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No website is safe for downloading pirated games. A site cannot be verified as safe just because it offers a particular game. The FBI’s current guidance says not to download pirated software, including video games, because it can contain hidden malware. The practical alternative is to get the game from its publisher or another authorized store.
Why no piracy site can be called safe
Whether a download is safe depends on what the file contains, and a download site cannot guarantee that. A polished page, a large user base, or positive comments do not change what is inside an installer. The FBI’s March 12, 2026 public service announcement puts it directly: “Do not download pirated software, such as video games and movies, which often include hidden malware that turns your device into a proxy.”
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Official warnings describe several distinct risks:
- Hidden malware in the game file. The FBI says pirated software, including video games, may carry malware in addition to the content people want.
- Residential proxy malware. The FBI describes malware that can use an infected device as part of a residential proxy network, a pool of home connections that can be used to route other people’s internet traffic. The infected owner may not notice.
- Theft of sensitive information and payment fraud. INTERPOL’s consumer guidance lists these among the risks of piracy sites and peer-to-peer networks.
- Missing or unsafe software updates. INTERPOL also flags problems that arise when software updates are absent or come from unsafe sources.
INTERPOL’s warning covers peer-to-peer networks as well as websites, so moving from a site to a torrent or file-sharing client does not remove the exposure. The FBI also advises against clicking pop-up ads on untrusted websites, which is a common way infections start.
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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchWhy antivirus and VPNs do not make piracy safe
Security software can reduce risk on a device, but it does not turn an unauthorized file into a verified one. The FBI mentions antivirus as one way to sanitize a compromised device. That is a cleanup step, not a safeguard that makes a download trustworthy. A VPN changes who can see your traffic and where it appears to come from; it does not inspect the game file you install. Neither tool should be treated as a reason to use a piracy source.
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Legal exposure depends on where you live
The U.S. Copyright Office states that downloading or uploading copyrighted works without the copyright owner’s authority can infringe the owner’s exclusive reproduction or distribution rights under U.S. law. Other countries have their own copyright statutes, penalties and enforcement practices, so the same download can carry different consequences depending on where you are. This article does not give legal advice for any specific jurisdiction. If you need a definitive answer for your situation, check your local law or consult a qualified lawyer.
Why piracy sources disappear, and what the seizures show
A download source that works today can vanish without warning. On July 10, 2025, the FBI announced it had seized several domains that provided access to pirated games and dismantled their infrastructure. The FBI’s figures for those actions are specific to the sites and period involved:
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- 3.2 million downloads from the most-used download service on the seized sites between February 28 and May 28, 2025, according to records the FBI reviewed.
- An estimated $170 million in losses associated with those sites. The FBI presents this as an estimate, not a measured certainty.
These numbers describe one enforcement action over one period. They are not an industry-wide measure or a current piracy rate, and they should not be read as one.
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Start with the publisher’s own website. INTERPOL advises checking the rights holder or content provider’s site for legitimate ways to obtain content. Authorized digital storefronts are the other route, and the FBI recommends official and trusted application stores and reputable publishers.
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GOG is one example. It describes itself as a digital distribution platform with a curated game selection, and says the games it sells are legitimate and that purchases support rights holders and creators. It is one authorized option among several, and not every game is sold there.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What to compare before you buy
Check these points on the store or publisher page on the day you buy, because prices, discounts and availability change:
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- Controllers are original OEM (not 3rd party)
- Tested and works well. Nice condition
- Availability in your country and on your device or platform.
- Total price and any current discount, including bundles or editions that differ from the base game.
- Refund and support terms, including what the store offers if a game fails to run.
- DRM and offline-play restrictions, which determine whether you need an online account or connection to play.
If you already downloaded a pirated game
- Disconnect the computer from the internet and stop running the game or installer.
- Run a full scan with a reputable antivirus tool. A clean scan does not prove the file was safe. If the scan finds problems, or the device behaves strangely, consider reinstalling the operating system from a trusted source.
- Install pending operating system and software updates from official channels.
- Change passwords for accounts you signed into on that device, starting with email and banking. Turn on two-factor authentication where it is available.
- Review bank and card statements for charges you do not recognize, and contact your bank promptly about any you find.
Because the FBI describes malware that turns devices into proxies, watch for unexplained slowdowns or unfamiliar network activity after an infection. Those signs can persist even after the game file is deleted.
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