10 Great Games That Are Always Dirt Cheap

It’s no secret that gaming can be a prohibitively expensive hobby.

If all you opt for are the most recent top-tier video games, expect frequent, often monthly, double-digit expenditures, particularly during periods of high release frequency.

While it might seem expensive for certain individuals, it’s worth noting that gaming, fortunately, appeals to a wide range of economic backgrounds.

You can find many games available at a lower cost than a typical fast food burger meal, either because they’re compact in size or due to their value gradually decreasing over time.

Here, the rule specifies that every game listed should consistently be priced below $10 USD throughout the entire year, not just when they’re on sale during Steam events.

10. Vampire Survivors ($4.99)

Cheaper Than Floor Chicken

Vampire Survivors is similar to a low-cost, easily accessible junk food in the world of video games – it’s hard to resist once you start playing, making it incredibly addictive.

One significant factor contributing to the initial explosive popularity of this game was its affordability, making it a reasonable choice for a spontaneous purchase.

Regardless of its modest price tag and uncomplicated design, you’re likely to lose track of time while playing this game for extended periods.

Because it’s so simple, it’s a great game to play mindlessly while you watch TV.

Each session is precisely 30 minutes long, so you won’t find yourself investing a significant amount of time in them, unless you choose to extend it.

9. Portal ($9.99)

Cheaper Than A Slice Of Cake

It would not be hyperbolic to call Portal one of the most influential games ever made.

The game’s straightforward yet profound puzzle structure gave birth to a whole category of physics-based puzzle games, and its humor and internet culture have remained popular for years among the general public.

This game stood out due to its affordability, even compared to games of that era. Primarily, it functioned as a showcase for the Source engine, which was part of Valve’s Orange Box compilation.

A compelling gameplay mechanic and strong storytelling can make even a game set in a simple, white laboratory endure for years.

8. Psychonauts ($9.99)

Cheaper Than Summer Camp

Children who voluntarily attend summer camp generally find it enjoyable, contrasting those who are compulsorily sent to summer camp, who might carry emotional wounds as a result.

If you’re seeking a summer camp vibe without the potential emotional trauma, you might find it in the video game called “Psychonauts.” It’s somewhat humorous given that psychological trauma is a common thread throughout this game itself.

Psychonauts, though showing some age from the sixth generation of consoles and not being a blockbuster hit during its release, still stands out uniquely within the realm of 3D action platformers.

As a die-hard fan, I can’t help but find this show absolutely side-splitting! The exceptional voice acting by the remarkable Richard Horvitz adds an extra layer of humor that truly shines. Plus, the mind-bending and trippy sequences within the human psyche are nothing short of mind-blowing!

7. Undertale ($9.99)

Cheaper Than Therapy

Undertale” is a game that doesn’t require any introduction – an exceptionally straightforward indie creation that gained massive popularity, comparable to the invention of sliced bread.

Regardless of how widespread it has become, there’s no denying that the game known as Undertale remains a fantastic journey across various aspects.

The game boasts endearing personalities, humorous and catchy dialogue, along with unexpectedly intriguing and captivating mechanics for players.

Regardless if you’ve gathered information about Undertale‘s storyline indirectly, it’s still beneficial to immerse yourself in the complete narrative for an unbroken understanding of its full impact.

6. Peggle Deluxe ($4.99)

Cheaper Than A Pachinko Machine

In the mid-2000s, there was a significant surge in the popularity of casual gaming, as companies such as PopCap began to release an abundance of user-friendly games, many of which were accessible through web browsers and social networks.

Although there was some debate about the appeal of games like “Peggle Deluxe” during its initial release, it has now found a cozy and accepted position within the broader gaming community.

Even though it’s quite old, the game “Peggle Deluxe” remains an excellent choice for passing the time. It offers a good variety of puzzles that will surprise you with how long they can keep your attention.

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Though it has been around for some time, “Peggle Deluxe” continues to be a terrific way to kill time. Its assortment of puzzle types ensures you’ll stay engaged for longer than anticipated.

It’s similar to the satisfying feeling you get when playing a game like pinball or pachinko, but without the element of gambling involved.

5. Everhood ($9.99)

Cheaper Than A Philosophy Textbook

Much like Undertale, the game Everhood offers a profoundly moving and concise exploration on the essence of life.

If the high-concept idea seems a bit complex, you might as well concentrate on the fast-paced tempo of the action gameplay in rhythm-based form.

As a gamer, I’ve got to say that Everhood leaves an indelible mark, both in terms of its gameplay mechanics and its underlying messages. There’s always a takeaway from this game when the final credits roll.

This type of game is such that, even if you acquire it at a low price and complete it within a few sessions, its memories will linger with you forever.

4. Half-Life 2 ($9.99)

Cheaper Than A Physics Textbook

If Portal was the tech demo for the Source Engine, then Half-Life 2 was the main attraction.

This game was incredibly popular, becoming so well-known that it made “Half-Life” a familiar title to many video game enthusiasts, regardless of whether they primarily played on a PC or not.

In this game, which is powered by a physics engine, the physics-based challenges and fights are the main attractions, just as one might anticipate.

Using the Gravity Gun, you can transform ordinary items into lethal projectiles, resulting in a fast-paced battlefield experience where strategic planning meets unexpected humor.

3. Pony Island ($4.99)

Cheaper Than Selling Your Soul

Pony Island is the initial video game developed by independent artist Daniel Mullins, who might be familiar to you as the designer of Inscryption.

Much like Inscryption, Pony Island uses the entire medium of video games itself as its canvas.

The storyline commences with an uncomplicated mini-game featuring a pony leaping over obstacles, which then gradually escalates into a complex challenge that combines programming and problem-solving, all while confronting none other than the Devil himself.

If you enjoy unexpected metatextual surprises, the game “Pony Island” abounds with shocking instances and interface anomalies.

2. Sonic Adventure 2 ($9.99)

Cheaper Than Renting The Third Movie

As a passionate fan, I’ve found that the Sonic movies have sparked my long-dormant interest in the story of Shadow the Hedgehog and Maria Robotnik once more.

Absolutely, watching movies can be quite pricey, but if you’re looking for a more affordable option, why not explore the original tale in the game “Sonic Adventure 2” instead?

According to current norms, “Sonic Adventure 2” may seem a bit rough around the edges at times, yet it continues to captivate with its fast-paced gameplay and endearingly awkward dialogue, making it stand out in memory.

As a gamer, I’d say: “Even if I can’t dive straight into the core gameplay, there’s always the endless challenge of nurturing chaos in the Chaos Garden.

1. A Short Hike ($7.99)

Cheaper Than A Hiking Trip

It’s quite delightful that many affordable games are intentionally designed for easy, peaceful play within an afternoon.

A brief hiking trip serves as a superb illustration, devoid of grandiose scenes or extensive narrative arcs.

There’s just you and a mountain that’s there for you to climb when you’re ready to do so.

Should you feel unprepared at the moment, there’s an array of fascinating collectibles to discover and adorable characters to converse with until you’re ready.

2025-02-11 20:41