What are one of the best Steam Deck video games? When you’re searching for your subsequent sport to obsess over, we’ve assembled an inventory of experiences that you have to attempt on Valve’s pocket powerhouse. We now have 25 sensible video games to indicate you, all of which run nice on the Steam Deck and some other main gaming handhelds.
Why you may belief our recommendation ✔ At PCGamesN, our specialists spend hours testing {hardware} and reviewing video games and VPNs. We share sincere, unbiased opinions that can assist you purchase one of the best. Discover out how we take a look at.
There are at the moment over 15,000 video games rated playable or verified on Deck – whether or not it’s the unique Steam Deck or the Steam Deck OLED – and that’s not together with the magnitude of extra video games that Valve exams daily. Whereas the Steam Deck is by far one of the best handheld gaming PC, it’s not with out its quirks.
Steam video games don’t essentially require Valve’s coveted approval to be playable, with loads of huge video games engaged on the hand held after some easy tinkering about with the settings, Horizon Forbidden West and Ghost of Tsushima being probably the most outstanding examples of this. The quantity of fantastic issues you may play in your Steam Deck is rising exponentially, however we’ve put collectively a shortlist of our rated favorites to make issues rather a lot simpler.
The most effective Steam Deck video games are:
1. Baldur’s Gate 3
Launched: August 3, 2023 | Developer: Larian Studios | Assessment rating: 9/10 | Measurement: 150GB
The newest sport by Larian Studios has taken Steam by storm, changing into one of many most-played video games to ever hit the platform. The huge RPG, which sees you setting off on a journey of epic DnD proportions, runs fantastically on the Valve handheld, after a little bit of tinkering with the settings. When you get going, the massive, expansive phrase of Faerûn comes alive within the palm of your fingers, making Baldur’s Gate 3 the most effective video games in your complete Steam Deck’s library.
Take a look at our Baldur’s Gate 3 Steam Deck appropriate information to discover out precisely how the sport runs, and remember to learn our Baldur’s Gate 3 assessment to study extra concerning the newest DnD journey from Larian Studios.
2. Dave the Diver
Launched: June 28, 2023 | Developer: Mintrocket | Measurement: 10GB
Ever since Dave the Diver splashed its approach onto PC, this indie darling has taken the Steam Deck by storm. On this journey administration hybrid RPG, you tackle the function of Dave (in fact) who spends his time diving for fish within the morning, and operating a sushi restaurant by night time. Its beautiful pixel artwork, and chilled gameplay, make it extremely straightforward to get caught up in what could be the most effective cozy gaming experiences on the hand held.
Take a look at our Dave the Diver Steam Deck appropriate information to discover out precisely how the sport runs.
3. Avenue Fighter 6
Launched: June 2, 2023 | Developer: Capcom | Assessment rating: 9/10 | Measurement: 60GB
When enjoying a sport like Avenue Fighter 6, I choose to not go for a handheld machine, in case I find yourself having to combat in opposition to connection points. Nevertheless, because of the addition of the single-player marketing campaign, World Tour, and the community-driven Battle Hub, this sixth instalment within the beloved sequence from Capcom turns into the most effective fighting-game experiences on the Valve handheld.
Take a look at our Avenue Fighter 6 Steam Deck appropriate information to search out out precisely how the sport runs, and remember to learn our Avenue Fighter 6 assessment to study extra concerning the newest instalment within the flagship combating sport sequence.
4. Elden Ring
Launched: February 25, 2022 | Developer: FromSoftware | Assessment rating: 10/10 | Measurement: 60GB
No maidens? No worries. You’ll discover a lot on this newest huge open-world RPG from FromSoftware. The problem present in Soulslike video games isn’t for everybody, however this difficult RPG turns into a bit of bit simpler because of the portability of the Steam Deck. Having the ability to apply your dodge rolls, and making an attempt out quite a lot of builds on the go, makes venturing by means of the hazards of The Lands Between that little bit much less taxing.
Learn our Elden Ring assessment to study extra about the most effective FromSoftware, soulslike adventures.
5. Stardew Valley
Launched: February 26, 2016 | Developer: ConcernedApe | Measurement: 500MB
What was initially a love letter to the farming sim video games of yesteryear, has turn out to be one of the best of the style. When you haven’t but joined the Stardew Valley revolution, you’re lacking out. It’s the most effective cozy gaming experiences on the market, which is barely made higher by the portability of the Steam Deck. You possibly can are inclined to your farm, develop your crops, take a look at your new neighbors within the valley, and combat monsters within the dungeons – something’s doable in Stardew Valley.
