Budget PC gaming: how to play more and spend less
You don't need to spend much to have a great backlog. Most savings come from a few habits: buy at the right time, claim free games, and avoid paying twice for things.
1. Make a wishlist and let prices come to you
Add games to your wishlist on the stores you use; most will email you when something on it goes on sale. For alerts across many stores at once, CheapShark offers free price alerts by email for any game it tracks. Then buy when the price reaches a number you've decided in advance, rather than when an ad tells you to.
2. Claim free games, even ones you're unsure about
Free-to-keep giveaways happen regularly, and claiming costs nothing. Over a year this can add dozens of games to your library. Check our free-to-keep tracker and read how to claim giveaways safely.
3. Try before you buy
- Play demos: many games release one, and store events dedicated to demos happen during the year.
- Use refund windows sensibly: try a game early within the window. See our refund guide. Don't abuse refunds; stores can restrict accounts that do.
- Watch for free weekends, when paid games are playable for a few days.
4. Consider a subscription only if you'll use it
Game subscription services give access to a rotating catalogue for a monthly fee. They're good value if you play several catalogue games a month, and poor value if you mainly play one game. Games leave catalogues, so if you love one, buying it on sale may be cheaper in the long run.
5. Avoid paying twice
- Before buying a bundle, check how many of its games you already own (including from past giveaways).
- Look for "complete" editions later instead of buying the base game and every expansion separately at launch.
- Be cautious with pre-orders. Digital games don't sell out, and launch prices are rarely the lowest.
6. Free-to-play: set limits up front
Free-to-play games can be excellent, but are designed around optional purchases. Decide a monthly limit before you start and avoid buying in-game currency in amounts that leave "leftover" balances.
7. Hardware on a budget
- Older and indie games often run well on modest hardware; check the minimum requirements before upgrading anything.
- Lowering resolution scaling or turning off a few demanding settings (shadows, volumetric effects) often gives big performance gains.
- If you buy used parts, buy from sellers with return options and test them as soon as they arrive.
When you're ready to shop, filter the deal finder by your maximum price, or start with today's Deals of the day.