Gaming on a budget doesn't mean you have to compromise on quality. Steam has some of the most amazing games, from free to paid ones. But it's not necessary that you'll get the best deal on your favorite games on Steam; sometimes, you'll find the exact match at a much lower price on other platforms.

Here are 14 highly popular games available on Steam that you can get for less on other platforms.

Call of Cthulhu

A haunting narrative-driven mystery game

Call of Cthulhu is a psychological horror game that brings to life H.P. Lovecraft's unsettling world. As private investigator Edward Pierce, you will solve the mysteries of Darkwater Island. The game mixes investigation, stealth, and light RPG mechanics, keeping you always hooked with its spooky atmosphere. It has an engaging story that changes based on your choices, and gameplay continuously challenges your sanity.

The game is sometimes available on Steam at a discounted price during sales, but you can always find it at a steal on GOG.com. The DRM-free version frequently goes on sale for up to 80% off, making it a bargain for anyone who is into cosmic horror fans.

LEGO Builder's Journey

A calming and visually stunning puzzle game

LEGO Builder's Journey is a puzzle game that's super fun to play, especially if you like LEGO. This incredible atmospheric adventure challenges you to solve geometric puzzles using LEGO bricks; sometimes, you have to be diligent and follow the instructions, and other times, breaking the rules is the only way, right? The story, though simple, is heartwarming, focusing on themes of creativity and parental bonding.

This game has some top-notch visuals, a calming soundtrack, and clever puzzles. You don't need a dedicated graphics card to run it. Anyone who's into puzzles shouldn't think twice before grabbing this one. It is one of the popular games on Steam, but the best deals for this game can often be found at the Epic Games Store. Epic frequently gives some fantastic discounts on this game, sometimes up to 50% off the Steam price.

Civilization VI

Build an empire to stand the test of time

Civilization VI is a 4X strategy game in which you lead your civilization from ancient olden times to the modern age by managing resources, researching technologies, and interacting with other leaders through diplomacy or brute force. Its turn-based mechanics are addictive, with endless replayability thanks to strategically generated maps.

Again, the best deals for Civilization VI can often be found on the Epic Games Store. Epic frequently offers deep discounts, sometimes up to 75% off the base game and its expansions.

XCOM 2 Collection

Lead humanity's resistance in this tactical masterpiece

XCOM 2 Collection is a package of popular games XCOM 2, the War of the Chosen expansion, and five of its popular DLC packs: Resistance Warrior Pack, Anarchy's Children, Alien Hunters, Shen's Last Gift, and Tactical Legacy Pack. XCOM 2 is basically a turn-based tactical game in which you lead a resistance to take back Earth from aliens. The game combines intense, turn-based combat with a robust base-building system where every decision matters.

It has fantastic replay value and mod support, so you'll get many hours of entertainment overall. The 2K Store, the publisher's official platform, often offers it at a discounted price. During the sale, you can get up to 90% off.

Frostpunk

A city-building game with a moral dilemma

Frostpunk is a city-building game that combines survival elements with moral choices. As the leader of the last city on Earth, you need to manage resources and make difficult ethical decisions to keep your citizens alive in a frozen world. Every choice you make has consequences that ensure a gripping and challenging gaming experience.

GOG.com often offers Frostpunk at steep discounts, sometimes up to 70% off. The GOG version is DRM-free and usually includes bonus content.

Disco Elysium: The Final Cut

A revolutionary narrative RPG

Disco Elysium - The Final Cut is an innovative RPG where you play as a detective with amnesia. You'll solve a murder case in a city district using a unique set of skill systems. With its amazing narrative, gameplay, and fully voiced dialogue, Disco Elysium delivers an unparalleled RPG experience. The game's writing is phenomenal, offering philosophical depth and plenty of humor.

Disco Elysium is a popular title on Steam, but the Epic Games Store frequently offers big discounts, sometimes up to 65% off. Make sure you check the Epic Games store before purchasing it.

