The Big List of 3rd Party DRM on Steam

Digital Rights Management (DRM)

• Types of DRM
• DRM-free (Steam list)
• Digital distribution
  • Steam (list)
  • Origin (list)
  • GOG.com (DRM-free)
• Software and removal
• DRM removal

Project aim

• Offer a complete list of games available for purchase on Steam which have external DRM associated with them in addition to or in lieu of the various forms of Steam's native DRM.

Instructions

• Refer to the How to contribute section for information on adding games to this article.
• Included with the games are the DRM schemes involved, the issues and hindrances you might encounter due to this DRM, and what you can do to prevent DRM from interfering with your gaming experience.

Discussion

• Discuss the project on the Talk page.

Other information

• "Unofficial List of Steam Games with DRM" Steam Users' Forums thread - Original thread on this topic, all discussion has henceforth been moved to this wiki article.
• The Big List of DRM-Free Games on Steam - A comparable list of Steam games which do not feature any sort of DRM.
• DISCLAIMER: There are many games that have their own in-game store. There are also many games with DLC managed not by Steam but by the publishers themselves. These are NOT included in this list because, as previously stated, the products on these lists are available for purchase on Steam. Using non-Steam products on Steam products must be done at your own risk.

Main contacts

• Garrett

How to contribute

This list covers many games already but it is still missing some games and may have outdated information.

Please reference your additions so others can easily verify their accuracy.

Games that never had third-party DRM are omitted from this list; this includes sequels to the games listed here.

Check the game's forums for DRM discussion

Check forums for DRM details Check the game's Steam Community Discussions and Steam Users' Forums for details of its DRM. Add the game below with the relevant news post or forum topics as references.

Investigate DRM for your games

If you're unsure about the specific DRM used, ask on the project talk page so others can help.

Game prompts for making/logging into an account (Account-based DRM) Take note of the account type it asks to make. Add it to the appropriate Account-based DRM section. Common types have their own sections. If it isn't any of those add it to Other Account-based DRM.

Game prompts for CD/product key but not an account (Hardware-based DRM) Take note of the DRM name on the prompt(s) and add it to the appropriate Hardware-based DRM section. If the prompt doesn't say what DRM is used you can scan the game with Protection ID to find out. Post the details on the project talk page. Use a link to that post as a reference for its entry below. Protection ID might not recognise the DRM used.

Account-based DRM

DRM associated with accounts is weaker than most but still present, requiring online activation via CD key to access online services such as multiplayer and profile stats. These games require you to activate the game through their servers and use their accounts to activate the game, and many require these accounts to access the game. For single-player games, account-based DRM often does not affect the game to any real degree, as you can play them with an offline profile without activation. Because of this, many consider single-player account-based DRM to not be DRM at all because it does not require any contact beyond having the packages installed; no Internet connection is required. Games falling into this “single-player only” category will be marked as such.

Codemasters RaceNet

Used for multiplayer and community features in newer Codemasters racing games after Codemasters switched from Games for Windows Live to Steamworks for DRM.

Completely optional; if you don't play online you can simply ignore it. More about it here.

Currently available for Family Sharing.

Name	Link	Notes
DiRT Showdown	Store
F1 2012	Store
F1 2013	Store
F1 2014	Store
F1 Race Stars	Store
GRID 2	Store
GRID Autosport	Store

EA Accounts

EA Accounts exist for two purposes:

To activate and run the game. This requires a constant Internet connection, even in single-player modes. The benefit to this, however, is that DLC, if it exists, is more easily managed than below.

To access online features, including DLC. In this case, the EA account is not required to access single-player (in some cases, it may be required to activate the game). For DLC, however, the game will require an account either way.

This list will be categorized as such, as well as games that use EA Classic accounts. Single-player games in the latter category will be specially marked, either as an option or exclusively single-player.

Constant Connection Required

Name	Link	Notes
Command & Conquer 4: Tiberian Twilight	Store
Darkspore	Hub	Structured like an MMO despite having single-player. No longer sold or supported as of August 23, 2013.

Activation, Online Services, DLC

Name	Link	Notes
Alice: Madness Returns	Store
Battlefield: Bad Company 2	Store	Includes Vietnam expansion.
BattleForge	Hub	No longer playable as of October 31, 2013 due to servers being shut down.
Burnout Paradise: The Ultimate Box	Store
Command & Conquer 3: Tiberium Wars	Store	Includes Kane's Wrath expansion.
Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3	Store
Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3 - Uprising	Store
Dead Space 2	Store
Dragon Age: Origins	Store	Includes Awakening expansion. Single-player only.
Dragon Age II	Hub	Single-player only.
FIFA Manager 09	Hub
FIFA Manager 10	Hub
FIFA Manager 11	Hub
Gatling Gears	Store	5 activation limit per 24 hours.
Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning	Store	Optional (both base game and DLC). Close login prompt(s) to skip EA Account. Logging in unlocks promotional items.
Mass Effect 2	Store	Single-player only.
Medal of Honor	Store
Medal of Honor: Airborne	Store
Mirror's Edge	Store	Single-player only.
Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit	Store
Need for Speed: Shift	Store
Need for Speed: Undercover	Store
Shift 2 Unleashed	Store
The Sims 3	Store	Includes all expansions (Most recent: Showtime).
SPORE	Store	Includes Creepy & Cute and Galactic Adventures expansions. Single-player only.
Warp	Store

EA Classic Account

Name	Link	Notes
Battlefield 2	Store

GameSpy

GameSpy online services were shut down on May 31, 2014 (June 30, 2014 for Electronic Arts titles).

