Best method to track PC game deals & get wishlist alerts for Steam/Epic?
For many PC gamers, the thrill of a new title is often matched only by the satisfaction of snagging it at a significant discount. With countless games released each year and digital storefronts like Steam and the Epic Games Store regularly hosting sales, keeping track of price drops and securing the best deals can feel like a full-time job. But what’s the most efficient way to ensure you never miss out on a great price for that game you’ve been eyeing?
The Power of Dedicated Game Deal Aggregators
The most comprehensive approach to tracking PC game deals lies with dedicated deal aggregator websites. Services like IsThereAnyDeal.com and GG.deals are invaluable tools. They continuously monitor prices across dozens of digital storefronts, including Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG, Humble Store, Fanatical, and many more. These platforms allow you to search for specific games and instantly see their current prices, historical low prices, and which stores offer the best deal.
Beyond simple price comparison, these aggregators offer detailed price history charts, helping you decide if a current discount is truly a good deal or if you should wait for an even lower price. They centralize information that would otherwise require you to scour numerous individual store pages daily.
Seamless Wishlist Integration and Price Alerts
One of the standout features of these aggregator sites is their deep integration with your existing wishlists. Both IsThereAnyDeal and GG.deals allow you to import your Steam wishlist directly. Once imported, you can set custom price alerts for each game, specifying the exact discount percentage or price point you’re willing to pay. When a game on your wishlist hits your target price at any monitored store, you’ll receive an instant notification, typically via email or browser push notification.
This automated alert system is a game-changer, eliminating the need for manual checks and ensuring you’re always informed when your desired games are on sale. It’s especially useful for tracking games on the Epic Games Store, which doesn’t offer the same robust native wishlist notification system as Steam for third-party sales.
Leveraging Platform-Specific Features
While aggregators are king, don’t underestimate the native features of the major platforms. Steam’s wishlist system is excellent for its own store. You can add games to your wishlist and Steam will send you email notifications when those games go on sale during major events like the Summer or Winter Sale, or even during smaller publisher sales. For Epic Games Store, while it lacks granular wishlist alerts, it’s crucial to regularly check their “Free Games” section and keep an eye on their major sales events, which often include significant discount coupons that can be stacked with sale prices.
Staying informed about each platform’s unique sales cycles and promotional offers, like Epic’s weekly free titles or Steam’s daily deals, complements the broader tracking provided by aggregators. Sometimes a direct storefront deal, especially with Epic’s recurring coupons, can beat an aggregator’s listed price.
Community Resources and Browser Extensions
Beyond automated tools, vibrant online communities are excellent sources for deal discovery. Subreddits like r/GameDeals are incredibly active, with users constantly posting new deals, bundles, and freebies from various storefronts. Following these communities can alert you to flash sales or regional discounts that might not be prominently featured elsewhere. Similarly, many gaming Discord servers have dedicated channels for deal alerts.
Browser extensions, such as those offered by some deal aggregators or standalone tools, can also add convenience. They might display price history directly on a game’s store page or offer quick links to comparison sites, enhancing your browsing experience without needing to visit a separate website.
Tips for Maximizing Your Savings
To truly master game deal tracking, consider these additional tips: Be Patient: Many games go on sale multiple times throughout the year. If a discount isn’t deep enough, wait. Set Realistic Price Thresholds: Decide what you’re genuinely willing to pay for a game and set your alerts accordingly. Explore Bundles: Websites like Humble Bundle and Fanatical frequently offer game bundles at incredible value, often including wishlist titles. Don’t Forget Freebies: Regularly check Epic Games Store and other platforms for their weekly/monthly free game offerings.
By combining these strategies, you’ll not only track game deals more effectively but also develop smart shopping habits that will save you a substantial amount of money over time, allowing you to expand your game library without breaking the bank.
In conclusion, the best method for tracking PC game deals and receiving wishlist alerts for platforms like Steam and Epic Games Store involves leveraging robust deal aggregator websites. By linking your wishlists and utilizing their alert systems, coupled with an awareness of platform-specific sales and community resources, you can confidently navigate the vast world of PC gaming discounts and always get the best price for your next adventure.
