How to Play DMM Games Outside Japan for FREE, Updated 2024

DMM is a Japan-based company that specializes in providing games for a variety of platforms. Some of its most popular offerings include Stationflow and Touken Ranbu. The games are internet-based. This means that ordinarily, as long as your device has an internet connection, you could download the games. Alternatively, you could just play right there on the website. However, that isn’t exactly how it works. DMM is not accessible to anyone outside of Japan.

This is so because the company behind DMM does not have the games’ worldwide broadcast license. Thus, as per the agreement, it can only make the games accessible to people in Japan. This is the cause of the error message you get when you try to log in or play the games abroad.

In this review, we show you how to play DMM games outside of Japan. This is through using a VPN.

How to Play DMM Games with a VPN

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is useful for a lot of situations. However, specifically in this situation, it avails you an IP address compatible with DMM. This is because the platform (DMM) identifies that you aren’t in Japan through your IP address. However, with a VPN, you can temporarily change the IP address you have to one that is DMM-compatible.

How can you do that? First, you need to get on a VPN subscription plan. Below, we will give you a list of providers you could settle for. The next steps are to download and install the VPN app. You can download it from the provider’s website. Installation is also straightforward: follow the prompts, and you are good to go.

After installation, connect to any Japanese server from the list you will find. You will obtain a Japanese IP address immediately. Minimize the VPN and log in to the official website of DMM. You will need to create an account if you haven’t one already. Click on the game you want. You can either download or play on the website directly. You are good to go!

Top VPNs for Playing DMM Games Outside Japan

We have compiled a list of 5 VPNs you can rely on to play games on DMM, regardless of your location. See this article for a more in detail review of VPNs for DMM. Here goes:

Overall Best in Our Tests

ExpressVPN

Overall score: 9.8

• Super-fast servers
• AES 256-bit encryption
• Supports private protocol, Lightway
• Money-back guarantee

Try ExpressVPN

30-Day Money-Back Guarantee

ExpressVPN is one of the oldest VPN-providers in the market. It also doubles as one of the best. It has such remarkable features that it has continuously made it a favorite for many. You can expect that this VPN will provide easy access to DMM wherever you are located.

The first thing to note is this provider’s wide range of servers. It currently has about 3,000 servers in 94 countries, 5 of which are located in Japan. You can make use of any of these to mask your IP address. Expectedly, these servers are fast, delivering content at blistering speed. You will not have to worry about speed lags while using this service.

ExpressVPN encrypts all of its servers using the AES 256-bit encryption model. Furthermore, each server supports the OpenVPN, IKEv2, PPTP, and IPSec protocols. This provider even has a brand new offering known as Lightway. Industry leaders have hailed this cutting-edge protocol for being super fast and reliable. In addition to this, ExpressVPN has other security features. One of such is a kill switch that automatically comes on when the VPN fails, DNS and IP-leak prevention features, and offers access to obfuscated servers.

This provider is also big on privacy. It maintains a strict no-logs policy. This means that it does not retain any data that you share online. Additionally, its headquarters in the British Virgin Islands give it a strategic advantage. The region is noted for its friendly privacy laws.

You can play DMM on 6 devices using just one ExpressVPN subscription. You don’t have to worry about device compatibility. This provider has apps for most device types – from Android to iOS, Linux, and Windows operating systems. Its plans are affordable. You can choose from any of the three it offers to meet your needs. ExpressVPN is also a good choice for watching Japanese television overseas, with shows like AbemaTV or TVer.

Cheapest Option

NordVPN

Overall score: 9.6

• Incredibly fast servers
• Great security features
• Verified no-logs policy
• Unblocks streaming platforms

Try NordVPN

30-Day Money-Back Guarantee

This is another strong recommendation, coming second only to ExpressVPN. NordVPN is built specifically to enhance streaming. It has a feature known as SmartPlay, which delivers speed and a smooth sail to anyone looking to stream content of any form. Thus, while playing games with it, you can expect the same level of reliable service.

NordVPN has more than 5,500 servers in 59 countries and counting. You will be glad to know that 82 of those are in Japan. This gives you an almost limitless range of options to choose from. When you log in to your account and select a Japanese server, you get unlimited bandwidth, unthrottled speeds, and watertight security features.