Most GameSpy games can be played online through alternate methods; see the game pages for details.

GameSpy is not DRM; however, since some multiplayer features are dependent on GameSpy for these games, they are listed here.

Name	Link	Notes
Battlefield 2	Store	Use BF2 Battlelog to replace the deprecated GameSpy master server.
Crysis	Store	Use Crysis Multiplayer Patch.
Crysis: Warhead	Store	Unofficial Crysis Wars Multiplayer Mod is available.
Dungeon Defenders	Store	You can choose Steam or GameSpy for multiplayer before launching game (Steam is the default option).
F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin	Store
FlatOut 2	Store
Hunted: The Demon's Forge	Store
Legendary	Store
Men of War	Store
Men of War: Assault Squad	Store
Men of War: Condemned Heroes	Store
Men of War: Vietnam	Store
Saints Row 2	Store
The Scourge Project: Episode 1 and 2	Hub	The game is included with, and deprecated in favor of Scourge: Outbreak.
SpellForce – Platinum Edition	Store
Star Wars: Battlefront II	Store	Use FreeGST or GameMaster to replace the GameSpy server browser.
Titan Quest	Store	Includes Immortal Throne expansion.
Unreal Tournament 3 Black	Store	Use the GS Patch to replace the deprecated GameSpy master servers.

Games for Windows Live

Excluded from Family Sharing (all GFWL types)

There are two kinds of GFWL activation, SSA and Legacy. See the sections below for further details.

Not supported worldwide; outside the Xbox LIVE Countries and Regions you can only use a local profile, meaning no multiplayer or achievements.

From GFWL to Steamworks

These games are confirmed be in the process of migrating to Steamworks.

For games that have already been migrated see Removed DRM.

Name	Link	Notes
Dead Rising 2	Store	Steamworks migration confirmed for early 2015.
Dead Rising 2: Off the Record	Store	Steamworks migration confirmed for early 2015.
DiRT 3	Store	Steamworks migration confirmed for the future (was supposed not to be ready until 2014). No further updates on the topic as of 5 September 2014.
Iron Brigade	Store	Steam achievements and leaderboards were spotted. There is no official statement yet, but some minor research was done in Double Fine forums.
Resident Evil 5	Store	Steamworks migration confirmed for early 2015.

SSA Titled (ZDPP specially marked)

Server-Side Activation (SSA) binds the product key permanently to your Microsoft account, similar to Steam. These games have no activation limits.

If you bind an SSA product key to an account that is not in a supported region you will lose the key (and, consequently, access to the game).

Some SSA games have Zero Day Piracy Protection (ZDPP), an extra DRM check to prevent playing pre-release games.

Name	Link	Notes
Age of Empires Online	Hub	No longer playable due to the servers being shut down on July 1, 2014.
Batman: Arkham City (non-GOTY)	Hub	ZDPP Title. Non-GOTY owners get GOTY version for free which has Steamworks DRM instead of SecuROM and GFWL.
Blacklight: Tango Down	Store
Bulletstorm	Store	ZDPP Title; does not support local profiles but can be played offline.
Dead Rising 2	Store	ZDPP Title.
Dead Rising 2: Off the Record	Store	ZDPP Title.
DiRT 2	Hub
DiRT 3	Store
Disney TRON: Evolution	Store
F1 2010	Store
F1 2011	Store
Fable III	Hub
Gotham City Impostors (non-Free To Play)	Hub
Iron Brigade	Store
Lost Planet 2	Store	ZDPP Title.
Microsoft Flight	Hub	Steam version works, but is no longer supported. You can use Games for Windows Marketplace version with same Microsoft account in-game.
Mortal Kombat Kollection	Store
Operation Flashpoint: Red River	Store
Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City	Store
Section 8	Hub
Section 8: Prejudice	Store
Street Fighter X Tekken	Store
Test Drive: Ferrari Racing Legends	Store
Toy Soldiers	Store	Can choose between GFWL and Steamworks. GFWL version is still included but can be completely ignored.
Virtua Tennis 4	Store

Legacy Titles

Simple product key check; requires internet access for online profile but does not attach the key to your Microsoft account.

Activation limit between 10-20 (usually 15) for online profiles; Microsoft support can help reset the limit but will not reset a second time; after that you will need to buy the game again.

Name	Link	Notes
Batman: Arkham Asylum (non-GOTY)	Hub	Single-player only; owners get free upgrade to the Game of the Year Edition which has Steamworks DRM instead of GFWL and SecuROM.
Battlestations Pacific	Store
The Club	Store
Fallout 3	Store	Includes all five DLCs [1] [2] [3] [4] [5], as well as the GOTY version. Single-player only, can be completely ignored (no profile/activation needed). Can be disabled with the Games for Windows LIVE Disabler mod or by running the game with the modding tool FOSE (you do not need to install a mod that actually uses it).
FlatOut: Ultimate Carnage	Store
FUEL	Hub
Grand Theft Auto IV: Complete Edition	Store	Can be disabled with the XLiveLess mod.
Grand Theft Auto IV	Store	Can be disabled with the XLiveLess mod.
Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City	Store	Can be disabled with the XLiveLess mod.
Juiced 2: Hot Import Nights	Hub
Kane & Lynch: Dead Men	Store
Lost Planet: Extreme Condition Colonies Edition	Store	A non-GFWL version is available (de facto Steamworks because of VAC protection) but note that it lacks the extra content of the Colonies Edition.
Quantum of Solace	Hub
Resident Evil 5	Store
Star Wars: The Clone Wars – Republic Heroes	Store
Stormrise	Hub
Street Fighter IV	Store
Universe at War: Earth Assault	Hub
Vancouver 2010	Hub

Kalypso Launcher

You can install and play these games without any kind of internet connection (see About Kalypso Launcher).

