Valve has outlined the schedule for its Steam sales and Next Fests for the second half of 2025, introducing a major change by advancing the Steam Autumn Sale by nearly two months compared to previous years. This adjustment aims to provide developers with better planning opportunities and offers gamers more chances to enjoy discounts and special deals throughout the latter part of the year.
Compared to past schedules where the Autumn Sale started in late November, the 2025 Autumn Sale will commence on September 29, marking a significant shift. This new timing spaces out the major sales events, allowing for approximately three months between each, and helps avoid the tight succession of promotions seen in previous years.
What are the new sale dates for 2025?
The second half of 2025 features a detailed lineup of Steam events, starting with Automation Fest from July 14–21, followed by Racing Fest, 4X Fest, Third Person Shooter Fest, Political Sim Fest, and the Steam Autumn Sale from September 29–October 6. The schedule continues with Steam Next Fest, Steam Scream 4, Animal Fest, Sports Fest, and concludes with the Winter Sale from December 18, 2025, to January 5, 2026.
How does the early Autumn Sale affect gamers and developers?
Shifting the Autumn Sale earlier allows developers to spread out their promotional activities, reducing overlap with other events. For gamers, this provides a more structured timeframe to plan their purchases and take advantage of sales without the pressure of overlapping discounts.
What other events are planned for the second half of 2025?
In addition to themed fests like Automation and Racing, Steam will host Next Fest in October and Steam Scream 4 in late October and early November. Animal Fest and Sports Fest are also scheduled, catering to various gaming interests and ensuring continuous engagement throughout the period.
“a different time frame” this year, and that’s putting it mildly.
By reorganizing the sales timeline, Valve ensures a consistent flow of events that benefit both developers and gamers. This strategic spacing enhances user experience by minimizing the congestion of simultaneous sales, offering a more manageable pace for promotional activities and purchases alike.
