Steam Summer Sale 2021: Our Recommendations

Here are Gaming Verdict's 10 recommendations for games worth buying in the Steam Summer Sale 2021 edition

steam summer sale 2021
Here are Gaming Verdict's recommendations in the Steam Summer Sale. (Image via Valve.)

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The Steam Summer Sale is here, bringing the familiar spread of summer discounts that threaten to overwhelm every gamer’s backlog of unplayed titles. The Steam Summer Sale 2021 is no different to previous years, with some great discounts on 2020 and 2021’s hottest games running from June 24 – July 8. Here a selection of titles we think are worth your consideration.

Borderlands 3 – 67% off

At the moment, Borderlands 3 is at its lowest price ever on Steam, so if there ever was a time to give in to the critically acclaimed sequel to the original looter shooter, then the Steam Summer Sale 2021 is it. Also, Gearbox have just dropped one of the game’s biggest content patches, including a level cap increase, crossplay, and other goodies. You really get a lot of bang for your bucks with this price.

CyberPunk 2077 – 33% off 

Cyberpunk 2077 was one of the most disappointing game launches of all time. It was incredibly buggy across all platforms, of course, but especially crippling when run on the last generation of consoles that struggled to even boot the game. Thankfully, the PC version has only gotten more stable, having received six months of regular fixes. If you were ever hesitant on the December release, the recent updates and hefty Steam Summer Sale 2021 discount might be enough to entice you back to the blockbuster title. 

Dyson Sphere Program – 10% off

Dyson Sphere Program is a sci-fi simulation game with space, adventure, exploration and factory automation elements. It’s a game where you get to build your own galactic industrial empire and has been received incredibly well since it began life in Early Access. While the current discount is only at 10%, it’s already a bargain for such a rich and unique city builder and should appeal to all you strategy gamers out there.

Endzone A World Apart – 25% off

Endzone is a post-apocalyptic survival city builder, where you kickstart a new civilization after a global nuclear disaster. Like other survival city builders, you can experience environmental disasters in the form of radiation, toxic fallout, sandstorms and drought. Those similarities aside, it clearly stands out among others in the genre with its Fallout / Wasteland vibe. Also, if you are a fan of Tropico gameplay, with campaigns, scenarios and sandbox modes, you’ll enjoy those too. 

Outriders – 35% off

Outriders is People Can Fly’s looter shooter, which was launched in April and received favorable first impressions. While the game’s post-launch period did reveal a few problems, the game has been steadily built up to become one of the best alternatives to Destiny on the market. With most of the major bugs now fixed and a recent patch improving legendary drop rates, the game is definitely worth picking up – especially with a 35% discount just three months after its release.

If you do go ahead a pick up Outriders, we have a handy tier list and class rundown that can help you decide what you should be playing.

Risk of Rain 2 – 33% off

Risk of Rain 2 remains one of the most popular games of 2021, building on the amazing success of the first game with a whole new dimension. In Risk of Rain 2, you must select weapon combinations, classes, and other items to help you escape a chaotic alien planet that you can’t help but want to go back to, time and again.

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice GOTY Edition – 50% off

The 2019 Samurai-themed equivalent of Dark Souls from developers FromSoftware is enjoying its lowest recorded price on Steam, providing a big incentive for those that missed it to give the game a go. Hopefully, by the time you’ll have mastered it, you’ll be stoked to try FromSoftrware’s upcoming magnum opus, Elden Ring, due in 2022. 

Valheim – 10% off

Valheim has been one of the breakout hits of 2021, having dominated Early Access all year. The massive player community has been kept fully entertained with mods for some time, but all eyes are turning towards future content like the Home and Hearth update, minor bug fixes and other gameplay improvements. Because of the pace of development and what’s already in the game, Valheim already represents great value, but if you need further incentive, its current 10% discount should be more than enough to sway your interest.

Total War: Warhammer 2 – 66% off 

Like other blockbuster titles in this list, Warhammer 2 is at its lowest ever price point and is rammed full of great content, even without the discounted expansions that have been added to the DLC roster over the last three years. If you’ve not got it, pick up the first game too. Both games complement one another, thanks to the diverse armies and each game being set in different parts of the Warhammer world.

Zero Hour – 40% off

Zero Hour is one of Steam’s hidden gems and deserves more attention than it gets. The game takes its inspiration from Rainbow Six Siege, only breaking it down into a more visceral and hardcore experience. Take tactical approaches to hostage scenarios, with realistic destruction and tools that real SWAT teams would use. While the game is rather small, it has a solid and stable player base – and is at such a low price that it’s worth considering even if you’re not a hardcore tactical shooter fan.

These are the ten games we think are worth picking up in the Steam Summer Sale 2021. If you believe any other gems or major discounts worth mentioning, let us know in the comments below.