At a Glance
- The current Steam sale, Detective Fest, runs Jan. 12-19 2026 and offers discounts up to 90 %.
- Steam sold 718 million games in 2024 and hosts a catalog of over 89 000 titles.
- Seasonal sales occur quarterly, while themed fests appear throughout the year.
- Why it matters: Knowing the schedule lets gamers snag deep discounts on new releases, indie titles, and classic collections.
Steam, the dominant digital storefront for PC gaming, has become a household name for players looking to buy, sell, and trade titles. In 2024, the platform sold a staggering 718 million games, drawing from a catalog that exceeds 89 000 games. The next big event, Detective Fest, is currently underway from Jan. 12 to 19 2026, offering steep price cuts on detective-themed games. For anyone looking to expand a library or save money, understanding the timing of Steam’s seasonal sales and themed fests is essential.
What’s on Offer During Detective Fest
Detective Fest features some of the most dramatic discounts on the platform. Below are a few highlights:
| Game | Original Price | Discount | New Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy Rain | $20 | 90 % | $2 |
| Call of Cthulhu | $20 | 85 % | $3 |
| The Sinking City Remastered | $40 | 75 % | $10 |
| Broken Sword – Shadow of the Templars | $30 | 40 % | $18 |
| L.A. Noire | $20 | 70 % | $6 |
| Detroit: Become Human | $40 | 80 % | $8 |
| Blue Prince | $30 | 34 % | $19.79 |
| Sherlock Holmes Complete Adventures Bundle | $233.59 | 83 % | $39.38 |
| Agatha Christie – Death on the Nile | $40 | 30 % | $28 |
| Pathologic 3 | $35 | 20 % | $28 |
| Return of the Obra Dinn | $20 | 40 % | $12 |
| Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy | $30 | 67 % | $9.89 |
| Disco Elysium – The Final Cut | $40 | 75 % | $10 |
These deals illustrate the breadth of discounts available, from blockbusters to niche titles.
Seasonal Sales Timeline
Steam’s major seasonal sales are held four times a year, each with a distinct duration:
| Sale | Dates (2026) |
|---|---|
| Winter | Dec. 18 2025 – Jan. 5 2026 |
| Spring | Mar. 19 - 26 2026 |
| Summer | Jun. 26 - Jul. 10 2025 |
| Autumn | Sep. 29 - Oct. 6 2025 |
The Winter and Summer Sales typically last about two weeks, while Spring and Autumn Sales run for roughly one week. In addition to these, Steam hosts dozens of smaller “fests” that focus on specific genres or themes.
Upcoming Fests in 2026
Here is a list of the fests announced for 2026, with example titles that may see discounts:
| Fest | Dates | Sample Games |
|---|---|---|
| Detective Fest | Jan. 12 - 19 2026 | Sherlock Holmes: The Devil’s Daughter, Broken Sword: Shadow of the Templars |
| Board Game Fest | Jan. 26 - Feb. 2 2026 | Ticket to Ride, Cluedo, Wingspan |
| Typing Fest | Feb. 5 - 9 2026 | Typing of the Dead, Typefighters |
| PvP Fest | Feb. 9 - 16 2026 | Arc Raiders, The Elder Scrolls Online |
| Horse Fest | Feb. 19 - 23 2026 | Red Dead Redemption 2, The Ranch of Rivershine |
| Steam Next Fest (Feb. 23 - Mar. 2 2026) | Highlights of upcoming games, demos, livestreams | |
| Tower Defense Fest | Mar. 9 - 16 2026 | Stronghold Crusader, Plants vs. Zombies Replanted |
| Spring Sale | Mar. 19 - 26 2026 | Broad range of titles |
| House & Home Fest | Mar. 30 - Apr. 6 2026 | House Flipper, Tiny House Simulator |
| Hidden Object Fest | Apr. 9 - 13 2026 | Mystery Case Files, Hidden Folks |
| Deckbuilders Fest | May 4 - 11 2026 | Marvel’s Midnight Suns, Balatro, Slay the Spire |
| Ocean Fest | May 18 - 25 2026 | Maneater, Subnautica, Dave the Diver |
These themed events allow players to target specific interests, such as detective mysteries or board-game adaptations.
How to Maximize Savings
- Use your wish list – Add games you’re interested in; during a sale, sort by discount to see the biggest savings.
- Check SteamDB – This third-party tool lets you filter by discount, rating, or platform, making it easier to spot hidden gems.
- Buy bundles wisely – Full publisher collections can be cost-effective if you plan to play many titles; otherwise, consider individual purchases.
- Cross-shop – Compare prices on GOG, Epic, Origin, and Xbox Game Pass; sites like IsThereAnyDeal aggregate deals across platforms.
- Set a budget – With many titles discounted, it’s easy to overspend; stick to a monetary limit or a cap on the number of games.
- Avoid impulse buys – Purchase only games you intend to play soon; most titles remain available in subsequent sales.
## Beyond Buying: Making the Most of Your Steam Library
After building a collection, you can:
- Share your library with up to five family members via Steam Families.
- Use Remote Play Together to stream games to friends.
- Install the Steam Link app on mobile or streaming devices for gaming on the go.
- Play on handhelds like the Steam Deck or Asus ROG Ally.
By planning ahead, using wish lists, and comparing across platforms, players can acquire a rich library while keeping costs low.
Key Takeaways
- Detective Fest offers some of the deepest discounts on Steam right now.
- Seasonal sales run quarterly; themed fests fill the gaps with genre-specific deals.
- Use tools like SteamDB and cross-shop sites to find the best prices.
- Setting a budget and sticking to it prevents overspending.
- Steam’s ecosystem extends beyond purchases, offering sharing, streaming, and portable play options.
Staying informed about sale schedules and leveraging available tools ensures you never miss a good deal on your favorite games.
