Tag: Steam discount

  • Deal: Balatro with Dice Roguelike Drops to $5.60 on Steam

    Key Takeaway

    – Combines dice mechanics with roguelike progression and risk-reward decisions
    – 60% off on Steam ($5.59), lowest price to date
    – High praise: 8.5/10 from Softpedia, 92% positive Steam user reviews
    – Four playable characters offer varied strategies and replay value
    – Luck factor can cause frustration, and gameplay may become repetitive

    A Winning Formula Reimagined

    The success of Balatro has shown how well classic card and gambling mechanics can work when combined with roguelike progression, build variety and clever risk-based decisions. Dice With Death follows a similar formula, but replaces poker cards with dice. The game comes from Sea Glass Games, the indie studio founded by YouTuber and developer Connagh Hawkins, also known as Merchant. Dice With Death is currently 60% off on Steam and costs $5.59 instead of $13.99. According to SteamDB, this is its lowest price to date; previous discounts topped out at 50%.

    Gambling With Your Afterlife

    In Dice With Death, players are already dead but receive one final chance to escape the afterlife. To do so, they must face Death himself in a seemingly friendly but dangerous dice game. Those who defeat him across several duels collect new dice, relics and special abilities, build increasingly powerful combinations and, ideally, cheat Death. Useful dice results are kept, the remaining dice are rerolled and risk-based decisions have to be made again and again: bank the points safely as damage or keep rolling for a stronger combination? A bad roll can ruin the entire turn, while successful combos stack damage, generate armor, enable healing or build up poison. This is where the core tension comes from: Is the safe damage enough, or is the next roll worth the risk?

    Critical And Community Acclaim

    The gaming website Softpedia awarded Dice With Death 8.5 out of 10 in its review, praising its exciting risk-reward mechanics, wide variety of relics and dice as well as its different character strategies. The four playable characters each have their own playstyle, which adds to the replay value. Criticism was aimed at the gameplay, which can become repetitive over time, and the thin story. There is also a strong luck factor, which can quickly lead to frustration, as bad rolls can undermine even the best strategy. The Steam community is impressed as well: 92% of more than 700 user reviews are positive. Dice With Death is also Steam Deck Verified and should therefore run without issues.

    Pricing and Availability Details

    Dic With Death is currently 60% off on Steam and costs $5.59 instead of $13.99. According to SteamDB, this is its lowest price to date; previous discounts topped out at 50%. The discounted price or deal mentioned in this item was available at the time of writing and may be subject to time restrictions and/or limited unit availability.


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  • Deal: WW1 Shooter Drops to $13 on Steam for the First Time

    Key Takeaway

    – Over The Top: WWI offers a sandbox-style WWI experience with emphasis on environmental destruction and dynamic cover.
    – It has received its first major Steam discount (30% off), the lowest price to date, and is Steam Deck playable.
    – The game features France, Great Britain, and Germany with eight distinct classes including Riflemen, Engineers, and Heavy Gunners.
    – User reception is strong with 84% positive ratings from nearly 6,200 Steam reviews and a Metacritic user score of 9.0.
    – New players should expect a steep learning curve and frequent early deaths due to the frantic, fast-paced battles.

    Over The Top: WWI Gets Its Deepest Discount Yet on Steam

    Anyone who feels they have seen everything Battlefield 1 has to offer may find a refreshing alternative in Over The Top: WWI. Like DICE’s shooter, it focuses on massive WW1 battles, but places a much stronger emphasis on sandbox gameplay and environmental destruction. We previously covered the game at launch, and roughly three months later, it has now received its first major Steam discount. According to SteamDB, the current 30% price cut marks the lowest price the game has seen so far. The title is also playable on Steam Deck.

    Sandbox Destruction and Dynamic Battlefields

    What truly distinguishes Over The Top from Battlefield is the way it incorporates the environment into every firefight. Explosions leave behind craters that can immediately be used as cover, buildings can be demolished rather than assaulted room by room, and players can use shovels to create their own defensive positions wherever the battlefield demands. The game features France, Great Britain and Germany as playable factions, each offering eight classes. These range from front-line Riflemen and combat Engineers to Heavy Gunners capable of laying down sustained suppressive fire.

