⚠️ Use an adblocker like uBlock Origin before visiting any of the linked sites.
⚠️ First and foremost, stay away from The Pirate Bay. Reason: malware-filled shithole. Read the section at the bottom for more info.
Introduction
Relevant Software/Tools
Torrents
Repacks
DDL sites (direct download)
Mac
Search Engines
Private trackers
Multiplayer
Console Emulators
Roms
Miscellaneous
Do Not Use ⚠️
Untrusted sites
Untrusted uploaders
Introduction¶
Check the FAQ page for some frequently-asked game-related questions.
EMPRESS releases to 1337xnot anymore.The sites described below as having Scene releases will contain releases from the Scene groups CODEX, CPY, SKIDROW, HOODLUM, RELOADED, SiMPLEX, DARKSiDERS, PLAZA, etc. What is "The Scene"?.
The sites labeled REPACKS are for releases that have been repacked from the original (pirated) release (whether it is a Scene, P2P, or GOG release). The intent of a repack is to provide one-click, pre-cracked installations as well as smaller filesizes, and in many cases, also provide DLCs included in the installation as an All-In-One package. Not to be confused with The Scene's definition of REPACK.
To check if a game has been cracked by the Scene, jump to the Scene Tracer section on the Megathread's Tools page. For a general overview of Scene game releases: https://predb.ovh/?q=%40cat%20games.
Cracked game downloads will always have a readme *.txt or *.nfo file containing instructions. If you need further assistance, visit /r/CrackSupport.
For more news of game releases (Scene as well as P2P), visit /r/CrackWatch. For more subreddits, such as Console hacking, ROM piracy, etc, visit /w/piracy/megathread/related_subreddits
Relevant Software/Tools¶
Download Managers
These are useful for DDL sites. Download managers such as these are meant to help to speed up downloads, typically by increasing the number of connections to the server or attempting to split the download into chunks. They are also especially handy when grabbing multiple links at once, which is typical with DDL sites, where they'll split up large downloads into multiple small
.rar
parts, as well as bypassing captchas and eliminating the risks of clicking on the wrong download button on various file hosts. They also help with resuming paused or timed out downloads which your browser may not be able to do in some cases.
JDownloader2 - Download manager that supports downloading from a variety of file-hosts. Supports downloading video from many websites.
Internet Download Manager (IDM) - Paid download manager that supports downloading from a variety of file-hosts. Supports downloading video from many websites. Use the free trial, then when the trial is nearing its end, simply reset the trial with this. Alternative method here.
XTREME download manager - Another very nice download manager
pyLoad - Lightweight download manager written in python. Managed through a WEB UI.
aria2 - Commandline-based download utility.
Motrix - A full-featured download manager. Supports torrenting.
Free Download Manager (FDM) - Another download manager. Supports torrenting.
Steam Tools
Steam Content Packager - Tool for cleaning steam files. Packages your Steam game files whilst removing identifying information for the purpose of sharing them to cs.rin.ru's Steam Content Sharing subforum.
Goldberg Steam Emulator - Steam Emulator. Crack your own Steam game or the clean Steam files shared on cs.rin.ru's Steam Content Sharing subforum.
SmartSteamEmu (SSE) - Steam Emulator. Crack your own Steam game or the clean Steam files shared on cs.rin.ru's Steam Content Sharing subforum.
GreenLuma - Steam Emulator.
CreamAPI - Unlock all DLCs on legit Steam games.
Auto-CreamAPI - Automatically install and set up CreamAPI for Steam games.
Steamless - Removes SteamStub DRM from Steam game executables if they contain it. To be used in conjunction with a Steam emulator if the emulator alone is not enough to crack the game.
EPIC Tools
- ScreamAPI - Legit DLC Unlocker for Epic Online Services. Works only for games you own. Features like multiplayer, achievements, etc. remain fully functional.
More tools at cs.rin.ru's Releases subforum.
Game Launchers
Playnite - Universal game launcher for Windows.
GOG GALAXY - Universal game launcher for Windows/MacOS.
Lutris - Universal game launcher for linux.
See AlsoPirated Games Mega Thread Backup
Torrents¶
Free GOG PC Games - Providing DRM-FREE games from sources that have been thoroughly vetted before being made available for download.
GNARLY - Console/Emulator-based game repacks.
[Sign Up - Russian UI] RuTracker - One of the best public trackers for games.
Repacks¶
DODI Repacks - Very well-known name in the field. This repacker is considered to be one of the finest in the pirated video game sector.
FitGirl - The Russian-born releaser has evolved in recent years from a home archivist to the most well-known repacker on the web. Popular for making highly compressed game repacks; games can take several hours to install. Recommended if you have very slow or data-capped internet.
