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Looking for the best deals on games, VPNs, antivirus software, and Windows licenses? Discover smart ways to save money while getting the best value for your digital needs.
The digital age has transformed how we consume entertainment and software, but it has also introduced new challenges. The cost of games, software licenses, and online services can quickly add up. This guide explores strategies to secure your licenses at the lowest possible price.
Purchasing games, software, or online services directly from their respective platforms often involves a premium. Whether it's the latest AAA title on Steam, Office or Windows operating system license from Microsoft, or an antivirus subscription, the initial outlay can be substantial. Bundled products or software suites can further escalate costs.
When you purchase software or games directly from the official seller or publisher, you are often paying a premium price. These prices include several factors:
One of the best ways to get free games monthly is by taking advantage of the Epic Games Store's weekly giveaways. Epic Games has been running a generous promotional campaign where they offer at least one free game each week, often including popular titles and indie gems. To benefit from this, simply create an Epic Games account if you don't already have one, and regularly check the store's free games section.
Once you claim a free game, it’s permanently added to your library at no cost. This initiative allows gamers to build a substantial collection of games over time without spending a dime, making it a fantastic opportunity for both casual and hardcore gamers. There are currently over 300 games that are free to play, including Destiny 2, and Epic Games even gave away GTA V back in May 2020.
Subscription services offer a modern and cost-effective alternative to the traditional purchasing model. These services provide partial or full access to extensive libraries of games, including premium content and DLC, for a recurring fee. With a subscription, gamers can play hundreds of games for approximately $20 per month, compared to the $20 to $60 per single game they might only play once. This model provides excellent value, particularly for hardcore gamers who enjoy a variety of games.
Price: $1 for the first 14 days, $12 for the base PC games subscription, and $20 for the Ultimate Pass, which includes console games and cloud streaming.
Xbox Game Pass offers a vast library of Xbox and PC games, including day-one releases from Xbox Game Studios. Through collaborations with Ubisoft+ and EA Play, gamers can access titles such as Starfield, Call of Duty Modern Warfare III (2023), Forza Horizon 5, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, Call of Duty Black Ops 6 (late October 2024), Assassin's Creed Valhalla, and Far Cry 6, all with the base Game Pass subscription.
Price: $8 - $18
Primarily known for online multiplayer, PlayStation Plus also includes a selection of free games and cloud saves. Its tiered structure offers a wide range of gaming titles from the PS2 to the PS5. Additionally, subscribers don’t need a PlayStation console to play games like the Assassin's Creed franchise or Red Dead Redemption 2, as they can stream these games directly to their PC.
Price: $1 for the first month, then $8 for the base subscription, and $18 for the Premium subscription.
The Ubisoft base subscription grants access to a selection of 50 Ubisoft games (standard edition), including Assassin's Creed Valhalla, Ghost Recon Breakpoint, Far Cry 6, and Watch Dogs Legion. The Premium subscription includes day-one access to newly launched games like the upcoming Star Wars Outlaws and Assassin's Creed Shadows, as well as over 100 titles (premium edition).
Price: $7 - $18
EA's subscription service offers a library of EA games, early access to new titles, and discounts on purchases. While it might not have the same breadth as Xbox Game Pass, it caters specifically to EA fans. The base subscription grants access to most games' standard editions and 10 hours of gameplay for newly released titles, while the EA Play Pro subscription provides unlimited access to all games, including new releases like Madden NFL 24 and F1 24, and their premium editions and content.
When deciding whether to subscribe, it's crucial to weigh the cost of the subscription against potential savings on individual purchases. If you play a wide variety of games or use multiple software applications, a subscription can be a cost-effective choice.
Xbox Game Pass stands out as the best option due to its welcoming offer and extensive selection of premium titles, including most of EA and Ubisoft's game libraries. Lastly, consider an annual subscription and to save even more money, buy the subscription through a reseller.