6. Vampire Survivors
Launched: December 17, 2021 | Developer: Luca Galante | Measurement: 600MB
Vampire Survivors is an ideal match for the Steam Deck, providing up a devilishly pleasant gameplay loop that may be loved in bite-sized periods or performed for hours when one run merely is not going to do. Whereas its artwork type is charming to take a look at, it’s not taxing on the machine both, that means which you can count on a easy gameplay expertise and never have to fret about battery life both. Simply be warned that this roguelike bullet hell is as powerful as it’s unimaginable to place down.
7. Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered
Launched: August 12, 2022 | Developer: Insomniac Video games, Nixxes Software program, Marvel Leisure | Assessment rating: 8/10 | Measurement: 75GB
This PlayStation console unique zips alongside on the Steam Deck with all of the velocity and style worthy of your favourite neighborhood Spider-Man. The primary Spidey outing from Insomniac Video games seems nice on Valve’s handheld, and few issues really feel higher than attending to swing about Manhattan on the go.
Learn our Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered PC assessment.
8. Cyberpunk 2077
Launched: December 10, 2020 | Developer: CD Projekt Purple | Assessment rating: 9/10 | Measurement: 70GB
Whereas it’s an understatement to say that Cyberpunk 2077 had a tough launch, CD Projekt Purple has made its sci-fi epic of an RPG value a re-evaluation. With the brand new Phantom Liberty growth quickly on its approach, there’s by no means been a greater time to get aware of the characters of Night time Metropolis on the Steam Deck, exploring this dystopian world from the consolation of wherever you please.
Learn our Cyberpunk 2077 assessment.
9. Purple Useless Redemption 2
Launched: October 26, 2018 | Developer: Rockstar Video games | Assessment rating: 10/10 | Measurement: 150GB
Whereas Grand Theft Auto 5 performs fantastically on the Steam Deck, for our Rockstar choose of the listing we’ve gone for the rootin’ and tootin’ Purple Useless Redemption 2. In what is among the finest single-player experiences in gaming, you tackle the function of Arthur Morgan and play by means of the occasions that lead as much as the unique goings-on within the first Purple Useless Redemption. Even in case you’ve performed this action-packed sequel earlier than, nothing beats the sensation of roaming by means of the Wild West on horseback with the Steam Deck.
Learn our Purple Useless Redemption 2 PC assessment.
10. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Launched: November 11, 2011 | Developer: Bethesda Sport Studios | Measurement: 12GB
It’s been over a decade since The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim launched, and this colossal RPG is accessible on most platforms, together with your Steam Deck. What makes this model of Skyrim stand out is that, with a little bit of elbow grease, you may set up mods to vastly enhance a magnitude of options, just like the textures for one. Nevertheless, in case you choose to not spend your time tinkering away with mods, the Anniversary Version already provides up remastered artwork and results, all of the beforehand launched expansions, and even some fishing.
11. Persona 5 Royal
Launched: October 31, 2019 | Developer: P-Studio | Measurement: 41GB
The Persona video games went from being a distinct segment RPG sequence, beloved by few subsets of followers, to exploding in recognition, and rightfully so. Persona 5 Royal completely encapsulates why the sequence is now so adored, with its catchy soundtrack, top-tier voice performing, in-depth battle system, and delightful visuals. Type is simply oozing out of each little bit of this sport, and it’s by no means appeared higher than on the Steam Deck. You may spend something from 100 to 140 hours on this prolonged RPG in your Valve handheld, however it’s value each second.
12. Useless by Daylight
Launched: June 14, 2016 | Developer: Behaviour Interactive | Measurement: 50GB
Even in case you’re not somebody of the spooky persuasion, Useless by Daylight is spine-chillingly enjoyable on the Steam Deck. Whether or not you tackle the function of the killer or choose to attempt your finest to outlive, it’s straightforward to spend hours on this on-line uneven multiplayer. For an optimum expertise on the Valve handheld, I extremely advocate utilizing your favourite gaming headset and enjoying Useless by Daylight in a dimly lit room. This manner, you may set the temper and correctly get your spooky on, whereas having the ability to hear the killer’s each transfer.
13. Halls of Torment
Launched: Could 24, 2023 | Developer: Chasing Carrots | Measurement: 4GB
Though it’s nonetheless in early entry, Halls of Torment has already confirmed itself to be essential for the Steam Deck. The horde survival indie sport is impressed by late-90s RPGs, and just like the video games of your childhood, you’ll simply end up spending hours upon hours on this sport.
