savingsspot.co.uk For PC gamers in the UK, the words “Steam Sale” conjure up images of incredible discounts, overflowing wishlists, and a serious dent in one’s bank balance (but in a good way!). Valve’s digital distribution platform, Steam, hosts several major sales throughout the year, offering substantial price cuts on thousands of games, from the latest AAA blockbusters to hidden indie gems. This guide will provide everything you need to know to navigate these sales like a pro, ensuring you snag the best deals and avoid impulse buys you’ll later regret.
When are the Steam Sales?
While Valve keeps the exact dates under wraps until relatively close to the event, there are four major seasonal sales that occur predictably each year. These follow a general pattern, although the specific start and end dates can vary slightly:
- Spring Sale: Typically takes place in late March or early April.
- Summer Sale: Usually begins in late June and runs for about two weeks. This is generally considered one of the biggest sales of the year.
- Autumn Sale (often coinciding with Black Friday): Happens in late November.
- Winter Sale: Starts around the middle of December and continues into early January. Another major sale, perfectly timed for the holiday season.
Besides these four major sales, Steam also frequently features smaller, themed sales. These might focus on specific genres (like “FPS Fest” for first-person shooters), publishers (like a “Square Enix Publisher Weekend”), or even celebrate particular events or anniversaries. Keep an eye on the Steam homepage and social media for announcements about these smaller promotions.
Preparing for the Storm: Wishlist Wisely
The key to success in any Steam Sale is preparation. Don’t go in blind! The sheer volume of discounted games can be overwhelming, leading to hasty purchases you might not actually play. The Steam Wishlist is your best friend here. Throughout the year, add any games you’re even remotely interested in to your Wishlist. When a sale hits, you’ll receive email notifications (make sure these are enabled in your Steam settings!) informing you of any discounts on your wishlisted titles. This helps you quickly identify the games you truly want and avoid getting sidetracked by other offers.
It’s also wise to do a bit of research *before* the sale. Read reviews, watch gameplay videos, and decide on a budget. Knowing what you want and how much you’re willing to spend will help you make informed decisions and resist the temptation of impulse buys.
Navigating the Sale: Tips and Tricks
Once the sale is live, the real fun begins. Here are some tips to maximize your savings and find the best deals:
- Daily Deals and Flash Sales: In the past, Steam Sales featured Daily Deals (rotating every 24 hours) and Flash Sales (lasting only a few hours). While these have become less prominent in recent years, replaced with a more consistent discount across the entire sale period, it’s still worth checking the Steam homepage regularly. You never know when a particularly amazing deal might pop up, even if it is no longer labelled a ‘Flash’ or ‘Daily’ deal.
- Explore by Genre and Tag: Steam’s search and filtering tools are your allies. Don’t just browse the front page; delve into specific genres, use tags (like “Open World,” “RPG,” or “Multiplayer”), and sort by discount percentage to uncover hidden gems and deep discounts.
- Bundle Up: Look for game bundles. Publishers often offer bundles of their games at a significantly reduced price compared to buying them individually. This is a fantastic way to get a collection of related titles or a complete series for a bargain.
- Consider Early Access Titles: Games in Early Access (still in development) are often discounted during sales. This can be a great way to support developers and get a game at a lower price, but be aware that Early Access titles may be buggy or incomplete.
- Don’t Forget Indie Games: Steam Sales are a fantastic opportunity to discover amazing indie games. These titles often have very low prices, even before the discounts, and offer unique and innovative gameplay experiences.
- Check Third-Party Sites (with Caution): While this article is specifically about Steam Sales, it’s worth mentioning that legitimate third-party key resellers (like Humble Bundle, Fanatical, and Green Man Gaming) often run their own sales concurrently with Steam. *However*, be extremely cautious and only purchase from reputable sites to avoid scams or receiving invalid keys. Make sure to do some quick checks and only use companies that are well-known and trusted.
- Price History Tracking: Although outside websites are not listed, price history tracking tools are incredibly useful, and researching how to do this is very important. These tools can show you the historical low price of a game, helping you determine if the current sale price is actually a good deal.
- Wait Until the End: While some deals might be slightly better at the start, generally it’s sensible to wait until near the end of the sale to buy something. This helps to prevent the “fear of missing out” and helps to prevent over-spending.
Beyond the Games: Steam Trading Cards and Community Features
Steam Sales aren’t just about buying games; they also have a unique community aspect centered around Steam Trading Cards. During major sales, playing eligible games will earn you special trading cards. These cards can be collected, traded with other users, or crafted into badges. Crafting badges grants you Steam profile XP, emoticons, profile backgrounds, and sometimes even discount coupons for other games. While it’s a minor aspect of the sale, it adds another layer of engagement for collectors and those who enjoy interacting with the Steam community.
The Aftermath: Managing Your Library
After a successful Steam Sale, you’ll likely have a significantly expanded game library. Take some time to organize your library using Steam’s built-in features. You can create categories (like “To Play,” “Completed,” or by genre), hide games you’re not currently interested in, and even mark some as favorites for easy access. This will help you keep track of your growing collection and ensure you actually get around to playing all those fantastic bargains you snagged!
Steam Sales are a highlight of the year for PC gamers in the UK. With a little planning and these tips, you can make the most of these events, expand your gaming horizons, and save a significant amount of money in the process. Happy gaming!