KaOsKrew - Oldschool rippers who, for at least the past two decades, have been producing rips and repacks at their own speed.
Seven-Gamers - A torrent site that offers some of the newest games, however access to other Google Drive URLs requires joining their Discord group.
[Russian UI] XATAB - This repacker is widely regarded as one of the best in the pirated video game scene, earning the trust of gamers everywhere. He sadly passed away, but his site is currently being used by different Repackers while his old Releases can still be found there.
DDL sites (direct download)¶
CPG Repacks - Pre-cracked games.
[Sign Up] CS.RIN.RU: Steam Underground - The biggest forum in the world devoted to video game piracy, it is a valuable source of games with a vast amount of knowledge. Check their FAQ to get the best usage out of the site. Best parts are the discussion and the different types of tools especially the multiplayer ones. Game links aren't always provided (especially for scene releases; they recommend some external sites in their FAQ) but when they are, they are on free file hosting services like zippyshare so that's another plus. Also includes early access games. You can request clean steam files as a means of getting the latest update for non-DRMed games (excludes SteamStub DRM, which can be removed).
ElAmigos - Every release is lossless, with no reencoding of the audio, video, or textures. A well-liked option for getting new PC games.
Game-2u - Fantastic resource for video game downloads, it is a vital source for PC and other platforms, including ROMs for consoles as well.
games 4 u - Built by dedicated gamers who take great care to include details about each game release, including its genre, release year, and description.
Gamdie - Great source for the newest selection of free pre-installed games. The terms "game" and "indie" are combined to create the name.
GameDrive - Free repacks with pre-installed games from DODI, ElAmigos, FitGirl, and more through high speed direct connections.
Not to be confused with GamesDrive below ↓.GamesDrive - Friendly forum board, specialising in providing repacks from awesome repackers like DODI, FitGirl, and others. Enjoy the games!
Not to be confused with GameDrive above ↑.GamesPCFull - Several options for modern games from some of the releasers and crackers, like Tenoke, Goldberg, ElAmigos, etc.
[German UI] GLOAD - Scene release site provides a plethora of free user-friendly hosters that are easily accessible. Eat, sleep, game, and repeat.
GOG Games - Every game in the GOG library is free to download from a vast compendium of releases. Untouched GOG games. No cracks needed.
Kapital Sin - Pre-cracked games.
MagiPack Games - Retro, old-school, and vintage game repacks that are compatible with current Windows builds, keeping memories of what is now difficult to obtain.
Moriya Shrine - Touhou games, both official (via torrent due to DMCA taking down DDL) and fanmade/doujin.
My Abandonware - Founded in February 2009, thousands of games have been uploaded to the site throughout the years. A fine retro video game database.
Old Games Download - This project was founded in to preserve video games that are no longer for sale or download and have nostalgic significance for people.
[Russian UI] Old-Games.RU - All about vintage computer games, attempting to evoke memories of a period when the sun shone brighter and the grass was greener.
Online-Fix - Download games with multiplayer/Steamworks fixes to play with friends. Covers steam and epic games.
Ova Games - Download free PC games from a variety including Codex, GOG, and ElAmigos. With excellent file hosts, it is really simple.
[Spanish UI] PiviGames - Video games may be downloaded for free and is occasionally based off ElAmigos releases. File hoster choices includes MediaFire and MEGA.
Release BB - Scene releases.
Scene CrackHub - An Automatic Scene Uploading Bot which Uploads Windows, Linux and Mac Scene Releases directly from TorrentSeeds to zippyshare.
- CrackHub - Mainly focuses on re-uploading various content to different hosts, takes requests too.
Scnlog - Scene releases. Offers Linux and Mac scene releases.
STEAMRIP - Pre-installed games that are completely free! No content has been removed or compressed and the source is reliable.
The Collection Chamber - A significant selection of classic games that have been optimised for modern Windows. It is now time for them to be released.
[Sign Up] Torrminatorr - A sizable number of games are available for no cost, including GOG and other scene releases. Also has GNU/Linux games.
Mac¶
ReleaseBB - Scene releases.
NMac Ked - Mac games.
MacGames - Web archive of the now-defunct macgames-download.
Search Engines¶
Programmable Search Engine - Powered by a quick and effective custom Google search engine that searches several reliable sources.
Rezi - Quick and efficient ad-free game search engine, with a database that is updated every 24 hours, includes practically every game imaginable.
Rave Game Search - Users are helped by the search engine in finding free video game downloads. It includes fresh links as well as a list of updated sites.
Private trackers¶
Intro to private trackers (Abbrevations are mentioned here).