Name	Link	Notes
Airline Tycoon 2	Store
Anna - Extended Edition	Store	Linux version does not require launcher and does not even require Steam to play.
DARK	Store
Demonicon	Store	Login prompts can be cancelled to play the game without an account.
Disciples III: Resurrection	Store
DUNGEONS - Steam Special Edition	Store
Dungeons - The Dark Lord	Store
The First Templar - Steam Special Edition	Store
Omerta - City of Gangsters	Store
Patrician 4 - Steam Special Edition	Store
Pole Position 2012	Store
Rise of Venice	Store
Tropico 4: Steam Special Edition	Store

ManiaPlanet

Every new Nadeo game requires ManiaPlanet account. More about account can be read here.

Name	Link	Notes
ShootMania: Storm	Store
TrackMania² Canyon	Store
TrackMania² Stadium	Store
TrackMania² Valley	Store

Rockstar Games Social Club

About Rockstar Games Social Club.

Excluded from Family Sharing.

Name	Link	Notes
Grand Theft Auto V	Store	Social Club client required for activation. Online features require an account.
Grand Theft Auto IV	Store	Does not use the Social Club client. Online features require an account.
Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City	Store	Log-in is required only for multiplayer. Log-in not required for singleplayer.
Grand Theft Auto IV: Complete Edition	Store	Log-in is required only for multiplayer. Log-in not required for singleplayer.
L.A. Noire: The Complete Edition	Store	Social Club client required for activation. Online features require an account.
Max Payne 3	Store	Requires both Social Club client and an account for activation and online features.

Stardock Account

Stardock distributed their games via Impulse. After they sold it to GameStop in March 2011, Stardock introduced account system for their games to distribute patches and for the official support on forums. Their older games are de facto DRM free after registration, and those games are noted. You can download them any time from your Stardock account. In 2012, Stardock switched to Steamworks because of multiplayer. Those games can't be downloaded from Stardock, only from Steam.

Name	Link	Notes
Demigod	Store	After registration, game is de facto DRM free.
Fallen Enchantress	Store	After registration, game is de facto DRM free.
Fallen Enchantress: Legendary Heroes	Store
Galactic Civilizations II: Ultimate Edition	Store	Only needed for Twilight of the Arnor [GC2TwilightOfTheArnor.exe] expansion pack. After registration, expansion is de facto DRM free. Base game (Dread Lords [GalCiv2.exe]) and Dark Avatar [GC2DarkAvatar.exe] expansion are DRM free (registration is not needed at all). If you register game, it can be only launched via GC2TwilightOfTheArnor.exe.
The Political Machine 2012	Store
Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion	Store
Sins of a Solar Empire: Trinity	Store	After registration, base game and both expansions (Entrenchment and Diplomacy) are de facto DRM free.

Uplay

Uplay is a digital distribution, DRM, multiplayer and communications service created by Ubisoft.

Unless otherwise noted, you should be able to access an offline mode after registering and updating the game. Without updating, the game may require a constant connection at all times.

Some of these games may have trouble with the Uplay launcher. Check here to make sure your game is updating properly.

Name	Link	Notes
Anno 2070	Store
Assassin's Creed 2	Store
Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood	Store	Offline mode available without registering/updating the game. Use -playoffline parameter.
Assassin's Creed: Freedom Cry	Store
Assassin's Creed: Revelations	Store
Assassin's Creed III	Store
Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag	Store
Assassin's Creed Liberation HD	Store
Assassin's Creed Unity	Store
Call of Juarez: The Cartel	Store	It's both Steamworks and Uplay title. Uplay requirement is not put in Store page, but you need it for launch and its achievements.
Child of Light	Store
The Crew	Store	Requires a constant internet connection to play.
Driver: San Francisco	Store
Far Cry 3	Store
Far Cry 3 - Blood Dragon	Store
Far Cry 4	Store
Flashback	Store
From Dust	Store	Once the game is installed from Steam, you can play in offline mode without ever having to log into Uplay: Before launching the game for the first time, run the UbisoftGameLauncherInstaller from <path-to-game>\Support\Ubisoft, then create a new firewall rule to block the installed Ubisoft Launcher. If you run the game without doing this first, the launcher will update Uplay, and you will have to register the game and log in at least once before you can play offline.
Might & Magic Heroes VI	Store	Required for activation and online features.
Might & Magic Heroes VI: Shades of Darkness	Store
Might & Magic X - Legacy	Store
Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands	Store
Rayman Legends	Store
Rocksmith 2014	Store
R.U.S.E.	Store	When the game is first time launched, it is needed to be registered (Ubisoft account). Uplay is optional for Uplay achievements and gifts even store's page said "requires a Uplay account".
The Settlers 7	Store	Can now be played in offline mode.
Silent Hunter 5	Store
Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Future Soldier	Store
Tom Clancy's H.A.W.X. 2	Store	Can now be played in offline mode.
Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Blacklist	Store	Requires Uplay in online mode for save and load features to function.
Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Conviction	Store
Trials Evolution: Gold Edition	Store
Trials Fusion	Store
Valiant Hearts: The Great War	Store
Watch Dogs	Store

Other Account-based DRM

This list does not include Free to Play (F2P) games, which almost always require a separate account, and every one of them has in game store. F2P games are found here.

