The Steam Summer Sale 2021 has begun. This annual digital sale offers super-sized discounts on thousands of PC games, and this year is no exception.

With so many games on offer, it can be difficult to decide which ones are worth spending money on. After all, while hundreds of excellent games will be marked down in this sale, there will also be a number of titles that deserve to be called shovelware.

That's where Tom's Guide comes in. We've gathered our top picks of the best deals currently available in this year's Steam Summer Sale so that you can invest your gaming budget, as well as your free time, in quality titles.

From acclaimed roguelikes to terrifying survival horror games, and from immersive RPGs to deep strategy sims, whatever your favorite genre, there's something here for you. These deals are only available until July 8, so if you find what you want, don't delay.

Alan Wake plays a famous writer searching for his missing wife in the sinister town of Bright Falls in this mystery thriller. Also, a nightmarish shadow stalks the town and must be defeated by a combination of flashlights and firearms. This version also includes the DLC expansion for the full Alan Wake experience.

Travel back in time to World War II with Battlefield V, ahead of the release of Battlefield 2042 this October. This definitive edition includes all additional content released for the film.

Crusader King 3 will rule your life. In this profound and engaging strategy game, you must ensure the continued success of your chosen royal family. You can build alliances, betray alliances, and declare war on your opponents. It is a well-regarded title that will provide dozens of hours of play.

A roguelike, Metroidvania-inspired action platformer, Dead Cells is a tough 2D side-scroller, but will keep you hooked for hours. Each time you play, you get a little stronger and learn a little more about the enemies you face; Dead Cells may seem frustrating at first, but it's actually all about perseverance.

Arguably one of the best survival horror games of all time, Dead Space puts you in the shoes of Isaac Clarke, an engineer trapped on a spaceship populated by terrifying creatures. Your job is to survive until you find your girlfriend, who is also aboard the spaceship. Rumors are currently swirling about a franchise reboot: "Hades," from the creators of "Bastion" and "Transistor," is a hack-and-slash roguelike game set in the world of Greek mythology. The game has won numerous accolades for its addictive gameplay and beautiful art style, and the Steam Summer Sale offers the perfect incentive to experience this dungeon-exploring fun.

After years of waiting, the Half-Life series finally returns in 2020 with Half-Life: Alyx, a VR action game set between Half-Life and Half-Life 2. The game requires a VR headset, but if you have the equipment, this is one game you should definitely experience.

Halo: The Master Chief Collection includes six iconic games from the first entry in the series to Halo 4. Even if you've never met Spartan 117 (aka Master Chief), it has everything you need to immerse yourself in the world of Halo. Repeaters will also want to pick it up just for the nostalgia.

Originally a PlayStation exclusive, "Horizon Zero Dawn" came to PC last year. This full version offers the most faithful visual experience possible (if you have the rig for it, of course) of Aloy's adventures as he attempts to unravel the mysteries of a machine-controlled Earth.

"Mass Effect Legendary Edition" combines "Mass Effect," "Mass Effect 2," "Mass Effect 3," and over 40 pieces of DLC in one unmissable package. Each of the three most beloved sci-fi RPGs of all time has been enhanced with visuals and gameplay that look and play better than ever. This is the perfect collection for new and returning players alike.

"Mortal Kombat 11" takes the fighting game franchise to new heights, with more blood and gore than ever before. A new custom character variation system gives you more control over your fighter than ever before, and a new graphics engine makes every beatdown spectacular (sometimes literally).

From the developer of "Fallout New Vegas" comes an RPG with the same sense of humor and a choice-driven narrative The Outer Worlds may be fairly common in the shooting department, but with very strong writing, This adventure will remain engaging for dozens of hours. [Planet Coaster" by the developers of the "Roller Coaster Tycoon" series. Build the theme park of your dreams and let your imagination run wild as you design the most thrilling coaster. Just be careful not to build rides that are too scary.

The classic PlayStation game "Resident Evil 2" has been remade from scratch and given a shiny new look. Taking on the role of either Leon Kennedy or Claire Redfield, you must explore Raccoon City while avoiding rapid zombie bites. Resident Evil 2 is equal parts terrifying and exhilarating.

If you like challenging games, "Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice" is not to be missed. This brutally difficult action game comes from the developers of Dark Souls and Bloodborne. Prepare to die over and over again and fight powerful enemies in a challenging combat system.

Although "Titanfall 2" was underrated when it was first released, it has developed a rabid fan base over the past five years. This is because this is one of the most intense FPS games ever released. You can fly around the map as a pilot or obliterate your enemies from the inside of a giant mech. If you're not interested in multiplayer, don't worry. The stunning single-player campaign alone is worth the price of admission.

It wouldn't be a Steam sale without a discount on The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt This legendary RPG by CD Projekt Red is a summer sale favorite. Chances are you've already played it, but if not, and you want a game you can play for months, you can't go wrong by buying this epic RPG. The GOTY edition, which includes both DLC expansions, is also only $2 extra.