Pirated Games Mega Thread Backup (2024)

Required Components:

You will need to install all of these before downloading any games (legitimate or pirated!) to stop games crashing due to missing software on your computer:

Related Subreddits:

Torrent Sites:

You will likely need a VPN to download torrents to avoid receiving Copyright notices from your ISP - unless, your country does not care about piracy. Read more in the VPN section further in this thread. Torrents are P2P downloads - you download from other people who have downloaded the file. No servers are involved.

Direct Download Sites:

Direct Downloads are any normal download. You download the file from a server through a web browser. It is significantly safer to download this way and you will not need a VPN. In some cases, you will need a VPN to access blocked filehost sites (e.g. ZippyShare is blocked in some EU countries). It is recommended to use a Download Manager mentioned further down the Mega Thread to help manage your downloads.

Trainers (Cheats):

Note: these are not for online games. Do not use cheats in online games!

Repacks:

Repacks are highly compressed games, designed for people with slow/limited internet bandwidth. Once you download them, you must install them on your computer which can take a long time due to file decompression.

Release Networks:

Please note, none of these sites provide downloads, only information on Scene/P2P releases. Looking to see if a game is cracked? Check here!

ROM Sites:

Emulators:

Torrent Software:

Direct Downloading Software:

Tools:

Useful Software:

For Microsoft products (Windows/Office) you can use MAS to activate them.

For Adobe products, visit monkrus.ws.

Useful Browser Extensions:

VPNs:

Tor is NOT a VPN, it will not protect you when torrenting!

Unsafe software:

  • Bittorrent - Same as Utorrent, has ads, trackers, and is unsafe.
  • Utorrent - Same as Bittorrent, has ads, trackers, and is unsafe.
  • CCleaner - Owned by Avast.
  • Avast - Notorious for collecting and selling user data.

Untrusted sites / uploaders:

  • AGFY - scam links
  • Apunkagames
  • IGG Games / PC Games Torrents - they doxxed mercs213 (owner of GoodOldDownloads), package their own DRM in indie games and exploit you for ad revenue.
  • BBRepacks - Fake BlackBox Repacks, contain malware.
  • LoadGames (clone of IGG games)
  • OceanOfGames - High malware risk.
  • nosTEAM
  • xGIROx - repacks contain bitcoin miners.
  • Seyter - repacks contain bitcoin miners.
  • SteamUnlocked / GOG Unlocked - slow downloads, malicious link redirects and uploads stolen from IGG Games.
  • cracked-games - Malware Risk.
  • crackingpatching - Malware Risk.
  • RepackGames - mislabel games and steal releases.
  • Pirate Bay - Malware Risk.
  • Kickass Torrents - Malware Risk.
  • Any site with a scene group name in the URL - SCENE GROUPS DON'T HAVE SITES!
Pirated Games Mega Thread Backup (2024)

FAQs

What is the penalty for downloading pirated games? ›

Answer: If you are caught with a pirated game, you may face legal proceedings initiated by the copyright holder. This can result in fines and, depending on the severity and jurisdiction, criminal charges. Additionally, you may face a ban or suspension from gaming platforms and services.

Is it illegal to own a pirated game? ›

Video game piracy refers to the illegal copying, distribution, and use of video games. This can include several forms, such as: Unauthorised Copying: Making copies of games without permission from the rights holders.

What happens if you install pirated games? ›

Once the files are downloaded, the moment a user starts using those files, they infect all devices with spyware, Trojans, ransomware, malware, etc., stealing the user's data, passwords, desktop files, credentials, and everything else stored on a device.

What are pirated games? ›

Video game piracy is the unauthorized copying and distributing of video game software, and is a form of copyright infringement.

Does the FBI go after piracy? ›

Additionally, the FBI investigates crimes aboard aircraft (both domestic and international flights) and crimes on the high seas like piracy and cruise ship violations involving U.S.-affiliated vessels or U.S. persons. The FBI also works to track down U.S. wanted fugitives who flee overseas.

Do people actually go to jail for piracy? ›

Whether you're being accused of illegally downloading a song or movie or using an unlicensed copy of Photoshop, a piracy charge is nothing to make light of. In fact, piracy is a federal crime. These felony charges can land you in prison for a year or longer, depending upon the circ*mstances of your individual case.

How long can you go to jail for pirating video games? ›

Penalties for Piracy

Maximum penalties for misdemeanor copyright infringement are one year in prison and a $100,000 fine. Maximum penalties for felony copyright infringement generally are: Commercial advantage or private financial gain: five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Is it illegal to use steamunlocked? ›

The Legality of Steam Unlocked

From a legal standpoint, the distribution and downloading of pirated games through platforms like Steam Unlocked is generally considered a violation of copyright laws.

Is it illegal to download games that are no longer sold? ›

Even if the copyright is not defended, copying of such software is still unlawful in most jurisdictions when a copyright is still in effect.

What is the difference between pirated and cracked games? ›

At its simplest, pirated games are those that have been “cracked” by bypassing digital rights management (DRM), technology designed to protect copyrighted content. By doing so, they allow users to access and play the titles without paying their developers or distributors.

Will steam detect pirated games? ›

Can Steam Detect and Ban You for Cracked Games? No, Steam cannot detect or ban you for cracked games. The reason is that it cannot detect it, nor can your device. However, Windows Virus and Threat Protection will warn you about certain files that may contain viruses.

How are pirated games detected? ›

Answer: Common methods include serial key verification, digital rights management (DRM) systems, checksums or integrity checks, online authentication, and in-game triggers or Easter eggs that activate in pirated copies.

What happens if you get caught downloading games illegally? ›

If you get caught torrenting copyrighted content, you could receive a short ban from using your ISP (internet service provider), or a small fine. In some countries, punishments are more severe and you could be looking at almost a decade in prison.

Can you go to jail for downloading pirated software? ›

If convicted, you can be fined up to $250,000, or sentenced to jail for up to five years, or both. Apart from legal consequences, using copied or counterfeit software also means: Greater exposure to software viruses, corrupt disks, or otherwise defective software. Inadequate or no documentation.

Can you get in trouble for downloading games for free? ›

If you don't have permission from the owner, downloading music, games, movies or TV shows for free that you would normally pay for can break the law – it is illegal downloading.

What is the minimum punishment for piracy? ›

What Are the Penalties for Piracy? Piracy is punished quite severely under U.S.C. 81. Most overt acts of piracy come with a mandatory minimum of life imprisonment, while most others carry a maximum of 10 years in prison—not to mention hefty fines in many cases.

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