Lunar New Year is upon us, and all around the world communities are celebrating the Year of the Pig. Steam is no different. The sale may have started a few days ago, but it’ll be running until the 12th, so there’s still time to take advantage of what it has to offer.
This year, goodies come in the form of tokens in a virtual ang pao or red envelope. The initial number you get is based on previous spending on Steam, but buying games during this period nets you more tokens, which you then exchange for neat little profile changes, a badge, and even additional discounts.
Here are some ideas on what to spend it all on:
Celeste (25% off)
US$ 19.99 / US$ 14.99
You’ve probably already heard about Celeste, the award-winning game from small-time developer Matt Makes Games. If you haven’t already had the chance to play this challenging and heartfelt platformer, now’s the time to get it. It won Best Independent Game and Games for Impact at the recent Game Awards, and was the only indie in the running for Game of the Year alongside juggernauts like God of War and Red Dead Redemption 2. It’s definitely something special.
A Hat in Time (45% off)
US$ 29.99 / US$ 16.49
The self-styled “cute-as-heck” 3D platforming game may be coming to the Nintendo Switch soon, but those eager to experience it earlier have a 45 percent discount to look forward to this sale. Recently reaching the milestone of one million copies sold across multiple platforms, Gears for Breakfast’s tale about a time-travelling, hat-stitching girl is a charming ode to N64 and GameCube classics.
Slime Rancher (50% off)
US$ 19.99 / US$ 9.99
The surprise simulation adventure hit is now 50 percent off, and for the price of around US$ 10, you too can experience what it’s like to be a plucky young farmer raising slime out in space. Originally launched in Early Access in 2016, Monomi Park has kept updates coming for the full release, with a free DLC released last December and regular events throughout the year. Plus, it’s rated “Overwhelmingly Positive” on Steam from more than 20,000 reviews.
Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire (34% off)
US$ 49.99 / US$ 32.99
The sequel to 2015’s Pillars of Eternity is now 34 percent off. A story-rich RPG, it was recently nominated for Best Storytelling and PC Game of the Year in the 2018 Golden Joystick Awards, and was in the running for Best Role-Playing Game at the Game Awards, as well. Battles are flashy and tactical, and the game boasts top-notch voice acting full of familiar names. You don’t need to have played the first Pillars to enjoy this one, but if you do want to experience it first, a bundle containing both games is also on sale.
Undertale (60% off)
US$ 9.99 / US$ 3.99
Who hasn’t heard of Undertale? As THE indie game of 2015, the critically acclaimed pixel RPG presents you with a unique premise: the ability to choose whether or not you defeat the monsters you encounter. With a Japanese translation and Switch release last year, as well as the surprise free release of followup Delta Rune, you can say Undertale is back — but really, it never left. Anyone interested in diving in can enjoy a 60 percent discount
Subnautica (30% off)
US$ 24.99 / US$ 17.49
The open-sea exploration game was originally released for Early Access five years ago, but has since grown into a behemoth in the single-player survival game scene. The winner of PC Game of the Year and Breakthrough Award at the Golden Joystick Awards, it takes traditional open-world mechanics and takes it to new depths, inspiring fresh new awes and terrors.
Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice (50% off)
US$ 29.99 / US$ 14.99
Ninja Theory’s first self-published independent game made waves with its nuanced and thoughtful depiction of an individual’s struggles with mental health. This paired with its folklore and mythology-inspired setting, action-adventure gameplay, and stunning landscapes won it numerous accolades from the Game Awards, the Independent Game Developers’ Association, and more.
Cuphead (20% off)
US$ 19.99 / US$ 15.99
Prepare to rage. Cuphead is a difficult and sometimes frustrating run-and-gun shooter with no mercy for those who can’t adapt to attack patterns, but for those up for a challenge, it’s a godsend. From the incredible 2D retro cartoon art direction to the precision of controls, Cuphead’s award-winning game design is a masterclass in wrapping everything up into a neat package.