How to Torrent Games With a BitTorrent Client

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Everything you need to know about torrenting games
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BitTorrent is software that allows users to download one file from multiple people simultaneously. While you download the file, you'll also be uploading parts of the file you've already downloaded to other people. As more people share the file, the download speed for that file increases. Additionally, there is more than one BitTorrent client to choose from. [1] Keep reading to learn more about how to use BitTorrent to download games, including some expert tips from computer repair specialists Gonzalo Martinez and Yaffet Meshesha.

How to Download Game Torrents

First, you must install a BitTorrent client. qBittorrent, Transmission, and Deluge are three popular options. Then, download a torrent file for your desired game. Open the torrent file with the BitTorrent client and start the download. Once the download is done, the game file will be on your computer.

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Installing a BitTorrent Client

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  1. While any file can be torrented, it's usually associated with pirating software. Downloading a game isn't illegal, but sharing it is. By uploading, or seeding, a game, you may make yourself vulnerable to a lawsuit from the copyright holder of the game you're downloading. [2]
    • If you're caught downloading games using BitTorrent, you might receive a warning letter from your ISP. In that case, it would be best to stop. Continuing will put you at risk of having your internet service disconnected and you might also face charges for copyright infringement. [3]
    • Downloading torrent files can also give you a virus or malware. As long as you're careful about where you download your torrent files from and use a VPN and antivirus software, torrenting is usually quite safe.
  2. There are a number of BitTorrent clients available for download. Which one you use comes down to personal preference, but make sure to choose a well-known BitTorrent client to avoid downloading malware.
    • qBittorrent is a highly recommended client by many Reddit users. [4]
    • Other recommended options include Transmission and Deluge.
    • BitTorrent and uTorrent are some older options and used to be some of the best. However, many Reddit users do not recommend these clients anymore as they are adware and have some safety concerns. [5]
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  3. Once you've downloaded the torrent client you want to use, open the installation file and follow the installation instructions to install it on your computer.
    • Each torrent may have a slightly different installer, but each one has a setup wizard that will walk you through how to install the client.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Downloading Torrent Files

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  1. In order to use a torrent client, you'll need a .torrent file. You can use a search engine to search for specific file types. On Google, type filetype:torrent and then the name of the game you want to download.
    • To avoid malicious ads and malware, two recommended sites are 1337x.to and FitGirl Repacks. [6]
    • If you're using qBittorrent, it has a built-in search to find torrent files.
    • The filetype:torrent search works on other search engines like Bing, Yahoo!, and DuckDuckGo.
  2. Torrent sites often have a lot of pop-up ads and ads that may be inappropriate for children. Torrent sites are also often being shut down due to copyright violations and not all of the links will work.
    • Torrent websites often list the number of seeders for each torrent file. According to Martinez, seeders are the people currently uploading parts of the torrent file.
  3. It's recommended to use a VPN for safety. Also, be sure to scan any files you download with antivirus software like Malwarebytes to ensure they are safe.
    EXPERT TIP

    Gonzalo Martinez

    Computer & Phone Repair Specialist
    Gonzalo Martinez is the President of CleverTech, a tech repair business in San Jose, California founded in 2014. CleverTech LLC specializes in repairing Apple products. CleverTech pursues environmental responsibility by recycling aluminum, display assemblies, and the micro components on motherboards to reuse for future repairs. On average, they save 2 lbs - 3 lbs more electronic waste daily than the average computer repair store.
    Gonzalo Martinez
    Computer & Phone Repair Specialist

    Check the file size of a torrent file before you download. If the file seems especially small for the type of file you're downloading, it likely is something malicious. Also, check the comments or votes on a particular torrent file to see if other users have marked it as safe or not.

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Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Installing Torrent Files

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  1. A torrent file doesn't actually include the game that you wanted to download. It essentially tells your computer where to go on the internet to find bits and pieces of that file, which it will download and combine once all the parts are downloaded.
    EXPERT TIP

    Yaffet Meshesha

    Computer Specialist
    Yaffet Meshesha is a Computer Specialist and the Founder of Techy, a full-service computer pickup, repair, and delivery service. With over eight years of experience, Yaffet specializes in computer repairs and technical support. Techy has been featured on TechCrunch and Time.
    Yaffet Meshesha
    Computer Specialist

    Torrents files are typically spread out throughout different computers. Bits and pieces of the torrent are saved on multiple computers, which is done through something called seeding. Seeding is when you allow a portion of the torrent file to be saved on your computer. The more seeding computers there are, the easier it is to download these files.

  2. Depending on your torrent client, you can often click and drag the torrent file into the torrent client window to open the file. You can also use the File menu to open the torrent file. Double-clicking the torrent file will also often open the torrent file in your torrent client.
  3. Most torrent clients won't start downloading the file until you manually start it. Click the torrent file to select it, and then click the start transfer button. It usually looks like a play arrow button.
    • When the file starts downloading, you'll see how many people you're downloading the file from, and how many people you're uploading it to. The more people uploading, or seeding, the file, the faster it will download.
    • When the file is done downloading, you can continue to seed the file by leaving your torrent client open. Seeding means you are now one of the sources for a part of that file.
    • Game files can come in many different file formats for different computers. Make sure you're downloading the right version of the game for your computer's operating system.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    How long will it take to download FIFA 18?
    Community Answer
    The time it takes to download any torrent depends on the number of people sharing the file (seeders) and the downloader's internet speed.
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    Not Helpful 1 Helpful 16
  • Question
    How can I download FIFA 17?
    Community Answer
    Search for its torrent on Google. Then either use magnet link to directly download the torrent, or save the *.torrent file, which can be opened by a torrent client (app).
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    Not Helpful 3 Helpful 14
  • Question
    Why does it take so long to download a game on a torrent?
    Community Answer
    Because the file sizes are large for offline games. The larger the size, longer the download duration.
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      Warnings

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      Things You'll Need

      • a BitTorrent client
      • a computer
      • an Internet connection

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      References

      1. ↑ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_BitTorrent_clients
      2. ↑ https://www.eff.org/wp/how-not-get-sued-file-sharing
      3. ↑ https://www.eff.org/pages/frequently-asked-questions-subpoena-targets
      4. ↑ https://www.reddit.com/r/torrents/comments/uki5r6/comment/i7qgudt/
      5. ↑ https://www.reddit.com/r/torrents/comments/16pm2oj/bittorrent_vs_utorrent/
      6. ↑ https://www.reddit.com/r/torrents/comments/18iajqm/what_sites_do_you_use_to_find_torrents/

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        Jul 1, 2016

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