The Steam Winter Sale is one of the most anticipated events for PC gamers every year, offering deep discounts on thousands of games. While the festive season brings joy, it can also wreak havoc on your wallet if you’re not careful. To help you make the most of the sale without overspending, here are six essential tips to survive and thrive during the Steam Winter Sale 2024.
1. Assess Your Backlog Before Buying Anything
Before diving headfirst into the sale, take a moment to evaluate your existing game library. Chances are, your backlog already has enough content to keep you busy for months—or even years. Whether it’s games from Steam, Epic Games Store, or free titles from platforms like Prime Gaming, you likely have more than enough to play.
Instead of adding random discounted titles to your collection, ask yourself if you’ll realistically play them. Prioritize games you’ve been meaning to get for a while rather than impulse buys. Remember, six months from now, the Steam Summer Sale will roll around, offering another chance to grab deals.
2. Don’t Get Blinded by Price Thresholds
The allure of games under $3, $5, or $10 is hard to resist, but these thresholds don’t mean as much as they used to. With free games and bundles from other platforms, even ultra-cheap titles might not be worth your time or money. Evaluate the value of the game rather than the price tag. A $2.99 game like The Witcher 3: Complete Edition might provide tremendous value, but a $3 throwaway title might not.
Focus on games that genuinely interest you or that you plan to play soon, rather than buying solely based on price.
3. Only Buy Premium Games If You’ll Play Them Soon
For games priced above $10, it’s critical to ensure you’ll play them in the near future. Games like Dragon Age: Veilguard, which might be discounted by 35% shortly after release, will likely see even steeper discounts in the future. Unless you plan to play it within the next two months, wait for a better deal.
The same logic applies to classics like Red Dead Redemption. Rockstar games rarely see massive price drops, but even they eventually go on sale at appealing discounts. Be patient and selective with higher-priced purchases.
4. Be Cautious with Older Ports
When buying older games or ports, do your research to avoid technical issues. Some older titles might not run smoothly on modern PCs due to outdated ports or lack of support. Use Steam reviews, forums, and compatibility guides to check performance.
Leverage Steam’s refund policy for peace of mind. However, remember that refunds are only available within two weeks of purchase and if you’ve played the game for less than two hours. If you wait too long to test a game, you might be stuck with a title that doesn’t run well.
5. Shop Around for the Best Deals
Steam isn’t the only place to grab great deals during the Winter Sale. Retailers like Green Man Gaming, Humble Bundle, and GamesPlanet often offer Steam keys at lower prices. For example:
- Sleeping Dogs: Definitive Edition might be $3 on Steam but $2.40 on Green Man Gaming.
- Final Fantasy VII Rebirth could be $49 on Steam but $40 for XP members on Green Man Gaming.
The only downside is that non-Steam purchases typically don’t offer refunds, so ensure you’re confident before buying.
6. Don’t Be Afraid to Skip the Sale
Finally, remember that you don’t have to participate in every sale. While the colorful banners and steep discounts can be enticing, ask yourself if buying new games aligns with your current gaming habits. If you’re not in the mood to game or already have a massive backlog, skipping the sale entirely might be the smartest choice.
Games that are on sale now will likely go on sale again—or might even become free in the future. Spending money should bring value to your life, whether that’s entertainment, relaxation, or joy. If a discounted game doesn’t add value, it’s better left unpurchased.
Final Thoughts: Stay Smart During the Sale
The Steam Winter Sale is an exciting time, but it’s easy to get carried away. By assessing your backlog, being selective with purchases, and shopping around for the best deals, you can make the most of the sale without overspending. If you’re unsure, remember that skipping the sale is always an option, and there will always be another chance to grab great games.
Let us know your tips for surviving the Steam Winter Sale in the comments below!
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