the game itself still gets updated. download pirated game -> update drops -> wait unil someone uploads it -> download latest version

If its too niche you might have the situation where nobody uploads the updated version and waiting will just get you the same version as if you didn’t wait.

repacks will generally use patch updates but I find it’s easier and less bug prone to just use a steam emu or patched steam and just replace the steamapps/common/game folder each update