Keeping track of Steam sale dates can help gamers plan their purchases and secure the best deals without rushing. Historically, predicting when discounts would appear was uncertain, but today, Valve has made it much easier by announcing sale schedules well in advance. Major seasonal sales like Summer, Autumn, Winter, and Spring serve as reliable milestones throughout the year, eliminating the need for guesswork. Additionally, Steam now hosts frequent genre-specific sales, making it beneficial to stay informed about upcoming events. To help you navigate these sales effectively, we’re tracking all confirmed dates as they are announced, so you can focus on curating your wishlist and making the most of each sale period.
When is the next Steam sale?
The current Steam Winter Sale runs from December 18 to January 5, offering substantial discounts on a wide range of titles. Between these major seasonal events, Valve hosts themed sales across various subgenres, providing continuous opportunities to pick up games at reduced prices. Here is a list of upcoming Steam sale dates we know so far:
- November 24 – December 1: Black Friday Sale
- December 8 – December 15: Sports Fest
- December 18 – January 5: 2025 Steam Winter Sale
- January 12 – January 19: Detective Fest
- January 26 – February 2: Board Game Fest
- February 5 – February 9: Typing Fest
- February 9 – February 16: PvP Fest
- February 19 – February 23: Horse Fest
- February 23 – March 2: Steam Next Fest: February Edition
- March 9 – March 16: Tower Defense Fest
- March 19 – March 26: 2026 Steam Spring Sale
- March 30 – April 6: House & Home Fest
- April 9 – April 13: Hidden Object Fest
- April 20 – April 27: Medieval Fest
- May 4 – May 11: Deckbuilders Fest
- May 18 – May 25: Ocean Fest
For the most accurate and official information, consult the Steam Store regularly, as Valve updates the schedule and adds new events.
How long do Steam sales last?
Typically, the largest sales—Summer and Winter—span approximately two weeks, giving gamers ample time to browse and purchase titles. Smaller sales, such as those in Spring and Autumn, along with genre-specific “Fests,” usually last around a week. This duration allows for targeted discounts on specific game categories or themes, making it easier to find deals aligned with your gaming interests. Planning ahead ensures you don’t miss out on these opportunities, especially during the most significant sales of the year.
What times of the year does Steam have sales?
Steam’s major sales are spread throughout the year with quarterly seasonal events—Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter—that feature the deepest discounts across the entire platform. The Summer and Winter sales tend to offer the most substantial price cuts, with a broader selection of titles at lower prices. Since these sales coincide with the release seasons of many big titles, discounts on recent releases are often less steep during Autumn and Winter compared to Summer. This pattern means savvy gamers often wait for these large sales to purchase newer titles at a fraction of their original cost. For a detailed look at how long it takes for Steam discounts to apply to new releases, see our comprehensive guide.
Past notable deals include games like Valve’s own Portal 2, which went from $50 to just $5 in the Summer Sale the year after its release. Smaller, genre-themed sales throughout the year also provide opportunities to pick up niche titles or indie gems at significant discounts. These less prominent sales can be worth watching, especially if you’re interested in specific genres or game types.
When is the next Steam Next Fest?
The upcoming Steam Next Fest is scheduled to run from February 23 to March 2, 2026. These festivals typically occur close to Steam’s larger annual sales and serve as an excellent chance to explore upcoming titles through free demos. While not official sales events, Steam Festivals—also known as Next Fests—offer a unique opportunity to try new games before buying, helping you decide which titles are worth adding to your wishlist. For more insights on upcoming festivals and to keep track of the latest gaming demos, visit the Steam Events page.
Steam sale tips
Use your wishlist
Adding games to your Steam wishlist is one of the most effective ways to stay informed about discounts. You’ll receive notifications when wishlisted titles go on sale, allowing you to plan your purchases without impulsive buys. Maintaining a curated list also helps you prioritize titles you genuinely want, reducing the temptation to buy games you’re not interested in. If you’re looking for new additions, check out our list of the best PC games available today, which can help you expand your wishlist with quality titles.
Keep an eye on publisher bundles
Publisher bundles can offer incredible value—sometimes bundling entire game series or collections at a fraction of their individual prices. For example, if you’re interested in a franchise like Hitman, purchasing a bundle may save you a significant amount compared to buying each game separately. These bundles are especially useful during sales, providing opportunities to acquire multiple titles at once.
Snap up expansions and DLC
While expansions and downloadable content (DLC) can sometimes be overpriced, sales often slash prices, making it affordable to enhance your existing games. Picking up DLC during sales can breathe new life into older titles and expand your gaming experience without breaking the bank. For insights on the costs involved in developing mobile gaming apps and how to budget for such projects, explore this detailed guide.
Stock up on indie titles
Big-budget games tend to get the deepest discounts during major sales, but indie titles often go for just a few dollars or even cents. These games can offer hundreds of hours of entertainment at a tiny price point. If you’re running low on storage, consider investing in the best SSDs for gaming now, so you can comfortably download and enjoy more indie gems.
You can always wait for the next sale
If you’re not in a rush to play a particular game, waiting until the next big sale can often lead to better discounts. Steam’s policy of stable discounts during sales means you don’t need to buy immediately unless you want to secure a game before it sells out. Waiting can also give you time to upgrade your gaming setup—like selecting a new graphics card or gaming PC—which can enhance your overall experience.
Check during weekends for special deals
Many publishers run weekend sales or promotional events, usually highlighted on Steam’s homepage. These events often feature discounts on entire catalogs of a publisher’s games, making it a strategic time to pick up popular titles at reduced prices.
For more in-depth tips on optimizing your Steam shopping experience, including how to evaluate whether a sale is worth it, visit authoritative sources on gaming deals and strategies.
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