How to Block Game Websites (PC, Mobile, Router)

Methods vary by platform. Here are the most effective, categorized:

Windows / macOS (Hosts File — System-Wide)

# Windows: C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts
# macOS/Linux: /etc/hosts
127.0.0.1 examplegamesite.com
127.0.0.1 www.examplegamesite.com

• Requires admin/root. Flush DNS: ipconfig /flushdns / sudo dscacheutil -flushcache.

Browser Extensions (Per-Browser)

• BlockSite (Chrome/Edge/Firefox) — Schedule, password protect, redirect.
• LeechBlock NG (Firefox/Chrome) — Time limits, wildcard rules, lockdown mode.
• StayFocusd (Chrome) — Daily time budget per site.
• uBlock Origin — Custom filters: ||examplegamesite.com^$document.

DNS Filtering (Network-Wide, All Devices)

• NextDNS — Custom blocklists, logs, per-device profiles, DoH/DoT. Free tier 300k queries/mo.
• Control D — Similar, more granular scheduling.
• OpenDNS FamilyShield — Pre-set adult/gambling/gaming blocks (208.67.222.123 / 208.67.220.123).
• AdGuard DNS / Cloudflare 1.1.1.1 for Families — Malware + adult, limited gaming categories.

Set on router (DHCP) or per device (DNS settings).

Router-Level (Best for Household)

• ASUS / Netgear / TP-Link / Ubiquiti: Built-in "Parental Controls" / "Traffic Manager" → Block domains, schedule internet pause per device.
• OpenWrt / OPNsense / pfSense: Unbound + blocklists, VLANs, captive portal.
• Pi-hole (Raspberry Pi / Docker) — Network-wide DNS sinkhole. Add custom lists (e.g., https://raw.githubusercontent.com/hoshsadiq/adblock-nocoin-list/master/hosts.txt).

Mobile (iOS / Android)

• Screen Time (iOS) / Digital Wellbeing (Android): App limits, downtime, always allowed.
• DNS Profile (iOS 14+ / Android 9+): Install NextDNS/Control D profile → system-wide filtering.
• AppBlock / Freedom / Offtime: Block apps + websites, schedules.

Important

Technical blocks are bypassable (VPN, proxy, Tor, mobile data, DNS-over-HTTPS). Pair with conversation, trust, and agreed boundaries—especially for children.