If you’re anything like me, then you’re probably only spending your money on important or special priorities. Buying games nowadays isn’t cheap, and they’re surely now my priority, so I try most of the time to save as much as I can. Usually, I end up using one of the following websites, which are great if you’re looking to buy cheap game Steam keys.
I’ve used multiple times all of the following websites to buy many titles, including Dying Light 1 and Dying Light 2: Stay Human, the whole Batman Arkham game series, Call of Duty Modern Warfare II, and The Last of Us Part 1, among many others. I also purchased GTA 5, just a day before the Epic Games Store chose to give it completely free for one week, but thankfully I got it pretty cheap.
Are These Sites Legal to Use?
In a nutshell, yes, most of these sites are legal to use. But whether or not their methods are ethical or publisher-approved is a different story. Sites like Green Man Gaming are 100% legit and transparent, while marketplaces like G2A and Kinguin can be more of a gamble, as they don’t always have full control over how sellers source their keys.
Buying from HRKGame and CDKeys falls somewhere in between, as they operate legally but often take advantage of regional pricing and bundle sales. Ultimately, the legality of using these sites comes down to where the keys come from and whether they were acquired in a way that complies with the publisher’s distribution agreements.
As a consumer, you won’t get in trouble for buying from these platforms, but you might occasionally run into issues like region-locks or revoked keys if they weren’t originally intended for resale.
The 5 Best Websites To Buy Cheap Game Steam Keys
1. G2A.com
Ah, G2A. If you’ve ever searched for cheap Steam keys, you’ve definitely come across this website. It’s the Amazon of the gaming world, but instead of home goods, you’re walking into a giant bazaar of gaming treasures.
G2A is a marketplace where third-party sellers offer keys at various prices, so you can often snag some crazy discounts, but buyer beware, always check the seller’s rating like you’re on eBay, because just like a yard sale, there’s both gold and garbage.
G2A claims they don’t allow illegal activity and have implemented programs like G2A Shield to offer buyer protection, but since they don’t directly control where the keys come from, it’s hard to guarantee 100% legitimacy. That said, many keys on the platform come from reputable sources, so it’s legal for you to purchase from G2A, but the onus is on you to vet the sellers by checking their ratings and reviews.
G2A offers a smorgasbord of payment options. Whether you’re using PayPal, a credit card, cryptocurrency, or even G2A Pay (their internal system, if you’re into that), you won’t be left scrambling for a way to pay. They also have a subscription called G2A Plus, which gives you additional discounts and rewards for the hardcore shoppers out there.
The keys you buy are instantly delivered (for the most part), and activating your new game on Steam is easy. Just be sure to check if your game is region-locked.
2. HRKGame
If there’s one thing HRKGame loves, it’s throwing flash sales at you like confetti. This site is constantly running discounts on both AAA blockbusters and indie darlings, so it’s worth keeping your wallet close by because you might just trip over a deal you can’t resist.
HRKGame’s layout is simple, and it’s super easy to navigate (which is a blessing because some of these other sites can feel like navigating a dungeon).
The website accepts all the usual suspects for payment, PayPal, credit cards, and a variety of regional payment systems, so no matter where you are, you’re probably covered. It also has its own currency called HRK Gems that you can use to get further discounts, turning your shopping experience into a game of “how much can I save?”
HRKGame is generally considered legal, as it acts more like a traditional store compared to a marketplace like G2A. They claim to acquire keys through authorized distribution channels, meaning they legally purchase keys from publishers or through resellers. However, HRKGame has also been known to sell keys from bundle deals, which might raise an eyebrow for some.
After purchasing, your Steam key will be emailed to you or can be accessed from your account page. In no time, you’ll be wondering how you ever paid full price for anything.
3. CDKeys.com
CDKeys.com is like the responsible older sibling in the family of cheap key sites. It’s clean, straightforward, and not filled with sellers or random marketplace vibes.
They source their own keys and have a reputation for being fast and reliable, with little to no risk of shady transactions (you know, the kind where you wonder if the game you just bought is going to explode in a cloud of malware).
One of the best things about CDKeys is that they often offer deals without the need to log in or sign up for anything extra. Just head to the site, find the game you want, and pay using PayPal, credit cards, or sometimes even gift cards. You can skip the nonsense and get straight to buying.
CDKeys.com is one of the more legitimate and legal key resellers in this business. It isn’t a marketplace, so you’re buying directly from them. The site is known for sourcing its keys in a somewhat straightforward manner: they buy in bulk from official distributors or take advantage of price differences in various regions (for example, games might be cheaper in Eastern Europe than in the U.S., so they buy from those regions and sell globally).
CDKeys is great if you don’t want to worry about third-party sellers but still want those deep discounts.
4. Green Man Gaming
Green Man Gaming is like the fancy store in the neighborhood that somehow still manages to offer discounts without looking cheap. Unlike some of the sketchier options out there, GMG is an official reseller, meaning you’re always getting legit keys directly from publishers. If you’re looking for peace of mind with your bargain hunting, GMG is your go-to.
They frequently run great sales and partner with Steam directly for some epic discounts. Plus, you can rack up XP (yes, like in a video game) that gives you better deals the more you shop. You can pay using PayPal, credit cards, and several other international payment methods, and it’s all very seamless.
This site is an official retailer, meaning it gets its keys straight from the game publishers themselves. No back alleys, no shady third-party sellers—just clean, legit keys that you can buy and activate without any worries. Green Man Gaming is part of the Authorized Digital Sellers Network, which means they’ve partnered directly with companies like Ubisoft, EA, and Activision to distribute keys.
5. Kinguin
Kinguin is like G2A’s rebellious cousin. It’s another marketplace full of third-party sellers, and while you can find some serious bargains here, it’s also a bit of a gamble at times.
You can find everything from Steam keys to Xbox and PSN codes. Just make sure to check the seller ratings before diving in, it’s a lot like sorting through the Steam Summer Sale pile, some gems, and some duds.
Like the other big dogs, Kinguin offers a slew of payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and Bitcoin, because why not throw some crypto into the mix? There’s also an option to pay for Kinguin Buyer Protection, which is a little insurance in case your key doesn’t work. You know, just in case.
Like G2A, Kinguin is another third-party marketplace, meaning individual sellers can list game keys for sale. While Kinguin itself operates legally, not all sellers on the platform are necessarily obtaining their keys in legal ways.
How to Redeem a CD Key on Steam
No matter where you get your Steam key from, the process of redemption is the same, and it’s so easy even your grandmother could do it.
- Open your Steam client (you know, the thing that takes a while to load up when you’re in a rush).
- In the upper-left corner, click on Games.
- Select Activate a Product on Steam from the dropdown menu.
- A window will pop up. Click Next, then agree to the Steam Subscriber Agreement (because we all read that, right?). Paste the key you bought into the text field and click Next.
- Steam will verify it, and boom! You’re ready to download your game and waste the next 10 hours in blissful digital escapism.
In conclusion, buying Steam keys online can be like treasure hunting, with a little patience, a keen eye for deals, and maybe a dash of luck, you can score some great games without breaking the bank. Just make sure you check the reviews, avoid shady deals, and always check for region locks!