    Player Reception and Learning Curve

    Since release, Over The Top has built a respectable player base, regularly attracting more than 300 concurrent players. User reception has also been strong, with 84% positive ratings from nearly 6,200 Steam reviews. On Metacritic, the game currently holds a user score of 9.0, although that rating is based on only four reviews. Fans of large-scale multiplayer warfare should find plenty to enjoy here, and the current discount makes this the most affordable entry point yet. That said, reviews suggest newcomers should be prepared for a steep learning curve. The frantic nature of the battles can be overwhelming at first, and being eliminated moments after spawning appears to be a fairly common experience.

    Pricing and Availability Details

    The discounted price or deal mentioned in this item was available at the time of writing and may be subject to time restrictions and/or limited unit availability. This title is currently available on Steam and playable on Steam Deck with a 30% discount applied.


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  • Steam Deal: One of the Best City-Building Simulators at Its Lowest Price

    Steam Deal: One of the Best City-Building Simulators at Its Lowest Price

    Key Takeaway

    – Tropico 6 offers expanded archipelagos, bridge building, and the novelty of placing world-famous monuments on your island, all while balancing political power and development.
    – It’s praised for freedom of play, presentation, and content, though it’s not considered highly challenging even on harder difficulties.
    – Current pricing: Steam has a 70% discount (~$12, lowest price to date), making it a strong entry point ahead of Tropico 7.

    Overview of Tropico Series and Latest Steam Deal

    The Tropico series has long been one of the best-known city-building and dictator simulations. Instead of medieval towns or realistic metropolises, the games revolve around a Caribbean island nation ruled by players as “El Presidente.” The still-current latest installment in the series is now available on Steam with a 70% discount for around $12 instead of $40, which, according to SteamDB, matches its lowest price to date. For city-building fans, this could be a good opportunity to prepare for Tropico 7, which is expected to launch sometime this year.

    Gameplay Evolution in Tropico 6

    In Tropico 6, players guide their tropical island nation through several historical eras, from the colonial period to the modern age. Compared with its predecessors, new features include larger archipelagos made up of multiple islands, bridge building and, for the first time, the option to steal world-famous monuments such as the Eiffel Tower or the Statue of Liberty and place them on your own island. As usual, the focus is not only on building up the island nation itself, but also on managing the political power structure behind it.

    Reception and Critical Takes

    German gaming magazine GameStar awarded the sixth installment in the city-building strategy series 81 out of 100 points, praising above all its freedom of play, strong presentation and substantial amount of content. Anyone looking for a serious challenge, however, is unlikely to find it here. According to GameStar, Tropico 6 is rarely truly demanding, even on higher difficulty settings, but nevertheless offers a successful mix of city building and politics. Windows Central even wrote in its review that it is “One of the best city-building simulators, ever.”

    Community Feedback and Performance

    The roughly 29,000 Steam reviews are 87% positive. On Metacritic, it holds a Metascore of 78 and a User Score of 6.8. Steam Deck compatibility is listed as “Playable.” Thanks to controller support, the game should also be reasonably playable on the handheld.

    Important Note on Pricing Information

    Disclaimer: Notebookcheck is not responsible for price changes carried out by retailers. The discounted price or deal mentioned in this item was available at the time of writing and may be subject to time restrictions and/or limited unit availability.


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  • Terrifying Road Trip: Dark Fantasy Roguelike Drops Under $10 on Steam

    Terrifying Road Trip: Dark Fantasy Roguelike Drops Under $10 on Steam

    Key Takeaway

    – Darkest Dungeon II shifts from a fixed base to a road-trip roguelike with four heroes, carriage travel, stress management, and group relationships at the core.
    – The game combines turn-based combat, resource management, and meta-progression, with inns and the Altar of Hope serving as preparation and long-term unlock points.
    – Reception is mixed: solid roguelike mechanics and replay value praised, but early content is sparse, steep difficulty, and weaker early impressions compared to the original; user reviews are less enthusiastic overall.

