Best for tracking prices: IsThereAnyDeal — compares prices and history across stores. Best for big sales: Steam — its seasonal sales are the biggest. Best for free games: Epic Games Store — a free game every week. Best for bundles: Humble Bundle. Use grey-market key sites with caution, as their keys can be revoked.
PC gaming is the cheapest form of gaming if you know when and where to buy. Games get deep discounts within months of release, bundles offer whole libraries for a fraction of the list price, and some stores hand out full games for free.
The trick is patience and a good set of tools. Below are the best places to find PC game deals and how to use them, from price trackers to seasonal sales to bundle sites. Store policies and sale schedules change, so check each site for current details.
Best Places to Find Cheap PC Games
1. IsThereAnyDeal — Best Price Tracker
IsThereAnyDeal (ITAD) compares prices across many legitimate stores and shows each game’s price history, so you can see whether a sale is a real bargain. You can build a wishlist and get alerts when a game hits your target price.
It’s free to use, and it’s the single most useful tool for anyone who buys PC games regularly. Always check the store listed to make sure you’re comfortable buying from it.
2. Steam — Best for Seasonal Sales
Steam runs several big sales a year, including a summer sale, an autumn sale, and a winter sale, along with themed events and publisher weekends. Wishlisting a game means you get notified when it goes on sale.
Prices for older titles drop sharply, and many games hit their lowest prices during the major sales. If you’re not in a rush, waiting for a sale usually saves a lot.
3. Epic Games Store — Best for Free Games
Epic gives away at least one game for free every week, and you keep it forever once you claim it. It also runs a big spring sale and regular discount events with coupon-style savings.
The store is more limited than Steam in features, but the free games are real, and claiming them costs nothing. Set a weekly reminder to check.
4. Humble Bundle — Best for Bundles and Charity
Humble sells game bundles at tiered prices, where paying more unlocks more games, and part of the proceeds goes to charity. Its monthly subscription (Humble Choice) also includes a selection of games.
Bundles are best when you’d play at least a couple of the included games. Otherwise, a large library of unplayed games isn’t a saving.
5. GOG and Fanatical — Worth Checking
GOG sells DRM-free games and runs frequent sales, especially on classic titles. Fanatical offers regular bundles and discounts on Steam keys from official publishers.
Both are legitimate stores and often match or beat Steam’s prices for the same game, especially during their own promotions.
A Note on Grey-Market Key Sites
Some sites sell game keys far below store prices, but these keys can come from unofficial sources and may be revoked, leaving you without the game. Stick with official stores or well-known authorised resellers where possible, and if you do use a key marketplace, buy from highly rated sellers and redeem the key straight away.
How to Save the Most
- Wishlist everything. Alerts do the waiting for you.
- Check price history first. Compare with the lowest price ever, not just the current one.
- Wait 6–12 months after launch. Most games are discounted within a year.
- Look for free trials and demos. Try before you buy.
- Watch regional pricing and currency. Prices differ by country, so use your local store and avoid workarounds that violate the store’s terms.
A Simple Buying Plan
Set a monthly game budget, keep a wishlist of games you actually want to play, and buy only when a title hits a price you’re happy with, typically 50–75% off for games a year or more old. Finish what you own before buying more. Between free weekly giveaways and regular sales, most players can build a big library for a fraction of list price without ever paying launch prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to buy PC games?
During the big seasonal sales on Steam (summer, autumn, and winter), and during Epic and GOG promotions. Waiting a few months after launch usually gives a substantial saving.
Is Humble Bundle worth it?
It can be, if the bundle includes games you’d actually play and the tier price is low. Buying bundles just to collect games rarely saves money.
Are cheap game keys safe?
Keys from official stores and authorised resellers are safe. Very cheap keys from marketplaces can be revoked or region-locked, so buy carefully.
How do I get free PC games legally?
Claim weekly giveaways on the Epic Games Store, look out for free weekends and promotions on Steam, and check subscription services and bundles that occasionally include free titles.
Final Thoughts: Use IsThereAnyDeal to track prices, wait for the big Steam sales, and claim Epic’s weekly freebies. Add Humble and GOG for bundles and classics, and stay away from unreliable key sellers. With a wishlist and a little patience, you’ll rarely pay full price.
Start Your Game Wishlist
Track prices and get alerts when your games go on sale.
Sale dates, store policies, and prices change often — always check current details on each store’s website.
