11 Top Video Game Stores

What to check before you buy a game online

Game stores do not all work the same way. Some are official or authorized sellers that get keys straight from publishers. Others are marketplaces where independent sellers list keys. Some sites only compare prices and send you to another shop to pay. Knowing which kind you are on tells you who handles a problem.

• Platform and region: confirm the key is for your platform and your region. A region-locked key may not activate on your account.
• Refund policy: many stores will not refund a key once it has been revealed. Read the policy before you click.
• Extra fees: marketplaces may add service or protection fees at checkout.
• Physical items: for card games and boxed products, check how condition is described, shipping insurance and return terms.

Common problems and how to avoid them

A key that does not work, or one that is revoked later, is the most serious issue on marketplaces. Keys sold cheaply may have come from sources the publisher does not accept. Pay with a method that offers buyer protection, keep your order details, and redeem the key soon after purchase so any problem shows up while you can still report it.

CandorRated company pages show who runs the website, how long the domain has existed, the contact details we found and reviews from other buyers. Look for reviews that describe how the store handled a faulty key.

Frequently asked questions

Is a key from a marketplace the same as one from the official store?

It can be identical, but the seller is a third party. Check the marketplace's rules on disputes and how sellers are checked.

What does a region lock mean?

The publisher limits where the key can be activated. Buy the version for the region your account is set to.