Name	Link	Notes
Age of Wonders III	Store	LAN and online modes require a Triumph Account.
AirBuccaneers	Store	You need AirBuccaneers account to play game. More info here.
Airline Tycoon 2	Store	Account and log-in required to play (single-player included).
AI War: Fleet Command	Store	Base game and DLC require entering the included CD keys to leave trial mode.
APOX	Store	Proprietary server connection. There is no authentication, but a constant Internet connection is required for anything other than campaign, skirmish and tutorial.
AudioSurf	Store	Account required for leaderboard feature.
Battle Worlds: Kronos	Store	Online play requires a King Art account.
Bloody Trapland	Store	Requires an account to play (registered in-game with the CD key).
Blur	Hub	Online features require registering an account in-game.
Cargo Commander	Store	Must be connected to Steam to generate new levels.
Creativerse	Store	Requires a constant internet connection for all game modes.
Crysis 2	Hub	Online play requires a MyCrysis account.
Crysis 2 - Maximum Edition	Store	Online play requires a MyCrysis account.
Darkfall Unholy Wars	Store	This game is MMO but AV account is optional and is for the support, official forums and for character deletion. If you do, then you should only register through the patcher which will link your Steam account with AV account.
Damned	Store	Must activate key with a 9heads Account and log in every time to play.
Dawn of Fantasy: Kingdoms Wars	Store	This game is MMORTS so you need to open a separate account.
Delta Force: Xtreme 2	Store	Must create an account and "activate"; through the game to play.
The Elder Scrolls Online	Store	Requires an Elder Scrolls Online account.
Final Fantasy VII	Store	Uses Square Enix online store for activation. You must create a Square Enix account and log in before you can play.
Final Fantasy VIII	Store	Uses Square Enix online store for activation. You must create a Square Enix account and log in before you can play.
Frozen Synapse	Store	Must create an account and "activate" through the game for online features.
Galaxy on Fire 2: Full HD	Store	Must be online via Steam when starting game. More here.
Galcon Fusion	Store	Requires a Galcom.com account; to register right-click on the game in the Steam client and choose Manage Game Account.
Gemini Wars	Store	Requires registering an account and logging in in order to play (all game modes).
IL-2 Sturmovik: Battle of Stalingrad	Store	Requires login and activation with an IL-2 Sturmovik account.
Ironclad Tactics	Store	Tries to connect to a server even for single player; can be overridden by setting "force offline mode" in options.
Interstellar Marines	Store	You can optionally open an account at interstellarmarines.com for connecting your Steam account and your Interstellar Marines website account.
Leviathan: Warships	Store	Multiplayer requires the creation of an account which is handled by Paradox servers.
Metal Drift	Store	Must create an account to play. There is no offline mode; you must log in to your account every time you start the game.
Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor	Store	Prompts for WBPlay account to unlock bonus content.
The Mighty Quest for Epic Loot	Store	Requires a Uplay account but does not use the Uplay client.
Plain Sight	Store	Activation through Beatnik servers, requires log-in to play.
Planet Explorers	Store	Online play requires a Planet Explorers account (optional for single player).
Pro Evolution Soccer 2013	Hub	KONAMI ID is needed for online play. There are multiple reports like this one that you need to be online when starting game. It's not clear if you have to be online all the time.
Pro Evolution Soccer 2014	Store	KONAMI ID is needed for online play.
Project CARS	Store	Requires a constant internet connection for all game modes.
Resident Evil 6	Store	You can optionally open an account at Resident Evil.net for additional features.
Resident Evil: Revelations	Store	You can optionally open an account at Resident Evil.net for additional features.
Rise of Flight: Channel Battles Edition	Store	Must activate game by making a Rise of Flight account (internet connection required); see step-by-step instructions.
Saints Row: The Third	Store	THQ account required for community features.
Sang-Froid - Tales of Werewolves	Store	Must be online via Steam when starting game. Developers claim it's bug, but it's not fixed. Discussion here.
Sky Nations	Store	Requires a Sky Nations Account.
Starlight Inception	Store	Must be online via Steam when starting the game. Developers say this will be removed in a future update.
Stellar Impact	Store	You need an account to play game.
Torchlight II	Store	Runic account is needed for online play. More info here.
Trackmania Nations Forever	Store	Trackmania account required for online features.
Trackmania United Forever	Store	Trackmania account required for online features.
Turba	Store	Account required for leaderboards.
Victory: The Age of Racing	Store	Requires an account on the developer's site. Requires a constant internet connection for all game modes.
Wargame: European Escalation	Store	When you start the game, you are asked to connect to Eugen.net game server. Eugen.net handles multiplayer system, as well as friend list.
Wargame: Airland Battle	Store	When you start the game, you are asked to connect to Eugen.net game server. Eugen.net handles multiplayer system, as well as friend list.
Wings of Prey	Store	Requires a YuPlay account for multiplayer.
World of Diving	Store	Requires a World of Diving account.

