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 opposition
• 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This list covers many games already but it is still missing some games and may have outdated information.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 • Link 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 forum topic or project talk page so others can help.

Game prompts for making/logging into an account (Account-based DRM) • Link 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) • Link 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 in the Steam Users' Forums topic. 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	Store Page	Notes
DiRT Showdown	Link
F1 2012	Link
F1 2013	Link
F1 Race Stars	Link
GRID 2	Link

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

Activation, Online Services, DLC

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

EA Classic Account

Name	Store Page	Notes
Battlefield 2	Link

GameSpy

WARNING: GameSpy online services will be shut down on May 31, 2014.

GameSpy is not DRM; however, since multiplayer (matchmaking, servers, etc.) is dependent on GameSpy for these games, they are listed here.

Name	Store Page	Notes
Battlefield 2	Link
Borderlands	Link
Crysis	Link
Crysis: Warhead	Link
Dungeon Defenders	Link	You can choose Steam or GameSpy for multiplayer before launching game.
F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin	Link
FlatOut 2	Link
Hunted: The Demon's Forge	Link
Legendary	Link
Lost Planet 3	Link
Medieval II: Total War	Link	Includes Kingdoms expansion.
Men of War	Link
Men of War: Assault Squad	Link
Men of War: Condemned Heroes	Link
Men of War: Vietnam	Link
Rome: Total War: Gold	Link	Includes Alexander expansion.
Saints Row 2	Link
The Scourge Project: Episode 1 and 2 (store page unavailable)	Link
Sid Meier's Civilization IV	Link	Includes Warlords and Beyond the Sword expansions.
Sid Meier's Civilization IV: Colonization	Link
SpellForce – Platinum Edition	Link
S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Call of Pripyat	Link
Star Wars: Battlefront II	Link
Titan Quest	Link	Includes Immortal Throne expansion.
Unreal Tournament 3 Black	Link
Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War - Game of the Year Edition	Link	Includes Winter Assault, Dark Crusade and Soulstorm expansions.

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 (see Steam support).

WARNING: Games for Windows - LIVE is rumored to be shutting down on July 1, 2014. If this occurs, some games might be unplayable.

From GFWL to Steamworks

These games are confirmed be in the process of migrating to Steamworks or have already been migrated.

Name	Store Page	Notes
Ace Combat: Assault Horizon - Enhanced Edition	Link	GFWL removed in April 1, 2014 update.
BioShock 2	Link	GFWL and SecuROM removed. Added “Protector Trials” DLC and all available MP DLCs free for all, Minerva's Den DLC free for the existing owners prior update and full controller support.
Batman: Arkham Asylum GOTY	Link	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	Link	GFWL and SecuROM removed. Non-GOTY owners get GOTY upgrade for free. Retail/GFWL keys added to Steam DB for activation.
Dirt 3	Link	Steamworks migration confirmed for the future (might not be ready until 2014).
Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet	Link	Games for Windows Live replaced by Steamworks in update.
Toy Soldiers	Link	Can choose between GFWL and Steamworks. GFWL version is still included but can be completely ignored.

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	Store Page	Notes
Age of Empires Online (store page unavailable)	Link	Requires constant connection. Does not support local profiles. The game will become unplayable on July 1, 2014.
Batman: Arkham City (non-GOTY) (store page unavailable)	Link	ZDPP Title. Non-GOTY owners get GOTY version for free which has Steamworks DRM instead of SecuROM and GFWL.
Blacklight: Tango Down	Link
Bulletstorm (store page unavailable)	Link	ZDPP Title; does not support local profiles but can be played offline.
Colin McRae's DiRT 2 (store page unavailable)	Link
Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition	Link
Dead Rising 2	Link	ZDPP Title
Dead Rising 2: Off the Record	Link	ZDPP Title
DiRT 3	Link
F1 2010	Link
F1 2011	Link
Fable III (store page unavailable)	Link
Gotham City Impostors (non-Free To Play) (store page unavailable)	Link
Iron Brigade	Link
Lost Planet 2	Link	ZDPP Title
Microsoft Flight (store page unavailable)	Link	Steam version doesn't work; use Games for Windows Marketplace version with same Microsoft account in-game.
Mortal Kombat Kollection	Link
Ms. Splosion Man	Link
Operation Flashpoint: Red River	Link
Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City	Link
Section 8	Link
Section 8: Prejudice	Link
Street Fighter X Tekken	Link
Super Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition	Link	Ultra Street Fighter IV uses Steamworks but it is not known whether the Windows Arcade Edition can be upgraded.
Test Drive: Ferrari Racing Legends	Link
Toy Soldiers	Link	Can choose between GFWL and Steamworks. GFWL version is still included but can be completely ignored.
Virtua Tennis 4	Link

