Gaming can be an expensive hobby, but that doesn’t mean you have to overspend. Whether you’re building a game library, upgrading your gear, or staying ahead with the latest titles, there are plenty of ways to save money without sacrificing your gaming experience. From discovering third-party platforms like CDKeys and G2A to taking advantage of subscriptions and cashback apps, these hacks will help you stretch your gaming budget further.

Here’s a deep look at the best ways to save money on games that most gamers don’t even know about.

Explore Third-Party Key Resellers

Platforms like CDKeys and G2A are game-changers for budget-conscious gamers. These third-party key resellers offer legitimate game keys at discounted prices, often cheaper than mainstream storefronts like Steam or the PlayStation Store.

How They Work

These websites buy game keys in bulk directly from publishers or regions where games are priced lower due to market demands. They then resell these keys at reduced prices. For instance, a game that costs $60 on Steam might be available for $30-$40 on CDKeys or G2A.

Tips for Using Key Resellers

  • Stick to trusted platforms: CDKeys and G2A are among the most reputable, but always check reviews before purchasing.
  • Watch for discounts on popular titles: Newly released games often appear on these platforms for far less.
  • Buy region-free keys when possible: Some keys are region-locked, so make sure the game will work in your area before buying.

Caveat

While key resellers are legitimate, keep an eye out for listings from questionable sellers on marketplaces. Never share personal information like your primary login credentials.

Leverage Subscription Services

Gaming subscriptions are a goldmine for anyone looking to access top-tier games at a fraction of the price. The catch? You don’t own the games outright, but for many, the range of playable content makes these services a no-brainer.

Top Subscription Services for Gamers

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate

  • What’s Included: Access to hundreds of Xbox and PC games, same-day releases for Microsoft titles, and Xbox Live Gold (required for online multiplayer).
  • Savings Potential: Instead of buying individual titles, you can access major franchises like Forza, Halo, and Elder Scrolls for a flat monthly fee of about $14.99.

PlayStation Plus Extra/Premium

  • What’s Included: Monthly free games, exclusive discounts, cloud saves, and access to extensive PS4/PS5 back catalogs.
  • Savings Potential: Regularly updated with new titles, this service easily pays for itself with just a few downloads.

Humble Choice

  • What’s Included: Curated bundles of indie and AAA games, with proceeds often supporting charity. Subscribers can keep access to the games forever.
  • Savings Potential: Plans start as low as $11.99 per month, often offering $100+ worth of games in one bundle. Humble Choice is particularly appealing to indie game fans.

Pro Tips for Maximizing Subscriptions

  • Cancel when you’re not actively gaming to save on subscription fees.
  • Time your subscriptions around game releases you want to play.
  • Check for annual bundles since they’re usually cheaper than paying month-to-month.

Wait for Seasonal Sales

Patience can be your best tool when trying to save money on gaming. Seasonal sales like Black Friday, Steam Summer Sale, and PlayStation’s Days of Play can offer discounts of up to 80% on huge game libraries.

Key Sale Events for Gamers

  • Steam Sales: Events like the Summer Sale and Winter Sale feature both indie gems and AAA titles at heavily reduced prices.
  • Black Friday and Cyber Monday: Look out for discounts on hardware and console bundles alongside games.
  • Publisher-Specific Sales: Companies like Ubisoft, EA, and Square Enix often run their own sales with deep discounts on franchises like Assassin’s Creed, The Sims, and Final Fantasy.

Tips for Navigating Sales

  • Create a Wishlist: Many platforms, like Steam, notify you when items on your wishlist go on sale.
  • Check Multiple Platforms: A PC game may be cheaper on Steam, or a console game on Amazon. Compare prices before making a purchase.
  • Bundle Up Saves More: When buying series or titles with DLC, complete bundles are often cheaper than purchasing items separately.

Use Cashback Apps and Extensions

Shopping for games online? Apps like Rakuten and browser extensions like Honey can help you score cashback or apply extra savings.

Popular Tools

  • Rakuten: This cashback platform offers rebates from retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy. Signing up is free, and cashback adds up over time.
  • Honey: This extension automatically applies valid coupon codes during checkout.
  • Fetch Rewards or Microsoft Rewards: Gamers can earn points for shopping or playing certain games and redeem them for gift cards or discounts.

Maximize Your Savings

  • Pair cashback offers with already discounted prices on platforms for the best value.
  • Check retailer apps for exclusive coupon codes or flash sale notifications.
  • Stack offers where possible, like using a cashback app alongside a sale price.

Buy Pre-Owned or Trade Old Games

Second-hand gaming is a savvy way to save, especially if you’re a console gamer. Many retailers, like GameStop, specialize in pre-owned game sales.

Benefits of Pre-Owned Gaming

  • Lower Prices: Get popular titles for 20%-50% off their new counterparts.
  • Trade-In Credits: Exchange older games for store credits to put toward new ones.
  • Preservation: Used games are often fully functional and include the same content as new copies.

Pro Tips

  • Look for local gaming groups or online platforms like eBay or Facebook Marketplace for the best private trade deals.
  • Watch for retailer promos, like GameStop’s buy-two-get-one-free sales.

Check Out Free Gaming Options

Sometimes, you don’t even have to spend a dime to enjoy quality games.

Platforms Offering Free Games

  • Epic Games Store: Regularly offers a free PC game or two every week, ranging from indie darlings to big-budget hits.
  • PlayStation Plus/Xbox Game Pass Freebies: Both services throw in free monthly games for subscribers.
  • Steam Free-to-Play Titles: Games like Apex Legends, Warframe, and Team Fortress 2 provide hours of entertainment at no extra cost.

Game Demo Advantages

Pay-as-you-play choices or demos are another route. Instead of paying full price, access a free demo to see if the game is worth it.

Look for Regional Pricing

Some countries charge less for video games due to lower average incomes. With legal region-switching methods, gamers can tap into these pricing disparities and save significantly.

How to Use Regional Pricing

  • Steam Regional Pricing: Change your account’s region to match your payment method in lower-priced countries.
  • VPNs for Accessing Storefronts: Use reputable VPNs to explore and purchase from different regions’ eShops. (Always ensure compliance with platform-specific rules.)

Important Note

Check out refund and key validity policies when shopping across regions. Some platforms may lock your game if region mismatches arise post-purchase.

Follow Developers & Flash Sales

Sometimes, the best deals come directly from indie developers or through time-sensitive flash sales.

  • Join newsletters or follow social media accounts of game studios you enjoy for access to limited-time discounts.
  • Explore sites like Green Man Gaming for flash discounts on major titles or gaming peripherals.