The most anticipated event on the PC gaming calendar has arrived. Valve has officially flipped the switch on the annual Steam Winter Sale, transforming the storefront into a massive festival of discounts. For gamers looking to turn holiday gift cards into a year’s worth of entertainment, the window of opportunity is open now.

It is crucial to mark your calendar: this year’s Winter Sale is a strict two-week affair. The deals began on December 19th and will vanish promptly on January 5, 2026. While fourteen days seems like plenty of time, the sheer volume of discounts means you shouldn’t wait until New Year’s Day to start browsing your wishlist.

The deals this season are substantial across the board. We are finally seeing aggressive price cuts on the biggest blockbusters from late 2024 and early 2025, with many “Game of the Year” contenders receiving their first major 40% to 50% discounts. It’s the prime opportunity to catch up on AAA titles you skipped at launch due to the full price tag.

However, the real magic of the Winter Sale often lies deeper in the catalog. The indie sector offers incredible value, with highly-rated titles often dipped below the $10 mark. Furthermore, if you are looking to fill gaps in your library, massive publisher franchises think Resident Evil, Civilization, or Final Fantasy are offering complete collection bundles at staggering 75% to 85% discounts.

Don’t let procrastination cost you money. Finalize those carts before the January deadline hits and prices thaw back to normal.