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	Store Page	Notes
Batman: Arkham Asylum (non-GOTY) (store page unavailable)	Link	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	Link
The Club (store page unavailable)	Link
Fallout 3	Link	Includes All Five DLC Packs. Single-player only, can be completely ignored (no profile/activation needed). Can be disabled by running the game with the modding tool FOSE (you do not need to install a mod that actually uses it).
FlatOut: Ultimate Carnage	Link
FUEL (store page unavailable)	Link
Grand Theft Auto IV: Complete Edition	Link
Grand Theft Auto IV	Link
Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City	Link
Juiced 2: Hot Import Nights (store page unavailable)	Link
Kane & Lynch: Dead Men	Link
Lost Planet: Extreme Condition Colonies Edition	Link	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 (store page unavailable)	Link
Red Faction Guerrilla	Link
Resident Evil 5	Link
Star Wars: The Clone Wars – Republic Heroes	Link
Stormrise (store page unavailable)	Link
Street Fighter IV	Link
Universe at War: Earth Assault (store page unavailable)	Link
Vancouver 2010 (store page unavailable)	Link
Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II	Link
Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II: Chaos Rising	Link

Kalypso Launcher

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

Name	Store Page	Notes
Airline Tycoon 2	Link
Anna - Extended Edition	Link
DARK	Link
Demonicon	Link	Login prompts can be cancelled to play the game without an account.
Disciples III: Resurrection	Link
DUNGEONS - Steam Special Edition	Link
Dungeons - The Dark Lord	Link
The First Templar - Steam Special Edition	Link
Omerta - City of Gangsters	Link
Patrician 4 - Steam Special Edition	Link
Pole Position 2012	Link
Rise of Venice	Link
Tropico 4: Steam Special Edition	Link

ManiaPlanet

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

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

Rockstar Social Club

About Rockstar Social Club.

Excluded from Family Sharing.

Name	Store Page	Notes
Grand Theft Auto IV	Link
Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City	Link
Grand Theft Auto IV: Complete Edition	Link
L.A. Noire: The Complete Edition	Link	Used for online/community features only.
Max Payne 3	Link

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	Store Page	Notes
Demigod	Link	After registration, game is de facto DRM free.
Fallen Enchantress	Link	After registration, game is de facto DRM free.
Fallen Enchantress: Legendary Heroes	Link
Galactic Civilizations II: Ultimate Edition	Link	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	Link
Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion	Link
Sins of a Solar Empire: Trinity	Link	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	Store Page	Notes
Anno 2070	Link
Assassin's Creed 2	Link
Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood	Link	Offline mode available without registering/updating the game. Use parameter -playoffline.
Assassin's Creed: Revelations	Link
Assassin's Creed III	Link
Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag	Link
Assassin's Creed Liberation HD	Link
Call of Juarez: The Cartel	Link	It's both Steamworks and Uplay title. Uplay requirement is not put in Store page, but you need it for launch and its achievements.
Driver: San Francisco	Link
Far Cry 3	Link
Far Cry 3 - Blood Dragon	Link
Flashback	Link
From Dust	Link	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 your steamapps\common\From Dust\Support\Ubisoft folder, 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	Link	Required for activation and online features. Includes Pirates of the Savage Sea Adventure Pack and Danse Macabre Adventure Pack expansions.
Might & Magic Heroes VI: Shades of Darkness	Link
Might & Magic X - Legacy	Link
Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands	Link
Rayman Legends	Link
Rocksmith 2014	Link
R.U.S.E.	Link	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	Link	Can now be played in offline mode.
Silent Hunter 5	Link
Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Future Soldier	Link
Tom Clancy's H.A.W.X. 2	Link	Can now be played in offline mode.
Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Blacklist	Link	Requires Uplay in online mode for save and load features to function.
Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Conviction	Link
Trials Evolution: Gold Edition	Link
Watch Dogs	Link

