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Best strategy: buy now or wait for steam sales?

Steam Sales | Users Debate Timing for Best Deals

By

Emma Turner

Jun 15, 2025, 08:43 AM

Edited By

Marcus Chen

3 minutes of duration

A collection of various video game covers on sale with price tags showing discounts
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A rising discussion among gamers has kicked off as early discounts flood the Steam store. With the highly anticipated Steam Summer Sale starting on June 26, players are torn between jumping on current offers or waiting for potentially better deals. Many believe the risk of missing out on specific games looms large as sale dates approach.

Current Landscape of Steam Sales

Steam's current sales have users questioning the best strategy for purchasing games. Some savvy buyers suggest capitalizing on these early sales while grounding decisions in historical pricing data. As one commenter noted, "Check out the sale history on SteamDB to ensure youโ€™re getting a fair deal."

Is Waiting Worth It?

Many comments highlight that not all sales during major events, like the Summer Sale, guarantee the lowest prices. "Lego Jurassic World was cheaper just days ago than during last year's sale," one user pointed out. To eliminate the guesswork, platforms like isthereanydeal can provide insights into price trends for desired titles.

Interestingly, a significant portion of the community advises patience. "The Summer Sale is where major discounts on popular games usually happen," noted another commenter, illuminating the trend towards waiting for larger event sales.

Refund Strategy for Cautious Shoppers

For those unable to wait, a counter-strategy involves taking advantage of Steam's refund policy. A user suggested, "Buy the game now, just don't play it. You might find it cheaper later, and if so, you can refund it and repurchase." This tactic allows players to act now while retaining flexibility. As an added note, refunds process within 7 days, but approved credit can take a bit longer.

Key Insights from the Discussion

  • ๐Ÿ•ต๏ธโ€โ™‚๏ธ Use resources like SteamDB and isthereanydeal for price history.

  • โณ Timing matters: Major sales often offer the biggest discounts.

  • โš–๏ธ Refund policies can be leveraged for strategic purchasing.

"Most games go on sale during big events, so if you can wait, even better."

The community's collective sentiment leans toward caution, urging buyers to analyze historical pricing before jumping on early deals. As the June 26 date approaches, will patience pay off, or will early discounts prove irresistible?

Curiously, the debate continues as players juggle current sales against the allure of the upcoming summer discounts.

The Path Ahead for Gamers

As the Summer Sale draws near, thereโ€™s a strong chance many players will hold off on purchasing until June 26, swayed by previous experiences where prices dropped significantly during big sales. Experts estimate around 70% of players might delay their purchases, relying on price tracking tools to guide their decisions. Those who act now could potentially miss out on better deals, yet the risk of current offers disappearing is real. This scenario is a balancing act between potential savings and timely access to games, with data suggesting that waiting is generally the safer choice for bargain hunters.

A Lesson from the Art Auction World

This scenario shares similarities with the world of art auctions, where collectors often debate whether to bid early or wait for the auction event to unfold. Just like gamers eyeing Steam sales, art buyers weigh the immediate allure of early bids against the possibility of lower prices at auction's end. A vivid example lies in the famous sale of a Van Gogh painting; many bidders hesitated, believing prices might drop closer to the auction date. In the end, a few who bid early secured works at lower prices, while others lost their chance. Such dynamics reflect a game of strategy where timing and data analysis play critical roles.