Steam Sales: How to Resist—and When to Splurge

13 March 2025

If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably found yourself glued to the computer screen during a Steam Sale, scrolling through endless deals, your virtual shopping cart swelling faster than a balloon at a kid's birthday party. Steam Sales are like the Black Friday of the gaming world—tempting, chaotic, and almost impossible to ignore.

But let’s be real for a second: do you actually play all those games you buy? Or do they sit in your library, untouched, collecting digital dust? Don't worry, you're not alone. Steam Sales can feel like a battleground, and resisting the urge to splurge isn’t easy. However, with a little bit of planning and self-control, you can master the art of Steam Sales. So, buckle up, and let’s dive into how to resist— and when it’s totally okay to hit that "Buy" button.

Why Steam Sales Are So Addictive

Steam Sales are like a perfectly crafted trap for gamers. They snag you with flashy discounts like "75% OFF" or "Complete Edition for $9.99," and before you know it, you're justifying the purchase of a game you didn’t even know existed 10 minutes ago.

So, what makes them so irresistible?

1. The Fear of Missing Out (FOMO): Ever heard of FOMO? Steam Sales thrive on it. Deals are often time-sensitive, creating this false urgency. Your brain tricks you into thinking, “If I don’t buy it now, I’ll never get it at this price again!” Spoiler alert: it’ll probably go on sale again in a few months.

2. Gamification of Buying Games: Valve knows how to play us. Limited-time flash sales, daily highlights, and flashy animations make shopping feel like a game in itself. It’s a rush—like hitting a jackpot on a slot machine.

3. That Sweet, Sweet Discount Fever: Let’s face it, a 90% discount is hard to resist. Spending $2.99 on a game feels like you’re actually saving money (even though you’re not). It’s the same psychology that makes us buy three bags of chips when we only needed one because there’s a “Buy 2, Get 1 Free” deal.

How to Resist the Urge During Steam Sales

Alright, let’s get real—buying games willy-nilly is fun... until you check your bank account or realize half of your library is untouched. Here are some tried-and-true ways to resist the urge:

1. Make a Wishlist (and Stick to It)

The Wishlist is your best friend. Before the sale starts, comb through the Steam store and carefully add games you’ve been dying to play. That way, when the sale goes live, you can focus only on those titles and ignore the random shiny ones that are on sale.

Think of it like grocery shopping with a list. If you walk into the store without knowing what you want, you’re bound to leave with 10 different packs of cookies and zero vegetables.

2. Set a Budget (and Don’t Cheat)

Decide on a budget before the sale begins. Is it $20? $50? $100? Whatever it is, stick to it like glue. Treat it like setting aside money for a vacation—once it’s gone, it’s gone.

Pro tip: Only load your Steam Wallet with your budgeted amount beforehand. It’ll stop you from overspending because let’s face it, $200 worth of games is only one click away.

3. Ask Yourself: Will I Actually Play It?

Be honest with yourself. Have you been eyeing a game because you genuinely want to play it, or just because it’s 90% off? If it’s the latter, take a step back. A cheap game you’ll never play isn’t a good deal; it’s just wasted money.

Here’s a helpful trick: If you’re unsure, ask yourself if you’d still buy the game if it were full price. If the answer is no, skip it.

4. Beware of Bundles

Game bundles are the ultimate bait. Sure, it might include five games for the price of one, but realistically, are you going to play all five? If not, it’s better to just buy the one game you actually want.

When It’s Okay to Splurge

Sometimes, though, it’s okay to loosen the reins a little. After all, gaming is a hobby, and hobbies are meant to bring you joy. Here are a few situations where it’s perfectly fine to treat yourself:

1. A Long-Awaited Deal on a Must-Have Game

If there’s a game you’ve been eyeing for months—or even years—and it finally goes on sale? Snag it. This is why a Wishlist is important. You’ll know when a game you truly want gets a discount.

2. Revisiting Nostalgia

Ever see a classic game from your childhood pop up during a sale? It’s okay to indulge in a little nostalgia now and then. Whether it’s an old RPG you sank 200 hours into or a platformer that defined your younger years, these purchases can be worth every penny.

3. Heavily Discounted DLCs for Games You Already Love

If you’re obsessed with a base game and its DLCs are finally on sale, this is a great time to splurge. DLCs often add new layers to the games you already enjoy. It’s like upgrading your favorite pizza with extra toppings.

Pro Tips for Navigating Steam Sales

Steam Sales can be overwhelming, even for seasoned gamers. But with these tips, you’ll be navigating like a pro:

1. Wait for the Final Day: Sometimes, bigger discounts pop up later in the sale. If a game isn’t heavily discounted right away, keep an eye on it.

2. Check Reviews: Before buying, always check user reviews and gameplay videos. No one wants to spend money just to find out a game is a hot mess.

3. Use Price-Tracking Tools: Websites like IsThereAnyDeal let you track the pricing history of games. This ensures you’re actually getting a good deal, not just falling for cleverly marketed discounts.

4. Don’t Be Fooled by Low Prices: A $3 game may not seem like much, but if you’re buying 20 of those, it adds up. Remember, quantity doesn’t equal quality.

The Post-Sale Hangover

Ever heard of buyer’s remorse? It’s that sinking feeling you get when you realize you’ve overspent on things you didn’t need. The same applies to Steam Sales. If you fall off the wagon and end up with a bloated library, take it as a learning experience. Set stricter guidelines next time and enjoy the games you purchased.

Remember, gaming is supposed to be fun—not a source of stress. A well-curated library of games you actually love is far more rewarding than a massive collection you never touch.

Final Thoughts: Striking a Balance

Steam Sales are a double-edged sword—they can be a great way to snag awesome deals or a gateway to unnecessary spending. The key is finding a balance. Resist FOMO, plan ahead, and treat yourself when it feels right. Think of your library as a curated art gallery, not a cluttered attic.

Now, go forth and conquer the next Steam Sale like the well-prepared gamer you are. But remember: Just because it’s on sale doesn’t mean you have to buy it. Happy gaming—and happy saving!