[[{“value”:”
Gaming has never been more expensive. We’re here to investigate why, and help you play more while spending less. Welcome to GameSpot Cheap Week.
In today’s age, it’s important to make the most of your money. In gaming especially, the transition to more expensive titles and console price increases are pricing many out of enjoying the medium entirely.
Thankfully, there are a bunch of excellent games that you can grab for pennies, and you don’t need to wait for a sale to roll around to do so. In fact, some of the games on this list are permanently free–and no, that doesn’t mean they’re riddled with microtransactions or locked DLC. Here are the best games you can get for $10 or less.
To The Moon
- Price: $9.99
- Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5
To The Moon is a short but unforgettable emotional journey that follows two doctors who enter a dying man’s memories to fulfill his final wish. It’s a beautifully written story about love, regret, memories, and the choices that shape lives. The stunning pixel art makes it a joy to behold, and its haunting soundtrack is the ideal background for the narrative. It hits hard, so don’t go into this one if you’re feeling emotional, but it’s one of the best storytelling experiences I’ve witnessed.
Portal 2
- Price: $9.99
- Platforms: PC, PS3, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch
If you’ve never played Portal, where have you been? Regardless of its massive popularity, we couldn’t have a list of the best cheap games without including it. The co-op feature, while a little broken connectivity-wise sometimes, is one of the funniest and most engaging ways to experience Portal 2. The game is a masterclass in puzzle design, satire, and storytelling as you and a friend return to Aperture Science labs using a portal gun to solve challenges and escape. It’s a must-play.
Vampire Survivors
- Price: $4.99
- Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Android, iOS
Vampire Survivors is a deceptively simple game, but a dangerously compelling gameplay loop. With automatic attacks and an arsenal of weapons, you’ll battle near-endless waves of monsters and collect experience to create a ridiculous build. Those builds can fill the screen with all manner of glorious chaos. You’ll get sucked into the “just one more run” mentality before you know it. Don’t forget to brush up on the weapon evolutions for the game’s true potential.
Sheepy: A Short Adventure
- Price: FREE
- Platforms: PC
Although Sheepy: A Short Adventure is exclusive to PC, it made it onto this list because of its delightful charm. The bite-sized journey won’t take you more than 90 minutes on first playthrough and proves that you don’t need massive worldbuilding or much dialogue to tell an unforgettable story. As the titular character, you explore an underground facility with clever platforming and hidden secrets. The cozy visuals are accompanied by one of my all-time favorite gaming soundtracks. It’s the perfect pick if you’re looking for a small indie gem that leaves a surprisingly big impression.
A Short Hike
- Price: $7.99
- Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
This cozy exploration adventure focuses on slowing down and enjoying the journey. You’ll play as Claire, a young bird on a mission to reach the summit of Hawk Peak. Hiking, gliding, climbing, and meeting others along the way is interspersed with finding treasure and discovering side activities. If you like to wander without feeling rushed, A Short Hike is for you.
Left 4 Dead 2
- Price: $9.99
- Platforms: PC, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
Left 4 Dead 2 is one of the greatest co-op shooters ever made, and I will hear no differently. You and up to three friends will enter a relentless zombie-filled campaign mode where you’ll only survive if your teamwork skills are up to scratch. The characters have amusing banter between them, there are fun weapons to choose from, and every run feels equally fresh and chaotic. There are also a bunch of community-made maps to discover. Left 4 Dead 2 is an endlessly replayable classic that’s just as fun now as it was at release.
The WereCleaner
- Price: FREE
- Platforms: PC
The WereCleaner is a stealth adventure of sorts, where your biggest challenge isn’t actually cleaning up the workplace, but hiding the fact that you transform into a werewolf. Your office mates believe you to be a regular janitor by day, but as it creeps toward nighttime you’ll have to avoid your coworkers while finishing your chores and hiding your lupine alter ego. It’s funny, charming, absurd, and surprisingly wholesome.
Half-Life 2
- Price: $9.99
- Platforms: PC
I doubt this list would make it past my editors if Half-Life 2 weren’t included. Valve’s first-person shooter has a gripping storyline, as you’ll play scientist Gordon Freeman returning to a world taken over by Combine. Half-Life 2’s tense combat, clever puzzles, and memorable locations are the reason half the world is waiting on tenterhooks for Half-Life 3.
Payday 2
- Price: $9.99
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Payday 2 is the ultimate heist game. Along with up to four friends, you’ll (try to) pull of bank robberies and jewelry store raids, scaling up to multi-stage criminal operations as you progress. Whether you sneak through undetected, or go in all guns blazing, it really is your choice. Use the vast arsenal of weapons, masks, skills, and builds to craft your own heist.
Librarian: Tidy Up The Arcane Library!
- Price: $4.99
- Platforms: PC
This charming organizational challenge tasks you with clearing up a magical library. Entering the chaotic collection of enchanted books, artifacts, and other clutter, it’s impossible not to find joy in the satisfying cleanup mechanics and cozy atmosphere.
“}]]
[[{“value”:”Gaming has never been more expensive. We’re here to investigate why, and help you play more while spending less. Welcome to GameSpot Cheap Week.
