The Steam Summer Sale is in full swing, and there are deals to be had everywhere you look. But most of them—especially the more popular and more recent games—only have modest discounts at best. I’ve picked out some of my favorites that have the biggest savings.
In no particular order, here are the best Steam Summer Sale deals on the games I personally love and think everyone should check out. Fill up your Steam backlog at a steep discount right now!
1. Fallout 76 — $9.99 (75% off)
Fallout is all the rage at the moment thanks to the Amazon series, but sadly it’s been years since the last mainline game—and it’ll be years more before a new one comes out.
Take this opportunity to get Fallout 76 at a huge discount and dive into the rich lore of this post-apocalyptic world, presented as a prequel to every other Fallout game. The rest of the series is deeply discounted as well, including fan-favorite Fallout: New Vegas.
2. Horizon: Zero Dawn Complete Edition — $12.49 (75% off)
This is one of my all-time favorite games, and the PC version of Horizon: Zero Dawn—with its more precise controls and even prettier graphics—is the best way to experience it.
This package includes the original open-world, robo-dino-hunting game and the excellent Frozen Wilds DLC at an amazing price. If you enjoy this one, you’ll want to move on to the sequel Horizon: Forbidden West… if your PC can handle it.
3. Tunic — $14.99 (50% off)
Tunic is a top-down, Zelda-inspired action-RPG that’s absolutely adorable, animating like a series of kids’ toys come to life. But don’t let the cutesy graphics fool you. With its expansive setting and punishing combat, there’s more than a little Dark Souls flavor to this comely adventure.
4. Disco Elysium: The Final Cut — $3.99 (90% off)
If you want to sink your teeth into a narrative-heavy RPG, you’ll find none deeper than Disco Elysium, which became an instant classic upon release.
Its stunningly original world and neo-noir trappings will suck you in, even as you acquaint yourself with its original take on role-playing and exploration. Make sure you have plenty of free time before you start, as this game will devour it.
5. Middle Earth: Shadow of Mordor + Shadow of War — $6.99 (90% off)
These games are a bit old now, but they combine Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings setting (albeit a sort of fanfiction version) with the excellent combat of the Batman Arkham games.
Even better, the legendary Nemesis system always gives you dynamic and interesting orcs to fight (and eventually recruit to your own army). Start with Shadow of Mordor, then move on to Shadow of War—this bundle makes them an incredible bargain.
6. Civilization VI — $2.99 (95% off)
What can I say about Civilization VI that hasn’t already been said? Nothing, that’s what. If you have any love for the classics of turn-based empire building, or if you’re just curious to see what all the fuss is about, there’s never been a better time to pick it up.
7. Doom (2016) — $3.99 (80% off)
Doom‘s reimagined reboot from nearly ten years ago arguably kicked off the modern boom of boomer shooters, and it’s easy to see why.
An incredible blend of classic and modern elements makes this a demon-punching joy from start to finish, with super-fast movement, satisfying shooting, and fantastic levels. Play Doom (the slightly less old one) for a taste of a nearly perfect shooter.
8. Dead Cells — $12.49 (50% off)
You got your roguelike in my Metroidvania! Dead Cells is one of those rare indie games that nails just about everything it sets out to do, from its colorful pixel art to its smooth-as-butter platforming to its punishing-yet-satisfying combat.
If you’re looking for a challenge and you’re strung out on 3D soulslikes, give this one a go. It’s an absolute winner.
9. Slay the Spire — $8.49 (66% off)
The one that popularized today’s deluge of digital deck-building games, Slay the Spire mixes simple mechanics and deep strategy with a hearty dose of randomness for maximum engagement.
After a few runs, you’ll start to seek out the card combos and battle techniques that can make the difference between a flub and an epic run. Warning: this one can be seriously addictive!
10. Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun — $14.29 (35% off)
The grimdark future of Warhammer 40K and the pixelated perversity of boomer shooters make for a perfect combination, and Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun proves it.
Step into the chunky size-18 boots of a legendary space marine and rid a beleaguered planet of its demonic infestation. Come for the breathless, non-stop shooting—even if your PC can’t handle the newer Doom games—and stay for the deep lore.
11. Yakuza: Like a Dragon — $11.99 (80% off)
The Yakuza series is legendary for its alternately serious and wacky atmosphere, but its usual beat-em-up combat doesn’t appeal to everyone. If you prefer your role-playing games with turn-based combat, this more recent entry should be more your style.
The surrealist setup of Yakuza: Like a Dragon makes everything wackier in a way that’s charmingly anime, and the new protagonist means you don’t need to have played any of the other Yakuza games to dig in.
Author: Michael Crider, Staff Writer, PCWorld
Michael is a 10-year veteran of technology journalism, covering everything from Apple to ZTE. On PCWorld he's the resident keyboard nut, always using a new one for a review and building a new mechanical board or expanding his desktop "battlestation" in his off hours. Michael's previous bylines include Android Police, Digital Trends, Wired, Lifehacker, and How-To Geek, and he's covered events like CES and Mobile World Congress live. Michael lives in Pennsylvania where he's always looking forward to his next kayaking trip.