First off, you dont NEED it, you simply want it to play & enjoy the experience of the game. Second off, if you REALLY want the game so bad, work your tail off via chores or by getting a job like the few of us who bust our chops everyday in order to get paid enough to buy the game. TRUST ME when I say that doing chores (aka working your butt off) will def be rewarding in the end by getting the $$ necessary to get the game (whether its new or used). In the meantime, I would suggest that you look on ebay for a good price for the game. I know its hard to do, but try to have some patience when it comes to getting the game. I purchased the game early on, then found out 2 weeks after I got it that Valve put it on sale for 50% off, which really ticked me off!!