU overloaded for crypto mining without consent |
| Ransomware | Files encrypted until ransom paid |
| Identity theft | Financial loss, damaged credit, inability to obtain loans/housing |
As you can see, letting cyber threats into your system alongside dodgy game files opens up a digital Pandora‘s box. Do you really want to gamble with identity theft or ransom demands just to avoid paying for a game?
These risks are not overblown. McAfee Labs found 2.7 million new malware threats released daily in Q1 2022 – a 74% increase over 2021‘s daily average. Downloading anything from an unauthorized source is playing with fire.
Avoid Fines, Lawsuits and Criminal Charges
Aside from technical threats, obtaining pirated games and other media can cause legal headaches:
- The maximum fine for U.S. copyright infringement is $150,000 per instance plus any damages, according to RIAA.
- You may face 5 years imprisonment alongside crippling fines if convicted, per IPWatchdog.
- In the U.K., piracy fines can reach £50,000 as authorities pressure ISPs to regulate customers through "strikes" systems.
Though lawsuits and legal consequences were historically rare, rights holders and authorities are cracking down harder nowadays. For instance, Nintendo filed $2 million+ claims in 2018 against sites hosting old game ROMs.
Do you want to destroy your financial stability and criminal record for some free downloads? It‘s seriously not a risk worth taking nowadays.
Legit and Safe Alternatives Do Exist!
If sky-high malware chances and legal punishments are no bueno, check out these 100% legitimate options for free or discounted PC games:
Free-to-Play (F2P) Games
Gaming has come a long way from shareware demos on floppy disks! These days, tons of feature-rich titles with ever-expanding content are completely free, including:
- Fortnite
- Genshin Impact
- Warframe
- Path of Exile
- Destiny 2
- Apex Legends
F2P games make revenue from optional in-game transactions rather than upfront costs, allowing everyone to download and play to their heart‘s content. Totally legal, safe, and often amazing quality!
Game Subscription Services
For a monthly fee, Xbox Game Pass, EA Play, Ubisoft+, and PlayStation Plus provide unlimited, all-you-can game smorgasbords. We‘re talking hundreds of full titles acrossPC and consoles without buying them individually.
Frequent Sales on Legit Stores
Regular promotions on trusted digital shops like Steam, Epic, Fanatical, and GreenManGaming can slash standard $60 games down to a fraction of their typical pricing.
Code Resale Sites
CD key resellers allow users to sell game codes from bundles or extras they don‘t need. This enables cheaper purchases while supporting developers. Check sellers‘ ratings and double-check codes ASAP!
Safe Gaming Starts with Beefed-Up Protection
Before installing any new games, whether purchased, downloaded for "free," borrowed from a friend or scoring that sweet grandma-gifted Steam card for your birthday…be sure your system‘s defenses are locked up tighter than the Stark family crypt!
- Update your OS, programs, browser etc for damage control against the latest exploitation techniques
- Run a full antivirus scan to catch any existing infections
- Install comprehensive internet security software like Norton 360, McAfee Total Protection or BitDefender Antivirus to neutralize threats
- Back up critical data in case you do get hit with something nasty!
Stay vigilant even once protected. Never download anything outside reputable storefronts, ignore sketchy links/attachments and you should be cruising smoothly! Reach out if any concerns arise navigating today‘s oft-treacherous internet.
But seriously guys…shelling out a few bucks to the developers who work passionately on the games we love (not to mention avoiding felony charges) seems a small price compared to destroyed systems and life turmoil. Game smart and game safe!
Let me know your own thoughts/experiences around this issue! Do certain deal sites raise red flags for you? What steps do you take to keep cruising safely in the digital fast lane?
