In the past, computer games were typically sold on floppy disks or CDs that came in oversized boxes. To buy a computer game back then, you had to visit a physical store that sold game discs. Today, you can save both time and money by downloading games directly from the game's official website, third-party sites like Steam, or through torrenting. Note: This guide focuses on how to download games on Windows or Linux computers. If you're using a Mac, please refer to a different guide.
Steps
Download Games Directly from the Website

Visit https://www.google.com/ using your web browser. You can use Google to search for game download sites on the internet.
Type "Download" and the name of the game you want to download into the search bar. The first 2-3 results are typically from online stores where you can purchase and download the game. Often, you'll be redirected to the game's official website, Amazon.com, or Steam – a popular platform for game downloads.
- If the game you're looking for doesn't appear in the first few links, it may not be available for download online.
- Avoid downloading games from untrusted sources as the files may contain viruses.

Compare the minimum and recommended system requirements. The recommended requirements are the minimum specs needed for smooth gameplay. These are listed on the information page of each game you want to download. Make sure to check the recommended specs and verify your system specs to ensure the game will run properly after downloading.
- You can check your system's specifications, including DirectX version and video card, by using the DxDiag tool. On Windows XP, click Start, select Run, and type "dxdiag" into the box.
- Windows OS makes it easy to check your system specs through the Control Panel.

Click on the purchase link for the game. This button is usually labeled "Purchase", "Buy Now", Add to Cart, or something similar. The page will prompt you to enter your information to buy the game.
- If the website has a shopping cart, click on the cart icon at the top right corner and proceed to checkout to finalize your purchase.

Select a payment method and enter your details to complete the transaction. Typically, you'll need a credit or debit card to purchase the game. Enter your credit or debit card details and any other required information on the page. Then, click the option to finalize the purchase and complete the transaction.

Click on the download option for the game. You'll click the Download button or something similar. The installation file will begin downloading to your computer after you click the button.

Open the installation file. The installation file is usually named after the game and has the ".exe" extension. You can open the file from your browser or the "Downloads" folder on your computer.
- In most web browsers, you'll receive a prompt asking whether to run or save the executable file with the ".exe" extension. Choose to save the file to your desktop. The next step is to double-click the downloaded file to install the game. You can also find the downloaded file in the "Downloads" folder through File Explorer.
- Some games come in compressed files. To use these, you must first download the file, then extract the contents of the ZIP or RAR file to your computer. Afterward, double-click the .EXE file or open the ReadMe file for detailed instructions.

Follow the on-screen instructions to install the game. During the installation process, you'll need to select a folder on your computer for the installation and agree to the terms of use and/or licensing agreements. Read the on-screen information and follow the instructions to complete the installation.
- Some games require you to enter a serial number to play the installed game. You usually receive this number after purchasing the game or in a confirmation email.

Launch the game. After the game is installed, click on its icon on your computer's desktop or in the Start menu of Windows to open the game.
Download the game via torrent

Understand the risks and legality of using torrents. Torrents are a peer-to-peer sharing system, allowing you to access and download files from other people's computers (such as games) with their permission. This means you can download any game as long as someone is sharing it. However, downloading paid content like games via torrents is illegal in many places without the publisher's consent. Your online activities can be monitored by your Internet service provider. Additionally, downloading games through torrents can expose your computer to viruses and malware. Be prepared for the potential risks when downloading software through torrents.
- If you haven't used torrents before, it's advisable to research the process and risks before proceeding.
- You still need to check your system's specifications to ensure your computer can handle the game after downloading.
- For added security while using torrents, it’s best to use a VPN. This prevents your ISP from tracking your online activities.
- Make sure you have reliable antivirus software installed on your computer before downloading torrents.

Download a torrent program. This is a program that allows you to retrieve torrents from websites and convert them into usable files on your computer. You can find many legal torrent programs online, including uTorrent and qTorrent. Google can help you discover these programs.
- Before installing a torrent program, make sure to temporarily disable your antivirus software.

Search for torrent sites. Due to the legal nature of sharing torrent files, many torrent websites only exist for short periods. The URLs of these sites may change frequently. Use Google to search for "Torrent sites" to find a list of currently available torrent websites.
- Warning: Many torrent sites feature ads and links that contain malware. Always be cautious when searching for torrent sites. Never share personal information such as your name, phone number, email, or home address with a site to obtain torrents. Immediately close any site you find suspicious.
- The most popular torrent site is The Pirate Bay.

Search for the torrent of the game you want to download. Use the search function on a torrent site to look for the game you need. This will show you available torrents for that particular game.

Check the torrent information. Most torrents displayed on torrent sites include detailed information about the data in the torrent file. Check it to ensure that it contains everything you need. If the game you wish to download is illegal, the torrent should include installation instructions. This may include a serial number, separate installation files, CD key crack software, or a ReadMe file with special instructions on how to install the game.
- If the torrent allows comments, read them to confirm it's a quality and reliable file.

Check the "seeders". Seeders are individuals who have already downloaded the torrent file and allow others to download from them. Files with more seeders typically download faster and are more reliable.
- There is no set number of "perfect" seeders, but torrents with more than five seeders are generally a good choice.

Download the torrent file. Once you have found a reliable torrent site, click on the "Get this torrent" or "Download this torrent" link, or similar options.
- The torrent file itself does not contain the game but rather information about the file that holds the game. Torrent users utilize the torrent file to download data from other users' computers.
- Always exercise caution. Many torrent sites may contain fake download links that lead to sites filled with malware, viruses, or harmful content.

