Steam sales are legendary among PC gamers — a chance to build your library without breaking the bank. But with thousands of discounts flooding the storefront during events like the Summer Sale, Winter Sale, and themed festivals, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Here’s how to make the most of Steam sales in 2025.
1. Use Wishlists to Your Advantage
Before any major sale, update your wishlist. Steam now offers improved notification settings and better filtering tools, so you’ll be instantly alerted when your favourite titles go on sale — and by how much.
2. Set a Budget and Stick to It
Sales can be tempting, but impulse buying leads to bloated libraries of games you’ll never play. Decide how much you’re willing to spend ahead of time. Consider using Steam Wallet credit to help cap your spending.
3. Check Historical Pricing with Tools
Use third-party sites like IsThereAnyDeal or Enhanced Steam browser extensions to compare current discounts to past sales. Just because a game is 40% off doesn’t mean it’s the best deal it’s ever had.
4. Prioritise High-Quality Indies
AAA games might only get small discounts during early sale cycles, but indie titles often go 60–90% off. This is the perfect time to discover under-the-radar gems with great reviews and low price tags.
5. Avoid Buying Just to “Save” Money
Don’t fall into the trap of buying games you wouldn’t play otherwise just because they’re cheap. Focus on what fits your taste, time, and hardware.
6. Participate in Events and Bonuses
Steam often runs minigames, trading card drops, or achievement challenges during major sales. These can lead to profile badges, discounts, and fun community goals.
7. Think Long-Term
If you know you won’t get to a game immediately, consider whether it’s worth picking up now or waiting. Most games appear in multiple sales per year.
Steam sales remain one of the best ways to grow your PC library — but only if you approach them wisely. A bit of planning goes a long way in turning a chaotic storefront into a goldmine of gaming value.