The Steam Summer Sale, one of the biggest gaming sales of the year, is just around the corner. Held from June 27 to July 11, 2024, this sale offers massive discounts on a vast library of titles, from the latest AAA releases to hidden indie gems that you have only just discovered. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or just starting your PC gaming journey, the Summer Sale is the perfect opportunity to expand your collection without leaving a large dent in your wallet.
Steam Summer Sale in a nutshell
The Steam Summer Sale is one of a handful of major sales put on by the platform that sees huge discounts across a wide array of games. You’ll find a wide variety of genres represented, including action-packed shooters, immersive RPGs, horror titles, and strategy games. Prices can plummet by as much as 75% or even more (Don’t Starve is an example that’s commonly 75% off), making it an ideal time to snag that game you’ve been eyeing or discover hidden gems at bargain prices.
Past hits
Past Steam Summer Sales have been great for gamers. AAA titles like Elden Ring and Cyberpunk 2077 have seen discounts as deep as 40% and 50% off respectively, while hidden indie gems like Hades were available for a steal at 66% off. Publisher catalogs and franchise bundles have been known to receive massive price reductions with the entire Witcher 3 trilogy being offered for a fraction of its usual cost. With these past deals in mind, the upcoming Summer Sale promises exciting possibilities for every gamer’s wishlist.
How to make the most of the deals
Now that you’re hyped for the Summer Sale, here are some essential tips to help you navigate the deals and make the most of your budget:
Use the wishlist feature
Before the sale even starts, organize your wishlist. Add any games you’re interested in to your Steam wishlist, even if you are on the fence. This way, when the sale hits, you can easily sort your wishlist by discount to prioritize the biggest bargains. No more hunting is needed as you’ll be able to dive straight into the best deals.
SteamDB
This website is your secret weapon. SteamDB tracks Steam sales and lets you filter games by various criteria, such as discount percentage, rating, and price history. We’ve been using SteamDB to keep track of discounts, such as the examples mentioned above. You can even narrow down the list by features like controller support or platform. Use it to find the deepest discounts on highly-rated games. You will also be able to join a Discord for the Summer Sale in order to keep up to date.
Broaden your search
Don’t get caught up in the allure of the latest AAA releases only, try researching a range of titles, even those unfamiliar to you. While they might have smaller discounts, older titles, indie games, and downloadable content (DLC) often see significant price drops during the sale. You might discover your next favorite game for a fraction of the cost.
Search for bundles
Publisher catalogs or franchise bundles can group multiple games together at a fraction of their individual cost. This can be a great way to snag several titles you’ve been wanting to play. However, remember to only buy bundles you’ll actually play to avoid a backlog graveyard.
Set a budget
Sales are designed to be tempting, so set a budget for yourself beforehand and stick to it. This prevents impulse purchases and ensures you don’t overspend.
Be realistic
It’s easy to get swept away by discounts, but resist the urge to buy games you won’t play anytime soon – in short, be realistic. Steam sales are frequent, so you’ll likely have another chance to snag that discounted title later.
So yes, the Steam Summer Sale is just around the corner, promising many discounted titles. With a little planning and these handy tips, you can navigate the sale with ease, maximize your savings, and build an epic gaming library without breaking the bank.