Hardware-based DRM

Hardware-based DRM uses components of the PC such as the MAC address of network adapter(s) and serial number(s) of hard drive(s) to create a hash or signature which is used for identification of the PC in the DRM activation process. When a game which incorporates this type of DRM is run, it checks that the current components of the PC match the hash/signature which was created and stored during the previously completed activation. The tolerance for matching this hash varies by game, but in general if a significant component or components of the PC which comprise the hash have changed, the DRM will require a new activation to play the game. If an activation limit exists and is reached, the game will refuse to play. In most cases where this type of DRM is used, there will be methods to either revoke activations or reset the limit so a new activation is performed. These will be noted at the bottom of their respective sections below.

Denuvo Anti-Tamper

Executable obfuscation DRM made by some previous employees of Sony DADC DigitalWorks.

Uses online activation; the game's support page can be used for manual authentication on systems without internet access.

Obfuscation overhead slightly reduces game performance.

Name	Link	Notes
Lords of the Fallen	Store	Use the Support Page for authentication on systems without internet access.

Reality Pump

DRM specific to Reality Pump titles.

Previously listed as "Aktivierung" for some games.

Name	Link	Notes
3SwitcheD	Store	Activation limit unknown. DRM has reportedly made the game unplayable for some players.
Chicken Shoot Gold	Store	Activation limit unknown.
Dream Pinball 3D	Store	Activation limit unknown.
Earth 2150 Trilogy	Store	Activation limit unknown.
Earth 2160	Store	3 machine activation limit. To reset activations follow instructions here or use phone support (phone number in-game).
Heli Heroes	Store	Activation limit unknown.
Iron Sky: Invasion	Store	Activation limit unknown.
KnightShift	Store	Prompts for product key only (does not use online activation).
Raven's Cry	Store	5 machine activation limit.
Two Worlds Epic Edition	Store	Activation limit unknown. If limit is reached, contact support.
Two Worlds II	Store	3 machine activation limit.
Two Worlds II Castle Defense	Store	3 machine activation limit.
World War II: Panzer Claws	Store	5 machine activation limit.
World War III: Black Gold	Store	5 machine activation limit.

SecuROM

To revoke SecuROM activations, see popular titles; for EA games with SecuROM "released after May 2008" use the EA Game Authorization Management Tool.

Activations can usually be revoked by using the /revoke command-line switch when running the game's main executable or launcher. If that does not work, contact support.

Use the Removal Tool to remove SecuROM activation information (after revoking the activations, if applicable).

Name	Link	Notes
Age of Booty	Store	Machine limit is raised from 5 to 20 according to the developer.
Alone in the Dark	Store	Activation limit is not known.
Batman: Arkham Asylum (non-GOTY)	Hub	4 activations per month. A revoke tool is available in your Steam Tools section. Non-GOTY owners get GOTY version for free which has Steamworks DRM instead of SecuROM and GFWL.
Batman: Arkham City (non-GOTY)	Hub	5 machine limit, 10 activations per machine. Non-GOTY owners get GOTY version for free which has Steamworks DRM instead of SecuROM and GFWL.
Blood Bowl: Dark Elves Edition	Hub	5 machine limit.
Blood Bowl: Legendary Edition	Store	Local key check only. No activation or Internet connection required.
Cities XL 2011	Hub	5 machine limit.
Crysis	Store	50 machine limit.
Crysis Warhead	Store	50 machine limit.
Dark Void	Store	Machine limit is raised from 5 to 20 according to the developer.
Dark Void Zero	Store	Machine limit is raised from 5 to 20 according to the developer. Store page has not been updated.
DiRT 2	Hub	Used for CD check only.
DiRT 3	Store	Activation limit unknown.
Disney TRON: Evolution	Store	Activation limit unknown.
Fable III	Hub	5 activations per month.
Flock!	Store	Machine limit is raised from 5 to 20 according to the developer.
FUEL	Hub	Unlimited activations.
Grand Theft Auto IV: Complete Edition	Store	Used in GTA IV and its expansions as noted below.
Grand Theft Auto IV	Store	Unlimited activations.
Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City	Store	The previous wording of "15 machine limit" is no longer on the store page, presumably because now it's unlimited.
Major League Baseball 2K9	Hub	Used for CD check only.
Medal of Honor	Store	Single-player portion only, 5 machine limit, 1 activation added every 60 days.
Neopets Puzzle Adventure	Hub	5 machine limit.
The Sims Medieval	Store	5 machine limit using new "Content Protection" by "Sony DADC Austria AG".
Test Drive Unlimited 2	Store	4 machine limit.

StarForce/ACTControl

StarForce ProActive

StarForce ProActive is contained to the folder of the game using it. It does not make registry entries or install drivers. Activation/deactivation instructions

Name	Link	Notes
DCS A-10C Warthog	Hub	10 machine limit. After 10 activations, 1 more is generated in a month.
DCS: Black Shark	Hub	8 activations and 10 deactivations. FAQ does not mention whether activations regenerate.
DCS World (all DLC)	Store	DRM on each individual DLC instead of base game. Each DLC has a 10 machine activation limit and 10 deactivations. After no activations remain, 1 more is generated in a month.

ACTControl

ACTControl is a fork of StarForce AAA Protection. It is unknown if this is either a genuine fork or a replacement of StarForce.

Games can be activated/deactivated with ACPC.EXE in the installation folder or with the online activation page.

