Steam and PC··2 min read
Rain98: A Blue-Hued Visual Novel About the End of the World — How to Buy and Pay
Rain98 is a Serial Experiments Lain-inspired visual novel about time travel to 1998 to stop the apocalypse. Here's how to buy it and pay from your country.
Rain98 is a visual novel that looks like it was dug up from 1998: blue tones, rain, Tokyo, and a heroine who calls herself Angolmois — a reference to Nostradamus's predictions of the end of the world. The game is out on PC, and if you want to play it legally, you'll likely need to buy it from a foreign store. Here's how to do it without the headache.
What is Rain98 and why people are talking about it
Rain98 is a visual novel in the aesthetic of the late '90s, inspired by the anime Serial Experiments Lain. The story revolves around time travel to the past to prevent (or bring about) the end of the world. The game is available on PC — likely on Steam and other digital stores. Check the exact prices and regional restrictions on the game's page in your chosen store.
Where to buy Rain98
- Steam — the main store for PC games. Check if the game is available in your region.
- GOG — a DRM-free alternative, if the game is there.
- itch.io — an indie platform where visual novels often appear.
If the game is not available in your Steam region, you can create an account for another country or buy a key from third-party sellers. But remember: Steam may restrict activation of keys from other regions.
How to pay for Rain98 with a virtual card
To pay in foreign stores, it's convenient to use a virtual Visa or Mastercard. Here's a step-by-step scenario:
- Issue a virtual card in the desired currency (USD or EUR) in your VirtCardPay account.
- Top up the balance with the purchase amount plus a margin for conversion and possible fees.
- On the payment page in Steam (or another store), enter the card details: number, expiry date, CVV.
- Confirm the payment. If the store requires 3-D Secure, enter the code from SMS or the app.
Important: some stores may decline a card issued in another country. In that case, try a card with a different BIN or use payment systems supported by the store.
Common issues and solutions
- Card not accepted — check if the store supports your payment system (Visa/Mastercard) and the card's issuing region.
- 3-D Secure error — make sure the phone number linked to the card is active and you can receive the code.
- Insufficient funds — consider a possible conversion fee if the card's currency differs from the store's currency.
The bottom line
Rain98 is a niche visual novel, but if you love the late '90s atmosphere and formal experiments, it's worth checking out. The main thing is to approach payment correctly to avoid card or region blocks. A virtual card from VirtCardPay helps bypass these restrictions and pay in a couple of clicks.
FAQ
Can I pay for Rain98 with a Russian card?
Most likely not — many foreign stores do not accept cards issued in Russia. Use a virtual card from a foreign issuer.
Will the game work in my region?
Check regional restrictions on the game's Steam page. If the game is unavailable, you may need an account from another country.
How to top up a virtual card for the purchase?
In your VirtCardPay account, you can top up with a bank card, cryptocurrency, or other methods — choose the convenient one and top up the balance with the required amount.
Names of services, games, and franchises belong to their respective rights holders and are mentioned only to describe the payment scenario; VirtCardPay is not affiliated with them.
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