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	Store Page	Notes
AirBuccaneers	Link	You need AirBuccaneers account to play game. More info here.
Airline Tycoon 2	Link	Account and log-in required to play (single-player included).
APOX	Link	Proprietary server connection. There is no authentication, but a constant Internet connection is required for anything other than campaign, skirmish and tutorial.
AudioSurf	Link	Account required for leaderboard feature.
Battle Worlds: Kronos	Link	Online play requires a King Art account.
Crysis 2 (store page unavailable)	Link	Online play requires a MyCrysis account.
Crysis 2 - Maximum Edition	Link	Online play requires a MyCrysis account.
Darkfall Unholy Wars	Link	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	Link	Must activate key with a 9heads Account and log in every time to play.
Dawn of Fantasy: Kingdoms Wars	Link	This game is MMORTS so you need to open a separate account.
Defiance	Link	This game is MMO and you need to open Trion Worlds account.
Delta Force: Xtreme 2	Link	Must create an account and "activate"; through the game to play.
Final Fantasy VII	Link	Uses Square Enix online store for activation. You must create a Square Enix account and log in before you can play.
Final Fantasy VIII	Link	Uses Square Enix online store for activation. You must create a Square Enix account and log in before you can play.
Frozen Synapse	Link	Must create an account and "activate" through the game for online features.
Galaxy on Fire 2: Full HD	Link	Must be online via Steam when starting game. More here.
Ironclad Tactics	Link	Tries to connect to a server even for single player; can be overridden by setting "force offline mode" in options.
Interstellar Marines	Link	You can optionally open an account at interstellarmarines.com for connecting your Steam account and your Interstellar Marines website account.
Leviathan: Warships	Link	Multiplayer requires the creation of an account which is handled by Paradox servers.
Metal Drift	Link	Must create an account to play. There is no offline mode; you must log in to your account every time you start the game.
The Mighty Quest for Epic Loot	Link	Requires a Uplay account but does not use the Uplay client.
Plain Sight	Link	Activation through Beatnik servers, requires log-in to play.
Pro Evolution Soccer 2013	Link	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.
Resident Evil 6	Link	You can optionally open an account at Resident Evil.net for additional features.
Resident Evil: Revelations	Link	You can optionally open an account at Resident Evil.net for additional features.
Rise of Flight: Channel Battles Edition	Link	Must activate game by making a Rise of Flight account (internet connection required); see step-by-step instructions.
Rise of the Triad	Link	Multiplayer requires the creation of an account on the ROTT Multiplayer network.
Saints Row: The Third	Link	THQ account required for community features.
Sang-Froid - Tales of Werewolves	Link	Must be online via Steam when starting game. Developers claim it's bug, but it's not fixed. Discussion here.
Starlight Inception	Link	Must be online via Steam when starting the game. Developers say this will be removed in a future update.
Stellar Impact	Link	You need an account to play game.
Torchlight II	Link	Runic account is needed for online play. More info here.
Trackmania Nations Forever	Link	Trackmania account required for online features.
Trackmania United Forever	Link	Trackmania account required for online features.
Turba	Link	Account required for leaderboards.
Victory: The Age of Racing	Link	Requires an account on the developer's site. Requires a constant internet connection for all game modes.
Wargame: European Escalation	Link	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	Link	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	Link	Requires a YuPlay account for multiplayer.

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 install or 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.