Name	Link	Notes
Disciples III - Reincarnation	Store	5 machine limit for Toolkit editor only. The main game does not require activation or an Internet connection.
Postal 3	Store	2 machine limit. Use POSTAL III NODRM to remove.
Pro Cycling Manager 2012	Store	5 machine limit
Pro Cycling Manager 2013	Store	5 machine limit

TAGES/SolidShield

TAGES

TAGES does not support revoking activations; activations automatically regenerate on a timer, usually one every 30 days.

Use TagesSetup to remove the TAGES drivers from your computer.

Name	Link	Notes
The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena	Hub	3 machine limit, 1 activation added back every 30 days.
nail'd	Store	3 machine limit, 1 activation added back every 30 days. 5 revocations allowed per month.
James Cameron's Avatar: The Game	Hub	3 machine limit, 1 activation added back every 30 days.

SolidShield

SolidShield is TAGES’ new DRM technology. It is presumed that this is their replacement for TAGES.

To revoke activations for EA games with SolidShield "released after May 2008" use the EA Game Authorization Management Tool.

To revoke activations for other games use the executable in the game's folder (usually called activation.exe); see Activation and revocation client for further details.

Name	Link	Notes
A Game of Thrones – Genesis	Store	5 machine limit.
Anno 2070	Store	3 machine limit.
Crysis 2	Hub	5 machine limit. Maximum Edition has SolidShield, but it does not appear to impose restrictions.
Dead Space 2	Store	5 machine limit.
Shift 2 Unleashed	Store	5 machine limit.

Other Hardware-based DRM

Name	Link	Notes
ARMA III	Store	DEGRADE (ex-FADE) is an invisible, ingame, check of CD key. No activation limit.
Doom Rails	Store	Themida. 5 machine limit.
Football Manager 2009	Hub	Uniloc, 5 machine limit.
Gatling Gears	Store	EA Access. 5 activation limit per 24 hours.
L.A. Noire: The Complete Edition	Store	GameShield IronWrap & Patcher. Machine limit explicitly not available per Rockstar policy, but is likely unlimited on Steam.
Max Payne 3	Store	GameShield IronWrap & Patcher. Machine limit explicitly not available per Rockstar policy. Likely 15 activation limit and verifying install via Steam counts toward activation limit.
Monster Trucks Nitro	Store	Activated through RedLynx servers. Activation limit exists, but is unknown and can be reset.
Spectromancer	Store	Proprietary activation method though CD key. 5 machine limit. To reset your activation limit, contact support.
X-Blades	Store	Proprietary activation method through CD key. 3 machine limit. If limit is reached contact support.

Inert DRM

Some games on Steam contain remnants of DRM that has been removed (e.g. S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Clear Sky or Dead Space) or DRM files which are not used unless you attach a DRM expansion pack or DLC to the game. The DRM files do nothing, install nothing and are completely inert unless otherwise noted.

SecuROM

Name	Link	Notes
Arcania: Gothic 4	Store	SecuROM. Installs files that can be safely removed without the Removal Tool.
Batman: Arkham Asylum Game of the Year Edition	Store	SecuROM patched out of main executable; SecuROM paul.dll remains but does nothing and the game still works if it is deleted.
Cities XL 2012	Hub
Crysis Warhead	Store	Crysis Wars is inert. Crysis Warhead itself is still active.
Dead Space	Store
Dark Messiah of Might & Magic	Store	SecuROM 7 on single player executable. Appears to be inactive.
Divinity II: The Dragon Knight Saga	Hub	SecuROM removed for 1.4.9.70 patch; owners got a free copy of Developer's Cut on October 29, 2012 which is DRM free.
Dungeons and Dragons: Daggerdale	Store
Far Cry 2: Fortune's Edition	Store	SecuROM removed in 1.03 update despite store page's notes, but some files still remain.
F.E.A.R.	Store	SecuROM is activated on launching (the now defunct) multiplayer. The singleplayer parts of the game contain no third party DRM.
Gothic II: Gold Edition	Store
Hospital Tycoon	Store
Kohan: Ahriman's Gift	Store
Legendary	Store	SecuROM patched out of main executable; SecuROM paul.dll remains but does nothing and the game still works if it is deleted.
Men of War	Store
The Misadventures of P.B. Winterbottom	Store
Overlord	Store
SpellForce – Platinum Edition	Store
Split/Second	Store	SecuROM paul.dll is included but appears to be unused (game still works if it is deleted).
Star Wars Republic Commando	Store
The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings	Store	SecuROM was removed via 1.1 patch for retail. Steam version has inert files. Game is DRM free and you can use CD key for the free DRM free backup on GOG.com and for the bonus content.

StarForce/ACTControl

Name	Link	Notes
Still Life	Store	StarForce
Syberia	Store	StarForce
Syberia 2	Store	StarForce

TAGES/SolidShield

Name	Link	Notes
Gothic 3	Store	SolidShield
Jack Keane	Store	SolidShield
Risen	Store	TAGES. Delete TAGES files in Redist and bin subfolders to prevent installation. Use TagesSetup to remove if already installed.
Silverfall Complete	Store	TAGES
S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Clear Sky	Store	TAGES

Other Inert DRM

Name	Link	Notes
Alpha Protocol	Store	Uniloc removed in patch 1.1. Some unused files remain.
Fairy Tale About Father Frost, Ivan and Nastya	Store	Russian Steam version has inactive remnants of some sort of DRM in files mrazik_dir.res, mrazik_vdir.res, and mrazik_cd1_an.res.