14. Armored Core 6 Fires of Rubicon
Launched: August 25, 2023 | Developer: FromSoftware Inc | Assessment rating: 8/10 | Measurement: 60GB
This isn’t the primary FromSoftware sport to make the listing, however its addition absolutely is an indication that the developer is aware of tips on how to make a sport run nice on the Steam Deck. Armored Core 6 is the most recent sport within the Armored Core sequence, and as an alternative of the gothic environment, you’ll be greater than used to in video games like Elden Ring, this time round it’s all about robots. When you love powerful boss battles, blasting away your enemies, and, much more robots, then that is the fast-paced motion sport for you and your Steam Deck.
Take a look at our Armored Core 6 Steam Deck appropriate information to search out out precisely how the sport runs.
Learn our Armored Core 6 assessment.
15. Sea of Stars
Launched: August 29, 2023 | Developer: Sabotage Studio | Assessment rating: 9/10 | Measurement: 5GB
We’re no strangers to turn-based RPGs relating to this listing, however Sea of Stars is the primary entry that captures the sensation of enjoying the traditional fantasy video games of the ’90s on the Steam Deck. Dropped at you by the identical studio as The Messenger, Sabotage Studio has created one of the crucial beautiful makes use of of sprite artwork in trendy gaming and one of many best-looking video games to play on the hand held. Sea of Stars tells the story of the Solstice Warriors and their adventures of utilizing Eclipse Magic to avoid wasting the world and defeat the one referred to as The Fleshmancer. When you grew up enjoying RPGs like Chrono Set off and Breath of Hearth, you owe your self the expertise of enjoying Sea of Stars on the Steam Deck.
Learn our Sea of Stars assessment.
16. Cult of the Lamb
Launched: August 11, 2022 | Developer: Large Monster | Measurement: 4GB
Half roguelike, half city-builder, half cult simulator – there’s rather a lot to like about Cult of the Lamb on the Steam Deck. On this indie-horror sport from Large Monster, you end up as an lovable lamb, who’s saved from annihilation from a creepy entity. To repay your debt, you should begin a cult, and develop your flock of devoted followers, represented by equally cute forest animals. The 3D paper-like graphics lend themselves on the Valve handheld, and also you’ll simply end up spending hours crafting new buildings, giving sermons to your flock, or slashing your approach by means of enemies. Cult of the Lamb and the Steam Deck are a match made in heaven, however this indie horror could have you braving by means of hell and again to create the last word cult.
17. Diablo 4
Launched: June 6, 2023 | Developer: Blizzard Leisure | Assessment rating: 10/10 | Measurement: 90GB
Getting Diablo 4 to run on the Valve handheld was as hellish because the depths of Sanctuary, however for the reason that Blizzard sport has lastly made its approach formally on the Steam platform, enjoying it in your Steam Deck now’s totally heavenly. Hacking and slashing your approach by means of enemies, and reaching pinnacles of gore you by no means thought doable, feels destined for enjoying on the go. Having the ability to have Diablo 4 at arm’s size, offers you ample time to get familiarised with the quite a few lessons, and get extra acquainted with everybody’s favourite daughter of hatred, Lilith, on this horrifying but addictive motion RPG. Take a look at our Diablo 4 Steam Deck compatibility information to search out out precisely how the sport runs.
Learn our Diablo 4 assessment.
18. Monster Hunter World
Launched: August 9, 2018 | Developer: Capcom | Assessment rating: 9/10 | Measurement: 52GB
Monster Hunter and handhelds go hand in hand, with a number of the earliest video games within the sequence being initially launched on gadgets like the unique Sony PSP. That being mentioned, its wealthy environments of dinosaur-laden landscapes and epic action-packed battles have by no means appeared higher when enjoying on the Steam Deck. Monster Hunter World locations you within the Elder Crossing, a brand new world ready to be found. Geared up with an lovable cat-sidekick, known as a Paliceo, and a large arsenal of weapons, there’s an entire number of monsters out so that you can hunt, and switch into a number of the coolest-looking armor and weapons round.
Take a look at our Monster Hunter World assessment to study extra about what you may count on from one of the crucial expansive installments within the beloved Monster Hunter sequence.