In today’s age, it’s important to make the most of your money. In gaming especially, the transition to more expensive titles and console price increases are pricing many out of enjoying the medium entirely.
Thankfully, there are a bunch of excellent games that you can grab for pennies, and you don’t need to wait for a sale to roll around to do so. In fact, some of the games on this list are permanently free–and no, that doesn’t mean they’re riddled with microtransactions or locked DLC. Here are the best games you can get for $10 or less.
To The Moon
Price: $9.99
Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5
To The Moon is a short but unforgettable emotional journey that follows two doctors who enter a dying man’s memories to fulfill his final wish. It’s a beautifully written story about love, regret, memories, and the choices that shape lives. The stunning pixel art makes it a joy to behold, and its haunting soundtrack is the ideal background for the narrative. It hits hard, so don’t go into this one if you’re feeling emotional, but it’s one of the best storytelling experiences I’ve witnessed.
See at Fanatical
Portal 2
Price: $9.99
Platforms: PC, PS3, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch
If you’ve never played Portal, where have you been? Regardless of its massive popularity, we couldn’t have a list of the best cheap games without including it. The co-op feature, while a little broken connectivity-wise sometimes, is one of the funniest and most engaging ways to experience Portal 2. The game is a masterclass in puzzle design, satire, and storytelling as you and a friend return to Aperture Science labs using a portal gun to solve challenges and escape. It’s a must-play.
See at Steam
Vampire Survivors
Price: $4.99
Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Android, iOS
Vampire Survivors is a deceptively simple game, but a dangerously compelling gameplay loop. With automatic attacks and an arsenal of weapons, you’ll battle near-endless waves of monsters and collect experience to create a ridiculous build. Those builds can fill the screen with all manner of glorious chaos. You’ll get sucked into the “just one more run” mentality before you know it. Don’t forget to brush up on the weapon evolutions for the game’s true potential.
See at Steam
Sheepy: A Short Adventure
Price: FREE
Platforms: PC
Although Sheepy: A Short Adventure is exclusive to PC, it made it onto this list because of its delightful charm. The bite-sized journey won’t take you more than 90 minutes on first playthrough and proves that you don’t need massive worldbuilding or much dialogue to tell an unforgettable story. As the titular character, you explore an underground facility with clever platforming and hidden secrets. The cozy visuals are accompanied by one of my all-time favorite gaming soundtracks. It’s the perfect pick if you’re looking for a small indie gem that leaves a surprisingly big impression.
See at Steam
A Short Hike
Price: $7.99
Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
This cozy exploration adventure focuses on slowing down and enjoying the journey. You’ll play as Claire, a young bird on a mission to reach the summit of Hawk Peak. Hiking, gliding, climbing, and meeting others along the way is interspersed with finding treasure and discovering side activities. If you like to wander without feeling rushed, A Short Hike is for you.
See at Steam
Left 4 Dead 2
Price: $9.99
Platforms: PC, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
Left 4 Dead 2 is one of the greatest co-op shooters ever made, and I will hear no differently. You and up to three friends will enter a relentless zombie-filled campaign mode where you’ll only survive if your teamwork skills are up to scratch. The characters have amusing banter between them, there are fun weapons to choose from, and every run feels equally fresh and chaotic. There are also a bunch of community-made maps to discover. Left 4 Dead 2 is an endlessly replayable classic that’s just as fun now as it was at release.
See at Steam
The WereCleaner
Price: FREE
Platforms: PC
The WereCleaner is a stealth adventure of sorts, where your biggest challenge isn’t actually cleaning up the workplace, but hiding the fact that you transform into a werewolf. Your office mates believe you to be a regular janitor by day, but as it creeps toward nighttime you’ll have to avoid your coworkers while finishing your chores and hiding your lupine alter ego. It’s funny, charming, absurd, and surprisingly wholesome.
See at Steam
Half-Life 2
Price: $9.99
Platforms: PC
I doubt this list would make it past my editors if Half-Life 2 weren’t included. Valve’s first-person shooter has a gripping storyline, as you’ll play scientist Gordon Freeman returning to a world taken over by Combine. Half-Life 2’s tense combat, clever puzzles, and memorable locations are the reason half the world is waiting on tenterhooks for Half-Life 3.
See at Steam
Payday 2
Price: $9.99
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Payday 2 is the ultimate heist game. Along with up to four friends, you’ll (try to) pull of bank robberies and jewelry store raids, scaling up to multi-stage criminal operations as you progress. Whether you sneak through undetected, or go in all guns blazing, it really is your choice. Use the vast arsenal of weapons, masks, skills, and builds to craft your own heist.
See at Fanatical
Librarian: Tidy Up The Arcane Library!
Price: $4.99
Platforms: PC
This charming organizational challenge tasks you with clearing up a magical library. Entering the chaotic collection of enchanted books, artifacts, and other clutter, it’s impossible not to find joy in the satisfying cleanup mechanics and cozy atmosphere.
See at Steam”}]] Read More GameSpot – All Content
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