How to Get Games Cheaper on Steam: Smart Strategies That Actually Work
If you’ve ever stared longingly at your Steam wishlist — packed with triple-A titles and indie gems — only to sigh at the price tags, you’re not alone. Millions of gamers face the same dilemma: how do you enjoy your favorite pastime without emptying your wallet? The good news? Getting games cheaper on Steam isn’t magic — it’s strategy. With a little patience, timing, and insider knowledge, you can slash your gaming expenses while still enjoying the titles you love. This guide reveals practical, proven methods to help you save big — without compromising on quality or fun.
1. Wait for Major Steam Sales — They’re Worth It
Steam’s seasonal sales are legendary for a reason. The Summer Sale, Winter Sale, Lunar New Year Sale, and Autumn Sale routinely offer discounts of 50–90% on thousands of titles. Blockbuster games like Red Dead Redemption 2, Cyberpunk 2077, and Elden Ring have all dropped to half-price or lower during these events.
Pro Tip: Set price alerts using third-party tools like SteamDB or IsThereAnyDeal. These platforms track historical pricing and notify you when a game hits its lowest recorded price — often during a major sale.
Don’t panic if you miss one sale. Most popular games reappear in multiple sales throughout the year. Patience pays — literally.
2. Build a Wishlist — And Let Steam Do the Heavy Lifting
One of Steam’s most underrated features is its wishlist notification system. When you add a game to your wishlist, Steam automatically emails you when it goes on sale. This eliminates the need to constantly check store pages or set calendar reminders.
Real-Life Example: A user added Hades to their wishlist in 2021. Three months later, during the Summer Sale, they received an email alerting them to a 20% discount. They waited — and during the Winter Sale, the discount jumped to 33%. By being patient and using the wishlist, they saved an extra $7 without lifting a finger.
Wishlists also influence game visibility. Developers and publishers often prioritize deeper discounts for titles with high wishlist counts — meaning your wishlist might actually help trigger a better deal.
3. Bundle Up: Regional Bundles and Publisher Packs
Steam frequently offers publisher bundles — curated collections of games from studios like Devolver Digital, Paradox Interactive, or SEGA. These bundles often include older or less popular titles, but the per-game cost can be astonishingly low.
For example, the “Devolver Bootleg Bundle” once included six parody games for under
Also, keep an eye out for regional or themed bundles during sales. During the “Japanese Game Fest” or “RPG Sale,” publishers group relevant titles together and offer steeper discounts than if purchased individually.
4. Use Third-Party Price Trackers (Legally and Safely)
Sites like IsThereAnyDeal, SteamDB, and GG.deals aggregate prices from authorized retailers and track Steam’s historical lows. These tools let you:
- Compare current Steam pricing with past lows
- See if a game is cheaper on Humble Bundle, Fanatical, or Green Man Gaming
- Set custom alerts for specific price thresholds
Important Note: Always purchase from authorized retailers. Avoid gray-market key sellers (like G2A or Kinguin) unless you fully understand the risks — including potential account bans or revoked licenses.
One user tracked Disco Elysium: The Final Cut for six months. When it dropped from
5. Consider Gifting, Trading, or Family Sharing
Steam’s gifting feature allows friends to send games directly to your library — often during sales when prices are lowest. Coordinate with gaming buddies: agree to gift each other titles you both want during major discounts.
Family Sharing is another powerful, underused tool. If a friend or family member owns a game you want to try, you can borrow their library (as long as they’re not playing). It’s perfect for testing before buying — or enjoying co-op titles without double-dipping.
Case Study: Two roommates shared access to their libraries via Family Sharing. One owned Monster Hunter: World, the other had Divinity: Original Sin 2. Both played both games without spending an extra dime — and later bought their favorites during a 75%-off sale.
6. Leverage Free Weekends and Demos
Before buying, always check for free weekends or demos. Many AAA publishers — EA, Ubisoft, Capcom — offer limited-time free play events for major titles. If you love the game during the trial, wait. A discount usually follows within weeks.
Example: Monster Hunter Rise had a free weekend in March 2023. By April, it was 30% off. Players who tried it during the event and waited saved $20 on day-one pricing.
Demos also help avoid buyer’s remorse. Why pay $60 for a game you might hate after two hours? Try before you buy — and buy smarter.
7. Regional Pricing and Currency Arbitrage (Use With Caution)
Steam offers regional pricing in many countries, meaning the same game