Regarding security features, leading the way is its AES 256-bit encryption for all of its servers. Beyond that, it offers you a choice of protocols, including its lightning-fast offer known as NordLynx. You get the advantage of having your traffic doubly encrypted. NordVPN does this by running your network through its server twice. You can also make use of the Onion over VPN offer for stronger browsing as well as the kill switch and split tunneling features on the platform.

This provider is one of the few who have taken the bold steps of getting audited. This move, in and of itself, shows that NordVPN believes it has nothing to hide. The auditing firm, PriceWatersCoopers (PWC) confirmed that they did not notice any leaks of users’ data. You can pay for a subscription using cryptocurrencies, further cementing your privacy.

NordVPN supports most operating systems. Furthermore, it lets you connect 6 devices simultaneously to one account. Its subscription offers are relatively affordable. NordVPN is also a good choice for accessing other Japanese plattforms overseas, such as Netflix Japan, Hulu Japan or DAZN Japan.

Best for connecting multiple devices

Surfshark

Overall score: 9.5

• Allows unlimited simultaneous connections
• Integrates Stealth mode
• Multihop feature available
• 3,000+ servers

Visit Surfshark

30-Day Money-Back Guarantee

Although this provider may not rank as well as the other two discussed, it is certainly no pushover. Surfshark is one provider that has remained consistent since its foray into the industry. It has 3,200 servers in 60+ countries. Quite a number of those are located in Japan. With those, you can connect to, and play DMM games with no hassles.

These servers are super fast. They allow you access with ease and make sure there are no lags while doing your thing. You do not have to worry about protection because this provider equips its servers with the AES 256-bit encryption model. It also is big on privacy, maintaining a strict no-logs policy at all times.

It offers a variety of other remarkable features. For one, its MultiHop feature is amazing. It routes your traffic through multiple servers to throw off hackers. Its Whitelister feature performs the same functions as split tunneling. That is, it routes some apps through the VPN network and others through the regular route. It has a camouflage/stealth mode that hides the fact that you are using a VPN. Hence, malicious Internet Service Providers cannot identify and throttle your traffic.

Surfshark has apps for major device types. It offers unlimited bandwidth. Additionally, it lets you connect an unlimited number of devices. This is beyond what any other provider offers. Finally, it tops it off with a 30-day money-back guarantee offer. If you want to access other Japanese streaming plattforms such as dTV or Wowow, Surfshark will also work fine.

Best VPN with a Free Version

ProtonVPN

Overall score: 9.0

• Free version available
• Strong security features
• Reliable no-logs policy
• Allows Perfect Forward Secrecy

Visit ProtonVPN

30-Day Money-Back Guarantee

ProtonVPN is a recent entrant into the VPN market. Do not let that fool you, though. The provider is steadily making inroads into the sphere, endearing itself to customers with its remarkable and intuitive features.

This provider has just a little over 1,000 servers in 50+ locations. This might not be so much. However, you will be glad to know that 23 of these servers are stationed in Japan. This is enough to allow you to play games on DMM even outside Japan.

For security, this provider is no shirker. In fact, it excels. It makes use of the AES 256-bit encryption model on all of its servers. In addition, it supports the OpenVPN protocol. It has a kill switch that comes into play once the VPN connection drops. It also makes use of Perfect Forward Secrecy. Here, the provider wipes all of your sessions as soon as they end, making for stronger security.

ProtonVPN’s privacy features are also stellar. It maintains a firm no-logs policy. Also, it has its headquarters in Switzerland, which is a haven for privacy enthusiasts. You can rest assured that your privacy is secure with this provider.

This provider is remarkable because of its friendly subscription policies. It has a completely free version – one of the few providers to make this available. You will find some free servers stationed in Japan, tow. Besides this, its Basic and Premium subscription offers are quite affordable, especially when compared against what the top-tier providers charge. Even while at it, you get a 30-day money-back window. Within this period, you can request a refund and get it, no questions asked.

