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[DarkShadowXI]

I can't believe I'm saying this in 2025, almost 2026, but I'm considering renting games from GameFly. I enjoy playing the latest games when there's hype around it. I pick up all of my games digitally these days. However, my bank account is starting to squeal and is getting pretty tight.

Has anyone used GameFly in the last few years? Is it worth it now?

The last time I used it 10+ years ago, the games I wanted took forever to be in stock and the turnaround times were pretty slow. I'd sign up for a month or two and that was about it.

I'd have to drop PC Game Pass, which I haven't been using as much as I used to. I figure I can rent games for Switch 2 and PS5 and wait for Steam sales this way.

It looks like they offer something called "Game Lock" to get new releases sooner? And now they have the USPS scan the games or even just take your word for it that you're sending it back, so you can get your next game faster?

I'm super skeptical on this idea. I know it's low risk and I can cancel. I'm just curious if anyone here uses it. Please talk me out of it lol

I should turn into a Patient Gamer, but I'd need an intervention for that.

 

[jshackles]

Paging adamsapple and Topher they're always on about Gamefly

Actually a really good deal if you a) play a lot of recent games and b) don't mind renting and c) live somewhat near a distribution center to get fast shipping / returns. If you go through 2-3 full price games a month, it'll definitely save you money.

 

[CLW]

 

[DarkShadowXI]

Actually a really good deal if you a) play a lot of recent games and b) don't mind renting and c) live somewhat near a distribution center to get fast shipping / returns. If you go through 2-3 full price games a month, it'll definitely save you money.

Looks like they ship from Pennsylvania. I'm near the west coast. Damn. That would mean that the 2 games plan is probably the way to go.

Might be worth trying. I could easily go through 2-3 games a month (not beating them).

 

[DarkShadowXI]

I used to work there…when dinosaurs roamed the earth.

Honestly wish they were still around

 

[Ge Os]

I used to work there…when dinosaurs roamed the earth.

Honestly wish they were still around

Yeah, dinosaurs were cool.

 

[Topher]

I'm in the southeast and it takes 3-4 days for games to arrive. The nice thing though is when you return one you can mark it as returned and they will go ahead and ship you your next game assuming they stock. That is if you pay for the two out at a time plan. But even if you get one game a month at $13.50 then it can pay for itself if you buy a lot of games

There are annual plans in the form of gift certificates. That's what I usually do. They will often have specials for an additional three months or so if you pay for a year.

If I had to drop Gamefly or Game Pass, personally I'd drop Game Pass. But I'd try it for a month or two and see how long it takes for the games to get to you first.

 

[kevboard]

the fuck? gamefly still exists?

last time I saw that name was on my old Samsung TV. they have (had?) a game streaming service, and my old Samsung TV had an app for it.

 

[MartyO]

I've been a GameFly subscriber for over 4 years, and I still love the service. One of the best features is GameLock, which lets you reserve upcoming releases so you're guaranteed a copy when they launch.

Shipping usually takes about 4–5 days, but you can speed things up a bit by notifying GameFly when you've mailed a game back—they'll prep and ship your next title right away.

Getting brand-new releases can be a little tricky since demand is high, but I've found that leaving an open spot in your queue really helps. Personally, I stick to playing one game at a time before sending it back. I tend to play through at least 2 rented games per month so I feel I'm getting my money's worth.

Gamefly also has done a gift certificate option towards the end of the year where if you buy 12 months you get 2 free - helps to lower the price a bit.

 

[AJUMP23]

Do what you want with your subscription service.

 

[DarkShadowXI]

I'm in the southeast and it takes 3-4 days for games to arrive. The nice thing though is when you return one you can mark it as returned and they will go ahead and ship you your next game assuming they stock. That is if you pay for the two out at a time plan. But even if you get one game a month at $13.50 then it can pay for itself if you buy a lot of games

There are annual plans in the form of gift certificates. That's what I usually do. They will often have specials for an additional three months or so if you pay for a year.

If I had to drop Gamefly or Game Pass, personally I'd drop Game Pass. But I'd try it for a month or two and see how long it takes for the games to get to you first.

It does seem a bit better compared to when I tried it last time.

And how's their game availability overall? Have you ran into any issues?

Thanks for the heads up on the annual plans!

Edit: MartyO answered my Game Lock question.

 

[ShadyAcshuns]

It's been a while since I've subbed, but unless things have changed significantly, they have something like a seniority list where long-time members have first access to new and popular releases, but you can pay more for extra holding spots and stuff. Don't think you can just join up and have new games that come out soon after sent out to you right away. It can happen that way, but the more popular a game is, the less likely it will be that you get it right away.

