How to track PC game prices & never miss a Steam sale?
The Value of Smart Gaming Purchases
PC gaming offers an unparalleled library of titles, from indie gems to AAA blockbusters. However, building an extensive game collection can quickly become an expensive hobby. Fortunately, PC game prices fluctuate significantly, with frequent sales, discounts, and bundles offering incredible opportunities to save money. The key to maximizing your savings is effective price tracking and knowing when and where to buy.
By actively monitoring game prices, you can avoid paying full price, snag games at their historical lows, and never again lament missing out on a fleeting Steam sale or a massive discount on your wishlist game. This guide will equip you with the knowledge and tools to become a savvy game shopper.
Top Price Tracking Websites & Tools
IsThereAnyDeal.com & GG.deals
These two websites are arguably the most comprehensive aggregators for PC game prices. They pull pricing data from virtually every major digital storefront, including Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG, Humble Store, Fanatical, Green Man Gaming, and many more. Both offer:
- Historical Price Charts: See a game’s price history to determine if a current deal is genuinely good or if it’s been cheaper before.
- Wishlist & Alerts: Add games to your personal wishlist and receive email notifications when they drop below a certain price or hit a new historical low.
- DRM Filters: Filter results by DRM (e.g., Steam key, GOG DRM-free) to find exactly what you want.
Browser Extensions
Browser extensions provide real-time price comparisons and historical data directly on store pages, saving you clicks. Tools like the Enhanced Steam extension (for Steam) or various generic price comparison extensions can integrate price history, user reviews, and even region-specific pricing information right into your browsing experience. This allows for instant decision-making without navigating to a separate website.
Leveraging Store Wishlists & Notifications
Almost every major digital storefront offers a wishlist feature. While not as robust as dedicated price trackers, these are crucial for receiving official notifications directly from the platform. Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG will email you when games on your wishlist go on sale.
Make sure your notification settings are enabled within your account preferences on each platform. This ensures you’re immediately alerted to official sales, which are often the cheapest initial points for first-party titles or major seasonal events. Combine this with third-party trackers for the best coverage.
Understanding Sale Cycles and Timing
Major Seasonal Sales
Steam, in particular, is famous for its massive seasonal sales, which occur several times a year. The biggest ones are usually the Steam Summer Sale (June/July) and the Steam Winter Sale (December/January). Other significant sales include the Spring Sale (March), Halloween Sale (October), and various themed events. During these periods, thousands of games receive substantial discounts, often reaching their historical low prices.
Publisher & Developer Sales
Beyond the major platform-wide events, individual publishers and developers frequently host their own sales. Keep an eye out for these on storefronts like the Humble Store, Fanatical, or directly on publisher websites. These sales can sometimes offer unique bundles or deeper discounts on specific franchises than general platform sales.
Pro Tips for Savvy Game Shoppers
- Check Historical Lows: Always compare the current sale price against a game’s historical low using tracking websites. Don’t fall for a 50% discount if the game was 75% off just a month ago.
- Be Patient: Most games, especially popular ones, will eventually go on sale again. If you miss a deal, another one will likely come around.
- Utilize Price Comparison: Before buying, quickly check multiple storefronts via an aggregator. Sometimes, one store will have a slightly better deal or offer a more appealing package (e.g., a bundle).
- Consider Bundles: Websites like Humble Bundle and Fanatical frequently offer game bundles that provide incredible value, often allowing you to pick up several titles for the price of one.
- Read Reviews First: Don’t let a great price lure you into buying a game you won’t enjoy. Always check reviews and gameplay videos before making a purchase.
Conclusion: Game Smart, Save Big
Tracking PC game prices is a simple yet highly effective way to build a fantastic game library without breaking the bank. By combining dedicated price tracking websites, browser extensions, and store wishlists, you’ll be well-equipped to spot the best deals and never miss a crucial sale.
Embrace a strategic approach to game purchasing. With a little patience and the right tools, you can enjoy all the latest and greatest PC titles while keeping your wallet happy. Happy gaming, and happy saving!