Gazellegames.net (GGn) - Best source for games for enthusiasts. Carries games from basically any console. Can be joined through RED.
PixelCove - Another pretty great source of games for the enthusiast crowd.
TorrentLeech - One of the largest general private trackers.
AlphaRatio - A general private tracker focused on scene releases. Inferior in content compared to other general trackers like IPT, TL, FL etc but has a very strong request section. Great for requests for which personalised trackers don't exist or aren't good enough. Can be joined through MAM and RED during AR's global invites period, keep an eye out.
FileList - One of the largest general private trackers. Romanian tracker, but media content will typically include dual language audio (English and Romanian).
IPTorrents - The largest general private tracker.
Multiplayer¶
- Steamworks fix - Applied to game's files so that you can use Steam to play games that you do not own with other people that also do not own the game. Go to online-fix.me. Also go to cs.rin.ru if you have anything to discuss.
Console Emulators¶
Emulators allow you to play console games on the PC. You can find resources for ROMs (copies of the games) in the next section below. Check the Emulation Gametechwiki for an expanded list of emulators.
⚠️ There are currently no existing Xbox One emulators. Check this wiki page for any future developments.
Emulator Files at Gametechwiki - BIOS files, menu files, etc.
mGBA - Game Boy Advance emulator.
Dolphin - github page - GameCube & Wii emulator.
DeSmuME - Nintendo DS emulator.
Citra - 3DS emulator.
Cemu - Wii U emulator.
yuzu - Switch emulator.
Ryujinx - Switch emulator.
Xenia - Xbox 360 emulator.
PPSSPP - PSP Portable emulator.
PCSX2 - PS2 emulator.
RPCS3 - github page - PS3 emulator.
Orbital - github page - PS4 emulator.
Roms¶
Visit Emulation General Wiki for extra resources for ROMs (eg. emulator files/BIOS files, etc)
/r/Roms - Has a ROMs megathread and allows requests for specific game titles.
ByAlvro's ROM collection - Super large archive of ROMs.
squid-proxy.xyz - Large ROM collection for various platforms.
Emulator.Games - Large ROM collection for various platforms.
rom hustler - Large ROM collection for various platforms.
Romulation - Large ROM collection for various platforms.
EmuParadise - Large ROM collection for various platforms.
ROMSPURE - Large ROM collection for various platforms.
RomsGet - Large ROM collection for various platforms.
Vimm's Lair - Large ROM collection for various platforms.
PortalRoms Archive - Large ROM collection for various platforms.
/r/pleasuredome - Large retro ROM collection.
Gamulator - Retro ROM collection.
NesGM - PS Vita, PS4, Switch, 3DS, PSP.
Ziperto - PS2, PSP, PS VITA, 3DS, Switch, GBA, GAMECUBE, NDS, N64, SNES, WII, WII U.
CDRomance - Formally NicoBlog. PS1, PS2, PSP, Gamecube, DS, GBA, etc.
GLOAD - PS4, PS3, Xbox 360, Wii.
NoPayStation and PSNDL - PSV, PS3, PSP, PSM, PSX and more, directly from Sony's servers with no "Middle-Man".
Scene CrackHub - Switch and PS4.
NXBrew - Switch Games: NSPs, XCIs, Homebrews, & CFWs.
NSW2U (formally switch-xci) - Switch NSPs and XCIs.
Cias para 3DS - 3DS.
Miscellaneous¶
PCGamingWiki - Solutions wiki for many issues that arise with PC games.
GameCopyWorld - PC Game Trainers, Cheats, No-CD / No-DVD PlayFixes and Patches, standalone cracks, etc.
GameBurnWorld - Cheats, Patches, Game Fixes, Trainers, No-CD Patches, etc.
MegaGames - Game Trainers, Cheats, Mods, Fixes, etc.
Flashpoint - Preservation project for Adobe Flash Games. Has over 90k Games in it's library which are all playable, like the Good Ol' Days.
Do Not Use ⚠️¶
Following items have historically or still currently show unethical behavior, poor regulation, or the deliberate injection of malware. Some of them are misleading fake clones that dishonorably employ the name of a previous, well-known brand to lure users.
Scene groups do not have their own sites, so its best to avoid anything claiming to represent one.
Even if it may seem that a game which may not be so popular is only present in an unsafe site, please consult cs.rin.ru. These files will be usually clean files. Crack files will be given in the comments of the thread. If not, crack it yourself with the help of the tools listed in the Tools Section.
Untrusted sites¶
IGG Games / PCGamesTorrents / LoadGames / GamesTorrents - They doxxed mercs213 (owner of GoodOldDownloads) package their own DRM (another one and some extra background info) overall dickish behavior by the owner/admins, crypto miners, as well as malware, and exploit you for ad revenue.