Removed DRM

These games had DRM in retail form, or had it on digital storefronts in the past, but it has been entirely removed; these are listed below to help cautious shoppers.

Name	Link	Notes
All games from Telltale Games	Store	SecuROM on retail and some other digital distributors. Exceptions are The Walking Dead and Poker Night series (Steamworks).
Ace Combat: Assault Horizon - Enhanced Edition	Store	Games for Windows - LIVE removed in April 1, 2014 update.
Angry Birds Space	Store	Proprietary activation system on the Angry Birds shop and retail.
Anno 1404/Dawn of Discovery	Store	TAGES removed by applying latest retail patch. Steam version without TAGES as of April 24, 2014.
Anno 1404/Dawn of Discovery: Venice Expansion	Store	TAGES removed by applying latest retail patch. Steam version without TAGES as of April 24, 2014.
Anomaly: Warzone Earth	Store	SecuROM removed via patch.
ARMA: Combat Operations	Store	SecuROM removed via patch. Game is DRM free.
ARMA II	Store	SecuROM and FADE removed via patch. Game is DRM free.
ARMA II: Operation Arrowhead	Store	SecuROM removed via patch. Game is DRM free.
Assassin's Creed Brotherhood	Store	SolidShield on other digital distributors.
Batman: Arkham Asylum GOTY	Store	GFWL and SecuROM removed. Non-GOTY owners get GOTY upgrade for free. Retail/GFWL keys added to Steam DB for activation.
Batman: Arkham City GOTY	Store	GFWL and SecuROM removed. Non-GOTY owners get GOTY upgrade for free. Retail/GFWL keys added to Steam DB for activation.
Battle vs Chess	Store	GFWL on retail (EU only). US edition of the game – Check vs Mate – does not have GFWL.
Battlefield: Bad Company 2	Store	SecuROM on launch (also disk check for retail). SecuROM later removed with patches (522175 for Steam version and 795745 for retail)
Bionic Commando	Store	SecuROM on retail.
Bionic Commando Rearmed	Store	SecuROM on retail.
BioShock	Store	SecuROM on retail and from other digital distributors. SecuROM removed from the Steam version of the game in an update after its initial release due to outcry from customers. It was replaced with Steam's "stub" form of DRM.
BioShock 2	Store	SecuROM and GFWL removed on October 3, 2013.
Blade Kitten	Store	SecuROM on retail.
BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger	Store	Games for Windows - LIVE on retail.
Borderlands	Store	SecuROM on other versions. Removed from base game and all DLC.
Brothers in Arms: Earned in Blood	Store	StarForce on retail.
Brothers in Arms: Hell's Highway	Store	SecuROM on retail.
Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3	Store	SecuROM on retail, removed from the Steam version via patch.
Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3 - Uprising	Store	SecuROM on retail.
Company of Heroes	Store	There is no more Relic account from 7 May as CoH series completely moved to Steamworks because of SEGA's purchase of Relic.
Company of Heroes: Opposing Fronts	Store	There is no more Relic account from 7 May as CoH series completely moved to Steamworks because of SEGA's purchase of Relic.
Company of Heroes: Tales of Valor	Store	There is no more Relic account from 7 May as CoH series completely moved to Steamworks because of SEGA's purchase of Relic.
Confrontation	Store	ACTControl is removed. There is still key for online play.
Crazy Taxi	Store	StarForce on retail Dreamcast Collection.
Crysis 2 - Maximum Edition	Store	SolidShield on original Crysis 2 release and on Origin. The Steam version of the game contains Steam's "stub" form of DRM in addition to SolidShield, although the SolidShield wrapping seems inert.
Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition	Store	Games for Windows - LIVE replaced with Steamworks for the Steam version.
Dark Void	Store	GFWL on Games on Demand (Games for Windows marketplace) version only (no longer available to purchase).
Deadly Premonition: The Director's Cut	Store	SecuROM on GamersGate version; Steam version has only Steam DRM.
Deus Ex: Invisible War	Store	SecuROM disc check on retail. SecuROM\Locale registry subfolder is a harmless error remnant; no SecuROM data is written.
Dragon Age II	Hub	SecuROM on retail.
Divinity II: Developer's Cut	Store	Game is DRM free. Free upgrade for owners of Divinity II: Ego Draconis or Divinity II: The Dragon Knight Saga.
Dreamfall: The Longest Journey	Store	StarForce removed via patch.
Game of Thrones	Store	ACTControl on other digital versions.
Gotham City Impostors Free to Play	Store	GFWL removed on Free To Play version. Owners of DLC from the paid version got free DLC for the Free To Play version (see Migration to Steam).
Grand Theft Auto III	Store	SecuROM on other digital versions.
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City	Store	SecuROM on retail and other digital versions.
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas	Store	SecuROM listed in Steam system requirements but not present in game files. Steam DRM removed with September 7 patch
Grotesque Tactics: Evil Heroes	Store	SecuROM on retail.
GT Legends	Hub	StarForce on retail. Relaunched Simbin digital version (Steam exclusive) is DRM free.
GTR – FIA GT Racing Game	Hub	StarForce on retail. Relaunched Simbin digital version (Steam exclusive) is DRM free.
GTR 2 – FIA GT Racing Game	Hub	SecuROM on retail. Relaunched Simbin digital version (Steam exclusive) is DRM free.
Hamilton's Great Adventure	Store	SecuROM on GamersGate.
