Gaming is not necessarily a very expensive hobby, and this list will prove again that cheap PC games can be just as entertaining as their pricey counterparts. Knowing that nobody has the time to do an extensive search for the best cheap games to play, we’ve rounded up our own selection of the most entertaining PC games that won’t break your bank.
But, before we jump straight to the list, here are our pointers on how to shop for video games on a budget.
Wait for Sales and Discounts
Keep an eye on digital platforms like Steam, PlayStation Store, Xbox Live, and Nintendo eShop for regular sales and seasonal promotions. Many video games go on sale during holidays, Black Friday, and other special events.Buy Used or Pre-Owned Games
Consider purchasing used or pre-owned games from reputable retailers or online marketplaces. This can save you a significant amount compared to buying new, especially for older titles.Explore Bundles
Look for game bundles that include multiple titles for a discounted price. Bundles often offer games from the same franchise or developer at a lower cost than buying them individually.Join Loyalty Programs
Some gaming platforms and retailers offer loyalty programs or membership subscriptions, just like Monetha, that provide exclusive discounts and benefits. Joining these programs can help you save money on games and other related content.Consider Digital Over Physical Copies
Digital copies of games often have more frequent and deeper discounts compared to physical copies. Additionally, digital games eliminate the need for physical storage, making them a convenient option.Set Price Alerts
Use price alert services or apps to receive notifications when the games you want go on sale. This way, you can purchase them at a lower price when the opportunity arises.Buy Older or Classic Titles
Instead of always purchasing the latest releases, explore older or classic games. They tend to be more affordable and can offer fantastic gaming experiences.Rent Games Before Buying
If you’re unsure about a game, consider renting it first from a local video game rental store or using game rental services online. This way, you can try it out before committing to a purchase.Trade-In or Sell Games
If you have games you no longer play, consider trading them in at gaming retailers or selling them online. The credit or money you receive can be used to buy new games at a reduced cost.Follow Gaming Deal Websites and Forums
Stay informed about the latest gaming deals by following dedicated deal websites and forums. Gamers often share information about discounted games they find, helping you stay updated on the best deals.
Action-adventure
Grand Theft Auto V
Price: 13.27 USD (with up to 1.6% cashback)
Our take: It’s been ten years since Grand Theft Auto V graced our screens, yet it is still one of the best PC games ever. It has all you need – a very extensive single-player story, tons of action, and loads of memorable moments and characters we don’t even have enough space to list here.
We don’t want to sound too excited here, but it is easily one of the best open-world games of all time that has kept its allure even ten years after its release. So, if you haven’t tried Grand Theft Auto V already, it’s probably time.
What people are saying: “make sure your mom doesn’t go in your room when you’re at the strip club 10/10.”
Red Dead Redemption 2
Price: 17.18 USD (with up to 1.6% cashback)
Our take: Gangs of Los Santos are not your cup of tea? Then how about the world of the Wild West? Developed by Rockstar Studios, Red Dead Redemption 2 is quite a stunning open-world adventure where you can always decide what to do and how to act. Rob trains, get rowdy in bars, hunt down wanted criminals, and do tons and tons of fun side missions. Truly, Red Dead Redemption 2 never gets boring.
What people are saying: “the horses balls shrink in the cold.”
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Price: 14.69 USD (with up to 1.6% cashback)
Our take: Technically, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is almost an RPG and an action game in one, but that makes it even better in our book. The sheer quantity of quests in the game and the super engaging narrative make it an excellent pick for fans of both genres, and there aren’t many games like that.
What people are saying: “Beware: Witcher 3 post game depression is real.”
Multiplayer (Free games!)
Fortnite
Price: Free-to-play (with in-game purchases)
Our take: Yup, it’s an oldie, but what a goldie! With plenty of updates, the game is kept looking fresh, and with the crossplay support, it allows you to play with your friends on different consoles and even mobile devices. Basically, you can play Fortnite wherever you are!
Sure, Fortnite isn’t the only battle royale game out there, so if this one’s not your favorite, you can also try Apex Legends, PUBG, or Call of Duty: Warzone without spending a dime.
What people are saying: “this game is awesome.”
CS:GO
Price: Free-to-play (with in-game purchases)
Our take: Counter-Strike: Global Offensive came out more than ten years ago; however, it is still a firm favorite among competitive shooter fans. And no wonder – it’s definitely a timeless classic of the genre.
That said, it might still not be your own personal favorite, and in that case, you might want to take a look at Overwatch or Valorant.
What people are saying: “Got A+ on my Russian exam.”