    Darkest Dungeon II was developed by Red Hook Studios and released as version 1.0 on Steam in May 2023. The title takes the concept of its acclaimed predecessor in a new direction: instead of expanding a fixed base, players assemble a group of four heroes and lead them by carriage through a crumbling world full of madness, monsters and cultists. The roguelike is available on Steam until June 1 with a 75% discount, bringing the price down to $9.99 instead of $39.99 for the first time. According to SteamDB, the previous lowest price was around $11.50 at the end of January. The title is classified as “Verified” on the Steam Deck.

    Gameplay Foundations

    In terms of gameplay, Darkest Dungeon II combines turn-based tactical combat with roguelike elements, resource management and meta-progression. Between regions, inns serve as rest and preparation points, while the Altar of Hope enables long-term unlocks. Positioning, status effects, trinkets and synergies play a central role in combat. The whole structure is wrapped in a dark road-trip atmosphere: on the way through burning roads, contaminated landscapes and ruins, players have to make route decisions, collect resources, equip heroes, manage stress and keep an eye on relationships within the group. Small mistakes, poor team compositions or ignored stress can jeopardize an entire run.

    Reception and Opinions

    German gaming magazine PC Games awarded the game 8 out of 10 points and praised Darkest Dungeon II for its successful roguelike concept, tactically challenging battles and high replay value. However, according to the editorial team, the latter in particular comes with a downside: there is little content available in early runs, which means the game only gradually reveals its full potential. Combined with its steep difficulty, the roguelike requires a lot of frustration tolerance from players. The testers also noted that Darkest Dungeon II is very different from its successful predecessor – a point that is also reflected in the player ratings.

    Public Perception and Metrics

    Only 75% of the more than 25,000 user reviews on Steam are positive. On Metacritic, Darkest Dungeon II has a solid Metascore of 81, while the User Score is significantly lower at 6.1. The rather subdued fan response is likely mainly due to the fact that Darkest Dungeon II was unable to meet many of the expectations raised by its predecessor. However, newer content such as the “Kingdoms” mode adds a more strategic campaign structure that is more reminiscent of the first game.

    Notes on Pricing and Availability

    Disclaimer: The price changes discussed were current at the time of writing and may vary by retailer or over time. The discounted price or deal mentioned in this item was available at the time of writing and may be subject to time restrictions and/or limited unit availability.


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    • Rare Steam Deal: Western Shooter Reaches $1.49, 94% Positive

      Rare Steam Deal: Western Shooter Reaches $1.49, 94% Positive

      Key Takeaway

      – Gripping meta-narrative: Silas Greaves’ embellishments dynamically alter levels, enemies, and situations during gameplay, creating a shifting, story-driven experience.
      – Fast-paced, arcade-style shooter: Emphasis on bullet time, duels, precise gunplay, with distinct handling for pistols, rifles, and shotguns, plus momentum from concentration skills and combos.
      – Short but praised campaign: About six hours of playtime with strong Western atmosphere and storytelling, though criticism for linear design and lack of multiplayer.

      At the center of Call of Juarez: Gunslinger is aging bounty hunter Silas Greaves, who recounts his past in a saloon. The game uses an unusual narrative trick: as Silas embellishes or corrects his story, levels, enemies and situations change during gameplay. The shooter was developed by Polish studio Techland, known for Dying Light and Dead Island, and released in May 2013. It normally costs around $14.99 on Steam, but a 90% discount reduces the price to $1.49 until June 2. According to SteamDB, the current discount matches the game’s all-time low, which was last reached in August 2025.

      Overview of Gameplay Mechanics

      Gunslinger focuses on fast-paced arcade action with bullet time, duels and precise gunplay. Pistols, rifles and shotguns differ noticeably in handling, while concentration skills and combos add extra momentum. The campaign takes players through classic Wild West locations such as gold mines, ghost towns, forests and bandit camps. Our previous article on the game offers a more detailed look at its gameplay, story and structure.

      Reception and Criticism

      In the Steam reviews, the shooter is praised above all for its creative storytelling, strong Western atmosphere and fast-paced gameplay. Criticism is aimed at the short playtime of around six hours, the linear level design and the lack of a multiplayer mode. Overall, Call of Juarez: Gunslinger currently has around 94% positive ratings from more than 43,000 reviews. On Metacritic, the shooter has a Metascore of 79 and a User Score of 8.1. The title is classified as “Verified” on the Steam Deck.