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	Store Page	Notes
Age of Booty	Link	Machine limit is raised from 5 to 20 according to the developer.
Alone in the Dark	Link	Activation limit is not known.
Batman: Arkham Asylum (non-GOTY) (store page unavailable)	Link	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) (store page unavailable)	Link	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 (store page unavailable)	Link	5 machine limit
Blood Bowl: Legendary Edition	Link	5 machine limit
Borderlands DLC Pack (store page unavailable)	Link	Used for 2 of the 4 included DLC packs (shown below).
Borderlands: Game of the Year	Link	Used for 2 of the 4 included DLC packs (shown below).
Borderlands: The Zombie Island of Dr. Ned	Link	5 machine limit
Borderlands: Mad Moxxi's Underdome Riot	Link	5 machine limit
Cities XL 2011	Link	5 machine limit
Colin McRae DiRT 2	Link	Used for CD check only.
Crysis	Link	50 machine limit
Crysis Warhead	Link	50 machine limit
Dark Void	Link	Machine limit is raised from 5 to 20 according to the developer.
Dark Void Zero	Link	Machine limit is raised from 5 to 20 according to the developer. Store page has not been updated.
DiRT 3	Link	Activation limit unknown
Fable III (store page unavailable)	Link	5 activations per month
Flock!	Link	Machine limit is raised from 5 to 20 according to the developer.
FUEL	Link	Unlimited activations
Grand Theft Auto IV: Complete Edition	Link	Used in GTA IV and its expansions as noted below.
Grand Theft Auto IV	Link	Unlimited activations
Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City	Link	15 machine limit
Major League Baseball 2K9	Link	Used for CD check only.
Mass Effect	Link	Found on the DLC installers only, SecuROM removable post-installation. 3 machine limit.
Medal of Honor	Link	Single-player portion only, 5 machine limit, 1 activation added every 60 days.
Neopets Puzzle Adventure (store page unavailable)	Link	5 machine limit
The Sims Medieval	Link	5 machine limit using new "Content Protection" by "Sony DADC Austria AG".
Test Drive Unlimited 2	Link	4 machine limit

StarForce/ACTControl

StarForce

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	Store Page	Notes
DCS A-10C Warthog	Link	10 machine activation limit. 10 deactivations. After no activations remain, 1 more is generated in a month.
DCS Black Shark 2	Link	10 machine activation limit. 10 deactivations. After no activations remain, 1 more is generated in a month.
DCS Combined Arms	Link	10 machine activation limit. 10 deactivations. After no activations remain, 1 more is generated in a month.
DCS Mi-8 MTV2 Magnificent Eight	Link	10 machine activation limit. 10 deactivations. After no activations remain, 1 more is generated in a month.
DCS P-51D Mustang	Link	10 machine activation limit. 10 deactivations. After no activations remain, 1 more is generated in a month.
DCS UH-1H Huey	Link	10 machine activation limit. 10 deactivations. After no activations remain, 1 more is generated in a month.
DCS Flaming Cliffs 3	Link	10 machine activation limit. 10 deactivations. After no activations remain, 1 more is generated in a month.
A-10A DCS Flaming Cliffs	Link	10 machine activation limit. 10 deactivations. After no activations remain, 1 more is generated in a month.
Su-25 DCS Flaming Cliffs	Link	10 machine activation limit. 10 deactivations. After no activations remain, 1 more is generated in a month.
DCS World	Link	F2P game but uses StarForce Proactive DRM for its DLCs (detailed above); also see info on lost activations.

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	Store Page	Notes
Disciples III - Reincarnation	Link	5 machine limit
Postal 3	Link	2 machine limit
Pro Cycling Manager 2012	Link	5 machine limit
Pro Cycling Manager 2013	Link	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	Store Page	Notes
Anno 1404/Dawn of Discovery (not available for purchase)	Link	3 machine limit. Activation removed in patch 1.1 for retail.
Anno 1404/Dawn of Discovery: Venice Expansion (not available for purchase)	Link	3 machine limit
The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena (store page unavailable)	Link	3 machine limit, 1 activation added back every 30 days.
nail'd	Link	3 machine limit, 1 activation added back every 30 days. 5 revocations allowed per month.
James Cameron's Avatar: The Game (store page unavailable)	Link	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	Store Page	Notes
A Game of Thrones – Genesis	Link	5 machine limit
Anno 2070	Link	3 machine limit.
Crysis 2 (store page unavailable)	Link	5 machine limit. Maximum Edition does not have SolidShield.
Dead Space 2	Link	5 machine limit
Shift 2 Unleashed	Link	5 machine limit

