How to buy game keys safely
A digital key is a code you redeem on Steam, Ubisoft Connect, the EA app, Xbox or another store, and the game is added to your library for good. Most problems with cheap keys come from an overlooked region, platform or offer type – here is what to look at.
1. Check where the key activates
Every offer shows its activation platform (for example Steam, Ubisoft Connect, EA app, Xbox, PlayStation). An Xbox key will not work on Steam and vice versa. If you play on PC through Steam, pick offers that activate on Steam.
The “Platform” filter on each game page hides offers that do not fit you.
2. Region: GLOBAL, Europe, US, UK or ROW
GLOBAL keys activate anywhere. Region-locked keys only work for accounts in that region. Choose your region on the game page and the list shows only keys you can activate.
When an offer does not state its region, we mark it “Region: check” – read the product description at the store before you pay. More in Game key regions explained.
3. Key or account
A key (code) is redeemed on your own account and the game stays yours. An “account” offer means you buy access to someone else’s account that owns the game – we mark these in yellow. They are cheaper, but the game is not on your account and most platforms’ terms forbid sharing accounts.
If you want to own the game, pick offers of type Key.
4. Store and seller
Some stores sell keys directly (for example Humble Store, Green Man Gaming, Ubisoft Store); others are marketplaces where individual sellers list keys (for example Kinguin, GAMIVO). On marketplaces, check the rating of the specific seller and the refund terms.
We show Trustpilot ratings for stores – a rough indicator of customer satisfaction, not a guarantee.
5. Edition and the price at checkout
Compare the same edition (Standard, Deluxe, Gold…). Prices come from partner feeds once a day; the price at the store is always the one that counts. Some stores add a service fee at checkout or offer paid buyer protection – check the final amount.
6. If a key will not activate
First check that you are redeeming it on the right platform and that the region matches. If it still fails, contact the store’s or seller’s support through your order – we do not sell keys and cannot see orders.