5 Best Steam Games Under $20 for Christmas Gift Giving

Of course, Stardew Valley is on the list.
Of course, Stardew Valley is on the list. / ConcernedApe/Sarah Bergin

Christmas shopping is stressful, especially when you're on a tight budget. If you're looking for video games this holiday season, you might want to start your search with the Steam titles in this article. We've listed the developer, genre, rating, and price of each entry. You can also learn how to send a game to someone via Steam in this article.

5 Best Steam Games Under $20 for Christmas Gift Giving

Terraria

An old classic.
An old classic. / Re-Logic

Developer: Re-Logic

Genre: Sandbox, Action, Adventure, Indie, RPG

Steam Rating: Overwhelmingly Positive (977,411)

Price: $9.99

Re-Logic's Terraria is a popular sandbox adventure where players have tons of freedom based on their play style. Whether you prefer growing an arsenal of weaponry, seeking the most valuable treasures, or creating extravagant buildings, the choice is up to you. Explore lands, build your world, craft items, and more in Terraria’s procedurally generated 2D world.

Stardew Valley

Escape the corporate life in Stardew Valley.
Escape the corporate life in Stardew Valley. / ConcernedApe

Developer: ConcernedApe

Genre: Farming Simulation, Indie, RPG

Steam Rating: Overwhelmingly Positive (534,754)

Price: $14.99

Stardew Valley is a favorite among many players, especially cozy gamers. This farming simulation took the world by storm when it was released in 2016 and has become a cult classic. Enjoy the mundane lifestyle of farming, fishing, mining, and the like after inheriting an abandoned farm plot. You can even explore a cave and fight monsters if you need a change from your farming duties. There’s so much to do in Stardew Valley, so try it out!

Lethal Company

How can we not include Lethal Company?
How can we not include Lethal Company? / Zeekerss

Developer: Zeekerss

Genre: Horror, Online co-op, Action, Adventure, Indie, Early Access

Steam Rating: Overwhelmingly Positive (151,335)

Price: $9.99

This one’s for the horror lovers out there. As contracted workers for the Company, you and your friends must search for scraps to help them make a profit. You’ll encounter dangerous enemies, but you all might survive if you work together. Help each other out using the radar, walkie-talkies, weapons, and other gadgets supplied by the Company. Do whatever it takes to meet the Company’s quota, or things won’t end well for you.

Baba is You

This one won't be easy.
This one won't be easy. / Hempuli Oy

Developer: Hempuli Oy

Genre: Puzzle, Indie

Steam Rating: Overwhelmingly Positive (16,142)

Price: $14.99

Baba is You was meant for puzzle fanatics. It presents rules as blocks that you can interact with. The rules can also change depending on where you move them. Solve puzzles by manipulating rules that make you become different objects and change your environment. Baba is You is known for being difficult, so it’s best for those who like a challenge.

Hollow Knight

This one is too good to pass up.
This one is too good to pass up. / Team Cherry

Developer: Team Cherry

Genre: Metroidvania, Platformer, 2D, Indie, Action, Adventure

Steam Rating: Overwhelmingly Positive (287,503)

Price: $14.99

Fans of Metroidvanias should try this title by Team Cherry. Praised for its exciting combat, gorgeous art style, precise controls, and vast world, Hollow Knight is one of the best 2D platformers out there. You’ll play a knight who’s determined to unravel the secrets of a mysterious ancient kingdom. Grow the knight's abilities, harness new skills, and meet various friends and enemies in the gothic Hollow Knight world.

Honorable Mentions

We'd be crazy to forget about Celeste and these other titles.
We'd be crazy to forget about Celeste and these other titles. / Maddy Makes Games Inc.

Game Title

Developer

Genre

Steam Rating

Price

A Short Hike

adamgryu

Adventure, Relaxing, Indie

Overwhelmingly Positive (12,536)

$7.99

Celeste

Maddy Makes Games Inc.

2D, Platformer, Action, Adventure, Indie

Overwhelmingly Positive(76,520)

$19.99

Dave the Diver

MINTROCKET

Indie, RPG, Simulation, Casual, Adventure, 2D

Overwhelmingly Positive(76,623)

$15.99 until Dec. 21, then it's $19.99

The Binding of Issac: Rebirth


Nicalis, Inc., Edmund McMillen

Roguelike, Indie, Action

Overwhelmingly Positive (240,315)

$14.99

Slime Rancher

Monomi Park

Action, Adventure, Indie, Simulation

Overwhelmingly Positive(101,558)

$19.99

The Walking Dead

Telltale Games

Zombies, Story Rich, Adventure, Point & Click

Overwhelmingly Positive(40,580)

$14.99

Franbow

Killmonday Games AB

Adventure, Indie, Psychological Horror, Story Rich, Point & Click, 2D

Overwhelmingly Positive(13,324)

$14.99

Undertale

tobyfox

Story Rich, RPG, Choices Matter, 2D

Overwhelmingly Positive (189,113)

$9.99

Inscryption

Daniel Mullins Games

Card Battler, Card Game, Story Rich, Horror, Adventure, Indie, Strategy

Overwhelmingly Positive(94,552 reviews)

$19.99

The options are endless for good games under $20. Visit Steam to view more titles and organize search results according to your preferences.

How to Gift Games via Steam

Gifting a Steam game is pretty easy. All you have to do is:

1. Go to the game's Steam page.

2. Click on "Add to Cart."

3. Select "Purchase as Gift."

4. A list of your Steam friends will show up. If you don't see the person's name, you'll have to add them as a friend. After that, select the person you want to send the game to. You can also add a personalized message to the purchase.

Your friend will receive an email containing a link to redeem the game. They can add it to their library by clicking the link and accepting the gift.