And if you add a bunch of older games to the list, they'll get shipped out to you over the newer, more popular games pretty regularly. Then there's the shipping. Depending on where you live, you might get games in two days or six to seven days. At one point they had like four or five shipping locations, but now it's just California and Pennsylvania, I think.

 

[DarkShadowXI]

It's been a while since I've subbed, but unless things have changed significantly, they have something like a seniority list where long-time members have first access to new and popular releases, but you can pay more for extra holding spots and stuff. Don't think you can just join up and have new games that come out soon after sent out to you right away. It can happen that way, but the more popular a game is, the less likely it will be that you get it right away.

And if you add a bunch of older games to the list, they'll get shipped out to you over the newer, more popular games pretty regularly. Then there's the shipping. Depending on where you live, you might get games in two days or six to seven days. At one point they had like four or five shipping locations, but now it's just California and Pennsylvania, I think.

That's good to keep in mind! I'll make sure that there's some older games that I'm interested in before signing up.

 

[Topher]

It does seem a bit better compared to when I tried it last time.

And how's their game availability overall? Have you ran into any issues?

Thanks for the heads up on the annual plans!

Edit: MartyO answered my Game Lock question.

Haven't had any issues. Just manage your queue and you should be fine. If there is one game you specifically want then the gamecock is a nice feature. It is only available on the higher tiers though. Without gamelock, you may have to wait a little longer. As long as you don't mind being a little patient with availability and shipping times then it is fantastic.

 

[DarkShadowXI]

I appreciate everyone answering. I trust your thoughts moreso than the limited info I've read out there.

Helpful when things are tight right now.

 

[Topher]

It's been a while since I've subbed, but unless things have changed significantly, they have something like a seniority list where long-time members have first access to new and popular releases, but you can pay more for extra holding spots and stuff. Don't think you can just join up and have new games that come out soon after sent out to you right away. It can happen that way, but the more popular a game is, the less likely it will be that you get it right away.

This has not been my experience. I've only been subscribed for a couple of years and I was getting new games right away. If you have a game on gamecock then you are sure to get it soon after launch. It does not matter how long you've been subscribed.

And if you add a bunch of older games to the list, they'll get shipped out to you over the newer, more popular games pretty regularly. Then there's the shipping. Depending on where you live, you might get games in two days or six to seven days. At one point they had like four or five shipping locations, but now it's just California and Pennsylvania, I think.

You can manage your queue to only have games you really want at a time. I will often remove everything from my queue except for one game just to make sure that's what they send. It may take a day or two longer but that's fine.

 

[poppabk]

Haven't had any issues. Just manage your queue and you should be fine. If there is one game you specifically want then the gamecock is a nice feature. It is only available on the higher tiers though. Without gamelock, you may have to wait a little longer. As long as you don't mind being a little patient with availability and shipping times then it is fantastic.

Tell me more about the gamecock feature.
Also please explain why you have written gamecock so many times that that is what auto-correct went with.

 

[DarkShadowXI]

Do you ever keep the games you rent? How are their deals on those?

 

[ShadyAcshuns]

This has not been my experience. I've only been subscribed for a couple of years and I was getting new games right away. If you have a game on gamecock then you are sure to get it soon after launch. It does not matter how long you've been subscribed.

"gamecock"

 

[ShadyAcshuns]

Do you ever keep the games you rent? How are their deals on those?

Most of the time you can keep them, and they usually have good prices.

 

[AmuroChan]

I have the 2-game plan. It's worked pretty well for me over the years. Generally speaking I've always gotten the new releases right away. So can't really complain.

 

[Topher]

"gamecock"

lol.....damn autocorrect

 

[Topher]

Tell me more about the gamecock feature.
Also please explain why you have written gamecock so many times that that is what auto-correct went with.

 

[DarkShadowXI]

I just realized that I'd need to buy a disc drive for my PS5.

 

[adamsapple]

Has anyone used GameFly in the last few years? Is it worth it now?

Yes, I've been using it for a few years and for me, personally, it is worth it.

Though, like Topher said, shipping times might be the biggest obstacle. They only have one warehouse in PA, so states closer to it can generally get games delivered in 2, 3 business days (I am in VA so I generally get them quicker) but imagine someone living in Texas or any of the southern, farther away, states .. they might take a week or so, or even longer.

So it's best to give their free trial month a shot, get a feel for how long it takes games to deliver.

If you have to wait 10, 14 days for delivery, it might not be worth the wait.

It looks like they offer something called "Game Lock" to get new releases sooner? And now they have the USPS scan the games or even just take your word for it that you're sending it back, so you can get your next game faster?

