What are one of the best Steam Deck video games? Valve’s handheld gaming PC continues to fend off all competitors regardless of being at a serious drawback in the case of energy. As for video games, lots of the greatest indie and triple-A titles nonetheless run nice on the Steam Deck, which means there are millions of nice video games so that you can select from, however we have narrowed our record all the way down to the highest 30.
Whether or not you are rocking the unique Steam Deck or the Steam Deck OLED, we’re assured you continue to personal one of the best handheld gaming PC in the marketplace, regardless of highly effective gadgets just like the Asus ROG Ally X and Ayaneo 3 making up important floor just lately.
Steam video games do not essentially require Valve’s coveted approval to be playable, with loads of huge video games engaged on the hand-held after some easy tinkering with the graphical settings, Horizon Forbidden West and Ghost of Tsushima being probably the most outstanding current examples of this. The variety of great issues you may play in your Steam Deck is rising exponentially, however we have put collectively a curated record of the best possible to make issues quite a bit simpler.
Listed below are the 30 greatest Steam Deck video games:
1. Baldur’s Gate 3
Launched: August 3, 2023 | Developer: Larian Studios | Evaluation rating: 9/10 | Dimension: 150GB
The newest recreation 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 large, expansive phrase of Faerûn comes alive within the palm of your palms, making Baldur’s Gate 3 top-of-the-line video games in all the Steam Deck’s library.
Take a look at our Baldur’s Gate 3 Steam Deck suitable information to discover out precisely how the sport runs, and be sure you learn our Baldur’s Gate 3 evaluate to study extra in regards to the newest DnD journey from Larian Studios.
2. Dave the Diver
Launched: June 28, 2023 | Developer: Mintrocket | Dimension: 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 (after all) who spends his time diving for fish within the morning, and working a sushi restaurant by evening. Its attractive pixel artwork, and chilled gameplay, make it extremely simple to get caught up in what could be top-of-the-line cozy gaming experiences on the hand-held.
Take a look at our Dave the Diver Steam Deck suitable information to discover out precisely how the sport runs.
3. Avenue Fighter 6
Launched: June 2, 2023 | Developer: Capcom | Dimension: 60GB
When taking part in a recreation like Avenue Fighter 6, I want to not go for a handheld machine, in case I find yourself having to struggle towards connection points. Nevertheless, due to 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 top-of-the-line fighting-game experiences on the Valve handheld.
Take a look at our Avenue Fighter 6 Steam Deck suitable information to search out out precisely how the sport runs, and be sure you learn our Avenue Fighter 6 evaluate to study extra in regards to the newest instalment within the flagship preventing recreation sequence.
4. Elden Ring
Launched: February 25, 2022 | Developer: FromSoftware | Dimension: 60GB
No maidens? No worries. You will discover a lot on this newest huge open-world RPG from FromSoftware. The issue present in Soulslike video games is not for everybody, however this difficult RPG turns into a little bit bit simpler due to the portability of the Steam Deck. Having the ability to observe your dodge rolls, and making an attempt out a wide range of builds on the go, makes venturing via the risks of The Lands Between that little bit much less taxing.
Learn our Elden Ring evaluate to study extra about top-of-the-line FromSoftware, soulslike adventures.
5. Stardew Valley
Launched: February 26, 2016 | Developer: ConcernedApe | Dimension: 500MB
What was initially a love letter to the farming sim video games of yesteryear, has develop into one of the best of the style. If you have not but joined the Stardew Valley revolution, you are lacking out. It is top-of-the-line cozy gaming experiences on the market, which is barely made higher by the portability of the Steam Deck. You possibly can are likely to your farm, develop your crops, take a look at your new neighbors within the valley, and struggle monsters within the dungeons – something’s attainable in Stardew Valley.
6. Vampire Survivors
Launched: December 17, 2021 | Developer: Luca Galante | Dimension: 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 classes or performed for hours when one run merely won’t do. Whereas its artwork type is charming to have a look at, it isn’t taxing on the machine both, which means that you would be able to anticipate 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 not possible to place down.
7. Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered
Launched: August 12, 2022 | Developer: Insomniac Video games, Nixxes Software program, Marvel Leisure | Dimension: 75GB
This PlayStation console unique zips alongside on the Steam Deck with all of the velocity and charm 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 evaluate.
