How to track desired game price drops & find reliable discount codes?

The Hunt for the Perfect Game Deal

For avid gamers, the joy of a new title is often amplified when it’s purchased at a bargain. Waiting for that anticipated game to hit the sweet spot price can be a test of patience, but with the right tools and strategies, you can turn the hunt for discounts into a rewarding quest. This guide will walk you through the best methods to track game price drops and reliably find those elusive discount codes.

Mastering Game Price Tracking

Missing out on a flash sale can be frustrating, but various platforms and tools exist to keep you informed. Here’s how to stay ahead of the curve:

Dedicated Price Comparison Websites

• IsThereAnyDeal (ITAD): This is arguably one of the most comprehensive platforms. ITAD aggregates prices from a multitude of authorized PC game stores (Steam, GOG, Epic Games Store, Humble Store, Fanatical, Green Man Gaming, etc.) and allows you to set up wishlists and email alerts for specific price thresholds.
• PCGameTracker: Similar to ITAD, this site focuses on PC games and provides historical price data, helping you determine if a current sale is truly a good deal.
• Console-Specific Trackers: For PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch, services like PS Deals, Xbox Deals, and DekuDeals (for Switch) are invaluable for monitoring digital storefront prices and sales histories.

Store Wishlists & Notifications

Most major digital storefronts offer their own wishlist features. Add games you’re interested in, and you’ll often receive email notifications when they go on sale. While not as comprehensive as dedicated trackers, it’s a simple, native solution:

• Steam Wishlist: Get notified directly via email when games on your wishlist drop in price during major sales or individual publisher promotions.
• Epic Games Store Wishlist: Similar functionality, often paired with their generous free game offerings.
• Console Store Wishlists: PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, and Nintendo eShop all have features to track games and alert you to sales.

Browser Extensions

Extensions like Enhanced Steam (for Steam) or similar tools for other platforms can integrate price history and deal alerts directly into your browsing experience, offering convenience right where you shop.

Unearthing Reliable Discount Codes

Beyond sales, discount codes can provide an extra layer of savings. However, the internet is rife with expired or fake codes. Here’s how to find the genuine ones:

Reputable Coupon & Deal Sites

• Honey / Rakuten: These browser extensions automatically find and apply coupon codes at checkout on many online stores, including some gaming retailers.
• RetailMeNot / Coupons.com: While not gaming-specific, these sites occasionally list codes for broader retailers that might carry games or gaming accessories.
• Gaming-Specific Deal Sites: Websites like Humble Bundle (for bundles and store discounts), Fanatical, or Green Man Gaming often have their own promotional codes or flash sales exclusive to their platforms.

Gaming Communities & Forums

The collective knowledge of gamers is a powerful tool for deal hunting:

• Reddit’s r/GameDeals: A highly active community where users post and verify game sales, bundles, and discount codes from various retailers. Comments often provide valuable insights into whether a deal is good or if a code is working.
• Discord Servers: Many gaming communities and content creators run Discord servers with dedicated channels for deals and discounts.
• Specific Forums: Check forums dedicated to your preferred platform or genre; users often share codes they find.

Direct from Publishers & Retailers

Signing up for newsletters from your favorite game publishers (e.g., Ubisoft, EA) or digital storefronts can often grant you access to exclusive subscriber-only discount codes or early notifications of sales events.

Best Practices for Savvy Game Shoppers

• Patience is Key: Almost every game eventually goes on sale. Unless you absolutely need to play a game on day one, waiting a few weeks or months can save you a significant amount.
• Understand Sale Cycles: Major sales events like Steam Summer Sale, Black Friday, Winter Sales, and publisher-specific events (e.g., PlayStation’s Days of Play) are predictable times for deep discounts.
• Check for Bundles: Humble Bundle and Fanatical regularly offer incredible value bundles, often featuring multiple games for a fraction of their individual prices.
• Beware of Shady Sites: Only purchase from authorized resellers to avoid invalid keys, security risks, or supporting grey markets that harm developers. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Conclusion: Play Smart, Save More

With a combination of price tracking tools, vigilant community monitoring, and a healthy dose of patience, you can significantly reduce the cost of your gaming hobby. By leveraging the resources available, you’ll be able to track down those desired game price drops and snag reliable discount codes, ensuring your gaming library grows without emptying your wallet. Happy hunting!