You can 'game lock' new releases to your account before they come out and that guarantees a shipment for you on the day or, or one day before, the retail release of that game.

They have two tiers, Standard and Elite. For Standard, you need to have something locked 30 days before a games release, for Elite it's only 7 days, so you can think on what to lock much closer to release.

If you stay with them for a bit (I think it's 6 months), you get the option to press the "self return" button on their website when you've put in a game in your mailbox and they ship out the next thing to you, but you have to be in "good standing" with them, as they call it, i-e make sure you're not mis-reporting stuff and that you report something as being sent back but you actually hold onto it for a few days to try and 'game' your queue.

If they don't have the thing back in 10 to 14 days, they can ding you account and revoke that privilege.

This is what the self return button looks like:

In my experience, and the way I best use gamefly, is for new releases with game lock. For older games, the stock availability might not be the same per title.

Also, if you do the trial and like it and want to use it for longer, get their gift card codes for 3, 6, 12 months. They cost less than paying each month individually. If you get the 12 month, you can save 30, 40% of the total retail price and they also do black friday or christmas deals where if you get 12 months, you get 6 months extra for free.

But again that's *if* you like the service and their shipment times aren't a chore for you.

 

[Humdinger]

I tried it, but they didn't have enough games I was interested in. If there are lot of games you want to rent, then it may be different for you, but for me it wasn't worth it. I could only find a couple games I was genuinely interested in. Didn't feel like waiting 4 days for it to arrive. Didn't want to deal with the mailing process. Didn't want to deal with getting whatever selection might be available at the time, rather than what I was interested in playing at the time.

So for me, it wasn't worth the trouble.

 

[DarkShadowXI]

Yes, I've been using it for a few years and for me, personally, it is worth it.

Though, like Topher said, shipping times might be the biggest obstacle. They only have one warehouse in PA, so states closer to it can generally get games delivered in 2, 3 business days (I am in VA so I generally get them quicker) but imagine someone living in Texas or any of the southern, farther away, states .. they might take a week or so, or even longer.

So it's best to give their free trial month a shot, get a feel for how long it takes games to deliver.

If you have to wait 10, 14 days for delivery, it might not be worth the wait.



You can 'game lock' new releases to your account before they come out and that guarantees a shipment for you on the day or, or one day before, the retail release of that game.

They have two tiers, Standard and Elite. For Standard, you need to have something locked 30 days before a games release, for Elite it's only 7 days, so you can think on what to lock much closer to release.

If you stay with them for a bit (I think it's 6 months), you get the option to press the "self return" button on their website when you've put in a game in your mailbox and they ship out the next thing to you, but you have to be in "good standing" with them, as they call it, i-e make sure you're not mis-reporting stuff and that you report something as being sent back but you actually hold onto it for a few days to try and 'game' your queue.

If they don't have the thing back in 10 to 14 days, they can ding you account and revoke that privilege.

This is what the self return button looks like:

Dang, yeah it sounds like shipping might take a long time to get here. A trial period is a must.

That's pretty cool that they have benefits for long time customers. I stay on top of stuff like that, so that sounds pretty awesome. Self-return would be very nice.

Thanks for your thorough answer. Really helpful!

 

[adamsapple]

Do you ever keep the games you rent? How are their deals on those?

Adding to this, I've "bought" rented games from them a few times. You generally get a discount and they also throw in gift coupons your way every 3 months of subscription.

I bought my rented copy of Snake Eater delta and got a nice $25 discount with the coupons I had accumulated at that point. I did the same for SH2 remake last year, bought my rented copy and got a similar discount.

 

[LectureMaster]

Looks like they ship from Pennsylvania. I'm near the west coast. Damn. That would mean that the 2 games plan is probably the way to go.

Might be worth trying. I could easily go through 2-3 games a month (not beating them).

They have LA warehouse. I'm in PNW, usually three days once ship out. Go with the rent 2 at a time plan, with proper planning there shouldn't be down time that you have nothing while waiting for next game to arrive.

 

[adamsapple]

They have LA warehouse. I'm in PNW, usually three days once ship out. Go with the rent 2 at a time plan, with proper planning there shouldn't be down time that you have nothing while waiting for next game to arrive.

No, they shut the LA warehouse down some time last year.

Only the PA warehouse now.

 

[DarkShadowXI]

They have LA warehouse. I'm in PNW, usually three days once ship out. Go with the rent 2 at a time plan, with proper planning there shouldn't be down time that you have nothing while waiting for next game to arrive.

Right on! I'm much closer to LA than PA.

Yeah I think the 2 at a time makes the most sense. Do they have other plans with more games at a time for long time members?

