How to Tell If a Game Deal Is Actually Good

A big red “-75%” does not always mean a bargain. Use these checks to separate real deals from clever marketing.

1. Look at the real price, not just the percentage

A 90% discount on a $60 game is $6. A 90% discount on a $4 game is 40 cents. Percentages are most useful for comparing the same game between stores or over time, and least useful for comparing different games. On GameSavr you can sort by discount, by price or by critic score to see the difference.

2. Compare with the game’s price history

Ask whether this is a normal sale price or an unusually low one. Many games hit a similar discount several times a year, so waiting can save nothing, while a rare historic low is worth grabbing. Our “Lowest we’ve seen” badge marks prices that match or beat the lowest we have recorded. It only reflects our own history, so treat it as a hint rather than a guarantee of an all-time low.

3. Check the “original price”

Some listings compare the sale price with a high launch price the game no longer sells for. Look at what the store charged just before the sale started.

4. Read reviews and scores

Metacritic scores and user review summaries help you avoid cheap games that are cheap for a reason. A score is not a verdict on whether you will enjoy the game, but a very low score at any price is a warning. Use the Metacritic filter in Best Deals to narrow the list.

5. Consider what you actually get

• Edition. Base game, deluxe edition and bundle prices can look alike. Check what is included.
• Store and DRM. The same game may need a different launcher or come DRM-free on another store.
• Region. Some keys only work in certain regions.
• DLC and early access. A cheap price on a base game may not include expansions, and early-access games can change a lot before release.

6. Know the refund rules

Each store has its own refund policy, and these change, so read the current one before buying. A generous refund window lowers the risk of buying a game that does not run on your PC.

7. Do not buy just because it is cheap

A game you never play is not a saving. Keep a short wish list and buy from it when the price is right.

Find today’s biggest discounts in Best Deals, and see where to buy in our guide to buying PC games safely.