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The Steam Sale Guide 2026: All Sale Dates & How to Get the Best Deals
If you’ve ever bought a game only to see it half-price a week later, you know the pain. Steam sales come thick and fast, and unless you keep track, it’s easy to miss out. This guide makes sure that doesn’t happen in 2026.
Summary
Below, you’ll find every confirmed Steam sale date for 2026, when to expect the next big event, and how to spot genuine discounts from the noise. The next major sale for 2026 is the Spring Sale, running 19-26 March 2026, with themed “Fests” sprinkled throughout the year.What you’ll learn
- The full list of confirmed Steam sale dates for 2026, plus some predictions
- How to know when the next Steam sale is coming
- Which sales offer the biggest discounts
- The right way to plan your wishlist and budget
- A few easy ways to save more using Steam Wallet gift cards
Steam sales confirmed for early 2026
Valve has already published the first half of the 2026 sale calendar. Here’s what’s locked in so far:| Event | Dates | What it’s about |
| Winter Sale 2025 | 18 Dec 2025 - 5 Jan 2026 | Rolls into 2026 and sets the tone for early-year discounts |
| Detective Fest | 12 - 19 Jan 2026 | Mystery and crime games |
| Board Game Fest | 26 Jan - 2 Feb 2026 | Adaptations and digital tabletop titles |
| Typing Fest | 5-9 Feb 2026 | A short “Spotlight Fest” for typing games. You’ll want a mechanical keyboard for this one |
| PvP Fest | 9-16 Feb 2026 | Competitive and arena games |
| Horse Fest | 19-23 Feb 2026 | Horse niche, yes, but surprisingly popular |
| Next Fest (Feb) | 23 Feb - 2 Mar 2026 | Hundreds of free demos |
| Tower Defense Fest | 9-16 Mar 2026 | Strategy and defence titles |
| Spring Sale | 19-26 Mar 2026 | The first major sale of the year |
| House & Home Fest | 30 Mar - 6 Apr 2026 | Building and life-sim games |
| Hidden Object Fest | 9-13 Apr 2026 | Short, themed event |
| Medieval Fest | 20-27 Apr 2026 | Swords, castles, and history |
| Deckbuilders Fest | 4-11 May 2026 | Card and roguelike games |
| Ocean Fest | 18-25 May 2026 | Sea-themed adventures |
Steam sales predictions for late 2026
Expect the rest of the year’s calendar, including the Steam Summer Sale and Autumn Sale, to follow the usual cadence as previous years:- Summer Sale: late June to early July
- Steam Scream Fest 2026 – mid-October
- Autumn Sale: mid-late November
- Winter Sale 2026: likely mid-December into early January 2027
When is the next Steam sale?
The next Steam sale is the Spring Sale, running from 19-26 March 2026. If you don’t want to wait that long, smaller Fests pop up almost every other week. They’re shorter but focused, often featuring deeper discounts on niche genres like strategy, puzzle, or sim titles.How long do Steam sales last?
The two major sales events, Summer and Winter sales, typically last around two weeks. The smaller ones, Spring, Autumn and the themed fests, stick to about a week. The good news is that prices stay consistent through each event, so you don’t have to stress over daily or flash deals anymore. How to get the best deals A sale is only a bargain if you don’t overbuy. Here’s how to keep your library growing without draining your wallet.1. Build a wishlist early
Add games now so Steam can alert you when they go on sale. I’ll save you from scrolling through thousands of titles when the event hits.2. Use the search filters properly
Sort by Lowest Price or Discount Percentage, but also check recent reviews. A 90% discount means nothing if the game’s broken.3. Watch publisher bundles
Game studios like Capcom, Paradox, and Square Enix often slash prices further when you buy collections. It’s a good way to pick up DLCs for cheap.4. Test first, buy later
Steam Next Fest is a super handy time to try out game demos before sales start. It’s the best way to find gems that might otherwise get buried.5. Stick to a prepaid balance
Load up your Steam Wallet using a Steam Gift Card from MobileTopUp. It helps you set a clear limit before the discounts tempt you too much.Quick tips for international players
Sale start times are tied to 10am PST/ 6pm GMT, 7pm CET. That means if you’re in Europe, deals usually appear in the evening. Add your favourites to your wishlist so you’ll get a notification when prices drop.Conclusion
You don’t have to chase every discount to make the most of Steam sales. Keep an eye on the confirmed dates, wishlist what you actually want and budget using Steam Wallet cards so you stay in control.Frequently Asked Questions
When is the next Steam sale?
The next major Steam sale is the Spring Sale, from 19 to 26 March 2026.
How long do Steam sales last?
Big ones last about two weeks; smaller themed Fests run for roughly a week.
Does Steam still do flash deals?
No. Prices stay the same for the full duration of each sale, so you can take your time.
What’s the biggest Steam sale of the year?
The Summer Sale and Winter Sale have the broadest discounts and last the longest.
How can I avoid overspending?
Use a Steam Wallet code to preload your balance and limit yourself to that amount.
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