The Game Lock feature has me the most interested, for sure. I'm a sucker for new releases.

 

[LectureMaster]

No, they shut the LA warehouse down some time last year.

Only the PA warehouse now.

Damn. Didn't know that. Going with the 2 disc plan should mitigate the issue.

 

[sainraja]

Do what you want with your subscription service.

You are so cool

 

[LectureMaster]

Topher adamsapple

 

[LectureMaster]

Do you ever keep the games you rent? How are their deals on those?

Gamefly's used game purchase is genuinely one of the best deals you could have imo.

Because they only ship disc to renter, so the case and dlc sheets will be included brand new when you purchase their used games. And the price is way more competitive.

I haven't subbed the renting plan for a while, but check their used game sales weekly. Recently got Doom the dark ages for 30 bucks, Khazan for 30 bucks, for instance.

Right on! I'm much closer to LA than PA.

Yeah I think the 2 at a time makes the most sense. Do they have other plans with more games at a time for long time members?

The Game Lock feature has me the most interested, for sure. I'm a sucker for new releases.

I believe they had 3 disc plan for loyal members but couldn't find more info on their site, maybe they scratched that.

 

[GHound]

Gamefly's used game purchase is genuinely one of the best deals you could have imo.

Because they only ship disc to renter, so the case and dlc sheets will be included brand new when you purchase their used games. And the price is way more competitive.

I haven't subbed the renting plan for a while, but check their used game sales weekly. Recently got Doom the dark ages for 30 bucks, Khazan for 30 bucks, for instance.


I believe they had 3 disc plan for loyal members but couldn't find more info on their site, maybe they scratched that.

Still exists. Sometimes they'll do a promotion where you can upgrade to it for the rest of the month for free.

 

[CLW]

I used to work there…when dinosaurs roamed the earth.

Honestly wish they were still around

LOVED the store too goin in on a Friday afternoon as a kid and picking the movie and/or game for the weekend was just magical

 

[SScorpio]

Have you checked your local libraries? There's a surprising number of recent games at mine and you can reserve them.

And unless it's a multiplayer game, why do you need to play new releases? With how quickly games are coming out it's easy to have a backlog. There's so many cheap and inexpensive games available. There's no reason to damage your finances to purchase something.

 

[Bernkastel]

Why not drop Game Pass for game ownership? Start buying them from GOG.

 

[Griffon]

 

[DarkShadowXI]

LOVED the store too goin in on a Friday afternoon as a kid and picking the movie and/or game for the weekend was just magical

Me too! Easily my favorite memories. The scent of that store is still baked into my senses lol

Have you checked your local libraries? There's a surprising number of recent games at mine and you can reserve them.

And unless it's a multiplayer game, why do you need to play new releases? With how quickly games are coming out it's easy to have a backlog. There's so many cheap and inexpensive games available. There's no reason to damage your finances to purchase something.

I haven't checked the library, but that's a solid idea! I would've never thought of that.

I've always liked playing new releases since I was a kid. And I love being a part of the communities here and getting involved in the discussions. There's just something special about that.

My backlog is infinitely long and I do re-visit it from time to time! Thankfully my finances aren't in the hole, but it's definitely getting tighter these days.

Why not drop Game Pass for game ownership? Start buying them from GOG.

I use Game Pass to try games and then I buy the ones I'm interested in on Steam, PS5 or Switch I've bought soooo many games that way. I guess it's more like a demo service to me.

 

[jshackles]

Gamefly's used game purchase is genuinely one of the best deals you could have imo.

Because they only ship disc to renter, so the case and dlc sheets will be included brand new when you purchase their used games. And the price is way more competitive.

I haven't subbed the renting plan for a while, but check their used game sales weekly. Recently got Doom the dark ages for 30 bucks, Khazan for 30 bucks, for instance.

I've bought sooo many used games from Gamefly - especially this time of year they like to clearance them out for mega cheap. Like LectureMaster said, they come in pristine condition. Usually a much better deal than GameStop since you're guaranteed to get the cases and inserts and stuff like it's new.

I use Game Pass to try games and then I buy the ones I'm interested in on Steam, PS5 or Switch I've bought soooo many games that way. I guess it's more like a demo service to me.

Might I also suggest something somewhat similar to Game Pass, but half the price, and you get to keep the games? Humble Choice. Some months are shitty, but you can't deny there is always a variety of stuff. They recently raised the price (just like everything else) but like most of these services they usually do a year-long discount close to Christmas. I've been doing that the last few years, getting myself a $100 annual sub. They also give you discounts in their store based on how long you've subscribed - not always a great deal (usually stuff can be found cheaper on GreenManGaming or Fanatical without the special discount) but every once in a while a good discount pops up, and it stacks with the Choice discount to cut it even deeper. And most new games are -10% to -20% off, so if you are someone that typically buys a lot of newer full priced PC games, the subscription might be worth it just for that. They even have a limited selection of digital console games (for example, I could have got the new Hyrule Warriors digitally through them for $62.99 instead of $69.99 like it is everywhere else).

The free games you get every month are a huge roll of the dice, but at least you get to keep them in your library even after your subscription ends.

 

[bender]

Picking games you want to play seems like a better choice.

 

[DarkShadowXI]

Might I also suggest something somewhat similar to Game Pass, but half the price, and you get to keep the games? Humble Choice. Some months are shitty, but you can't deny there is always a variety of stuff. They recently raised the price (just like everything else) but like most of these services they usually do a year-long discount close to Christmas. I've been doing that the last few years, getting myself a $100 annual sub. They also give you discounts in their store based on how long you've subscribed - not always a great deal (usually stuff can be found cheaper on GreenManGaming or Fanatical without the special discount) but every once in a while a good discount pops up, and it stacks with the Choice discount to cut it even deeper. And most new games are -10% to -20% off, so if you are someone that typically buys a lot of newer full priced PC games, the subscription might be worth it just for that. They even have a limited selection of digital console games (for example, I could have got the new Hyrule Warriors digitally through them for $62.99 instead of $69.99 like it is everywhere else).

The free games you get every month are a huge roll of the dice, but at least you get to keep them in your library even after your subscription ends.

I wasn't aware of Humble Choice! I'll look into this for sure, thanks!

Yeah I definitely want to keep buying new games when I can. I usually buy them for sale. Rarely do I pay full price for something on PC, even brand new games, unless it's Nintendo. This would work out great!

My wife is encouraging me to just cancel PC Game Pass and just buy the games lol. I'm self employed, so my income varies quite a bit. I've had a dry couple of months from battling vertigo, but I'm mostly better now, so I should be back to normal funds by the beginning of 2026.

But if GameFly is worth it, along with something like Humble Choice, then maybe I'll stick with it for the long run. Outside of demos, trying games out in some shape or form is preferable. I get a good sense from a lot of you guys on here, along with watching gameplay videos, too.

 

[bender]

This month's Humble Choice is awesome.

 

[vaibhavpisal]

I wasn't aware of Humble Choice! I'll look into this for sure, thanks!

Yeah I definitely want to keep buying new games when I can. I usually buy them for sale. Rarely do I pay full price for something on PC, even brand new games, unless it's Nintendo. This would work out great!

My wife is encouraging me to just cancel PC Game Pass and just buy the games lol. I'm self employed, so my income varies quite a bit. I've had a dry couple of months from battling vertigo, but I'm mostly better now, so I should be back to normal funds by the beginning of 2026.

But if GameFly is worth it, along with something like Humble Choice, then maybe I'll stick with it for the long run. Outside of demos, trying games out in some shape or form is preferable. I get a good sense from a lot of you guys on here, along with watching gameplay videos, too.

All of them have pros and cons.

Gamefly will be limited to physical releases.

Humble Bundles will fill out your steam library with endless stuff you will have no idea what to do with it.

Gamepass is limited, but curated.

I have currently settled down on gamepass. I don't own anything so no backlog. (Except for 20 handful of games at a time that I absolutely want to play).

 

[Crayon]

Seems like a decent system. I think we'd hear a lot more talk about it if you didn't have to go through the trouble of shipping it back. People too lazy to put a disk in their playstation, let alone a mailbox.

 

[Romulus]

the fuck? gamefly still exists?

last time I saw that name was on my old Samsung TV. they have (had?) a game streaming service, and my old Samsung TV had an app for it.

Yeah what fucking year is this? Gamefly?

 

[DarkShadowXI]

Yeah what fucking year is this? Gamefly?

Yep. GameFly.

I couldn't believe it either, but here we are.

 

[adamsapple]

I believe they had 3 disc plan for loyal members but couldn't find more info on their site, maybe they scratched that.

They do have a 3 disc plan, but like the game lock, it's not something new users get immediately. You have to be in their system for a few months.

Yep. GameFly.

I couldn't believe it either, but here we are.

Best thing about owning consoles with disc drives, tbh, is things like this or reselling / buying used physical.

the fuck? gamefly still exists?

last time I saw that name was on my old Samsung TV. they have (had?) a game streaming service, and my old Samsung TV had an app for it.

Gamefly never had a streaming service .. you're thinking of something else. Gaikai ?