Steam Autumn Sale 2026: Deep Discounts on Classics and New Releases

Key points

• The sale period is October 1 through October 8, 2026, ending at 10:00 AM Pacific Time.
• Over 25,000 games and DLC packages are discounted, with some sources citing over 44,000 titles priced at $5 or less.
• Notable budget deals include Hitman World of Assassination ($3), XCOM 2 ($3), and The Talos Principle 2 ($3).
• Recent AAA titles like Resident Evil Requiem and 007 First Light are 30% off, while Metaphor: ReFantazio is 60% off.
• Sim racing and driving games, including Assetto Corsa and Forza Horizon 5, also feature significant discounts.

Background

This is the third major seasonal sale of 2026, following previous events. The sale coincides with a crowded fall release slate, including GTA VI, which may impact consumer spending on older titles.

How outlets are covering it

Kotaku emphasizes the sheer volume of budget-friendly classics, highlighting titles like Left 4 Dead and Portal 2 for under $10. 80 Level focuses on critically acclaimed titles like Hades and Ori, while Engadget highlights recent AAA releases like Resident Evil Requiem. BoxThisLap provides a niche focus on sim racing games, noting deep discounts on titles like rFactor 2 and Assetto Corsa. All sources agree on the sale dates and the breadth of discounts, but differ in their curated recommendations based on genre and release recency.

Why it matters

The Steam Autumn Sale provides a significant opportunity for players to expand their libraries at reduced costs, particularly for those looking to catch up on backlogs or try new genres. The wide range of discounts, from legacy hits to recent AAA releases, makes it a key event for PC gamers in the fall season.

What to watch

The sale ends on October 8, 2026. Following this, the Halloween-themed Scream Sale is expected to launch, potentially offering additional discounts on horror-themed titles.