While Steam’s seasonal sales are a great way to build a game library, savvy Steam Deck owners are going beyond Valve’s ecosystem to unlock deeper savings. By installing third-party launchers like Heroic, users can access platforms such as GOG, Epic Games Store, and even Amazon Prime Gaming—many of which regularly offer free titles or steep discounts.
The key enabler is Heroic Launcher, a free app that lets users run non-Steam games on the Steam Deck with minimal setup. Once installed via desktop mode, Heroic integrates seamlessly into Steam’s Game Mode, allowing users to launch titles from other platforms as if they were native. This opens the door to claiming free games from Epic’s weekly giveaways or GOG’s DRM-free promotions, all playable on the Deck.
Beyond freebies, users are turning to trusted discount hubs like Humble Bundle, Green Man Gaming, and Fanatical, where curated bundles and member-exclusive deals can slash prices by 50–90%. Tools like IsThereAnyDeal help track the lowest prices across dozens of storefronts, ensuring buyers never overpay.
To activate these games on Steam, users simply redeem the provided keys through the desktop client or mobile app. This keeps everything centralized while maximizing value. For those willing to explore beyond the default Steam store, the savings can quickly add up—especially when combined with performance-boosting apps that improve battery life and frame rates.
This approach not only stretches gaming budgets but also reinforces the Steam Deck’s versatility as a portable PC. With a bit of setup and patience, users can build massive libraries without breaking the bank.