19. Aperture Desk Job
Launched: March 1, 2022 | Developer: Valve | Measurement: 4GB
Aperture Desk Job marks one of many first correct returns to the world of Portal, and whereas it may not be canonical to the franchise as an entire, it’s a must-play in case you personal a Steam Deck. The sport works just about like a tech demo for what your Valve handheld is able to, taking you thru all the assorted buttons and controls however by means of a Portal lens. Whereas deep within the depths of the dilapidated Aperture Science Labs, you stumble throughout Grady, a Persona Assemble (much like that of Wheatley) who takes you thru your new function at Aperture, with the humor and wit you’d count on from the Portal video games. Aperture Desk Job needs to be obligatory enjoying for first-time Steam Deck house owners, and higher but, it’s totally free.
20. Marvel’s Midnight Suns
Launched: December 2, 2022 | Developer: Firaxis | Measurement: 57.3GB
Not the Marvel sport everybody was anticipating on the time, however this turn-based card sport runs exceptionally effectively on Valve’s handheld, and for us, it’s one of the best ways to benefit from the sport.
Trying previous the sturdy efficiency, Marvel’s Midnight Suns carries unbelievable gameplay mechanics and an attractive story that diverts from the sometimes extensive attraction of different Marvel media. You’ll spend time with characters you by no means knew existed or not less than haven’t been featured in a sport for years, and revel in each second of it.
Learn our 9/10 Marvel’s Midnight Suns assessment for extra.
21. Helldivers 2
Launched: February 8, 2024 | Developer: Arrowhead | Measurement: 75GB
Whereas its first few weeks have been tough when it got here to Deck compatibility, Helldivers 2 acquired a number of updates which have now made it an excellent sport to play on the transportable.
It now holds a playable score, with the one marks in opposition to it being that you just’ll must tweak the graphics settings and a few textual content can seem small on display screen. All in all, these are minor points, and spreading democracy is a whole lot of enjoyable on Steam Deck.
Take a look at our Helldivers 2 Steam Deck information for recommendation on one of the best settings to make use of.
22. Struggle Thunder
Launched: November 1, 2012 | Developer: Gaijin Leisure | Measurement: As much as 95GB
It is sensible for a lot of of Steam’s finest free video games to attempt to safe Deck compatibility, and of these we’ve performed and examined, Struggle Thunder is definitely one of many higher video games to play on a handheld.
It doesn’t matter whether or not you’re combating over land, sea, or within the air, efficiency is at all times stable and Struggle Thunder has earned its verified score with ease.
For extra, take a look at our Struggle Thunder Steam Deck compatibility information.
23. Hades 2
Launched: Could 6, 2024 (early entry) | Developer: Supergiant Video games | Measurement: 10GB
The most effective Steam Deck video games are those who work from the second you boot the sport, to the second you turn off. Hades 2 is the premier instance of this. No settings tweaks are wanted, simply hit play and revel in.
It additionally helps that this roguelike sequel is only a unbelievable sport to play, however Supergiant made positive handheld efficiency was taken care of from launch, and it’s really easy for the Steam Deck to deal with which you can recover from six hours of play from a completely charged battery.
Learn our Hades 2 assessment for extra.
24. Balatro
Launched: February 20, 2024 | Developer: LocalThunk | Measurement: 62.68MB
Who would have thought a poker-inspired roguelike would have blown up the way in which Balatro did? This sport got here from nowhere and is a shining instance of why indie builders are so essential to the trade. No main writer would have sanctioned such a sport, however the trade is so a lot better off with video games like Balatro being launched so recurrently on Steam.
As for its Steam Deck efficiency, Balatro looks like a sport made for Valve’s handheld, and because of its non-taxing graphical nature, you may play for hours and hours with no need to cost your Deck.
25. Ghost of Tsushima
Launched: Could 16, 2024 | Developer: Sucker Punch | Measurement: 52.07GB
This could be a barely controversial inclusion, however Ghost of Tsushima is actually and unimaginable sport to play on a Steam Deck. It’s at the moment rated as Unsupported, however with the caveat that that is solely as a result of the Legends co-op mode is just not playable.
Outdoors of this, Ghost of Tsushima runs extremely effectively on Steam Deck, usually reaching averages of round 50fps on medium-low settings. The story is unbelievable and the open-world is effectively with exploring. This all makes for a sport that’s unmissable on Valve’s handheld.
Learn our Ghost of Tsushima assessment for extra.
Do you will have an excellent bunch of video games already put in? Pivot your consideration to our greatest Steam Deck equipment listing and assist Valve’s handheld {hardware} attain its full potential. We’ve additionally acquired an inventory of one of the best laptop computer video games to play proper now, in case you’re searching for different methods to play on the go.
