Steam Summer Sale: Patriot Viper's Top Picks

Steam's annual Summer Sale is officially back and full of seemingly endless deals, and our money is already starting to burn a hole in our pockets. 

Having a hard time deciding between games and want some suggestions? We've got you! Here's some of the Patriot staff's top picks we're buying before the Steam Summer Sale ends on July 13th. 

Steam Deck (64GB, 128GB and 256GB) - Starting at $359.10

Kicking off our list is the Steam Deck, Valve's take on a handheld gaming device that takes a full system rig into the palm of your hands. With sales on each of the 64GB, 128GB and 256GB models, gamers have the perfect opportunity to get a discount on one of the hottest new products of the last few years.  

Dead Space Remake - $41.99 (30% off)

As one of our favorite games of 2023 so far and what we described as "a new gold standard for remakes" in our Dead Space Remake Review, Dead Space Remake down by 30% off is a huge deal many gamers will be flocking towards. 

As a remake of the 2008 horror smash hit upgraded for the next generation of consoles and PCs, join Isaac Clarke on a mission to save his crewmates aboard the USG Ishimura and defend them from Necromorphs. With complete redesigns and a modern 4K and 60FPS upscale, horror gaming has never been this realistic - or chilling. 

Elden Ring - $41.99 (30% off)

It's not often that a very recent game of this caliber is on sale for a price like this, but we won't question it. From Software's Elden Ring is already shaping up to be one of the most acclaimed games of the 2020s, and with its unique open-world approach with the beloved mechanics and high difficulty you come to expect from the Dark Souls series, Elden Ring is a punishing but rewarding game that's a perfect jumping point for fans and newcomers to get into at a lower cost. 

Star Wars Jedi: Survivor - $52.49 (25% off)

Following its recent release on April 28, 2023, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor is now on sale and one of the top items to get in the Steam Summer Sale. 

Following the first game of the series in 2019's Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, Cal Kestis' story continues as he reignites his fight against the Empire alongside the rebellion. With plenty of expansion to the universe with new and familiar characters, smooth fighting mechanics compared to the Dark Souls series and a sprawling story, this is the perfect time to jump into Respawn Entertainment's beloved Star Wars epic. 

 Red Dead Redemption II - $19.79 (67% off)

Red Dead Redemption II contains one of the most expansive open-world experiences ever created set against a unique backdrop with the end of the Wild West. As the prequel to Rockstar Games' 2010 masterpiece alongside a posse trying to survive in a changing world, Red Dead Redemption II has a great story and tons of replay value with its story, breathtaking graphics and tons of side missions and activities to get suckered into.  

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - $11.99 (70% off)

As one of the most acclaimed games of the 2010s and a golden standard of open-world gaming, the 2015 Game of the Year winning Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a must-have game for gamers who love action RPGs and sprawling open worlds. With an excellent story and gameplay, visuals fighting mechanics and world-building that still rival games coming out now, this is the perfect time to get into the Witcher universe.  

Sid Meier's Civilization VI - $5.99 (90% off)

Do you like turn-based strategy and history games? If so, this is the perfect time to jump into Sid Meier's Civilization series. As a game centered around building up small settlements, the goal is to turn your settlements into massive empires over time to achieve world domination. 

With arguably one of the biggest discounts in the Steam Summer Sale we've seen this year, this is a can't-miss deal both for strategy veterans and newcomers alike

Stardew Valley - $9.89 (34% off)

Here's a great choice for those looking for something more casual and easy-going. Stardew Valley is described as a "country-life RPG" centered around your character and their new farm they inherited from their grandfather with the task of trying to turn the farm around into a beautiful and thriving home and business. 

Often cited as one of the best and most acclaimed video games ever made, Stardew Valley makes for a great experience to pass the time and have some calming fun when other games won't cut it. 

 The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition - $9.99 (75% off)

If it's 2023 and you've still never played Skyrim, we won't judge you... but we do highly recommend getting it while it's marked down! 

As one of the greatest open-world games, RPGs and fantasy games ever made, Skyrim contains endless replay value with new playthrough experiences, lengthy bridged storylines determined by your actions, tons of regions to discover and so much to do, Skyrim is well worth any price of admission and seems to only get better with age. 

Horizon Zero Dawn Complete Edition - $16.49 (67% off)

This sale contains a lot of open-world games, and here's another that we really like: Horizon Zero Dawn. Set in a world overrun by machines, the story follows a young hunter trying to survive while uncovering the truth about her past. With plenty of unique visuals, creature designs, fun combat and a sprawling story across a strange world, this is another fantastic open-world game sure to captivate players. 

Fallout: New Vegas Ultimate Edition - $6.59 (67% off)

This summer is the perfect time to hop back into the Mojave Wasteland. Despite its 2010 release date, Fallout: New Vegas still stands tall not only as one of the best Fallout games ever made, but as one of the gold standards for an open-world universe. 

With its incredibly complex and nuanced story and alliances, zany characters, endless hours of fun and unbeatable price tag that includes all of its base, DLC and full storylines combined in one package, this is the perfect game to get if you're a newcomer to Fallout or a longtime fan looking to replay it again. 

Left 4 Dead 2 - $0.99 (90% off)

It's not often you can find a great deal on what many would argue being one of the greatest multiplayer games ever made, but for ONE DOLLAR?! We simply can't pass this up.

Valve's 2008 hit Left 4 Dead 2 is one of the most fun co-op games out there. Set against a zombie apocalypse, you and your friends have one goal: survive by any means necessary, fighting off hordes of zombies with various weaponry. 

Even 15 years later, Left 4 Dead 2's lasting power remains just as strong and just as fun and addicting. We'd be hard pressed to find something less fun to hop on with your friends and sink hours into this for one dollar.