Steam Scream V runs October 26 to November 2, 2026. It focuses on horror games, plus base games explicitly about Halloween. Valve schedules its official trailer for October 22. The participating titles and individual discounts have not been announced.
When Steam Scream V starts
The fifth Steam Scream event runs for one week, from October 26 through November 2. Valve lists it as a themed fest rather than one of Steam's four seasonal sales. Its upcoming events schedule gives the dates, while the Steam Scream V event page adds the eligibility rules and planned trailer date.
Valve's event page schedules its trailer for October 22, four days before the fest begins. The trailer is due four days before opening and will feature a handful of selected games. The event page will organize participating titles into several sections.
The last two Steam Scream trailers give a sense of the series' format. These are older event videos, not previews of this year's participating games.
Which games can take part
Steam's themed sale rules are narrower this year. Games in the horror category qualify, and Valve also allows games specifically about Halloween regardless of genre. That exception applies to the base game itself. A horror-free game does not become eligible because it has a Halloween costume pack, themed downloadable content or a limited-time in-game event.
Valve looks at a game's store page tags and the gameplay shown in its description and materials. It says the game's main theme or mechanic needs to match the fest. So a game with one spooky level or a small horror mode may not be enough to meet the rule. The Steamworks page does not promise that every game with a horror tag will appear, and Valve can place eligible games in different parts of the event page.
Will every game be discounted?
No. A discount is optional for developers taking part in themed fests. Valve says discounted games receive the most prominent placement, while the page can also include unreleased games in Coming Soon, free-to-play titles and games with free demos. The event-specific Steam Scream page likewise lists sections for discounted titles, upcoming games and demos.
The fest also gives players a way to browse games without buying first. Demos offer a chance to try a title, and Coming Soon entries can surface upcoming horror releases. If a game is on your wishlist, check its Steam page during the event for its actual price. The event name alone does not guarantee a discount or a particular sale price.
Valve also says game placement can vary by section. Some lists may be sorted using player interest or popularity, while others may use a more random order, and Steam does not guarantee a specific feature position. A game missing from the trailer could still appear on the fest page, and a title included in the event may have no discount. The store listing is the practical place to check each game's price once the fest is live.
What to check before buying
The themed fest page groups eligible games by discount status, demos and upcoming releases, with extra categories tied to the horror theme. When the event opens, check each game's store page for its current offer and regional price.
Steam Scream also sits between two events already on Valve's calendar. The Steam Next Fest October schedule ends on October 26, the day Scream V begins. Our Steam sale calendar has the dates for the rest of the fests and seasonal sales. Those pages can help plan around the dates, but the participating titles and discounts will only be clear once Steam updates the event storefront.
Frequently asked questions
When is Steam Scream V Fest 2026?
Valve lists Steam Scream V from October 26 to November 2, 2026.
When does the Steam Scream V trailer come out?
Steamworks schedules the official trailer for October 22, 2026.
What games qualify for Steam Scream V?
Horror games qualify. Valve also allows base games explicitly about Halloween, regardless of genre. Halloween-themed DLC or in-game events alone do not qualify.
Will every Steam Scream V game be on sale?
No. Developers do not have to discount a game to take part. Valve says the event also includes sections for upcoming games and demos.
Check the event page when it opens
The event dates and eligibility rules are public, but the game-by-game offers are not. Check Steam on October 22 for the trailer, then revisit the fest page from October 26 to compare participating games, demos and prices.
