For avid gamers, there's nothing like the thrill of discovering a new game, or grabbing that much-anticipated title on the day of its release. However, this can sometimes be an expensive hobby. If you're a PC gamer, Steam is undoubtedly one of your go-to platforms for game purchases. Luckily, with some savvy shopping strategies, you can score some impressive discounts on Steam. Here's how:
Steam is famous for its seasonal sales, where games can be discounted anywhere from 10% to 90%. These are the best times to grab games at significant discounts. The most well-known sales include:
Steam offers Weeklong Deals every Monday and Weekend Deals that kick-off every Thursday. While these might not be as grand as the seasonal sales, they're still an excellent opportunity to grab games at reduced prices.
By adding games to your wishlist, Steam will notify you via email or through the app when they're on sale. This way, you won't miss out on discounts for the games you're most excited about.
Several Steam groups and communities are dedicated to alerting members about discounts, bundles, and free game promotions. Examples include 'Steam Deals' and 'Bundle Tracker'. Join these groups to stay informed.
Steam often groups related games together in bundles, offering the entire bundle at a reduced rate compared to buying each game individually. These bundles can range from games by the same developer, games within the same series, or even games of similar genres.
While this isn't a discount per se, it's a safety net. If you buy a game and find it's not to your liking or has technical issues, you can request a refund within 14 days of purchase, provided you've played the game for less than 2 hours.
Some legitimate third-party websites partner with game developers to sell Steam keys at a discounted rate. Websites like Humble Bundle, Fanatical, and Green Man Gaming are known for offering bundles and discounts. However, always ensure you're buying from reputable sites to avoid scams.
As you buy games on Steam, you earn Steam points. These points can be spent in the Points Shop, not directly on games, but on emoticons, profile backgrounds, and other cosmetics. Sometimes, during special events, you can use these points on discount coupons.
By following your favorite game developers and publishers on Steam, you'll get notifications on their new releases, updates, and any potential discounts they offer.
Gaming is a passion for many, and while it can be an expensive one, platforms like Steam make it more affordable with their frequent sales and discount strategies. By staying alert, being patient, and utilizing the tips mentioned above, you can get the most bang for your buck and enjoy your favorite titles without burning a hole in your pocket. Happy gaming!