SteamUnlocked / GOG Unlocked / ROMs Unlocked - Slow downloads, malicious link redirects and uploads stolen from IGG Games and nosTEAM.
The Pirate Bay / TPB - Do not use the pirate bay or any of its mirrors to download games/software. High malware risk, even from skulled users and the uploader "dauphong".
1337x - actively hosting and supporting uploaders who upload malware to the site, and not banning them when caught.If you have to download from 1337x please get the games from only the following uploaders for games: (
0xEMPRESS
,anadius
,DODI
,FitGirl
,JohnCena141
(Linux),KaOsKrew
,s7on3r
,TinyRepacks
)AGFY - Scam links
AimHaven - Malicious redirect ads
Apunkagames
BBRepacks - BlackBox Repacks impersonator. Malware in the Doom Eternal repack posted on TPB and 1337x.
CorePack - Malware in a long list of their releases. Some background. Their official statement.
Crohasit - Has affiliations with owners of SteamUnlocked.
Descarga Game
Downloadly - Contains cryptominers.
GameFabrique - Adware installers, uploads from untrusted sites such as IGG Games.
Gam3rb or Game3rb - Malicious fake download links on the page.
Kickass Torrents / KAT - Kat went down in 2016. Don't rely on any supposed mirrors floating around.
Nexus Games / WorldOfPCGames / steamrepacks / unlocked-games - Malicious downloads.
Ocean Of Games - Malware risk and past history of coin miners included in their installers.
RepackGames - Mislabel games and steal releases.
Qoob / Seyter - Qoob is the name that Seyter switched to after having been caught adding a bitcoin miner to his JC3 repack. More info on Qoob.
kLauncher (minecraft) - Contains malware
Wifi4games - Malware downloads.
Worldofpcgames
nosTEAM - Shitty blog site with shoddy ads. Torrent downloads are handled by an intermediary ~3 MiB executable file: the epitome of shady behavior, with malware risk and uploaded BTC miners.
TLauncher - Contains spyware.
Any website using the name of a Scene group (such as CODEX, CPY, SKIDROW, HOODLUM, RELOADED, SiMPLEX, DARKSiDERS, PLAZA, etc.). Scene groups do not have public websites. If you find a site using the name of a scene group, they are impersonators. Beware of these sites as they tend to package their releases with malware (3 notable exceptions are skidrowreloaded.com, skidrowrepacks.com, and skidrowcodex.net, which are fine to use, though they are still impostor sites). What is "The Scene"?.
Any site you find on Google by searching for "free game downloads", "cracked games", etc. Google de-lists piracy websites from its search results, which means that fake / impostor / malware-spreading sites will float to the top of the search results.
Any site pretending to be RARBG. This site has been decommissioned and other malicious alternatives, linked to TPB, have been popping up. Do not trust them.
Any "cracked games" site or download you find on Youtube.
Any aggregator site like snowfl or DHT crawler like btdb, btdig, etc. Not because the sites intend to infect you with malware, but because their intent is to aggregate as many publicly available torrents as possible into one place. This can include torrents that have been posted to TPB or otherwise spread publicly via the DHT network. You should only grab games from sites that take a personal hand in adding content (excludes sites that auto-post scene releases, in which case they would need to be vetted to make sure that their posts are real scene releases) rather than automatically aggregating from hundreds of unknown sites.
Untrusted uploaders¶
These may be in torrent sites. Be cautious and do not download games from them.Some of the people in the unsafe site section may appear in other sites aswell, even if they're not mentioned. Please still refrain from downloading from them.
IGG Games / PCGamesTorrents / LoadGames / GamesTorrents - They doxxed mercs213 (owner of GoodOldDownloads) package their own DRM (another one and some extra background info) overall dickish behavior by the owner/admins, crypto miners, as well as malware, and exploit you for ad revenue.
Anyone from The Pirate Bay / TPB
anr285
BBRepacks
Cracked-games
CrackingPatching
CracksHash
haxnode
IGI30
nosTEAM - Shitty blog site with shoddy ads. Torrent downloads are handled by an intermediary ~3 MiB executable file: the epitome of shady behavior, with malware risk and uploaded BTC miners.
Ocean Of Games - Malware risk and past history of coin miners included in their installers.
RepackGames - Mislabel games and steal releases.
SadeemAPK
SadeemPC
Qoob / Seyter - Qoob is the name that Seyter switched to after having been caught adding a bitcoin miner to his JC3 repack. More info on Qoob.
VitaminX - Releases contain bitcoin miners.
xGIROx - Repacks contain bitcoin miners.