To find hidden games on Steam, you can use specific search terms, filter by tags or genres, and explore curators or community lists.
Ever felt like you’ve seen all Steam has to offer? Perhaps you’re craving something different, a gem that hasn’t been splashed across the front page. It’s a common feeling, and that’s why knowing how to find hidden games on Steam is so important.
Many great titles exist outside the mainstream. They often require a little extra digging to uncover. Thankfully, there are several ways to do this, and we are going to cover it in this guide.
How to Find Hidden Games on Steam
Steam is like a giant toy store, filled with all sorts of amazing video games. But sometimes, the games you really want to play are tucked away, hidden from the main shelves. These hidden games might not be the ones at the top of the charts, but they can be some of the most fun and interesting. So, how do you find these secret treasures? Don’t worry, it’s not as hard as you think! We’re going to explore several ways you can become a pro at finding hidden gems on Steam.
Understanding Steam’s Search and Discovery
Before we dive into the secrets, let’s talk about how Steam works. Steam has its own way of showing you games. They use things called “algorithms” – think of them like smart helpers that try to guess what you might like. But these helpers don’t always show you everything. Sometimes, they focus on popular games or games similar to the ones you’ve played before. That’s why we need to go a little deeper to find those hidden games.
Steam’s Main Storefront
The main storefront is what you see when you first open Steam. It’s designed to show off the newest and most popular games. That is where, you can find a lot of the big hits. But, if you are looking for something different, it might be time to look away from the top listings. The storefront has some good starting points, like looking at different genres and categories that might spark an interest. You can filter by categories, tags, and even release dates to dig a little deeper.
Using the Steam Search Bar Effectively
The search bar is like your magic wand on Steam. Instead of just searching for big-name titles, try being creative with the search terms! Instead of just “action game” type “action game, single player, indie” to get more narrow results. Using a combination of genre and gameplay features helps you get closer to a list of hidden games, that are perfect for you.
You can use the search bar to find games with specific features, for example; “co-op,” or “puzzle”. You can also try searching for themes, or settings, like; “steampunk,” or “space exploration.” Experimenting with the search is a great way to find titles that otherwise would go unnoticed.
Steam Tags and How to Use Them
Steam uses “tags” that are like labels that describe a game. Players give games these tags, so they are a good place to start searching for games. A game might be tagged as “strategy,” “puzzle,” “pixel art,” or “funny.”
To use tags effectively, start by looking at the games you already like. Check out what tags they have. Then, you can click on those tags to find other games with similar labels. This can help you find games that have similar vibes but might be less popular. For example, if you love games with “atmospheric” settings, start searching that tag and see what pops up.
Delving Into Steam Curators
Steam Curators are like expert game critics on Steam, they are players who make lists of games they find interesting. Think of them as guides showing you what’s good and worth checking out. They often focus on specific genres or types of games that they know and love. Following curators is a great way to find games that you might like, but haven’t yet seen, because the main page does not show all the games.
How to Find Relevant Curators
To find curators, you can go to the Steam store page and find the “curators” tab. Here, you can search for curators based on the types of games they usually cover. For example, if you like old retro games you can search for “retro” in the curators search. You can even follow curators who have a wide variety of genres, to expand your horizons. You can see the games they have recommended in their list, and follow that curator if you find the games interesting. By seeing what they recommend, it helps you to find hidden gems based on your interest.
Why Curators are Great for Finding Hidden Games
Curators give opinions about games that are often not mainstream. Many of them search out niche and little-known titles. The advantage of curators is that they can help you to find games that you might not find on your own. They also give you good reasons why you should play a certain game, not just that it exists. Curators often write mini-reviews that give you a better idea of the game. It is a good resource for finding games that have a lot of hidden depth.
Utilizing Steam’s Community Features
Steam has a great community, full of helpful players. It is like a big playground where gamers can share tips and talk about their favorite games. You can use these community features to find hidden games that other gamers are playing and talking about.
Exploring Steam Forums
Steam forums are a place to talk about games. There are forums for every game on Steam, and also some that cover broader topics, like a specific genre of games. By going on to forums, you can get recommendations from players that might be off the beaten path. By joining a conversation about a specific genre can lead you to hidden gem recommendations you didn’t know about, and you can also ask questions and get player feedback on the games before you buy them.
Checking Out User Reviews
User reviews are another great way to gauge a game’s quality. While many people only leave reviews for popular titles, the user review section can also be a good place to find hidden games, that you otherwise would have missed. If a game has a small number of reviews, that may mean it is a hidden gem. But don’t just look at the positive reviews! Read through the reviews, and see why the players liked the game, or what they think is good about it. They may point to some gameplay features, that you may find enjoyable.
Steam Activity Feeds
Keep an eye on your friends’ activity feeds, to see what they are playing. You may find that a friend is playing a small indie game that you have never heard of. You may be curious to ask them about it, and start a conversation. If they are having fun, you might also consider getting it yourself. That’s a simple way to find new and interesting games.
Digging Deeper with Advanced Search Techniques
Sometimes, you need to go beyond the usual searches to find the best hidden games. These are some advanced methods that can be used to narrow down your results and reveal titles you might otherwise miss.