Hades

A fast-paced roguelike with heart and style

Hades is a famous roguelike game that comes with fast-paced action and quite an engaging story. You play as Zagreus, Hades' son, who is trying to escape the underworld. Each attempt shows more of the narrative. Not only this, but the game is also praised for its art style and gameplay. It's a good value, especially during sales.

It's rated incredibly high on Steam, but if you're planning to purchase it, the Epic Games Store often offers Hades at a lower price, especially during sales events.

Titanfall 2

An overlooked gem with phenomenal gameplay

Titanfall 2 features fast-paced shooting and mech combat. It also has a well-received single-player campaign and an incredible multiplayer mode. The story follows a bond between a soldier and his Titan, delivering emotional depth and thrilling gameplay. The game has some unique movement mechanics and smooth gameplay.

While it's available on Steam, you can often find Titanfall 2 at a significant discount on Origin, which is EA's digital distribution platform. During sales, the price goes as low as $5.

Graveyard Keeper

A quirky simulation game with dark humor

Graveyard Keeper is a management sim where you manage a cemetery, that too, in medieval times. It has some fantastic dark humor and crafting systems, and the best part is that it comes with various storylines. If you liked playing Stardew Valley, you'll love this game as well. With its pixel art style and gameplay, it's a good choice for fans seeking something different.

Like all the games on the list, this, too, is available on Steam, but the game is often discounted more heavily on GOG.com, sometimes up to 70% off.

The Saboteur

A stylish open-world game set during WWII

The Saboteur is a hidden gem of a game that mixes open-world action with a special black-and-white art style. Set in Nazi-occupied Paris during World War II, you play an Irish mechanic who becomes a resistance fighter. The game has an engaging atmosphere. Its black-and-white-to-color visual aesthetic is a standout feature, symbolizing hope returning to oppressed areas.

The best deals for The Saboteur can often be found on Origin. During sales, the game can be priced as low as $2.49.

ABZU

A serene underwater exploration game

ABZU, a BAFTA nominee in 2017, is an underwater adventure game with beautiful visuals and relaxing gameplay. It comes with a colorful ocean environment and tells an emotional story without words. The game focuses on exploration and relaxation rather than combat. Its breathtaking visuals and soothing soundtrack make it an excellent game to unwind with, and its low price point adds to its charm.

ABZU is often more heavily discounted at the Epic Games Store, sometimes up to 80% off.

Darkest Dungeon

A grueling roguelike with Gothic flair

Darkest Dungeon is a turn-based RPG that requires both tactical skills and managing the stresses of dungeon exploration. The game's unique stress system and gothic art style create a different experience in the genre.

Darkest Dungeon is often available at a discounted price on GOG.com, sometimes up to 80% off.

Stardew Valley

The ultimate farming simulator with a heart

Stardew Valley is a beloved indie farming simulation RPG that shows players a much-needed escape to rural life. As a newcomer to Pelican Town, you'll inherit your grandfather's old farm plot and set out to turn it into a homestead. The game gets regular updates and mods due to its active community.

It is already reasonably priced on Steam but frequently goes on sale for up to 40% off during Steam events. The game is also often available at a lower price at GOG, sometimes beating Steam's prices.

Terraria

A sandbox adventure with infinite possibilities

Terraria is a 2D sandbox game that has exploration, crafting, building, and combat. Its pixelated art style and large, randomly generated worlds set you in for a lot of creativity and discovery. It comes with hundreds of hours of potential gameplay.

Terraria has received many content updates over the years but still has a low price on Steam. During sales, it often offers discounts of up to 50%. The game is also often included in bundles with other titles on platforms like Humble Bundle. So it's preferable to choose this over Steam.

Purchase games smartly

Steam is a popular platform to purchase and play games; however, you won't necessarily get the best deal on it for every game. The listed games are just a tiny sample of the deals available to gamers willing to look beyond Steam. If you're really into a particular game, before you make a purchase on Steam, take a moment to search for the game on alternative platforms like GOG, Epic Games Store, Origin, and publisher-specific stores. Remember to check these stores regularly, especially during sales. With a bit of patience and a sense of shopping, you can get some of the best games on the market within your budget.