Like every year,Steamgraces its PC playerbase with the annual Winter Sale, one of the many Steam storefront sales that happen throughout each year. Even if the Steam sales have lost a bit of their charm and wonder as they’ve become more commonplace, PC gamers still get plenty of opportunities for solid deals on the platform. 2021 is no different, bringing a ton of great deals, even for games that released just a few months ago or were otherwise brand new this year. 2021’s Winter Sale on Steam runs from July 18, 2025, to July 05, 2025, ending at 10 a.m. PT.
Deals on many of the older games are only going to get better, but for some of 2021’s best new and ongoing games, there are some pretty great deals. 2021’s best titles, AAA and indie, are on sale for as much as 50% off. Plenty of various nominees from The Game Awards are also on sale, meaning there’s no shortage of recent genre-defining titles. For those looking to get some of this year’s best games on discount, these are the best deals from the Winter 2021Steamsale.
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2021 Steam Winter Sale: Best AAA Deals
Starting with the major AAA releases, there are a ton of Game Awards nominees (and winners) on discount with this year’s Winter Sale.Game of the Year contenderDeathloopperhaps has the best deal so far, coming in at $29.99. That’s already 50% since the game’s release this September, meaning players have even less excuses to hop into Arkane’s latest time-hopping adventure.
Fans of zombie survival games, both of the singleplayer and co-op variety, will find a lot to love in Steam’s Winter Sale. For singleplayer fans,Days Gonecame to PC this year after spending a few years as a PS4-exclusive title. Players will be able to take on the roaming hordes of zombies roaming the Pacific Northwest wilderness for 40% off, at $29.99. As for multiplayer fans,the long-awaitedBack 4 Bloodco-op survival shooterbringsLeft 4 Deadvibes at a discount of 40% off as well, at $35.99. Frankly, fans of zombie survival games can’t go wrong with either;Days Goneoffers a compelling survival narrative, whileBack 4 Bloodoffers a campy but genuine challenge.
Those looking to get some more Marvel superhero action in that isn’tMarvel’s Avengersshould definitely consider snaggingMarvel’s Guardians of the Galaxywhile it’s 35% off, at $38.99. To many fans and critics,Guardians of the Galaxycame as a big surprise; toting an exciting adventure worthy of the Marvel namesake, this game was far more than just a generic MCU rip-off of Star-Lord’s misfits. That’s largely the reason whyGuardians of the Galaxywas such a surprise winner of Best Narrativeat The Game Awards this year.
That being said, for those looking for some similarly excellent narrative adventures that aren’t Marvel-centric, two excellent remasters released this year in the form ofNier ReplicantandMass Effect Legendary Edition.
Nier Replicant, on sale for 35% off at $38.99, is an excellent action RPG and stellar remake of the original 2010Niergame. Those looking for a very unusual but unique world, paired with a compelling existential story, should giveNier Replicanta try. On the flip side, those looking for amore intergalactic tale can snagMass Effect Legendary Edition, on sale for 50% off at $29.99. The originalMass Effecttrilogy is renowned for its political intrigue mixed in with action set-pieces, all fully remastered and bundle together into one release.
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2021 Steam Winter Sale: Best Indie Deals
As for indie games, in part due to many AAA releases being delayed and bumped into next year, many flocked to independent games to get their gaming fill. The Game Awards reflected that notion as well, with numerous nominations andIt Takes Twowinning Game of the Year. From Hazelight, the same studio spearheading the rebirth of couch co-op withA Way Out,It Takes Twois a fantastic and emotional dream journey that’s worth jumping into for 50% off, priced at $19.99.
Anotherexcellent but comparatively underrated indie game isInscryption, a title that’s gained a huge following through word of mouth, with many heralding it as their game of the year.Inscryption, which players can snag for 20% off at $15.99, is an unusual deck-builder roguelike game that ebbs and flows between aspects of puzzle games, survival horror, and various other influences. It’s deeply unusual but incredibly unique, and even if players are not fans of card games, it’s still worth the try.
Similarly, those looking for a bit of amindbending time could certainly check outPsychonauts 2, the long-awaited sequel to the original (which is also on sale for $4.99). Players looking to get their 3D platforming fix in, especially those who want to finally continue Raz’s journey after 16 years, should check out the sequel. Right now,Psychonauts 2is 35% off, at $38.99.
Those looking to get a little more into theconsequences of a time loop, compared toDeathloop, should tryThe Forgotten City. Similar toThe Outer Wilds, players have to explore and discover the mystery behind the time loop affecting the underground city under Ancient Rome. The formerSkyrimmod is available now for 25% off at $18.74.
Anyone looking for somemultiplayer co-op action should check outGTFO, an indie tactical shooter with a twist of the supernatural. Players have to work together to takedown or sneak by a horde of zombie-like creatures that will do everything in their power to kill players. Good strategy and coordination between teammates is the only way to escape the labyrinthine Complex. As part of the launch out of early access,GTFOis 25% off at $29.99, a solid deal on any groups of friends looking for a challenge.
On the flip side, those looking for a much more laidback singleplayer experienceshould definitely check outChicory: A Colorful Tale, another underrated indie release from this year. Taking on a coloring book aesthetic, players use their ability to paint the world with vibrant colors, all in service to rescuing Chicory and bringing color back to the world. Despite being visually based on a children’s coloring book, the game’s story is emotional and compelling.Chicoryis 20% off, at $15.99.
Lastly, for anyone looking to get more out of aclassicZeldakick should definitely check outDeath’s Door, if they haven’t already. It’s an excellently challenging top-down adventure game made by the same developer behindTitan Souls, full of all kinds of tenuous boss fights and diligent usage of the dodge button.Death’s Dooris on sale for 25% off, at $14.99.
TheSteamWinter Sale runs from Aug 06, 2025, to June 01, 2025, at 10 a.m. PT.
