For those who need a refresher or are embarking on the great PC gaming adventure, the Steam Summer Sale is usually a two-week event from Valve, featuring Daily Deals and Flash Sales from late June to early July. It’s a fantastic time to splurge on games, but it can be a tough time for our wallets due to the irresistible deals. I learned the hard way, but you don’t have to! Here’s a simple guide to help you make the most of your hard-earned cash during the Steam Summer Sale.
Table of Contents
1. Wait for the Best Deals
Don’t buy a game unless it’s a Daily Deal (DD), Flash Sale (FS), or Community Choice (CC), or at least 50% off. These sales typically offer the deepest discounts, so it’s worth waiting to see if your favorite games hit those marks.
2. Buy Games as Gifts
See a game at 80% off and feel the urge to buy it immediately? Consider purchasing it as a gift. If you later decide you don’t want it, you can gift it to a friend, trade it, or sell it. This way, you avoid buyer’s remorse and keep your options open.
3. Don’t Panic
Missed a game on a daily sale? Don’t worry. There’s a chance it will be on sale again later, possibly even on the last day of the event. Stay calm and strategize your purchases based on what’s most important to you.
4. Use the Wishlist
Make use of Steam’s wishlist feature. Steam will notify you when a game on your list goes on sale. Organize your wishlist by priority to keep track of your top picks and get notified when they hit a good discount.
5. Budget with Steam Wallet
Set a budget and load that amount into your Steam Wallet. This helps prevent overspending and keeps your credit card bill in check. Think of it as your Steam Summer Sale allowance. Remember, once funds are in your Steam Wallet, they can’t be transferred back out.
6. Ask Yourself the Tough Questions
Is the game worth buying at 75% off? Is it a AAA title? Will you actually play it soon? What about the DLCs? Make sure you’re buying games you’ll genuinely enjoy and play. This self-interrogation will help you build a library of games you love.
7. Utilize Trading Cards
Steam’s trading cards can be a valuable resource. They offer game bonuses, enable you to craft badges, and earn Steam XP. You can get them by buying games on sale or participating in Community Choice Sales. You can also trade them or sell them on the market for extra funds to buy more games. Just don’t rely on them too much—always keep your priorities in check.
8. Have Fun!
While the Steam Summer Sale can be stressful with all the deals and budgeting, remember that the goal is to have fun. If there’s a game you really want, don’t hesitate to buy it even if it’s not at the highest discount. Enjoy the games and the thrill of the sale, but be considerate of your spending.
Happy gaming, and may your library be filled with fantastic games!
