Best way to track all game deals & codes (Steam, console, PC) for max savings?
Saving money on games is a gamer’s ultimate side quest. With countless platforms, digital storefronts, and ever-changing prices, tracking down the best deals and elusive discount codes can feel like an impossible boss battle. But fear not, intrepid gamer! A strategic approach can help you build your library without emptying your wallet. Here’s how to become a master deal hunter across Steam, consoles, and PC.
The Power of Dedicated Deal Aggregators
These websites are your primary weapon in the fight against full price. Services like IsThereAnyDeal, CheapShark, and GG.deals scour digital storefronts across PC (Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG, Humble Store, etc.), console, and even physical retailers to present you with the lowest current prices. They often include historical price data, allowing you to gauge if a “deal” is truly worth it. Many also offer email alerts for specific games on your wishlist when they hit a target price, ensuring you never miss a bargain.
Leveraging Platform-Specific Tools & Sales
Every major gaming platform has its own sales cycles and built-in features designed to help you save. Understanding and utilizing these is crucial.
Steam’s Mighty Wishlist & Seasonal Events
The Steam Wishlist is incredibly powerful. Add any game you’re interested in, and Steam will email you when it goes on sale. Beyond the massive seasonal sales (Summer, Winter, Spring, Autumn), look out for publisher weekends, daily deals, and mid-week madness that offer significant discounts on a rotating basis.
Console Digital Storefronts
PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, Nintendo eShop: Each digital storefront regularly hosts weekly deals, publisher sales, and special themed events. Make it a habit to check their respective “Deals” sections. Subscribing to their official newsletters can also provide timely updates directly to your inbox, often with exclusive offers.
Epic Games Store Freebies & Coupons
Known for its generous weekly free game offerings, the Epic Games Store also runs significant sales with additional coupon codes that can stack on top of existing discounts. These often lead to incredibly low prices, sometimes even making AAA titles virtually free after coupon application.
Browser Extensions and Price Trackers
Enhance your browsing experience with extensions that integrate deal tracking directly into store pages, providing immediate insights.
Augmented Steam
A highly popular browser extension for Steam users, Augmented Steam adds valuable features like price history graphs, regional pricing comparisons, Steam Key site price comparisons, and more directly to Steam store pages. This helps you make informed purchasing decisions at a glance.
General Price Trackers
While not game-specific, some browser extensions track prices across various online retailers. These can be useful if you’re looking for physical copies of games, gaming peripherals, or hardware, ensuring you’re getting the best deal possible.
Engaging with Gaming Communities & Social Media
The collective power of gamers is immense when it to deal hunting. Tap into these communities for real-time alerts and hidden gems.
Subreddits like r/GameDeals are treasure troves of user-submitted deals. Members actively share links to obscure sales, limited-time offers, and even error pricing before it’s corrected. Communities dedicated to specific platforms or genres can also highlight relevant discounts.
Discord & Twitter
Many gaming communities and deal sites host Discord servers where real-time deal alerts are shared and discussed. Similarly, follow official store accounts, game publishers, and dedicated deal aggregator accounts on Twitter for instant notifications on flash sales or code drops.
Subscribing to Newsletters and Email Alerts
Don’t underestimate the power of direct communication. Sign up for newsletters from your favorite game retailers (e.g., Fanatical, Humble Bundle, Green Man Gaming, CDKeys) as well as the dedicated deal aggregators mentioned earlier. These often provide exclusive discounts or early access to sales that you might not find elsewhere.
Your Ultimate Deal-Hunting Strategy
To truly maximize your savings and track every available game deal and code, combine these strategies. Use aggregators for a broad overview of the market, leverage platform wishlists for specific titles you’re eyeing, enhance your browsing with insightful extensions, and stay connected with vibrant gaming communities for real-time alerts and exclusive tips. By building a multi-layered approach, you’ll ensure no great game deal or essential discount code slips through your grasp, making your gaming library grow without emptying your wallet. Happy hunting!
