Best Cheap Games That You Can Play For Months

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, priced at only $50 upon release, appeared to be a fantastic deal. Its features were on par with those found in today’s AAA games, which typically retail for $70 or $80, and yet it thrived even at this lower price point. In just a few short months, it attracted a massive fanbase. Granted, $50 might be a steep cost for some, but it demonstrates how strategic pricing can significantly boost a game’s success.

As a gaming enthusiast, I’ve noticed that many indie developers have been smart about their pricing strategies. Most of the smaller games you can find today cost less than $20, and they offer playtimes comparable to ‘Clair Obscur: Expedition 33’. So, I’m curious – which games, old or new, provide the best value for money under $20? Of course, keeping an eye on sales isn’t a bad idea, but when it comes to budget gaming, Wishlisting games and monitoring prices on digital platforms like Steam and PSN can help you score some great deals.

Stardew Valley

A Loving Simulator

Standard Price: $15

A well-rounded game collection should include a simulator experience, and Stardew Valley certainly fits the bill. This game offers an abundance of content for an affordable price, and it regularly receives free updates to ensure the experience stays engaging and up-to-date.

In Stardew Valley, players initially establish themselves on a humble farm, leading a secluded existence. As they progress, they have the opportunity to delve into an expansive underground dungeon in search of crafting materials that can enhance their farming life. From nurturing crops to fostering relationships, this game offers a rich and immersive experience, despite its uncomplicated visuals.

Persona 4 Golden

Back To School

Standard Price: $20

For enthusiasts of role-playing games (RPG), there’s arguably no better game than Persona 4 Golden, especially for those who enjoy immersive experiences lasting more than a hundred hours. Originally launched on the PS2, this improved version offers numerous user-friendly improvements, such as the refined turn-based combat system.

In the beloved Persona series, what truly captivates fans isn’t just the thrilling dungeon exploration and combat, but also the immersive school life they live through the protagonist, Yu. By cultivating friendships and going on dates, players not only fortify their battle powers, but also forge lasting memories that make the series so memorable.

Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain

A Discounted Legacy

Standard Price: $20

Currently, “Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater” is the talk of the town, delving into Big Boss’s backstory. Conversely, “Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain” marks the conclusion of Big Boss’s career as a protagonist in the Metal Gear series. It’s astounding that such a significant game can be acquired on numerous platforms at an affordable price.

Regardless of its age being over a decade, “The Phantom Pain” remains an exceptional stealth game that offers an expansive open-world setting. Packed with numerous missions, character recruitments, and equipment building opportunities, it effectively delivers a unique blend that checks off two essential boxes in this genre mix.

Grand Theft Auto 4: The Complete Edition

Hey Cousin!

Standard Price: $20

Before Grand Theft Auto 6 arrives, players might want to explore Grand Theft Auto 4: The Complete Edition on Steam. This edition encompasses the whole story of Grand Theft Auto 4, complete with its three downloadable content expansions, all bundled together.

Back in the day, before Grand Theft Auto V took over, there was this gem of a game that I found absolutely captivating – it’s none other than Grand Theft Auto IV! Despite being overshadowed now, it still has a fantastic lineup of characters to engage with. In fact, Liberty City, as you know it, hasn’t looked better than in this version. It’s like stepping into a bustling playground teeming with life.

You can swipe cars, forge friendships, and stir up trouble as Niko, Johnny, or Luis – or simply sit back and enjoy the rollercoaster ride of their entangled stories unfolding in a whirlwind of chaos. It’s an experience I won’t forget anytime soon!

Rogue Legacy

A Revolutionary Roguelike

Standard Price: $15

Rogue Legacy was among the initial roguelike games to gain popularity in mainstream gaming due to its exceptional and captivating upgrade system that encouraged players to continue attempts, gradually mastering the game mechanics, ultimately aiming to finish it in just one playthrough.

Initially, characters will take on the role of a common knight, battling evil within a castle. Upon his failed attempt, he is doomed to witness his descendants continually facing the same castle time and again. The key aspect lies in each fresh character possessing unique abilities, such as walking on ceilings or growing wings, ensuring that every playthrough offers a distinct experience over the previous one. Although its sequel might be pricier, it provides an enhanced gaming experience, making it worth the extra $5 when not discounted.

Puzzle Quest: The Legend Returns

RPG Tetris

Standard Price: $10-15

This game comes in two variants:

1. The original game, known as “Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords“, is playable on platforms such as Steam.
2. A revamped version called “Puzzle Quest: The Legend Returns ” can only be found on Switch.

Both versions are reasonably priced, and they blend Role Playing Game (RPG) mechanics with puzzle games akin to Tetris.

Players who enjoy puzzle games might find it harder to grasp the mechanics of Puzzle Quest immediately compared to Tetris, given its RPG aspects. However, once they get accustomed to the game’s specifics, they’ll discover a wealth of content to keep them occupied for an extended period.

Mercenary Kings: Reloaded Edition

Gun Hunter

Standard Price: $20

The “Mercenary Kings: Reloaded Edition” can be thought of as a 2D analogue to the popular game “Monster Hunter,” but instead of battling massive monsters, it offers an extensive collection of missions. A significant aspect of the game is crafting, where materials collected are used to create an array of eccentric firearms, such as a rifle fashioned from a toilet and a trombone, for instance.

Remarkably charming yet beautifully nostalgic, this independent game evokes memories of old-school pixel art. Whether you prefer to enjoy it solo or share the adventure with friends in multiplayer mode, the exciting experience offered by Mercenary Kings: Reloaded Edition never loses its appeal.

The Jackbox Party Starter

It’s Party Time

Standard Price: $20

Any dedicated gamer should consider owning a Jackbox game as part of their library, even though these games may not provide a solo entertainment value for stretches of hundreds of hours. However, the investment will prove worthwhile over time.

The Jackbox Party Pack Starter offers an affordable selection of games for players, with other titles in the series frequently reducing in price as well. This pack includes a trivia game titled “Trivia Murder Part 2,” a comedic fill-in-the-blank style game named “Quiplash 3,” and a creative shirt contest called “Tee K.O.” Players even have the opportunity to submit their own shirt designs to Jackbox for potential printing! As the name suggests, it’s an ideal choice for launching a fun-filled party, whether you’re hanging out with friends at home or streaming online.

2025-09-02 05:05