Other Hardware-based DRM

Name	Store Page	Notes
3SwitcheD	Link	Proprietary activation limit (Reality Pump), limit unknown. DRM has reportedly made the game unplayable for some players.
ARMA III	Link	DEGRADE (ex-FADE) is an invisible, ingame, check of CD key. No activation limit.
Chicken Shoot Gold	Link	Proprietary activation limit (Reality Pump), limit unknown.
Doom Rails	Link	Themida. 5 machine limit.
Dream Pinball 3D	Link	Proprietary activation limit (Reality Pump), limit unknown.
Earth 2150 Trilogy	Link	Proprietary activation limit (Reality Pump), limit unknown.
Earth 2160	Link	Proprietary activation limit (Reality Pump), 3 machine activation limit. To reset activations follow instructions here or use phone support (phone number in-game).
Football Manager 2009 (store page unavailable)	Link	Uniloc, 5 machine limit
Gatling Gears	Link	EA Access. 5 activation limit per 24 hours.
Heli Heroes	Link	Proprietary activation limit (Reality Pump), limit unknown.
Iron Sky: Invasion	Link	Proprietary activation limit (Reality Pump), limit unknown.
KnightShift	Link	Proprietary activation limit (Reality Pump), limit unknown.
L.A. Noire: The Complete Edition	Link	GameShield Ironwrap & Patcher. Machine limit explicitly not available per Rockstar policy, but is likely unlimited on Steam.
Max Payne 3	Link	GameShield Ironwrap & Patcher. Machine limit explicitly not available per Rockstar policy.
Monster Trucks Nitro	Link	Activated through RedLynx servers. Activation limit exists, but is unknown and can be reset.
Spectromancer	Link	Proprietary activation method though CD key. 5 machine limit. To reset your activation limit, contact support here.
Two Worlds Epic Edition	Link	Proprietary activation limit (Reality Pump), limit unknown. If limit is reached, contact support.
Two Worlds II	Link	Proprietary "Aktivierung" system (Reality Pump), 3 machine limit
Two Worlds II Castle Defense	Link	Proprietary "Aktivierung" system (Reality Pump), 3 machine limit
World War II: Panzer Claws	Link	Proprietary "Aktivierung" system (Reality Pump), 5 machine activation limit
World War III: Black Gold	Link	Proprietary "Aktivierung" system (Reality Pump), 5 machine activation limit
X-Blades	Link	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 (e.g. Borderlands). The DRM files do nothing, install nothing and are completely inert unless otherwise noted.

SecuROM

Name	Store Page	Notes
Arcania: Gothic 4	Link	SecuROM. Installs files that can be safely removed without the Removal Tool.
Batman: Arkham Asylum Game of the Year Edition	Link	SecuROM patched out of main executable; SecuROM paul.dll remains but does nothing and the game still works if it is deleted.
Borderlands	Link	It is activated upon installation of either The Zombie Island of Dr. Ned or Mad Moxxi's Underdome Riot. Both The Secret Armory of General Knoxx and Claptrap's Robot Revolution are SecuROM free, and thus will not activate the inert files (assuming you did not buy/activate the first two expansions).
Cities XL 2012 (store page unavailable)	Link
Crysis Warhead	Link	Crysis Wars is inert. Crysis Warhead itself is still active.
Dead Space	Link
Dark Messiah of Might & Magic	Link	SecuROM 7 on single player executable. Appears to be inactive.
Divinity II: The Dragon Knight Saga (store page unavailable)	Link	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	Link
Far Cry 2: Fortune's Edition	Link	SecuROM removed in 1.03 update despite store page's notes, but some files still remain.
F.E.A.R.	Link	SecuROM is activated on launching (the now defunct) multiplayer. The singleplayer parts of the game contain no third party DRM.
Gothic II: Gold Edition	Link
Hospital Tycoon	Link
Kohan: Ahriman's Gift	Link
Legendary	Link	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	Link
The Misadventures of P.B. Winterbottom	Link
Overlord	Link
SpellForce – Platinum Edition	Link
Star Wars Republic Commando	Link
The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings	Link	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	Store Page	Notes
Still Life	Link	StarForce
Syberia	Link	StarForce
Syberia 2	Link	StarForce

TAGES/SolidShield

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

Other Inert DRM

Name	Store Page	Notes
Alpha Protocol	Link	Uniloc removed in patch 1.1, but files remain.

