Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 2: Downloading the torrent
• Part 2 of 2: Installing the game

Torrents are one of the most popular ways to share files online. You can find almost every game online through various torrent sites. It does take a little more work to install a game via a torrent than with a purchased version. You have to "crack" the copy protection of the game. Always read the "Readme" file that comes with the torrent anyway.

To step

Part 1 of 2: Downloading the torrent

1. Download and install a BitTorrent client. This is a program that allows you to download torrent files - a way of sharing files over a peer-to-peer network. Torrent files are very small themselves, but they refer to larger files on your hard drive that you share with others. Popular torrent clients include:
   • uTorrent
   • BitTorrent
   • Vuze
2. Find the torrent for the game you want to download. There are several websites where you can find torrents, but they cannot be referenced here. In any case, make sure that the torrent has positive reactions. This increases the chance that the game will work and that it does not contain viruses.
   • Try to find a torrent with many "seeders". These are the people who share the files. The more seeders you can find, the faster your download will go (up to the speed limit of your own internet connection).
3. Download the torrent file and open it in your BitTorrent client. Torrent files are very small and usually download in seconds. This is because the torrent file itself does not contain the game data. The file connects you directly with other users to download parts of the game, which will be stitched together when your download is complete.
   • Most BitTorrent clients are set to open torrent files automatically. If the file does not open in your BitTorrent client, select your client from the list of programs.
   • You can only legally download torrents from games you own.
   • Click here for detailed instructions on how to download torrents.
4. Wait for your download to finish. This can take a while, especially if it is a big game or if there are few seeders. Click here for tips to speed up your torrents.

Part 2 of 2: Installing the game

1. Download and install an archive extractor (if you don't already have one). Many torrents come in RAR format (.rar). These are archive files that can only be opened with special software. The most popular free option is 7-Zip.
2. Determine what file type your game is. There are two popular file types for downloaded games: EXE and ISO. An EXE file is a setup file that installs everything independently. An ISO file is a copy of a physical disc, which must be burned to a disc or mounted with a so-called "virtual drive".
   • Click here for detailed instructions on how to burn an ISO file to a DVD.
   • Click here for detailed instructions on how to mount an ISO file with a virtual drive.
3. Read the README file. Most game torrents have a text file with specific installation instructions. It is very important to read it. Many games have specific requirements that you must complete in the right order for the installation to run smoothly. Thus, the specific README instructions always take precedence over this general guide.
4. Run the installer. This step will be different for each game, but you will likely need to run the EXE file, or burn / mount the ISO file and then run the installer on the disc. Usually you can run the installation as if you had bought the game, but make sure to follow the instructions in the README file.
5. "Crack" the game. Most games you download will have some form of copy protection. To get around this, you must enter a CD code or run a "crack" program. Most torrents will contain the correct files, but the process will differ from game to game. For this, read the README file again.
   • Some games require you to replace the EXE file in the installation folder with a cracked version. You will then use this new EXE every time you want to play the game.
   • Some torrents have a program that generates a working CD code (a so-called "keygen").
   • Some games have a simple EXE file that you have to run once to crack the game.
   • From time to time you will need to edit a configuration file to run the game. Instructions for this can be found in the README file.
6. Play the game. Use the method provided in the README file to start the game. The first time you may have to run through a configuration program to set the graphics options.