Combining Multiple Search Filters
Using multiple search filters together can make a huge difference. Instead of just searching “strategy game,” you can search “strategy game,” then use tags like “turn-based”, or “single player”. By using a combination of filter, you will start seeing the hidden games, because the popular game, doesn’t usually fit these filters. You can also try combining filters by release date, price, and more. This can allow you to see games that were released a long time ago, and may have gone under the radar.
Using Specific Keywords in Search
Sometimes, you have something specific in mind. Instead of searching broad genres, use specific keywords like “atmospheric,” “narrative-driven,” “retro,” “puzzle-platformer”, or “roguelike”. These specific keywords can lead to games that would otherwise be overlooked. The more specific the keywords you use, the better chance you have of finding something truly special and off the main radar.
Exploring Games by Developer or Publisher
Sometimes, you might like a certain game from a certain developer or publisher. They may have other games that are not as popular, but can be of the same good quality, or have similar gameplay. If you enjoy a game made by a smaller studio, then explore the other games they have released, these can sometimes be hidden games that are worth discovering. Check out the developer and publisher pages on Steam, and see if any of them are hidden gems.
Using External Websites and Tools
Sometimes, Steam’s own search tools aren’t enough, then it’s time to turn to some external help. Here are some websites and tools that can help you find the games that you’re looking for.
SteamDB
SteamDB is like an encyclopedia for Steam games. It provides a lot of information that you won’t see on the Steam storefront. You can use SteamDB to find games by how many people are playing them, how often they are updated, and even their price history. It can help you identify games that might be overlooked, and shows if the games are really popular or if they’re in the hidden game category.
IsThereAnyDeal
IsThereAnyDeal is a useful website that lets you see game prices across many different stores. This is useful for finding games, that might not be on sale on Steam, but could be cheaper on another platform. IsThereAnyDeal helps you find price history on games that you would like to try and helps you to not miss any sale prices on those games.
Reddit and Other Gaming Communities
Reddit has a lot of subreddits dedicated to gaming. Subreddits like r/gamingsuggestions and r/indiegaming are great for finding people talking about unique and lesser-known games. Reddit users are usually very passionate about the games that they play, and often share tips and interesting facts about the games. By interacting with the gaming communities, you will find some hidden game that is perfect for you.
Tips for Spotting a Potential Hidden Gem
Now that you know where to look, here are some tips on how to spot a hidden game, while you search on Steam.
Small Number of User Reviews
Games with a small number of user reviews might not be popular but it could also mean that there’s a special hidden game that not many people have discovered. Look past the big numbers and give these games a second look to see if they appeal to you. It is worth checking these smaller titles out, because you never know when you will find a game, that becomes a personal favorite.
Unique or Niche Tag Combinations
If you see a game with very unusual or niche tags, it can be a sign that it is something special, and not like the rest of the games. These combinations of tags can indicate a game that has unique gameplay or story elements that make it stand out from the mainstream games. These games often offer a different experience and is worth checking out.
Less Talked About in the Mainstream Gaming Press
Games that get a lot of media attention are usually the popular ones. If a game is not mentioned on the news, or big gaming websites, it can be a hidden gem. That is not always the case, because some games just are not popular, but if a game seems interesting, you should not let the mainstream media tell you whether a game is fun or not.
Games From Lesser-Known Developers
Games from small studios, or independent developers, can be hidden gems, because they do not have a large marketing budget, to get their games out there. If you like to play smaller games, then indie games are the way to go. These smaller games are often full of creativity and unique gameplay that you won’t find in the big titles.
Making the Most of Your Hidden Game Finds
Once you find a game that you think is a hidden gem, it’s important to make the most of it. These are some tips to help you enjoy and support the less-popular games.
Playing and Reviewing Games You Enjoy
If you find a hidden game that you like, be sure to play it and write a review. This will help the developer and also make sure other people can find the game as well. Your opinions can help the game find more fans. This will help the game have more visibility on Steam, and also help other players to discover games they might like.
Supporting Indie Developers
Buying games from indie developers is a great way to show your support for the smaller teams. When you like a game, you can follow the developers on social media, and share their game with other players. This helps them to make more games that you might like, and support those who create them.
Sharing Hidden Gems With Friends
Sharing is caring! If you find a game that you really like, then you can share it with your friends, and start a conversation about it. This is a great way to get them to join in on the fun, and have more people experience your newly found hidden game.
Finding hidden games on Steam is like a treasure hunt. You have to look in different places and try out different ways of searching, but in the end, finding a game that you wouldn’t have found otherwise, can be very rewarding. By using all these tips, you will be a pro at finding the best hidden games, and get a lot of enjoyment along the way.
How to View Hidden Games on Steam
Final Thoughts
To find hidden games on Steam, utilize the search bar with specific terms or browse tags. Checking developer pages and curators can also reveal less advertised titles. Explore the “New and Noteworthy” or “Popular Upcoming” sections for fresh options.
Remember to use various filters, like genre, price, and user tags for targeted searches. Don’t forget to check out bundles which can contain games you might not normally see. These are all methods for finding niche hidden gems.
Ultimately, how to find hidden games on Steam involves a combination of targeted searches and exploration. Experiment with different techniques to unearth your next favorite game.
