Zak's Ultimate Guide to getting cheap, uncensored games on Steam

Short version

In this blog post, I will explain a method to get very good prices on Steam games.

I will be using my own dispenser.tf shop links in the tutorial so if you want to support me, buy from there. However there might be cheaper sellers though so feel free to compare prices across trading sites instead.

For those familiar with the terms "TF2 keys" and "game gifts", read this short version. If you have questions or are unfamiliar with these terms, read below to understand how it works.

1. Purchase TF2 keys from the shop, community market or via Paypal. You will be using these keys as currency to trade for games.
2. Use my shop link or the search field next to "SELL" to find a trade on dispenser.tf and click on any of the items within the trade to open the trade view, it should look like this: http://dispenser.tf/trade/69744/
3. Sign in via Steam, it is optional but makes things easier later on
4. On the upper row, click on the game/item you want so it is marked blue
5. On the lower row, click on the item(s) you want to use for payment
6. Click "Steam Purchase". It will add the trading bot to your friends list. If you signed in above, the bot will trade you automatically, otherwise you will need to follow the onscreen instructions and sent the given code to the bot in your friendslist.
7. Accept the trade request and place the payment keys into your side. The bot will then place the requested game into the trade and you can accept the deal.
8. Activate the game gift on Steam (or gift it to one of your buddies) under Games -> Manage gifts and game passes

Long Version / FAQ

What are Game Gifts and why are they cheaper?

Instead of buying a game into your Steam account, it is possible to purchase it as a tradable gift copy that lands in your inventory like TF2 / Dota2 / CS GO items.
There are people who purchase these game copies in a cheaper region (Russia, Brazil, USA), ideally when they already are on sale. For example a game that normally costs 30€ in Europe and is on sale for 10€ might sell for around 5€ in Russia.
The resulting gift copy however is (unless it says otherwise when you hover it) usable in all regions of the world and most likely uncensored.

So the following describes how to get games well below the normal price and often below the sale price (while the sale is still on and sometimes a little bit after).

 How can I benefit from cheap game gifts?

These people do not only buy the games for themselves. They trade them in bulk to traders like myself who give them valuable virtual items in return, but we will get to that. The games then end up on various trading sites like TF2Outpost.com bazaar.tf and dispenser.tf.

On these sites you will find listings which list the available games and prices. Since the Steam TOS are prohibiting allowed to sell games for money, the "currency" used are TF2 / Dota2 / CS GO keys which cost around 1.80€ and trading them for games is completely allowed and commonplace.

How do I find the game I am looking for?

I'll explain a couple options here.

1. dispenser.tf: my preferred site. They are using a bot system where sellers will move their items into a Steam account that is controlled by an automated trading bot. The buyer searches for the game title he wants in the search box, obtains the required amount of keys and then swaps these with the automating trading bot for the game gift. The main benefit of using bots is that you don't have to check if the seller is currently online.
   So search for the game and take note of how many keys the seller wants for it.
   
   
2. TF2Outpost  Use the search function and pick "Steam Inventory" on the dropdown. Type the game name in the field on the left and you will get a list of people selling it. Click on one of the offers to see a detailed description. If you sign in using your Steam account, you should enable "Automatically show notes for all trades." in the TF2Outpost settings, it makes it much easier to browse through the results.
   You will need to add the seller or send him a trade offer and wait until he/she accepts.
   
   
3. bazaar.tf Use the search function and pick "Steam" on the wishlist on the right. Type the game name in the field on the left and you will get a list of people selling it. Basically it works like TF2Outpost, so see above.

If you know other good ways, feel free to comment below so I can add them.

How do I get the keys to pay for the game?

Various methods, sorted by price from worst to best

1. Buy them from the ingame or web shop of TF2, CS GO or Dota 2 for 1.80€
2. Buy them on community market from another player for ~1.64€ (Dota 2 keys) or 1,75€ (TF2 keys)
3. Buy them from a trustworthy seller via Paypal for around 1.40€. This is a bit risky unless you know what you are doing, so I recommend you to ask someone experienced with trades for real world money or pick a seller that has been on TF2Outpost for a very long time.

I found a seller, I have the keys, how do I get the game?

For TF2Outpost and bazaar.tf you'll need to get in touch with the seller or send him a trade offer and wait until he/she accepts. Since most people want their games instantly, I recommend looking for a seller who is currently online or - better - use dispenser.tf where you will always trade with a bot.

For dispenser.tf, use the explanation in the short version.

I have the game, how do get it into my Steam libary?

In Steam click on Games -> Manage gifts and game passes (or open your Steam inventory), Select the gift and click "Add to my game libary".