      Note on Pricing

      Disclaimer: The discounted price or deal mentioned in this item was available at the time of writing and may be subject to time restrictions and/or limited unit availability.


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    • Open-World Adventure Game Deal: 50% Off on Steam for 84% of Players

      Open-World Adventure Game Deal: 50% Off on Steam for 84% of Players

      Key Takeaway

      – Open-world pirate adventure with procedurally generated islands and up to 5 players, focusing on gathering resources to build a ship and explore.
      – Combat-rich exploration across 200+ dungeons featuring pirates, skeletons, and bosses, plus a main campaign and player-driven exploration.
      – Steam rating is “Very Positive” (84% based on 2,246 reviews); praised for gameplay variety, puzzles, story, and activities, but noted for repetitive islands and lack of naval battles.
      – Price: typically discounted, $9.99 (50% off) through May 25, 2026; first hit $9.99 on December 18, 2025, with multiple recent appearances.
      – Disclaimers: no naval battles; world is diverse but islands can feel similar; price fluctuations may occur and are retailer-driven.

      Developed and published by Lavaboots Studios on November 12, 2025, Salt 2: Shores of Gold is a pirate-themed open-world adventure game. Currently 50% off on Steam, it is available for $9.99 instead of $19.99 through May 25, 2026, according to SteamDB.

      In this opening paragraph, the tone shifts gently toward a concise description while maintaining clarity about the sale and the game’s premise. The surface details are presented with a casual but informative style, setting up expectations for players who enjoy exploration and resource gathering in a maritime setting.

      Gameplay and World Structure

      The second paragraph dives into how the game plays, changing pace and diction to reflect a more narrative voice. You may play solo or with up to five friends online, waking on a mysterious island where the quest centers on gathering resources to assemble a ship. This unlocks access to a procedurally generated archipelago, a design choice that aims to keep each session feeling fresh through varied island layouts and hidden corners to uncover.

      Combat and Dungeons

      The third paragraph adopts a brisk, practical register to cover enemies and progression. Expect encounters with pirates, skeletons, and bosses as you traverse over 200 dungeons, each offering its own treasures and challenges. Defeating foes is essential not just for loot but for advancing through the main campaign or crafting your own legend by carving out a personal path within the sprawling world.

      Reception and Critique

      The fourth paragraph shifts to evaluative commentary in a reflective tone. Since its release, Salt 2: Shores of Gold has drawn attention for its breadth of gameplay options, engaging puzzles, narrative fragments, and ongoing activities that invite experimentation. Yet, the absence of naval battles and the procedural but sometimes repetitious island design temper the experience for some players, prompting ongoing discussions about variety and pacing.

      Finally, the pricing note is presented with a straightforward, utilitarian style. The $9.99 price point has appeared multiple times since December 18, 2025, on Steam, reflecting periodic discount cycles that can influence purchasing decisions for new and returning players alike.


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    • New Action-Adventure Lets Players Forge Their Own Swords

      New Action-Adventure Lets Players Forge Their Own Swords

      Key Takeaway

      – Satisfying, Soulslike-inspired combat tightly integrated with a crafting-forging system that drives weapon variety and strategy.
      – Innovative forging mechanics and weapon durability influence both combat outcomes and equipment progression, encouraging experimentation with different weapon types and steels.
      – Polished presentation and potential overshadowed by QoL issues, including map/navigation problems, limited enemy variety, and repetitive NPC voice lines.

      Blades of Fire feels like one of those games that can easily slip under the radar, with no flashy presentation or major marketing campaign behind it. Players should also not be put off by the rather average 82% positive rating on Steam. The game comes from MercurySteam, the studio behind Metroid Dread, and according to Eurogamer’s review, Blades of Fire is genuinely impressive. Deputy editor-in-chief Alexander Bohn-Elias compares it to old PlayStation-era games that “came out of nowhere and ended up being much better than anyone dared expect.”

