How to build a huge Steam library on a small budget

A big, brilliant game library is not about spending big — it is about spending smart. Follow these habits and you will own hundreds of great games for the price a few full-priced releases would cost.

1. Buy old, not new

Last year's masterpiece is this year's bargain. Games like The Witcher 3 or Borderlands 2 now sell for pennies on the dollar. Patience is the single biggest discount there is.

2. Always check the all-time low

Never buy on the strength of a discount banner alone. Compare today's price to the game's historical low and only pull the trigger when it is at or near it.

3. Use keyshops for older titles

For catalogue games, authorised keyshops can be dramatically cheaper than official stores. Just buy carefully — see are keyshops safe? for the rules.

4. Claim every freebie

Free-to-keep giveaways add up fast, and they cost nothing. Learn how to catch them in how to get free PC games every week.

5. Let alerts do the work

Add what you want to your wishlist, set a target price, and let us tell you when any store crosses it. You will buy at the bottom without ever watching prices. Start on the deals page.