Two years after launching, not solely is Valve’s Steam Deck higher than ever, but it surely additionally has a plethora of latest huge and small video games arriving and dealing completely out of the field. There are some exceptions after all, however 2024 has been excellent for the platform. Whereas taking a look at what’s been out since early January, there have been far too many video games I needed to focus on, however I made a decision to place collectively a listing of my favorites. The video games featured right here embody we’ve reviewed and a few surprises. This listing is in no explicit order as ordinary. I’ve additionally specified if a sport is marked Steam Deck Verified or Playable by Valve.
The Greatest Steam Deck Video games of 2024 So Far
Tekken 8
Tekken 8 will not be solely a return to type for the franchise in pushing visuals, but additionally a unbelievable preventing sport throughout the board that has been a pleasure to play on each platform. On Steam Deck, I used to be initially frightened how it could run as a PS5 and Xbox Collection X title, however it’s surprisingly good on the system each on-line and offline. In case you haven’t performed Tekken shortly, Tekken 8 is greater than value getting, and I’m glad to see it look beautiful all through with its superb character designs and levels. Tekken 8 greater than made up for the way disappointing Tekken 7 was for me. Tekken 8 is formally rated Steam Deck Playable by Valve.
Granblue Fantasy: Relink
After a number of delays, Granblue Fantasy: Relink hit Steam and PlayStation platforms, and it delivered a brilliant enjoyable motion RPG that has been superior to play solo and with mates. It additionally serves as an excellent introduction to Cygames’ superb Granblue Fantasy world and feels constructed for Steam Deck with how good it appears to be like and runs on the system. Granblue Fantasy: Relink is a simple sport of the yr contender that I shall be taking part in all year long on-line and offline. Granblue Fantasy: Relink is formally rated as Unsupported on Steam Deck by Valve, but it surely performs nice. Hopefully they repair the ranking quickly.
Persona 3 Reload
As a remake of the unique Persona 3, I used to be shocked at how trendy Atlus made it really feel with this remake. The gameplay enhancements, new visuals, redone music, and new voice performing all come collectively to make Persona 3 Reload really feel like a brand-new trendy Persona sport. The shortage of the Persona 3 Transportable story content material is disappointing, however this launch has every part else I needed from a remake of one in all Atlus’ finest video games. Persona 3 Reload is formally rated Steam Deck Verified by Valve.
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
Once I beat Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth earlier this yr, I believed it was the most effective RPGs I’ve ever performed. A number of months later, I’ve begun considering of it as one in all my favourite video games of all time. Whereas it isn’t as accessible with a number of video games I’d advocate taking part in earlier than it to get essentially the most out of the expertise, it’s a unbelievable expertise from begin to end, and an excellent turn-based RPG that I am keen on. I actually need to simply replay it proper now. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is formally rated Steam Deck Verified by Valve.
Final Epoch
I didn’t actually hassle with this throughout early entry, however correctly jumped in with controller assist and don’t remorse it one bit. Misplaced Epoch with its offline assist and polished motion RPG expertise proper now has been a sport I’ve loved dipping into day by day on Steam Deck. I haven’t even regarded into the net but as a result of the offline mode is so good. This can be a sensible motion RPG with its courses, ability bushes, and soundtrack. Final Epoch is formally rated Steam Deck Playable by Valve.
Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden
I had this on my listing of the 2024 video games I needed to play on Steam Deck, and I’m glad it delivered with its narrative and gameplay. I all the time had religion within the developer, however Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden has been one of many nicest surprises of 2024. It’s an motion RPG that mixes some mechanics from different video games I’ve loved, however the narrative is what actually elevates it to greatness. I’m positively going to replay this on PS5 sooner or later, however it’s a simple suggestion on Steam Deck. Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden is formally rated Steam Deck Playable by Valve.
Penny’s Massive Breakaway
Except for a number of points that acquired mounted post-launch, Penny’s Massive Breakaway is a unbelievable 3D platformer. It has chic gameplay, a superlative soundtrack, and beautiful visuals. The icing on the cake is it appears to be like excellent whereas working at 90fps on Steam Deck OLED. I don’t even care in regards to the different variations of the sport after taking part in it right here. Penny’s Massive Breakaway is my favourite 3D platformer since Tremendous Mario Odyssey and I hope the soundtrack will get a vinyl launch sooner or later. Penny’s Massive Breakaway is formally rated Steam Deck Verified by Valve.
Logiart Grimoire
Let’s be actual right here. That is simply Picross on Steam Deck, and I’m glad it exists. Jupiter, builders of the particular excellent Picross video games, launched this as a brand new IP, however is Picross with a twist, and my solely criticism is the soundtrack isn’t what I normally like once I’m taking part in these video games. It runs flawlessly on Steam Deck and is value shopping for. I hope we get extra like this from Jupiter on PC sooner or later. Logiart Grimoire is formally rated Steam Deck Verified by Valve.
Star Wars: Darkish Forces Remaster
When Nightdive Studios introduced a remaster of Star Wars: Darkish Forces, I used to be excited as a result of I had heard so much in regards to the sport, however hadn’t ever performed it. The remaster launched and is great outdoors one performance-related downside which will or will not be an issue for you. Fortunately, the Steam Deck refresh charge possibility on the OLED mannequin allowed me to manually repair this and get an ideal expertise. The sport is nice enjoyable to play as properly, however I particularly advocate it on Steam Deck OLED in case you personal one. Star Wars: Darkish Forces Remaster is formally rated Steam Deck Verified by Valve.
Balatro
Alongside Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, Balatro is a robust contender for Sport of the 12 months 2024. I play it day by day and I can not await it to return to iOS so I’ve it on each single system. Balatro is a poker roguelike that options a lot depth hidden away that I’m continuously shocked at it even 80 hours later. I’m listening to the primary theme proper now as properly. Don’t sleep on Balatro. Balatro is formally rated Steam Deck Verified by Valve.
Llamasoft: The Jeff Minter Story
The one downside with Llamasoft: The Jeff Minter Story is that I would like extra from it. I want it coated all of Jeff Minter’s video games together with the more moderen releases, however barring that criticism, that is mainly every part I needed from a brand new Gold Grasp collection launch, and it even acquired us Llamatron on trendy consoles and PC. Digital Eclipse retains elevating the bar and I can’t wait to see what’s subsequent within the collection. You probably have even the smallest curiosity in indie sport improvement or Jeff Minter, that is a vital. Llamasoft: The Jeff Minter Story has been rated Steam Deck Playable by Valve.
In case you’re questioning why there are 11 video games on this article as an alternative of the same old 10, I used to be going to chop one to have as a bonus, however figured each single sport on this listing is value your time on Steam Deck so right here we’re.
Hopefully this characteristic helped you discover one thing you haven’t performed this yr to date but. I’m trying ahead to what else manages to get on my (potential) Sport of the 12 months listing within the coming months. You’ll be able to learn all our previous and future Steam Deck protection right here. You probably have any suggestions for our Steam Deck protection, this characteristic, or what else you’d wish to see us do across the Steam Deck, tell us within the feedback under. Thanks for studying.
