For PC gamers, the annual Steam Summer Sale is the one to look forward to. Although it’s true that other companies like GOG and Green Man Gaming have created appealing sales of their own – some of which have better pricing – Steam is still the most popular platform for users and the ability to use Steam gift cards goes a long way for some consumers.
Yes, this year’s Steam Summer Sale (and last year’s Winter Sale) isn’t as exciting as past sales, but that’s because Steam has introduced its refund policy. It’s understandable that there are no longer Daily Deals, Flash Sales or Community Choice games, and while discounts aren’t as deep as many would like, there’s still plenty of games worth purchasing.
There’s something for everyone on the list, no matter what your budget may be. If you’re having a hard time deciding what to spend your money on, hopefully this list helps.
10. Doom – $35.99
It’s a pleasant surprise to see Doom on sale for $35.99 so quickly. Typically you would attribute a quick sale to a bad game, but that’s hardly the case for Doom. In fact, it is widely considered one of the best first-person shooters to have come out in the last decade, at least for its single-player campaign. Multiplayer complaints are still valid, but if you’re looking for a fun time shooting demons in the face and wrecking havoc on your own, then Doom is the game to get.
9. Grim Dawn – $18.74
Tired of Path of Exile and Diablo III? Grim Dawn is a surprisingly competent action RPG and a ton of fun both solo and multiplayer. There’s a variety of classes to enjoy and one of its most interesting features is allowing you to mix two classes together. The end-game content to Grim Dawn isn’t as robust as other games in the genre, but you will still get plenty of entertainment playing through the story on your own or in a group with friends.
8. Offworld Trading Company – $19.99
Love real-time strategy games? Offworld Trading Company puts a huge twist on the genre and has quickly become one of our favorite games to play this Steam Summer Sale. There’s a ton of depth to the game and it’s quite interesting how a bit of the 4X genre finds its way into the gameplay. It’s a bit difficult to explain what Offworld Trading Company is all about in a few words, but if you love strategy games, this is a must-have.
7. Castle Crashers – $2.99
Looking for something really cheap but will provide a good few hours of entertainment? Castle Crashers is the perfect beat ’em up game if you’ve got friends to take with you on the journey. But even if you don’t, there’s plenty of fun to be had, especially for $2.99.
6. 7 Days to Die – $9.99
Want a survival zombie game? 7 Days to Die may still be in Early Access, but there’s a lot going for the game, considering it has been in Early Access for nearly two-and-a-half years now. The open-world game uniquely combines first-person shooting with survival and crafting, and is best played with a few friends.
5. Cities: Skylines – $11.99
There’s plenty of city builders available this Steam Summer Sale, but Cities: Skylines still tops the list in our opinion. Released in March 2015, its developer has gone on to release numerous updates and additions to the game, making it one of the most in-depth city simulators around.
4. Life is Strange – $9.99
When it comes to story-driven, adventure games, there’s plenty of options thanks to developer Telltame Games. But it’s Life is Strange that has captured the hearts of many gamers worldwide, and now is a better time than any to dive in if you haven’t experienced it yourself. Spanning across five chapters, you play as Max, a teenage girl that discovers she can rewind time. Live through a touching and emotional story in one of our favorite games of 2015.
3. Undertale – $6.99
Don’t judge a book by its cover and unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably heard of Undertale. One of the most surprising games of 2015, Undertale may look like a simple indie game but it’s hardly that. It’s an RPG at its core and you can even play through the entire game without killing a single character. There’s a great story to be told, and your decisions throughout the game will impact just which story you will experience.
2. Rocket League – $11.99
If you’re on a limited budget and want a multiplayer game that is guaranteed to keep you entertained for hundreds of hours, don’t look any further than Rocket League. The title took the gaming industry by storm last year, and you can find out why for just $11.99. There’s even a four-pack available for $35.99 and it’s well worth every single penny.
1. Stardew Valley – $11.99
Topping the list is none other than Stardew Valley, this year’s biggest surprise game so far. Available for $11.99, its discount isn’t huge compared to the regular price of $14.99, but Stardew Valley offers enough entertainment to warrant a regular price tag of $59.99 like a console game. Like Rocket League, if you’re on a limited budget but want a single-player game – this is it. Prepare to sink thousands, yes thousands, of hours into the game that has received Overwhelmingly Positive reviews since it arrived. If you’re a fan of Harvest Moon and Animal Crossing titles, Stardew Valley is literally the perfect game for you. And if you’ve never explored the genre, the game will welcome you with open arms and never let you go.