Reseller platforms offer games, software licenses, and other digital products at significantly lower prices. They achieve these savings through several methods:
Kinguin is a popular reseller site that offers a wide range of digital products, including games, subscription services, VPNs, antivirus software, Windows licenses, and various other software. Any purchase on the site includes a flat service fee that provides support in case a license key doesn’t work and the reseller is not responding.
Additionally, buyers can pay through traditional payment systems, PayPal, cryptocurrencies, or with gift cards bought on Bitrefill, a gift card merchant that only accepts cryptocurrencies.
G2A is another major player in the reseller market, known for its competitive prices and wide range of products. Like Kinguin, it offers Windows licenses, VPNs, antivirus software, games, and various other software license keys. The payment options include various traditional providers but are more limited regarding cryptocurrencies, as G2A only accepts Bitcoin.
CDKeys is a pure gaming reseller known for its competitive prices. It offers straightforward deals without additional fees and has a strong reputation for key validity. However, the payment options are quite limited, as it only accepts debit cards or PayPal.
Can’t find a particular game or software? Aggregator sites compile and present deals and discounts from various sources in one convenient location, making it easier for consumers to find the best prices on software, games, and other digital products. These sites provide comprehensive lists of current discounts, sales, and promotional offers across multiple reseller and official sites.
Use these aggregators to quickly compare prices, check historical price trends, set up alerts for specific products, and ensure you are getting the best deal available. These tools are invaluable for savvy shoppers looking to maximize their savings and minimize the time spent hunting for bargains.
As you explore reseller options, you'll notice that Steam games can be purchased even cheaper by buying accounts that already own the game. This involves receiving login details and potentially changing the email or passwords.
However, avoid purchasing additional games on these accounts to protect your payment information, as the account's origin is unknown.
To enjoy the game with your friends, use Steam's Family Sharing feature to share the game from the purchased account to your primary account.
Pre-ordering a video game often feels like a gamble. You're paying full price for a product you haven't experienced, and there's no guarantee it'll live up to the hype. With digital downloads, the days of limited physical copies are long gone, so there's little risk of missing out. Plus, if a game disappoints, its price usually drops quickly. While exclusive pre-order bonuses like collectibles can be tempting, it's essential to consider if they're worth the upfront cost.
Now you know how to get the best deals on video games, VPNs, Windows licenses, and antivirus software. Most resellers will issue a refund or replacement in case of any problems, but the crucial step is to use aggregator sites to verify that the "best deal" is truly good.
Additionally, consider your payment options carefully. If you value anonymity, use a different email address than your main one and pay with cryptocurrency. Otherwise, PayPal is an excellent choice, offering added protection and the possibility of a refund if issues arise. Follow these guidelines and never overpay for your licenses again.
FAQ 1
How can I save money on video games?
To find the best game deals, consider purchasing from game key resellers like Kinguin, G2A, and CDKeys. These platforms often offer significant discounts compared to buying directly from publishers. Additionally, take advantage of free games from the Epic Games Store and consider subscribing to services like Xbox Game Pass or PlayStation Plus, which provide access to a vast library of games for a monthly fee.
FAQ 2
Are subscription gaming services like Xbox Game Pass worth it?
Yes, subscription gaming services like Xbox Game Pass can be highly cost-effective, especially if you play a wide variety of games. For a relatively low monthly fee, you get access to hundreds of games, including new releases and popular titles. This can save you a lot of money compared to purchasing individual games at full price. Additionally, services like PlayStation Plus and Ubisoft+ offer similar benefits and can be a great way to access a broad range of games without breaking the bank.
FAQ 3
What are the best aggregator sites for finding software deals?
The best aggregator sites for finding software deals include IsThereAnyDeal, CheapShark, and Allkeyshop. These platforms compile discounts and promotional offers from various reseller and official sites, making it easier for you to find the best prices on software, games, and other digital products. Using these aggregator sites can help you quickly compare prices and ensure you're getting the best deal available.
FAQ 4
How can I get a discount on VPN services?
To get the best price for VPN services and cheap antivirus software, consider the following strategies:
