Best Games Under $20 - Hidden Gems Analyzed for Value
Who doesn't love a great gaming bargain? I still remember the thrill of scoring Need for Speed: Underground for a steal at a local game store, only to spend hours upon hours racing through the neon...
January 13, 2026 · 6 min read
Numbers guy who also happens to love games. I break down what makes a game worth your money with data, benchmarks, and honest analysis.
Who doesn't love a great gaming bargain? I still remember the thrill of scoring Need for Speed: Underground for a steal at a local game store, only to spend hours upon hours racing through the neon-lit streets of Olympic City. It's experiences like these that make me appreciate the value of great games under 20 dollars. In this article, we'll count down the best games that can be yours for a fraction of the cost of a brand-new title.
Finding the Best Games Under 20 Dollars
With so many amazing games available at budget-friendly prices, it's hard to know where to start. That's why I've curated this list of the best games under 20 dollars, featuring a mix of critically acclaimed titles, hidden gems, and classics that are still worth playing today.
5. Tony Hawk's Underground
Tony Hawk's Underground
Beenox · Activision
Oct 27, 2003
Get ready for a major new step for the Tony Hawk series. Tony Hawk's Underground tweaks the gameplay of previous installments to include a plot-twi…
Tony Hawk's Underground is a game that still holds up today, thanks to its addictive gameplay and innovative features like customizable tricks and decks. The game's story mode is also noteworthy, with a plot that's both humorous and engaging.
One of the standout features of Tony Hawk's Underground is its level design. The game's levels are expertly crafted to provide a mix of challenge and fun, with plenty of secrets to discover and replay value to keep you coming back for more.
4. Need for Speed: Underground 2
Need for Speed: Underground 2
EA Black Box · Electronic Arts
Nov 9, 2004
Need For Speed Underground 2 takes place in Bayview after the events of Need for Speed: Underground. The prologue begins with the player driving in…
Need for Speed: Underground 2 is another classic racing game that's still a blast to play today. The game's open-world design and wide range of cars make it a joy to explore and customize, while the game's story mode is both engaging and over-the-top.
One of the key features that sets Need for Speed: Underground 2 apart is its emphasis on car customization. With a vast array of parts and upgrades available, you can tweak your ride to suit your driving style and make it stand out from the crowd.
Our Pick for Best Racing Game: Need for Speed: Underground
Need for Speed: Underground
EA Black Box · Electronic Arts
Nov 17, 2003
Need for Speed: Underground is a 2003 racing video game and the seventh installment in the Need for Speed series. It rebooted the franchise, ignori…
Need for Speed: Underground is a game that revolutionized the racing genre, bringing a new level of style and excitement to the series. The game's focus on street racing and car customization made it a hit with players, and it's still a great game today.
One of the key features that makes Need for Speed: Underground stand out is its graphics and sound design. The game's neon-lit streets and pulsating soundtrack create a immersive atmosphere that's hard to resist.
Our Pick for Best Story: Undertale
Undertale
tobyfox · 8-4
Sep 15, 2015
A small child falls into the Underground, where monsters have long been banished by humans and are hunting every human that they find. The player c…
Undertale is a game that's known for its engaging story and memorable characters. The game's narrative is both humorous and emotional, with a unique twist on the traditional RPG formula.
One of the standout features of Undertale is its writing. The game's dialogue is both witty and insightful, with characters that feel fully realized and relatable.
3. Momodora: Reverie Under the Moonlight
Momodora: Reverie Under the Moonlight
Bombservice · PLAYISM
Mar 4, 2016
Momodora: Reverie Under the Moonlight is a sidescrolling platformer, and is the fourth installment of the Momodora series. Focusing on gameplay, me…
Momodora: Reverie Under the Moonlight is a metroidvania game that's both challenging and rewarding. The game's tight gameplay and atmospheric soundtrack make it a joy to play, while its dark fantasy setting is both haunting and beautiful.
One of the standout features of Momodora: Reverie Under the Moonlight is its level design. The game's world is expertly crafted to provide a mix of exploration and challenge, with secrets to discover and upgrades to find.
2. Celeste (not listed, but a great example)
Although Celeste isn't on our original list, it's another great example of a game that's available for under 20 dollars. The game's challenging platforming and emotional storytelling make it a must-play for fans of the genre.
1. Hyper Light Drifter (not listed, but a great example)
Hyper Light Drifter: Special Edition
Heart Machine · Abylight Studios
Sep 6, 2018
The wait is over, the worldwide acclaimed game Hyper Light Drifter is finally here with this impressive Special Edition! Runs at 60fps, includes n…
Like Celeste, Hyper Light Drifter is another great game that's available for under 20 dollars. The game's beautiful graphics and challenging gameplay make it a standout title in the action genre.
Honorable Mentions
Other great games under 20 dollars include Cave Story, To the Moon, and Frozen Synapse. These games offer a mix of challenging gameplay, engaging stories, and addictive mechanics that make them great value for the price.
Our Pick for Best Value: Undertale
Undertale is not only one of the best games on this list, but it's also an incredible value. With a rating of 92/100 and a price tag of under 20 dollars, it's a must-buy for anyone looking for a great gaming experience.
More Great Games Under 20 Dollars
Other great games that can be found for under 20 dollars include Braid, Limbo, and The Binding of Isaac. These games offer a mix of challenging gameplay, beautiful graphics, and engaging stories that make them great value for the price.
Conclusion
Finding great games under 20 dollars is easier than ever, with a wide range of amazing titles available at budget-friendly prices. Whether you're a fan of racing games, metroidvania games, or RPGs, there's something on this list for everyone. So why not start exploring and see what great games you can discover for under 20 dollars?