Open the torrent file with a torrent program. By default, downloaded files are usually saved in the "Downloads" folder. Open your torrent program, then drag and drop the torrent file into the program to start the download. The download time will vary depending on the number of seeders, your internet connection speed, and the connection speed of those sharing the file with you.

Use antivirus software to scan downloaded files. Downloading software via torrents can expose your computer to viruses. To avoid risk, always use trusted antivirus software to scan any downloaded files.
- Additionally, if you do not wish to share a torrent, delete the torrent file from your torrent program immediately after downloading.

Open the downloaded file. A torrent file usually contains several files, either individually or compressed into a zip file or an ISO file. You can open these files using archiving software like Winzip, WinRAR, or 7-Zip.

Click on the ReadMe or setup file. After downloading, you will often receive instructions on how to complete the game installation. Open the ReadMe file or another ".txt" file to read the instructions. Sometimes, you will need to use serial number generating software included with the game files. In some cases, you may need to use Power ISO to make your computer recognize the disk. The Power ISO program is also available through torrent download. Installation processes vary for each game, so make sure to find and follow the included instructions to play the game.
- In most cases, you will need to use a "Crack" program to access the game. Again, the installation file will guide you on how to find and use this program.
- If you cannot find the installation file, right-click the torrent in your torrent program and select "Show in Folder". You should see a folder named after the torrent containing the .txt file.

Launch the game. You can do this by double-clicking the game's icon on your desktop or by selecting it from the Start menu.
Using Steam

Visit https://store.steampowered.com/ in your web browser. This is the website for Steam, the largest distributor of PC games. Here, you can register for a Steam account and download the Steam client.
- Other major PC game distributors include Origin, which focuses on Electronic Arts (EA) games, and The Epic Games Store.

Sign up for a Steam account. If you don’t have a Steam account, follow these steps to create a free one:
- Click Login at the top right corner.
- Select Join Steam.
- Enter your email address in the first two fields.
- Check the box for "I am not a robot".
- Scroll down and check the box for "I agree AND am 13 years of age or older".
- Click Continue.
- Check your email inbox.
- Open the verification email and click Create My Account.
- Enter your desired Steam username on the first line of the Steam page.
- Enter and confirm your desired password in the next two fields.
- Click Complete Sign Up.

Install the Steam client. Steam allows you to purchase, download, and play games on your computer. Follow these steps to install Steam:
- Click Install Steam at the top right of the Steam homepage.
- Click Install Steam.
- Open the "SteamSetup.exe" file from your browser or Downloads folder.
- Click Yes.
- Click Next.
- Select a language and click Next.
- Click Browse to choose the installation folder (optional).
- Click Install.

Launch the Steam application. This is the program with a blue background and a spinning piston icon. You can open Steam by clicking the icon on your desktop or from the Start menu.

Log into Steam. Enter the username and password you used during the registration process, and click Login.

Add a payment method to your account (optional). Steam offers many free games that you can download and play without paying. However, many games require a payment before you can start playing. To buy games, follow these steps to add a payment method to your account:
- Click your account name in the top right corner.
- Select Account details.
- Click Add a payment method to this account.
- Fill in your credit card information, name, address, and phone number on the displayed page.
- Click Continue.

Click on Store (Store). This is the first option located at the top left corner of the Steam window.

Type the name of the game in the search bar and press ↵ Enter. This action will initiate a search for the game you wish to download.
- Alternatively, you can browse games on Steam's homepage or use the "Games" menu at the top of the window to search for games by genre.

Click on the game you want to download. The screen will display the information page related to that game.

Scroll down and check the system requirements. These are the minimum technical specifications your computer must meet in order to run the game. Scroll down to view the system requirements and ensure your computer meets the minimum specifications required for a smooth gaming experience.

Click on the Play Now button (Play Now) or Add to Cart (Add to cart). This green button is located at the bottom of the settings page. If the game is free, you will see the Play Now button. If the game displays a price, click on Add to Cart. Then click on Purchase for Myself and follow the instructions to confirm the purchase.

Select the installation folder, then click Next and finally click on Finish (Finish). By default, games downloaded from Steam are saved to the Steam folder. Click Next to continue. This will download and install the selected game. Once the installation is complete, just click Finish.

Launch the game. After installing the game, click on the game's icon on your desktop or in the Start menu to launch it. Alternatively, you can find your downloaded and purchased games in the "Library" section of the Steam program. Click on any game in the library to view its information page. Scroll down and click Play Game to open the game.
Check your computer's technical specifications

Understand that not every computer can run every game. Just as you can't play an Xbox One game on a regular Xbox console, hardware and software variations make older or budget computers unable to run certain games. All games come with "Minimum Specifications" that are required to run the game, as well as "Recommended Specifications" for the best smooth gaming experience.
- If you have a newer computer, it’s likely you can play older games. The only exception might be graphically demanding games like Crysis.
- If your computer can run many games, it can usually handle others released around the same time.

Compare your video card with the game's recommended specifications. To check your video card and driver settings, follow these steps:
- Click on Start.
- Type "Run" and press Enter.
- Type "dxdiag" and press "Enter". This will show you a report analyzing your computer's video rendering capabilities.

Check your processor and available RAM. The processor determines how much data your computer can handle per second, and the amount of RAM (in gigabytes) indicates how much information the computer can store at once. You can check both of these specs from the same window:
- Click on Start.
- Click on Settings (gear icon).
- Click on System.
- Click on About at the bottom left.
- View the computer specifications under the "Device Specifications" section.

Check if your hard drive has enough space. To verify your computer's hard drive space, follow these steps:
- Press Win+E to open File Explorer.
- Right-click on the "C:" drive (or another internal drive) on the left panel.
- Click on Properties.
- Look for the available space next to "Free space".
