We all deserve to be entertained with a virtual gaming escapade in 2025, but sometimes, it’s hard to do on a smaller budget. Luckily, gamers everywhere are managing to find cheap and cheerful ways to enjoy gaming, with some savvy gamers employing some valuable tips to ensure their gaming marathons aren’t breaking the bank.
Of course, it does mean some players will feel like they’re missing out on the most significant releases as soon as they hit the shelves, but compromises need to be made for money-saving gamers. Sadly, this commonly explored entertainment option warrants it, as console costs spiral and gaming accessories cost extortionate amounts.
Fear not, though. With gaming communities coming together to share a wide range of ways they tend to explore gaming on a budget, let’s look at some of them below. While gaming certainly isn’t cheap, it doesn’t mean it’s only accessible to people with large budgets. As the tips and tricks below highlight, you can still sample this beloved entertainment option without spending big.
Use subscription services
First, suppose you already have access to consoles. In that case, you have to look at options like Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus Premium, mainly because they have vast libraries of games for a fixed monthly cost, meaning you can budget accordingly. Likewise, Apple Arcade is another service many gamers turn to. While it means you won’t have access to every top title out there, there are still many products on offer.
Looking at the actual numbers makes the value proposition clear. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate costs around £10.99 per month but gives you access to over 400 games that would cost thousands to purchase separately. Many gamers report saving £50-60 monthly by playing new releases through the service instead of buying them outright. For example, when Starfield launched at £69.99, Game Pass subscribers could play it on day one as part of their subscription.
PlayStation Plus Extra (£10.99) and Premium (£13.49) tiers work similarly, though with slightly different game catalogs. The Premium tier actually includes classic games from PS1, PS2, and PSP, which adds tremendous value for nostalgic gamers. Keep an eye out for frequent promotional offers too – both services regularly offer first-month deals for £1 or three months for the price of one during holiday seasons. This approach lets you budget a fixed gaming cost each month rather than making irregular large purchases.
Netflix Has Games
Many people perhaps don’t realize that some of the subscription services they access daily offer gaming products. For example, Netflix now houses a wide range of mobile-friendly games that can be easily accessed alongside watching the hit shows and smash-hit movies the streaming giant offers. From Into the Breach and Oxenfree to Krispee Street and Lucky Luna, some superb games are available for sessions there.
Don’t Buy Games Immediately (On Launch / Pre Launch)
One thing many gamers get wrong is immediately snapping up titles as soon as they’re released. It means they’re at their most expensive. As such, to still play the games everyone is talking about, wait a while before you decide to purchase them. Sure, it means you’ll be a bit behind the gaming community, but you’ll still be able to session the leading releases around today without spending too much. Additionally, you can wait for sales events like Black Friday or the Steam Summer Sale to happen.
The price drop patterns are remarkably predictable. Take Call of Duty as a prime example – the latest titles typically see a 25-35% discount within just 2-3 months after release. Last year’s Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III launched at £69.99 but could be found for £45.99 by January. Steam generally offers more aggressive discounts compared to platforms like Ubisoft Connect or the Epic Games Store. For instance, Assassin’s Creed titles on Ubisoft typically maintain higher prices longer, dropping only 20% after three months, while the same titles on Steam might see 40-50% discounts during seasonal sales.
The most significant gaming sales happen predictably each year. Steam runs major sales in Summer (June), Autumn (November), Winter (December), and Spring (March), with discounts reaching up to 90% on older titles. Console digital stores follow similar patterns, with additional flash sales throughout the year. Patient gamers who wait just six months can often grab AAA titles for half price or less, essentially doubling their gaming budget’s purchasing power.
Have A Look Online
If getting a PlayStation 5 Pro seems too expensive right now, looking online for gaming stuff is something lots of gamers do. Many websites offer free games you can play. There are free websites that house gaming titles for everyone. You can play casino games online like Wolf It Up and Howling Treasures, while there are even retro favorites to explore and some downloadable titles on various gaming sites. Essentially, Google is your friend when looking for budget-friendly gaming products.
Epic Games Store is really good for people gaming on a budget. They give away one or two full games every week for free. These aren’t demos – they’re complete games you keep forever. Many people have gotten hundreds of pounds worth of games without paying anything. Epic gave away Ghostwire: Tokyo last month, which still costs about £30 everywhere else. Some guy who’s been collecting these free games since 2019 now has over 290 games worth about £4,000.
For those times when a specific game isn’t available for free but you still want to save money, authorized key resellers offer legitimate alternatives. Sites like Kinguin or CDKeys often sell game activation keys at 15-40% below standard retail prices. For example, recent AAA releases that retail for £59.99 can frequently be found for around £42 on these platforms. Just be sure to check seller ratings and avoid suspiciously low prices, as these could indicate unauthorized keys. Many of these services also offer additional discounts through seasonal promotions or email newsletter signups, providing extra savings opportunities for careful shoppers.
Trade and Swap Communities in the UK
More UK gamers are swapping games now to play new stuff without spending more money. Instead of keeping games you’ve finished on your shelf, why not trade them for something new? Lots of gamers get new games this way without spending any cash.
The process is straightforward – you offer games you’ve finished playing and connect with others who have titles you’re interested in. For example, someone recently swapped their completed GTA 5 for The Witcher 3, essentially getting a new 100+ hour gaming experience for free. Both parties walked away satisfied with new adventures to embark on without spending a penny.
Finding these communities is easier than you might think. Facebook hosts numerous gaming exchange groups organized by city or region throughout the UK. Simply search for terms like “[your city] game swap” or “UK gaming exchange” to discover active communities near you. Similarly, Reddit features dedicated subreddits where UK gamers arrange trades, often organizing by region to facilitate in-person exchanges.
Many gamers organize local meetups in community centers or gaming cafés to swap games face-to-face. These gatherings have the added benefit of connecting you with fellow gaming enthusiasts in your area. One regular participant mentioned expanding their collection by over 25 games in a year through swapping alone, calculating savings of approximately £1,200 compared to buying new titles.
UK Gaming Libraries and Rentals
Why buy a game you’ll only play once through? That’s why more people are renting games again. If you’re going to finish a game within a week or two, buying it might not make sense when you can rent it instead.
Some UK libraries now lend video games, not just books. Places like Manchester, Birmingham and Glasgow started doing this, letting library members borrow PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo Switch games. Check your local library’s website or just pop in and ask if they have games. Most let you borrow for 1-3 weeks, which is perfect for finishing most story games.
Commercial game rental services also continue to operate across the UK, though now primarily online rather than on the high street. These services typically charge around £8-12 for a week-long rental of newer titles – considerably less than the £50-70 purchase price. For example, renting the latest FIFA or Call of Duty for a ten-day period costs approximately £15, compared to the £70 retail price. If you complete the campaign within that time, you’ve saved £55.
This works out even better for shorter games. A 12-hour game that costs £40 to buy would cost you about £3.33 per hour of playing. Rent the same game for £10 and it only costs 83p per hour – much better if you’re watching your money. Many rental places also offer monthly plans where you can keep swapping games all month for one price, which is great if you play a lot.
Retro Gaming
Another way millions of players still experience gaming without spending vast sums of money is by opting to play retro games on classic consoles. They’re generally much cheaper, they still have an enormous library of games to get through, and they ooze charm, given their old-school feel. Many timeless titles are ready to be experienced once again, be it on a PlayStation 3 or through a budget gaming PC you’ve decided to build. The options are extensive.