Heroes of Might & Magic V	Store	SecuROM on retail, but was removed with the last patch. TAGES on GamersGate.
Heroes of Might & Magic V: Hammers of Fate	Store	SecuROM on retail. TAGES on GamersGate.
Hitman: Blood Money	Store	SecuROM on retail and GamersGate.
IL-2 Sturmovik: Cliffs of Dover	Store	SolidShield removed via patch.
Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet	Store	Games for Windows Live replaced by Steamworks in update.
Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning	Store	All non-Steam versions require Origin; Steam version uses Steamworks instead. Prompts for EA Account; close prompt(s) to skip.
King's Bounty: Armored Princess	Store	SecuROM on retail and some other digital distributors.
King's Bounty: Crossworlds	Store	StarForce on retail and some other digital distributors.
King's Bounty: The Legend	Store	StarForce or SecuROM on retail (depends on market).
Medieval II: Total War	Store	Includes Kingdoms expansion. SecuROM on retail and some other digital distributors.
Men of War: Assault Squad	Store	SecuROM on retail and some other digital distributors.
Men of War: Condemned Heroes	Store	SecuROM on retail and some other digital distributors.
Men of War: Vietnam	Store	SecuROM on retail and some other digital distributors.
Manhunt	Store	SecuROM on retail and other digital distributors.
Mass Effect	Store	SecuROM on retail.
Miner Wars 2081	Store	Always online requirement removed from single-player campaign.
Ms. Splosion Man	Store	Replaced Games for Windows - LIVE with Steamworks. LIVE version is still available through the Betas tab.
Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit	Store	SolidShield on retail and Origin.
Neverwinter Nights 2 Platinum	Hub	SecuROM removed in patch/hotfix 1.23.1765.
Of Orcs and Men	Store	ACTControl removed via patch.
Osmos	Store	GFWL on Games on Demand (Games for Windows marketplace) version only (no longer available to purchase).
Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones	Store	StarForce on retail. TAGES on GamersGate.
Rise of the Triad	Store	Multiplayer requirement of creation of an account on the ROTT Multiplayer network was removed in the 1.2 patch.
Rayman Origins	Store	TAGES on other digital distributors. Steam and retail versions are DRM free.
Red Faction: Guerrilla	Store	Games for Windows - LIVE removed in Steamworks update on December 3, 2014.
Rig 'n' Roll	Store	StarForce on retail.
Rome: Total War: Gold	Store	Includes Alexander expansion. SecuROM on retail and some other digital distributors.
Sacred 2 Gold	Store	SecuROM on original Sacred 2. Gold version is DRM-free except on Steam where it contains Steam's "Stub" form of DRM.
Secret Files Tunguska	Store	TAGES on retail.
Secret Files 2: Puritas Cordis	Store	TAGES removed via patch.
Sega Bass Fishing	Store	StarForce on retail Dreamcast Collection.
Shank	Store	SolidShield removed via patch.
Sherlock Holmes: The Awakened – Remastered	Store	SolidShield removed via patch.
Sherlock Holmes versus Jack the Ripper	Store	TAGES removed via patch.
Sid Meier's Civilization IV	Store	Includes Warlords and Beyond the Sword expansions. SecuROM removed via patch. Retail version is DRM free.
Silent Hunter III	Store	StarForce on retail. TAGES on GamersGate.
The Sims 3	Store	Includes all expansions (most recent: Showtime). SecuROM, disc check only on retail, 5 machine limit on other digital distributions.
Sonic Adventure DX	Store	StarForce on retail Dreamcast Collection.
Space Channel 5: Part 2	Store	StarForce on retail Dreamcast Collection.
Spore	Store	SecuROM on retail.
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic	Store	SecuROM on retail.
The Testament of Sherlock Holmes	Store	ACTControl removed via patch.
Thief: Deadly Shadows	Store	SecuROM disc check on retail. SecuROM\Locale registry subfolder is a harmless error remnant; no SecuROM data is written.
Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory	Store	StarForce on retail release, removed from the Steam version via patch. The Steam version of the game now uses Steam's "stub" form of DRM. It is not DRM-free.
Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Double Agent	Store	SecuROM removed in patch 1.02a.
Toy Soldiers	Store	Can choose between GFWL and Steamworks. GFWL version is still included but can be completely ignored.
Trackmania Nations Forever	Store	StarForce removed in the "Forever" update.
Trackmania United Forever	Store	StarForce removed in the "Forever" update.
Ultra Street Fighter IV	Store	Games for Windows - LIVE removed from Steam version on May 30, 2014. Originally titled Super Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition.
Wargame: European Escalation	Store	ACTControl removed via patch.
Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II	Store	Games for Windows - LIVE removed in Steamworks update.
Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II: Chaos Rising	Store	Games for Windows - LIVE removed in Steamworks update.
Wings of Prey	Store	StarForce on retail, removed from Steam version via patch.
The Witcher: Enhanced Edition Director's Cut	Store	TAGES removed in patch 1.5. Game is DRM free but you can use CD key for free DRM backup on GOG.com and for the bonus content.
World of Goo	Store	GFWL on Games on Demand (Games for Windows marketplace) version only (no longer available to purchase).
X³: Terran Conflict	Store	TAGES removed from all versions in patch 2.5.
Zeit²	Store	SolidShield removed via patch.