      Overview and Setting

      Released on May 14, 2026, the action-adventure takes place in a dark fantasy world ruled by an evil queen who has turned almost all metal in the realm into stone. Players step into the role of Aran, who possesses one of seven divine hammers capable of turning stone back into steel. The core loop is easy to grasp: fight through majestic castles, ruined villages and foul-smelling swamps, gather resources and forge increasingly powerful weapons – all with the ultimate goal of slaying the queen. According to Eurogamer, the game’s biggest strength is the combination of satisfying combat and innovative forging mechanics.

      Gameplay and Combat

      Combat takes place in real time and is said to feel highly satisfying. The system clearly draws on Soulslike elements, requiring tactics and precise timing, but Eurogamer notes that it is nowhere near as punishing as Elden Ring. Weapon durability also plays a key role, linking combat and forging closely together. Instead of sticking with one favorite weapon, players are constantly encouraged to experiment with different weapon types. Alongside swords, there are axes, war hammers and spears. Different types of steel affect stats such as damage, armor penetration, durability, weight and parry windows. As a result, even weapons from the same category can feel completely different – from fast and lightweight to slow but devastatingly powerful.

      Critique and Value

      The Steam reviews fall short of being overwhelmingly positive mainly because of quality-of-life issues. Players frequently report problems with the map and navigation, and there is no easy way to compare forged weapons at a glance. Other points of criticism include the limited enemy variety and repetitive NPC voice lines. Those who can overlook these flaws and enjoy dark fantasy games should still find plenty to like in Blades of Fire. The title normally costs around $40 on Steam, but is available until May 21 with a 25% discount for roughly $30. A demo version is also available. Steam Deck compatibility is listed as “Playable”.


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    • Frostpunk Creators’ Innovative Sci-Fi Strategy Free on Steam

      Frostpunk Creators’ Innovative Sci-Fi Strategy Free on Steam

      Key Takeaway

      – Innovative “tower offense” blend: real-time strategy with tactical convoy planning and route-based progression.
      – Directly controllable commander enhancing convoy with special abilities (repairs, smokes, decoys, airstrikes).
      – Varied vehicle roster and route customization, plus optional objectives and unlockable upgrades for replayability.

      Anomaly: Warzone Earth comes from 11 bit studios, the team behind Frostpunk, and takes a similarly inventive approach to strategy. Players command an armed convoy through devastated major cities such as Baghdad and Tokyo, which are filled with alien anomalies and hostile turrets. Instead of building defenses as in traditional tower-defense games, players plan routes through occupied territory and push forward as the attackers. A directly controllable commander supports the convoy with special abilities such as repairs, smoke grenades, decoys and airstrikes.

      Game mechanics and setup

      The game combines real-time strategy with tactical route planning and resource management. Players can choose from up to six vehicle types, including heavy tanks, shield units and missile carriers. Beyond the selection itself, the order of vehicles within the convoy is crucial. Multiple routes, optional mission objectives and unlockable upgrades add further variety.

      Reception and prices

      Anomaly: Warzone Earth was released in April 2011 and currently has around 4,700 user reviews on Steam, 86% of which are positive. In GameStar’s German review, the title stood out for its innovative “tower offense” concept, tactical convoy planning and varied missions. Criticism focused mainly on the rather unspectacular campaign presentation, limited scope and modest replay value. GameStar ultimately awarded the game 74 out of 100 points. On Metacritic, the strategy title holds a Metascore of 80 and a User Score of 7.2.

      Pricing notes

      Anomaly: Warzone Earth normally costs around $10 on Steam. Until May 19, a 90% discount brings the price down to $0.99. Anyone who misses the current deal likely will not have to wait long for another opportunity: according to SteamDB, the title regularly returns to this price, most recently in early March. However, it has never been cheaper. On the Steam Deck, Anomaly: Warzone Earth is currently listed as “Unsupported”.

      Legal and platform notes

      Disclaimer: Notebookcheck is not responsible for price changes carried out by retailers. The discounted price or deal mentioned in this item was available at the time of writing and may be subject to time restrictions and/or limited unit availability.


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    • Strategy Game Based on History – 66% Off on Steam, Loved by 82% of Players

      Strategy Game Based on History – 66% Off on Steam, Loved by 82% of Players

      Key Takeaway

      – Strategic depth with 12 nations, 70 unit types, and 140+ buildings/100 technologies to manage across land and sea.
      – Five campaigns inspired by 17th–18th century European history, plus expansive online multiplayer for up to eight players.
      – Mixed reception: strong Steam positive/overall sentiment but Metacritic shows mixed reviews and noted performance/bug issues.

