The popularity of GOG’s DRM-free catalogue has created a niche for a new wave of what you might call parasitic piracy. A fresh contender, GOG-unlocked, is gaining traction by promising free, “preinstalled” versions of games—particularly the retro classics the community loves.
But is GOG-unlocked safe to use? Quick answer: no, of course it isn’t.
Just like SteamUnlocked, GOG-unlocked is offering pirated copies of games via a website that is deliberately designed to mimic the legitimate GOG (Good Old Games) storefront. Worse still, it is exploiting the very reason the real GOG is popular: its commitment to DRM-free games.
In short, you should avoid it, and every website offering something similar. Let’s look at the details.
Quick answer
What is GOG-unlocked?
GOG-unlocked is a download site that presents a vast series of older PC games and retro titles in a layout highly similar to the official GOG store.
The interface looks clean, and it’s straightforward to browse, but behind the familiar listings for classics and older AAA titles lurks the same nasty secret common to all “unlocked” sites: it’s all stolen.
GOG-unlocked and the retro gaming community
This site is a targeted attack on the most honest corner of digital PC gaming.
The legitimate GOG is famous for championing consumer rights by selling games free of restrictive Digital Rights Management (DRM). The problem? When a game is DRM-free, it is easier to copy and distribute illegally.
The GOG-unlocked pirates exploit this fact. They are specifically targeting retro classics that gamers mistakenly believe are “abandonware” and therefore legal to download. This makes the site especially dangerous for those who drop their guard because they assume a simple old PC game download must be harmless.
I would contend that there is another issue here, however. The legitimate GOG is a champion of game preservation. Yet many of the games they host were forgotten or overlooked, in part because of low production runs, an impact of piracy.
Why GOG-unlocked is a risk for PC owners
There are several crucial safety concerns about GOG-unlocked that should deter any PC user:
Trading on trust: The site’s name is its biggest weapon. It tries to convince users that because the files are based on GOG releases, they must be “clean” and secure. This false sense of security leads users to ignore common-sense security practices, lowering their guard against malware. It looks and feels like the legitimate GOG — it’s not quite a spoof, but the signals are there.
The “Preinstalled” scam: Like its competitors, GOG-unlocked claims its downloads are “preinstalled” and ready to run after unzipping a ZIP file. This is highly problematic.
This approach means the game runs without the usual security checks provided by a proper installer or a legitimate platform like GOG or Steam. Furthermore, the process often involves various temporary system files being supplanted on your PC for the game’s runtime (if not longer), which can cause immediate or long-term problems for Windows users, even if the game is not running, and potentially long after it is removed.
Malware and viruses: There are frequent reports across piracy forums of viruses, Trojans, and other forms of hidden code being present in some of the hosted files. This could potentially compromise your system integrity or steal personal data.
Unreliable performance: Cracked games often break, lack crucial updates or patches, and cannot be played online, resulting in a frustrating and inconsistent experience.
Are there alternatives to GOG-unlocked for free retro games?
When I looked at SteamUnlocked, I dug into some of the best options for free retro games.
We’ve previously looked at how you can play Mario free online (in your browser!), but there are many more options available. Besides Epic Games (which includes occasional remastered retro titles in its giveaways) you’ve got occasional free games from GOG, Steam, and even Amazon Prime Gaming.
In addition, if you have a game console like the Nintendo Switch/Switch 2 or PlayStation 4/5, you have access to a vast collection of retro games via your platform. For example, the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion gives you regular new retro game additions across classic Nintendo platforms.
You can also explore the abandonware libraries and find old DOS (mostly) titles, or rely on open source code releases. Classic DOS shooters like DOOM have had their source code published, for example, making the games easy to get hold of and play on virtually any device.
In short: no one really needs GOG-unlocked.
What are the safest alternatives to GOG-unlocked in 2025?
The irony is that legitimate, free, or extremely cheap games are everywhere these days. While sites like GOG-unlocked capitalize on people looking for a quick fix, they are entirely irrelevant when compared to the safety, reliability, and support offered by legal storefronts.
If you want free or cheap PC games without the risks, stick to these legitimate options:
- GOG: For retro enthusiasts, the best option is always the real GOG. They frequently offer discounts and occasional free giveaways on their DRM-free classics.
- Epic Games Store: Known for their high-profile, free weekly titles—occasional rIn short: no one really needs GOG-unlocked.emastered retro games included.
- Steam: A vast library of reliable free-to-play games and regular discounts that often feature older titles.
- Itch.io: A fantastic source for indie games, many of which are free or available on a pay-what-you-want model.
Don’t use GOG-unlocked!
GOG-unlocked might look like a convenient shortcut to a full library of classic games, but it is not safe, not legit, and absolutely not legal. It exploits the good faith built up by GOG and uses that trust to put your computer and your personal data at severe risk.
If you want free or cheap games, stick to the platforms mentioned above, or move away from PC gaming and switch to something like Evercade. Safer platforms give you peace of mind and, crucially, help ensure the legitimate revival of retro gaming continues.
Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through those links. This comes at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!
Christian Cawley is the founder and editor of GamingRetro.co.uk, a website dedicated to classic and retro gaming. With over 20 years of experience writing for technology and gaming publications, he brings considerable expertise and a lifelong passion for interactive entertainment, particularly games from the 8-bit and 16-bit eras.
Christian has written for leading outlets including TechRadar, Computer Weekly, Linux Format, and MakeUseOf, where he also served as Deputy Editor.
When he’s not exploring vintage consoles or retro PCs, Christian enjoys building with LEGO, playing cigar box guitar, and experimenting in the kitchen.
