Nowadays, $5.00 doesn’t get you very much. But if you’re a PC gamer, $5.00 can go a long way in keeping you entertained for hours. With AAA games now costing $70.00, we decided to go through Steam’s library and pick out games we’ve enjoyed that cost less than $5.00. These aren’t titles that are under $5.00 only when they’re on sale; these are games that are always $5.00 and could be even cheaper during sales events. The games are presented in alphabetical order, and we’ll keep making additions as we come across new games worth playing that are under $5.00.
20 Minutes Till Dawn
20 Minutes Till Dawn is the first of several survivors-like games on this list. Featuring a unique art style, this survival roguelite has players trying to survive for 20 minutes against endless hordes of creatures. To achieve this, players must create builds from a variety of weapons, runes, and special abilities. Like other games in this genre, 20 Minutes Till Dawn offers active progression that carries across all runs. With more than 50 different upgrades to choose from, the possibilities are nearly endless.
Among Us
Among Us practically needs no introduction, as its swift rise to fame during the pandemic is well documented. If you haven’t heard of Among Us somehow, it’s a game where players strive to complete objectives to fill the group task bar. However, among them is an impostor attempting to eliminate the crew. Supporting four to 15 players, Among Us is highly recommended if you have friends to play with.
Brotato
Another game in the survivors-like genre, Brotato puts a unique spin on the concept by having players control a potato capable of wielding six weapons simultaneously. Its map area is smaller than that of other games, making Brotato resemble a top-down arena shooter more closely. Featuring dozens of characters and hundreds of items and weapons, each run feels unique.
Cookie Clicker
This idle game has somehow become a huge hit, showcasing people’s love for cookies and clicking. Originally released in 2013, Cookie Clicker has been under active development ever since, with an official launch on Steam in 2021. Boasting over 600 upgrades and 500 achievements, Cookie Clicker stands out as one of the most unexpectedly entertaining games you can purchase for just $5.00.
Doom II
I have a soft spot for Doom II—it’s even on my list of the best games I’ve ever played. It was the first game that introduced me to competitive online play in tournaments on BBSes and Dwango, and it’s also one of the main reasons I developed a strong love for PC gaming. The game is going to be 30 years old this year, and I still recommend it to everyone.
Halls of Torment
Last year, Halls of Torment (first impressions) was one of our favorite games of 2023, and I personally consider it the best survival-like game currently available. Its basic itemization and the variety of characters help deliver dozens of hours of entertainment. While other survivors-like games may offer more variety, there’s something about Halls of Torment that makes it exceptionally enjoyable to replay. I’m excited to see how the developer, Chasing Carrots, continues to evolve and improve the game.
Plants vs. Zombies GOTY Edition
The original, and arguably the best of the series, Plants vs. Zombies GOTY Edition is an excellent addition to your library for only $5.00, especially if you’ve never played it. It’s a basic take on tower defense, featuring 50 levels in Adventure Mode with 26 types of zombies. With five game modes and 49 plants, this classic is a must-play to fully appreciate the games it has inspired since its original release in 2009.
Stick Fight: The Game
For something really different, there’s Stick Fight: The Game. It’s a physics-based fighting game where players battle it out as stick figures. Designed for two to four players in local or online multiplayer, it’s important to note that Stick Fight: The Game lacks a single-player mode. While the game includes 100 interactive levels, a level editor has resulted in over 100,000 community-made levels.
The Binding of Isaac
Another classic on the list, The Binding of Isaac is a randomly-generated action RPG with roguelike elements. Players follow Isaac on his journey to find bizarre treasures that change his form, giving him superhuman abilities to fight off mysterious creatures. The game features over 100 unique items, over 50 enemy types, and over 20 bosses. Players can explore four full chapters spanning eight levels, enjoying multiple unlockable classes and endings.
VVVVVV
This game is as unique as its name, VVVVVV. It’s a platform game that’s all about exploring the concept of reversing gravity instead of jumping. The game follows a basic plot where players assume the role of Captain Viridian, who is on a mission to find his friends, bring them back to safety, and save the universe. VVVVVV offers fun, challenging gameplay with plenty of checkpoints, ensuring that players won’t have to replay challenges they’ve already conquered. After completing the game, players can use the level editor to create their own maps to explore. Despite its original release in 2010, VVVVVV continues to receive support, with its 2.4 patch released in January.
Vampire Survivors
As the game that essentially created the “survivors-like” genre, Vampire Survivors is easily one of the best games you can get for under $5.00 on Steam. With its roguelite elements and minimalistic gameplay, Vampire Survivors focuses on unlocking upgrades and crafting a unique build with each run. If you want the original and, what many consider, the best experience with dozens of unique characters, weapons, enemies, and upgrades, this is $5.00 you won’t regret spending.