League of Legends
Price: Free-to-play (with in-game purchases)
Our take: League of Legends (LoL) is an action-packed and crazy popular online multiplayer game where players become badass champions with special powers and abilities. They team up with friends or strangers to battle it out in epic, fast-paced matches on various awesome maps. Whether you’re slinging spells, slashing with swords, or calling down massive dragons, LoL is all about the thrill of outsmarting opponents and claiming victory! Which, of course, does not come easy here, so you’ll need both a great team and skills to achieve it.
What people are saying: “Consumed my free time and gave me new fetishes. 11/10”
Simulation
The Sims 4 + Cats and Dogs bundle
Price: 18.51 USD (with up to 1.6% cashback)
Our take: A firm fan favorite, The Sims has been gracing our PC screens for what seems like an eternity now. This best-seller simulation game puts you in control of virtual people known as Sims, allowing you to control all aspects of their lives. And if controlling people only isn’t enough for you, you can also get an expansion pack with pets or discover 17 stuff packs with tons and tons of goodies.
What people are saying: “My schizo ex gf made me in the sims and tortures him daily now i’m scared for my life.”
Microsoft Flight Simulator
Price: 42.96 USD (with up to 1.6% cashback)
Our take: Yeah, that’s a game that doesn’t need an extensive introduction – it says that it’s a flight simulator and it is one. Fun fact: Microsoft Flight Simulator was released in 1982, pre-dating the Windows system by three years. Of course, it has been updated for the times now!
What people are saying: “For a second the airplanes sounded super realistic…then I realized it was my PC.”
Euro Truck Simulator 2
Price: 15.44 USD (with up to 1.6% cashback)
Our take: Driving a freight truck in various European locations sounds boring to you? Then you haven’t tried Euro Truck Simulator 2. In fact, we’re quite sure that nothing, not even Gran Turismo, beats Euro Truck in a realistic driving experience. Almost feels like we have our truck driver’s license after finishing it.
What people are saying: “Its like driving in real life but in a truck in Europe and not in real life.”
RPG
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Price: 19.17 USD (with up to 1.6% cashback)
Our take: Who are we to resist a Viking-inspired open-world setting with tons of cool battles with dragons and all sorts of giant beasts? Skyrim has been on the radar for more than a decade now and has withstood the test of time very nicely! And, because it isn’t a new release by any means, you can usually find it for a very good price on any game platform of your choice.
What people are saying: “Skyrim Anniversary Edition contains all the original bugs but they look more pretty now.”
Elden Ring
Price: 67.71 USD (with up to 1.6% cashback)
Our take: Looking for a well-rounded PC RPG game? Then Elden Ring is your answer. Really, it has everything you’d want in a game – a gripping story, tons of character creation freedom, a huge world, and an excellent selection of classes to choose from. Try it, and you’ll see that there’s never a dull moment playing Elden Ring.
What people are saying: “You can hug a woman.”
Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade
Price: 39.31 USD (with up to 1.6% cashback)
Our take: There are cool RPG games, and then there are iconic ones, like Final Fantasy VII. Really, it has to be the most popular RPG game in history!
In Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade, you get to relive the original story of FFVII and see all the iconic characters in high definition. Besides that, you get an active battle system which makes this version even more immersive than the ones before it.
What people are saying: “Guy with big sword very fun very cool.”
Strategy
Age of Empires IV
Price: 18.44 USD (with up to 1.6% cashback)
Our take: Age of Empires has been the ultimate game of many of our childhoods, and with the newest iteration from 2021, you get to relive it once again. Age of Empires IV takes you through the most famous battles in human history, and you just know it cannot be boring.
Control armies, search for victory, and battle it out with other players!
What people are saying: “Wololololo.”
Total War: Three Kingdoms
Price: 15.30 USD (with up to 1.6% cashback)
Our take: A franchise that has been around for more than two decades now is living proof of an excellent game. And, hands down, Total War: Three Kingdoms is exceptional. This newest entry into the franchise lets you control the epic battles during China’s Three Kingdom period, and the gameplay here is as polished and smooth as ever.
What people are saying: “got me thru 2020.”
Battletech
Price: 47.46 USD (with up to 1.6% cashback)
Our take: In for a game with turn-based battles with giant mechs, war machines, and tanks? Then take a look at the Battletech strategy game. Highly customizable and open for online multiplayer, this strategy game is an absolute blast to play.
What people are saying: “This is a game that can be played with a newborn.”
More PC game deals
Looking for more game deals? Then look no further than at these vendors on Monetha’s cashback list. After all, who can resist buying games and getting cashback for each purchase?
