Unlock the Best Deals: How to Get Steam Games at a Fraction of the Price!
Steam is one of the largest digital distribution platforms for video games, offering a massive library of titles for every genre. However, the cost of games can quickly add up, especially when buying AAA titles. Fortunately, there are many ways to get Steam games at a cheaper price without resorting to illegal downloads or pirated content. In this guide, we’ll walk you through some of the best strategies to save money on Steam games.
1. Take Advantage of Steam Sales
One of the most well-known ways to save money on Steam is by waiting for Steam sales. Steam runs several major sales throughout the year, offering massive discounts on hundreds of games. These include:
- Steam Summer Sale (usually in June-July)
- Steam Winter Sale (usually in December)
- Steam Autumn Sale (usually in November)
- Steam Spring Sale (usually in March)
During these sales, you can expect discounts ranging from 20% to as high as 90%, depending on the game. For big titles, this can be a great time to grab games at a much lower price.
2. Use Steam’s Wishlist Feature
Steam allows users to create a wishlist of games they’re interested in. By adding games to your wishlist, you can receive notifications when those games go on sale. This ensures that you never miss out on a deal for the games you want most.
How to use Wishlist:
- Browse the Steam store and add games you’re interested in to your wishlist.
- Set up email or Steam notifications to get alerted about discounts or sales on those games.
3. Buy Games During Regional Sales
Steam pricing varies by region, which means that some regions can have much lower prices for the same games. If you live in a region with higher game prices, consider using a VPN (virtual private network) to access Steam’s regional stores with cheaper prices. Be aware that Steam has specific terms of service regarding region switching, so be cautious and understand the rules.
4. Check Out Humble Bundles
The Humble Bundle is a service that offers game bundles at deeply discounted prices, often giving you a chance to pay what you want for a bundle of games. Many bundles include top-tier Steam games, and the best part is that a portion of your payment goes to charity. You can find bundles for specific game genres, such as RPGs, strategy games, and more.
- Why Humble Bundles are great:
- Pay what you want for bundles.
- Includes Steam keys for easy activation.
- Supports charities while saving money.
5. Check Out Green Man Gaming and Other Authorized Resellers
Authorized resellers like Green Man Gaming, Fanatical, and CDKeys often offer discounts on Steam keys. While these discounts might not always match Steam’s sales, they can still save you a significant amount of money on popular titles. Always make sure the reseller is authorized by Steam to avoid any issues with invalid game keys.
6. Use Steam’s Daily and Weekly Deals
In addition to seasonal sales, Steam offers daily and weekly deals that feature discounts on specific games. These deals can range anywhere from 10% to 80% off the regular price. Make sure to check Steam’s homepage or the “Specials” section to see which games are on sale for the week.
7. Look for Steam Game Coupons
Steam sometimes offers game-specific coupons, which give you a discount on specific games, bundles, or other purchases. These coupons may be earned by completing achievements in certain games or as part of special promotions. Additionally, you can sometimes find these coupons through external sites or Steam community groups.
8. Wait for Price Drops and Follow Developers
If you’re not in a rush to play a game, waiting for price drops can help you score a great deal. Keep an eye on the Steam store for price changes, especially for games that have been out for a while. Some games also have regular price reductions after a few months or during promotional events.
Additionally, following game developers and publishers on Steam or social media platforms can give you a heads-up on upcoming sales or promotional discounts for their games.
9. Buy in Bulk with Family Sharing
Steam allows you to share your game library with up to five other people through Family Sharing. This way, you can buy games together with friends or family members and share the cost of the games. While only one person can play a game at a time, this method helps reduce the cost per person, especially if you’re all interested in the same games.
10. Use Steam’s Refund Policy to Your Advantage
Steam offers a refund policy that allows you to return a game within 14 days of purchase, as long as you’ve played it for less than two hours. If you purchase a game on sale and later decide it’s not for you, you can return it for a full refund. This policy gives you the opportunity to try games without the risk of wasting money.
11. Track Prices with Price Tracking Websites
There are several websites and browser extensions that track Steam game prices and let you know when a game has dropped in price. Websites like IsThereAnyDeal and CheapShark help you find the lowest price for Steam games by comparing prices across various retailers.
12. Join Steam’s Community and Events
Steam frequently runs events such as Steam Points Shop, where you can earn points for participating in certain activities like voting for awards or joining the Steam community. You can then use these points to unlock discounts or even free games in the Steam Points Shop.
Conclusion
Getting Steam games cheaper is all about knowing where to look and being strategic with your purchases. Whether it’s waiting for a seasonal sale, using third-party deals, or leveraging Steam’s sales features, there are many ways to save money on your favorite games. Keep an eye on your wishlist, use price tracking tools, and take advantage of promotions to get the best deals. With these tips, you’ll be able to expand your library without breaking the bank!