Steam is a fantastic platform for gamers, but sometimes you might want to change your region, perhaps to take advantage of different pricing or access games not available in your current location. Turkey has become a popular choice for this due to its lower game prices. This guide will walk you through how to change your Steam region to Turkey, covering everything you need to know.
Why Change Your Steam Region to Turkey?
The main reason people switch their Steam region to Turkey is the significantly lower game prices. Due to economic factors, games in Turkey are often much cheaper than in other regions like North America or Europe. This can save you a considerable amount of money if you buy many games.
Is It Allowed?
According to Steam’s rules, you’re supposed to live in the region you set for your account. Changing your region to take advantage of lower prices goes against their terms of service. While Steam doesn’t always catch or punish users doing this, there’s always a risk of account suspension or other penalties. Make sure you are aware of the risks before proceeding.
How to Change Your Steam Region to Turkey
Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. **Use a VPN:** A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is essential. It masks your actual IP address and makes it appear as if you’re connecting from Turkey. Choose a reliable VPN provider with servers in Turkey. Some popular options include NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN.
2. **Connect to a Turkish Server:** After subscribing to a VPN, install their application and connect to a server located in Turkey. This ensures that your internet traffic is routed through Turkey.
3. **Log into Steam:** Open your Steam client or go to the Steam website. Log in to your account.
4. **Visit the Account Details Page:** Navigate to your account details page. You can usually find this under your profile name in the top right corner, then selecting “Account Details.”
5. **Update Store Country:** Look for an option like “Update store country” or “Country.” Click on this.
6. **Select Turkey:** From the dropdown menu, select Turkey as your new country.
7. **Add a Turkish Payment Method (If Required):** Steam might ask you to provide a payment method based in Turkey to confirm your region change. This is where it gets tricky. You have a few options:
* **Use a Turkish Virtual Credit Card:** Some services offer virtual credit cards that are based in Turkey. You can use one of these to complete the region change.
* **Ask a Friend:** If you have a friend or contact in Turkey, you could ask them to purchase a Steam gift card for you or help with a payment. *Disclaimer: Exercise extreme caution when dealing with payments involving people you do not know.*
* **Wait for a Purchase:** Sometimes, Steam will allow you to change your region after you make a purchase using a payment method from that region. This might require you to wait until you can acquire a Turkish payment option.
8. **Complete the Change:** Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the region change. You might need to verify your email address or provide additional information.
9. **Purchase a Game:** After changing your region, purchase a game to ensure the change has been applied correctly. Check the prices to see if they reflect Turkish pricing.
Important Considerations and Risks
* **VPN Reliability:** Use a reputable VPN service. Free VPNs are often unreliable and can compromise your security.
* **Payment Methods:** Having a valid Turkish payment method is crucial. Without it, Steam may not allow the region change or may revert it later.
* **Terms of Service:** Remember that changing your region to exploit pricing differences violates Steam’s terms of service. There’s a risk of getting your account suspended or banned.
* **Region Locks:** Some games might be region-locked, meaning they can only be played in certain regions. Ensure that the games you want to play are available in Turkey.
* **Price Differences:** While Turkish prices are generally lower, always double-check to ensure you’re getting a better deal than in your current region.
FAQ Section:
**Q: Can I change my Steam region back to my original country?**
A: Yes, you can change your Steam region back. Follow the same steps, but select your original country instead of Turkey. Keep in mind that you might need a payment method from your original country to complete the change.
**Q: How often can I change my Steam region?**
A: Steam doesn’t have a specific limit on how often you can change your region, but changing it too frequently might raise suspicion and increase the risk of getting flagged.
**Q: Do I need a VPN every time I play games after changing my region?**
A: No, you don’t need a VPN to play games after the initial region change. You only need it when making purchases or updating your account information.
**Q: Is it illegal to change my Steam region?**
A: It’s not illegal, but it violates Steam’s terms of service. This could lead to penalties like account suspension.
**Q: What happens if Steam detects that I’m using a VPN to change my region?**
A: Steam might prevent you from changing your region or making purchases. In severe cases, they could suspend your account.
**Q: Are there any alternatives to changing my Steam region?**
A: Some websites offer Steam keys for different regions at discounted prices. However, buying from unauthorized sources can be risky. Always stick to reputable sellers.
In conclusion, while changing your Steam region to Turkey can save you money on games, it’s essential to be aware of the risks and follow the steps carefully. Use a reliable VPN, have a valid Turkish payment method, and understand the potential consequences of violating Steam’s terms of service.