F5F Stay Refreshed Software PC Gaming Purchasing PC games on physical CD copies.

Purchasing PC games on physical CD copies.

Purchasing PC games on physical CD copies.

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N
176
09-02-2025, 12:13 PM
#1
Hello! Here are your questions rephrased:

1. When playing a Steam or Origin game on a CD, do you need the original software to run it?
2. If yes, can I install the game on other PCs after activation, just like with games purchased directly from Steam or Origin?
3. If my computer doesn’t have a DVD reader, how do I get the game installed? Are the activation keys printed on the CD or already embedded in the disc? Thanks!
N
NutzSquirrelYT
09-02-2025, 12:13 PM #1

Hello! Here are your questions rephrased:

1. When playing a Steam or Origin game on a CD, do you need the original software to run it?
2. If yes, can I install the game on other PCs after activation, just like with games purchased directly from Steam or Origin?
3. If my computer doesn’t have a DVD reader, how do I get the game installed? Are the activation keys printed on the CD or already embedded in the disc? Thanks!

L
leonism
Member
171
09-02-2025, 06:11 PM
#2
Many recent titles rely on platforms such as Steam and Origin. Similar to BF1, you receive the Origin key and can discard the physical disc right away, though availability varies by game. You might also be able to download the games later if you’ve installed them through Origin and enabled activation.
L
leonism
09-02-2025, 06:11 PM #2

Many recent titles rely on platforms such as Steam and Origin. Similar to BF1, you receive the Origin key and can discard the physical disc right away, though availability varies by game. You might also be able to download the games later if you’ve installed them through Origin and enabled activation.

S
Sunahh
Posting Freak
863
09-02-2025, 08:10 PM
#3
Assuming the CD includes a key for Origin/UPlay/Steam/alternative: Yes. It functions as an activation code. Saving. The key is linked to your account.
S
Sunahh
09-02-2025, 08:10 PM #3

Assuming the CD includes a key for Origin/UPlay/Steam/alternative: Yes. It functions as an activation code. Saving. The key is linked to your account.

D
Decade93
Member
60
09-04-2025, 07:51 PM
#4
1. Steam or the source is required to enjoy these titles.
2. After activation on your account, they behave exactly as you purchased them previously.
3. You’d pay for a CD/DVD only if your device can read it.
D
Decade93
09-04-2025, 07:51 PM #4

1. Steam or the source is required to enjoy these titles.
2. After activation on your account, they behave exactly as you purchased them previously.
3. You’d pay for a CD/DVD only if your device can read it.

M
MehSparky
Member
193
09-07-2025, 11:55 AM
#5
Initially, games are available on DVDs, not CDs. Yes, you should be able to reach support for that platform if needed. Having the DVD installed is essential for both installing and playing the game. Sometimes you also require it in your system for other purposes.
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MehSparky
09-07-2025, 11:55 AM #5

Initially, games are available on DVDs, not CDs. Yes, you should be able to reach support for that platform if needed. Having the DVD installed is essential for both installing and playing the game. Sometimes you also require it in your system for other purposes.

F
FrancisDragon
Member
213
09-07-2025, 03:10 PM
#6
Currently, many titles simply include a CD key file that players must obtain separately, or they ship with a Steam installer containing the key inside the package.
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FrancisDragon
09-07-2025, 03:10 PM #6

Currently, many titles simply include a CD key file that players must obtain separately, or they ship with a Steam installer containing the key inside the package.

M
Marshhmallow
Junior Member
19
09-22-2025, 01:34 PM
#7
Remember when I purchased Mount & Blade: Warband on disc? It was just a disc with the Steam installer and a code.
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Marshhmallow
09-22-2025, 01:34 PM #7

Remember when I purchased Mount & Blade: Warband on disc? It was just a disc with the Steam installer and a code.

S
sydneyyyyyy
Senior Member
396
10-03-2025, 12:39 PM
#8
With all respect, no PC gamer can go by without having Steam installed.
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sydneyyyyyy
10-03-2025, 12:39 PM #8

With all respect, no PC gamer can go by without having Steam installed.

T
tage_harry
Member
73
10-04-2025, 03:17 PM
#9
As long as I can easily move my games between computers, that’s fine for me. However, given the current situation, I think a stable internet connection is essential. Maybe you could arrange your gaming ahead of time?
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tage_harry
10-04-2025, 03:17 PM #9

As long as I can easily move my games between computers, that’s fine for me. However, given the current situation, I think a stable internet connection is essential. Maybe you could arrange your gaming ahead of time?

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bmarzano
Senior Member
449
10-04-2025, 07:16 PM
#10
Yes, they would need Steam/Origin/Uplay 2) After linking it to your account, it functions like any other game you own 3) It will provide a CD key (remember: physical purchases often come with an installer rather than the game itself)
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bmarzano
10-04-2025, 07:16 PM #10

Yes, they would need Steam/Origin/Uplay 2) After linking it to your account, it functions like any other game you own 3) It will provide a CD key (remember: physical purchases often come with an installer rather than the game itself)

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