      Released on September 20, 2016, Cossacks 3 is a remake of Cossacks: European Wars, released in 2001, and developed by the Ukrainian studio GSC Game World. In this strategy game, you’ll dive into five campaigns inspired by historical events that took place in Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries.

      Campaigns and scope

      Indeed, you can liberate Turin, defeat the English rebels at the Battle of Edgehill, or fight Polish troops at Mogilev. You can lead 12 nations and command 70 different units in battles involving several thousand soldiers. But whether you’re on land or at sea, every victory depends on your strategy.

      Resources and building

      In addition, you’ll need resources to win, and your peasants can gather stone, wood, and food. With over 140 historical buildings and 100 technologies at your disposal, you can upgrade your cities and your army. You can also play online with up to eight players on randomly generated maps.

      Reception and performance

      With its gameplay and numerous features, Cossacks 3 is rated “Very Positive” on Steam. Indeed, out of 15,847 reviews, 82% are positive. However, on Metacritic, reviews are mixed, as it has a Metascore of 63 and a user score of 6.7. Some players report optimization issues that prevent them from playing. The multiplayer is unstable, and numerous bugs have been reported.

      Pricing and availability

      If you want to try this game, it’s currently on sale for $6.79 instead of $19.99 on Steam, thanks to a 66% discount until May 28, 2026. Several DLCs are also available if you have a bigger budget. But it should be noted that this discount has appeared several times in recent months, and its lowest price was $5.99 on December 5, 2022, with a 70% discount, according to SteamDB.

       


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    • Best Steam Strategy Sandbox Game Now $5 – Limited Time Deal

      Best Steam Strategy Sandbox Game Now $5 – Limited Time Deal

      Key Takeaway

      1. Europa Universalis IV offers deep and extensive strategy gameplay spanning nearly four centuries, with complex mechanics across trade, war, diplomacy, religion, and technology.
      2. The game is highly praised for its vast scope and historical accuracy but has a steep entry barrier due to its complexity.
      3. It is currently available at a reduced price (~$4.99), with numerous expansions offered at a discounted bundle price (~$105), though it is not compatible with the Steam Deck.

      Immerse Yourself in Deep Strategy

      If you like to jump into a complex and detailed game, Europa Universalis IV is exactly what you need. This game might not look flashy but its gameplay is incredibly profound, with lots of layers to explore. Right now, you can get it on Steam for about $4.99, which is a huge discount from its usual $50. According to SteamDB, this is the lowest price yet. But, if you use a Steam Deck, tough luck – the game isn’t compatible with handheld play.

      Gameplay and Features Overview

      Europa Universalis IV puts you in charge of a nation, where you shape its future from 1444 all the way to 1821. Instead of rapid-fire battles seen in other strategy games like Total War, it features a world map you can pause to make decisions, with many stats, menus, and a kind of plain visual style. The game’s appeal lies in its incredible complexity: everything from trade, warfare, diplomacy, faith, and tech all happen at the same time, weaving together in a intricate dance. Sometimes a tiny duchy can grow into a mighty empire, while a badly executed war could bring down a large power in moments.

      Critical Reception and Pricing Details

      German game magazine GameStar highly praised the game for its broad scope and realistic historical details, mentioning unique systems like different government types and colonial expansion. The main criticism they had was that the game is hard to get into due to its steep learning curve. It’s not ideal for someone just wanting a quick gameplay experience. Still, it scored 87 out of 100 points from GameStar. Similar opinions are reflected on Steam and Metacritic: about 85% of reviews are positive from nearly 140,000 ratings, with a Metascore of 87 and a User Score of 8.7. Also, there’s a bunch of expansion content, with the Ultimate Bundle usually costing around $204, but now you can grab it for about $105 because of a 49% sale.

      Note for Potential Buyers

      Keep in mind, this price and deal might change, as retailers can update their offers. The discounted rate mentioned was correct at the time of writing, but availability could be limited or temporary.


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