Offers the best money-back guarantee

CyberGhost

Overall score: 8.8

• 45-day money-back guarantee
• 7,000+ reliable servers
• Strict no-log policy
• Tough security features

Visit CyberGhost

30-Day Money-Back Guarantee

CyberGhost is another oldie in the industry that has somehow managed to remain relevant. With its 6,000+ servers, it has the highest server count on this list. 71 of these servers are dedicated solely to Japanese users. Thus, connecting to any allows you to play games on DMM regardless of the geo-blocks.

Asides from gaining access to DMM, CyberGhost’s servers can get around the geo-restrictions on other platforms. You can stream content on Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime, etc., regardless of the block. It gives you optimized server access, connecting you with the fastest servers for your current needs.

This provider protects you with watertight security features. Leading the pack is its AES 256-bit encryption detail that it secures all of its servers with. More so, the provider prevents DNS and IP address leaks – you can test this yourself to be sure. It also allows you to split tunnel your traffic and arms you with a kill switch in case the VPN’s protection momentarily fails.

In spite of all of these features, CyberGhost’s pricing options are surprisingly affordable. It has apps for the major device types and allows you to hook up 7 devices to one account. Even more remarkably, it affords you 45 days of grace. This money-back period is quite reliable. You can subscribe to the service, use it, and request a refund if unsatisfied. This can be extremely useful, especially if you intend to be outside the country only for a short while.

Top Criteria to Consider Before Selecting a VPN for DMM games

Selecting the right VPN for DMM games is important because it can determine if you will enjoy playing games or encounter frequent issues. Let’s dive in below. 

1. Server Network

Top of the list is the server network. A VPN without a server in Japan cannot get you past DMMs geo-restriction technology. In addition, not every VPN that has servers in Japan can give you access to DMM’s game network. So, you must select a VPN service that not only has servers in Japan but is sophisticated enough to give you access to DMM. 

2. Speed

Anyone that has played games online knows how important speed is in online gaming. You need a fast and reliable VPN service that will not cause lagging when playing. Also, the protocol you use can influence your speed as some protocols are faster than others. 

3. Security and Privacy

Security and privacy also determine how safe your data or identity is when playing DMM games with a VPN. You don’t want to use a VPN that leaks your data or has poor security features. Look out for features like 256-bit encryption, perfect forward secrecy, split tunneling, etc. In addition, you have to read the privacy policy and ensure that you understand what the VPN service you select does with your data. 

4. Cross-Platform Compatibility

Cross-platform compatibility is another criterion that can determine if you’re gonna play DMM games outside Japan or not. You cannot play DMM outside Japan if the VPN service you select does not have an application (or manual configuration) for the device you want to use for DMM. As you can see above, the top VPNs support the major devices and operating systems. Some even go further to post manual configuration instructions for devices that don’t support their apps.

Will Free VPNs Work for DMM?

You may have seen some VPN providers who offer their services at no cost. These providers may have promised you access to geo-blocked content without any hassles. How true are these assertions?

Firstly, it is virtually impossible. Most free VPNs will be unable to break the encryptions on these platforms. The companies that place blocks on their contents go through a lot of pains to shut intruders out. Paid providers with cutting-edge features on their websites scarcely break through these blocks. It is inconceivable that free providers, notorious for their weak tech infrastructure, will be able to achieve the feat.

However, even if it were possible for these providers to grant you access, there are a few reasons this is a bad idea. We will enumerate them below:

Slow Response: One thing is certain: free providers cannot match the speed of the paid ones. Their servers are slow, so you could experience lags while playing the games. Considering that the excitement of playing depends on how fast the internet speed is, lags can be such a downer.

Bandwidth Caps: Free providers place a limit on the amount of data you can expend on the platform. You could be in the middle of a game and get logged off.

Compromised Security: Some unscrupulous free providers keep tabs on your internet activities. They track the actions you take, the websites you visit, and the time you spend there. They could then sell the information to data mining companies who would then target you with ads. This can be quite frustrating. However, beyond that, your details could fall into the hands of cybercriminals and hackers. You can only imagine the amount of loss you could suffer in that situation.

Frequently Asked Questions on Playing DMM Games Outside Japan

Conclusion

Being unable to access your favorite DMM games because of geo-restrictions can be a tad annoying. Thankfully, there is a way to get around this challenge: through using a VPN. You just have to follow the directions here regarding how to use a VPN to access DMM outside Japan. Then, you are good to go!