Valve has officially kicked off the Steam 'Going Rogue' Sale 2026, launching a massive week-long celebration of punishment and persistence alongside the highly anticipated Steam Next Fest February 2026. Starting today, February 23, PC gamers can access thousands of free demos and secure deep discounts of up to 90% on the genre's biggest hits. Whether you are looking for Hades 2 discounts or searching for the next procedurally generated obsession among the cheap PC games 2026 has to offer, this double-header event is the perfect time to expand your library.
Top Deals: Hades 2, Slay the Spire 2, and More
The headline act of the 'Going Rogue' festival is undoubtedly the first significant price drop for Hades 2. Following its full release in late 2025, Supergiant's mythic sequel is currently seeing a 20% markdown, making it a must-buy for anyone who waited through Early Access. The sale isn't just limited to the Underworld; other titans of the genre like Dead Cells, The Binding of Isaac: Repentance, and Risk of Rain 2 are seeing slashing price cuts ranging from 50% to 75% off.
Fans of deckbuilders will be pleased to spot Slay the Spire 2 featured prominently. While newer titles typically see modest reductions, the sheer volume of best roguelike deals Steam has curated for this event ensures there is something for every budget. From high-octane action roguelites to thoughtful turn-based strategy games, the 'Going Rogue' banner covers an impressive breadth of sub-genres.
Steam Next Fest February 2026: Play the Future
While the sales are tempting, the Steam Next Fest February 2026 is arguably the main event. Running concurrently from February 23 to March 2, this edition of Next Fest offers players a glimpse into the future of gaming with hundreds of playable demos. This year's selection is heavy on innovation, featuring "Soulslike" mechanics blended with unexpected genres—think cozy farming sims with brutal boss fights and rhythm-based dungeon crawlers.
Participating in Next Fest is completely free. You can download demos, watch developer livestreams, and even chat with creators directly through Steam. It is an excellent opportunity to test drive upcoming cheap PC games 2026 before they launch. Be sure to wishlist your favorites; Valve's algorithm often rewards high-wishlist games with better visibility, helping indie developers succeed in a crowded market.
Soulslikes Join the Fray
It is not just about permadeath; the 'Going Rogue' sale also extends to the 'Soulslike' category. Heavy hitters like Lies of P and Elden Ring (including the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion) are featured with competitive discounts. If you have been holding out for a Hades 2 discount or a price drop on FromSoftware's catalog, this week offers some of the lowest historical prices we have seen.
Dates and Details: What You Need to Know
The Steam sale dates for both the 'Going Rogue' event and Next Fest are identical. The festivities began today, Monday, February 23, 2026, and will conclude on March 2 at 10 AM PT. This seven-day window is standard for Valve's seasonal fests, giving you just one week to capitalize on the offers. Unlike other retailers, there are no Steam discount codes 2026 required; all savings are applied directly on the store page, so you can simply click and buy.
For smart shoppers, we recommend checking your wishlist immediately. Valve sends email notifications for wishlisted items that go on sale, which is the fastest way to spot if that niche roguelite you have been eyeing has finally dropped in price. Remember, the next major seasonal sale—the Spring Sale—is likely a month away, but genre-specific festivals like this often offer deeper cuts on specific categories.
Is the 'Going Rogue' Sale Worth It?
Absolutely. If you are a fan of gameplay loops that demand mastery, this is arguably the best sale of the year outside of the major Summer and Winter events. The combination of the Steam Going Rogue sale 2026 and Next Fest creates a unique ecosystem where you can buy acclaimed classics for cheap while playing the next generation of hits for free. With Hades 2 leading the charge and a flood of new demos to explore, this week is a massive win for PC gaming enthusiasts.
