Beyond Steam sales, how do I find indie PC game deals and discount codes?

While Steam sales are legendary for snagging great deals on PC games, they’re far from the only battlefield where indie gems can be found at a bargain. The world of independent PC gaming is vast and diverse, and so are the opportunities to save money. If you’re looking to expand your library without breaking the bank, here’s how to venture beyond the familiar green and black storefront.

Explore Alternative Digital Storefronts

Don’t limit your search to just one platform. Many digital retailers frequently host their own sales, often competing with each other or offering unique promotions on indie titles.

• GOG.com (Good Old Games): Renowned for its DRM-free policy, GOG frequently has deep discounts on both classic and modern indie games. Their sales often align with holidays or special events, and titles purchased there grant you full ownership without restrictive digital rights management.
• Itch.io: A haven for experimental and niche indie games, Itch.io allows developers to set their own prices, including “pay-what-you-want” options and regular sales. It’s an excellent place to discover unique titles and support creators directly.
• Epic Games Store: Beyond its highly anticipated weekly free game giveaways, the Epic Games Store also runs significant sales, sometimes coupling them with additional discount coupons that can be applied to already reduced prices.
• Humble Store: While often associated with bundles, the Humble Store also functions as a standalone digital storefront with regular sales, often donating a portion of proceeds to charity.

Harness the Power of Bundle Sites

Game bundles are a fantastic way to acquire multiple games for a fraction of their individual cost. These sites are constantly rotating their offerings, so checking back regularly is key.

• Humble Bundle: The pioneer of the “pay-what-you-want” model, Humble Bundle offers various bundles—games, software, books—often themed around genres, publishers, or specific indie developers. You choose your price tier, receive more games, and support charity. Their Humble Choice subscription also delivers a curated selection of games monthly.
• Fanatical: Similar to Humble, Fanatical (formerly Bundle Stars) provides curated game bundles, flash deals, and discount codes for individual titles. They frequently feature strong indie lineups.
• IndieGala: Another long-standing bundle site, IndieGala offers free games, bundles, and a storefront with sales.

Connect Directly with Developers and Publishers

Sometimes the best deals come straight from the source. Indie developers and smaller publishers often announce sales or offer discount codes through their own channels.

• Newsletters and Social Media: Follow your favorite indie studios and publishers on Twitter, Facebook, Mastodon, or subscribe to their newsletters. This is often where they first announce upcoming sales, new releases, or exclusive discount codes.
• Discord Servers: Many developers host active Discord communities where they engage with fans, offer sneak peeks, and occasionally run giveaways or provide special discount codes to their members.
• Patreon/Kickstarter: Supporting developers on platforms like Patreon or backing their projects on Kickstarter can sometimes come with perks, including early access to games or exclusive discounts on their current and future titles.

Leverage Deal Aggregators and Community Resources

Don’t reinvent the wheel; let others do the heavy lifting of tracking deals across the internet.

• IsThereAnyDeal.com / CheapShark.com: These invaluable websites track prices across dozens of digital storefronts, allowing you to see historical lows, set up wishlists, and receive email notifications when a game you want goes on sale. They are indispensable tools for serious bargain hunters.
• Reddit Communities: Subreddits like r/GameDeals and r/FreeGameFindings are incredibly active, with users constantly posting about new sales, bundles, and free game offers from various platforms. It’s a goldmine for real-time deals.
• Deal Forums and Websites: Dedicated gaming deal websites and forums often have sections specifically for PC game deals, where users share findings and discuss the best current offers.

Keep an Eye Out for Giveaways and Freebies

While not strictly “deals,” acquiring a game for free is the ultimate discount. Many platforms and developers regularly give away games.

• Epic Games Store: As mentioned, they offer a new free game (or sometimes two) every week.
• Prime Gaming (Amazon Prime): If you’re an Amazon Prime subscriber, you get access to Prime Gaming, which includes a rotating selection of free PC games and in-game content.
• Developer Giveaways: Keep an eye on social media and developer Discord servers for occasional giveaways to promote new games or celebrate milestones.

Finding great indie PC game deals requires a bit of active searching, but the rewards are well worth the effort. By looking beyond Steam, utilizing bundle sites, connecting with developers, and leveraging community resources, you can build an impressive library of unique and compelling titles without draining your wallet. Happy hunting!