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	Store Page	Notes
All games from Telltale Games	Link	SecuROM on retail and some other digital distributors. Exceptions are The Walking Dead and Poker Night series (Steamworks).
Ace Combat: Assault Horizon - Enhanced Edition	Link	Games for Windows - LIVE removed in April 1, 2014 update.
Angry Birds Space	Link	Proprietary activation system on the Angry Birds shop and retail.
Anomaly: Warzone Earth	Link	SecuROM on GamersGate.
ARMA: Combat Operations	Link	SecuROM removed via patch. Game is DRM free.
ARMA II	Link	SecuROM and FADE removed via patch. Game is DRM free.
ARMA II: Operation Arrowhead	Link	SecuROM removed via patch. Game is DRM free.
Assassin's Creed Brotherhood	Link	SolidShield on other digital distributors.
Batman: Arkham City GOTY	Link	GFWL and SecuROM removed. Non-GOTY owners get GOTY upgrade for free. Retail/GFWL keys added to Steam DB for activation.
Battlefield: Bad Company 2	Link	SecuROM or disc check on retail. SecuROM removed from Steam version in patch 522175.
Bionic Commando	Link	SecuROM on retail.
Bionic Commando: Rearmed	Link	SecuROM on retail.
BioShock	Link	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	Link	SecuROM and GFWL removed on October 3, 2013.
Blade Kitten	Link	SecuROM on retail.
Brothers In Arms: Road to Hill 30	Link	StarForce on retail.
Brothers In Arms: Earned in Blood	Link	StarForce on retail.
Brothers In Arms: Hell's Highway	Link	SecuROM on retail.
Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3	Link	SecuROM on retail, removed from the Steam version via patch.
Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3 - Uprising	Link	SecuROM on retail.
Company of Heroes	Link	There is no more Relic account from 7th May as CoH series completely moved to Steamworks because of SEGA's purchase of Relic.
Company of Heroes: Opposing Fronts	Link	There is no more Relic account from 7th May as CoH series completely moved to Steamworks because of SEGA's purchase of Relic.
Company of Heroes: Tales of Valor	Link	There is no more Relic account from 7th May as CoH series completely moved to Steamworks because of SEGA's purchase of Relic.
Confrontation	Link	ACTControl is removed. There is still key for online play.
Crysis 2 - Maximum Edition	Link	SolidShield on original Crysis 2 release and on Origin. The Steam version of the game contains Steam's "stub" form of DRM. It is not DRM-free.
Deadly Premonition: The Director's Cut	Link	SecuROM on GamersGate version; Steam version has only Steam DRM.
Deus Ex: Invisible War	Link	SecuROM disc check on retail. SecuROM\Locale registry subfolder is a harmless error remnant; no SecuROM data is written.
Dragon Age II (store page unavailable)	Link	SecuROM on retail.
Divinity II: Developer's Cut	Link	Game is DRM free. Free upgrade for owners of Divinity II: Ego Draconis or Divinity II: The Dragon Knight Saga.
Dreamfall: The Longest Journey	Link	StarForce removed via patch.
Game of Thrones	Link	ACTControl on other digital versions.
Grand Theft Auto III	Link	SecuROM on other digital versions.
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City	Link	SecuROM on retail and other digital versions.
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas	Link	SecuROM on retail and other digital versions.
Grotesque Tactics: Evil Heroes	Link	SecuROM on retail.
GT Legends	Link	StarForce on retail. Relaunched Simbin digital version (Steam exclusive) is DRM free.
GTR – FIA GT Racing Game	Link	StarForce on retail. Relaunched Simbin digital version (Steam exclusive) is DRM free.
GTR 2 – FIA GT Racing Game	Link	SecuROM on retail. Relaunched Simbin digital version (Steam exclusive) is DRM free.
Hamilton's Great Adventure	Link	SecuROM on GamersGate.
Heroes of Might & Magic V	Link	SecuROM on retail, but was removed with the last patch. TAGES on GamersGate.
Heroes of Might & Magic V: Hammers of Fate	Link	SecuROM on retail. TAGES on GamersGate.
Hitman: Blood Money	Link	SecuROM on retail and GamersGate.
IL-2 Sturmovik: Cliffs of Dover	Link	SolidShield removed via patch.
Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet	Link	Games for Windows Live replaced by Steamworks in update.
Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning	Link	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	Link	SecuROM on retail and some other digital distributors.
King's Bounty: Crossworlds	Link	StarForce on retail and some other digital distributors.
King's Bounty: The Legend	Link	StarForce or SecuROM on retail (depends on market).
Medieval II: Total War	Link	Includes Kingdoms expansion. SecuROM on retail and some other digital distributors.
Men of War: Assault Squad	Link	SecuROM on retail and some other digital distributors.
Men of War: Condemned Heroes	Link	SecuROM on retail and some other digital distributors.
Men of War: Vietnam	Link	SecuROM on retail and some other digital distributors.
Manhunt	Link	SecuROM on retail and other digital distributors.
Miner Wars 2081	Link	Always online requirement removed from single-player campaign.
Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit	Link	SolidShield on retail and Origin.
Neverwinter Nights 2 Platinum (store page unavailable)	Link	SecuROM removed in patch/hotfix 1.23.1765.
Of Orcs and Men	Link	ACTControl removed via patch.
Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones	Link	StarForce on retail. TAGES on GamersGate.
Rayman Origins	Link	TAGES on other digital distributors. Steam and retail versions are DRM free.
Rig 'n' Roll	Link	StarForce on retail.
Rome: Total War: Gold	Link	Includes Alexander expansion. SecuROM on retail and some other digital distributors.
Sacred 2 Gold	Link	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	Link	TAGES on retail.
Secret Files 2: Puritas Cordis	Link	TAGES removed via patch.
Shank	Link	SolidShield removed via patch.
Sherlock Holmes: The Awakened – Remastered	Link	SolidShield removed via patch.
Sherlock Holmes versus Jack the Ripper	Link	TAGES removed via patch.
Sid Meier's Civilization IV	Link	Includes Warlords and Beyond the Sword expansions. SecuROM removed via patch. Retail version is DRM free.
Silent Hunter III	Link	StarForce on retail. TAGES on GamersGate.
The Sims 3	Link	Includes all expansions (most recent: Showtime). SecuROM, disc check only on retail, 5 machine limit on other digital distributions.
Thief: Deadly Shadows	Link	SecuROM disc check on retail. SecuROM\Locale registry subfolder is a harmless error remnant; no SecuROM data is written.
Spore	Link	SecuROM on retail.
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic	Link	SecuROM on retail.
The Testament of Sherlock Holmes	Link	ACTControl removed via patch.
Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory	Link	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	Link	SecuROM removed in patch 1.02a.
Trackmania Nations Forever	Link	StarForce removed in the "Forever" update.
Trackmania United Forever	Link	StarForce removed in the "Forever" update.
Wargame: European Escalation	Link	ACTControl removed via patch.
Wings of Prey	Link	StarForce on retail, removed from Steam version via patch.
The Witcher: Enhanced Edition Director's Cut	Link	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.
X³: Terran Conflict	Link	TAGES removed from all versions in patch 2.5.
Zeit²	Link	SolidShield removed via patch.

Miscellaneous (not DRM)

These games use no third-party DRM but have behaviour that can appear similar so are included here for completeness.

Name	Store Page	Notes
A Valley Without Wind	Link	Requires included key to leave trial mode. Unlock process is done completely offline and installs nothing.
A Valley Without Wind 2	Link	Requires included key to leave trial mode. Unlock process is done completely offline and installs nothing.