8. Cyberpunk 2077
Launched: December 10, 2020 | Developer: CD Projekt Purple | Dimension: 70GB
Whereas it is an understatement to say that Cyberpunk 2077 had a tough launch, CD Projekt Purple has made its sci-fi epic of an RPG price a re-assessment. With the brand new Phantom Liberty enlargement 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 evaluate.
9. Purple Lifeless Redemption 2
Launched: October 26, 2018 | Developer: Rockstar Video games | Dimension: 150GB
Whereas Grand Theft Auto 5 performs fantastically on the Steam Deck, for our Rockstar decide of the record we have gone for the rootin’ and tootin’ Purple Lifeless Redemption 2. In what is likely one of the greatest single-player experiences in gaming, you tackle the function of Arthur Morgan and play via the occasions that lead as much as the unique goings-on within the first Purple Lifeless Redemption. Even in the event you’ve performed this action-packed sequel earlier than, nothing beats the sensation of roaming via the Wild West on horseback with the Steam Deck.
Learn our Purple Lifeless Redemption 2 PC evaluate.
10. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Launched: November 11, 2011 | Developer: Bethesda Recreation Studios | Dimension: 12GB
It has been over a decade since The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim launched, and this colossal RPG is out there 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 the event you want to not spend your time tinkering away with mods, the Anniversary Version already presents 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 | Dimension: 41GB
The Persona video games went from being a distinct segment RPG sequence, beloved by few subsets of followers, to exploding in reputation, and rightfully so. Persona 5 Royal completely encapsulates why the sequence is now so adored, with its catchy soundtrack, top-tier voice appearing, in-depth battle system, and delightful visuals. Type is simply oozing out of each little bit of this recreation, and it is by no means seemed higher than on the Steam Deck. You would possibly spend something from 100 to 140 hours on this prolonged RPG in your Valve handheld, but it surely’s price each second.
12. Lifeless by Daylight
Launched: June 14, 2016 | Developer: Behaviour Interactive | Dimension: 50GB
Even in the event you’re not somebody of the spooky persuasion, Lifeless by Daylight is spine-chillingly enjoyable on the Steam Deck. Whether or not you tackle the function of the killer or want to attempt your greatest to outlive, it is simple 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 taking part in Lifeless by Daylight in a dimly lit room. This fashion, you may set the temper and correctly get your spooky on, whereas having the ability to hear the killer’s each transfer.
13. Blue Prince
Launched: April 10, 2025 | Developer: Uncooked Fury | Dimension: 6GB
A roguelike that, not less than for now, is in contrast to some other presently accessible, Blue Prince is a shocking indie recreation from Uncooked Fury that can have you ever scribbling down puzzle clues and options with a pen and paper like the nice previous days.
Furthermore, past the difficult puzzle gameplay, Blue Prince presents an intriguing story and satisfying gameplay loops that can have you ever promising to play “another run” earlier than discovering your self nonetheless taking part in three hours later.
14. Two Level Museum
Launched: March 4, 2025 | Developer: Two Level Studios | Dimension:8GB
Two Level video games are made for consoles just like the Steam Deck, and this newest entry, Two Level Museum, is not any completely different. Because the title suggests, you are tasked with working a Museum and procuring all kinds of fascinating antiquities and relics to verify folks need to come and go to.
Very like with Hospital and Campus, there’s a guided problem mode that prepares you for the free play mode, and it is simple to lose numerous hours constructing, upgrading, and sustaining your museum.
Learn our Two Level Museum evaluate for extra.
15. Sea of Stars
Launched: August 29, 2023 | Developer: Sabotage Studio | Dimension: 5GB
We’re no strangers to turn-based RPGs in the case of this record, however Sea of Stars is the primary entry that captures the sensation of taking part in the basic 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 gorgeous makes use of of sprite artwork in fashionable 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 generally known as The Fleshmancer. Should you grew up taking part in RPGs like Chrono Set off and Breath of Fireplace, you owe your self the expertise of taking part in Sea of Stars on the Steam Deck.
Learn our Sea of Stars evaluate for extra.
16. Cult of the Lamb
Launched: August 11, 2022 | Developer: Huge Monster | Dimension: 4GB
Half roguelike, half city-builder, half cult simulator – there’s quite a bit to like about Cult of the Lamb on the Steam Deck. On this indie-horror recreation from Huge Monster, you end up as an lovable lamb, who’s saved from annihilation by a creepy entity. To repay your debt, you will need to begin a cult and develop your flock of devoted followers, represented by equally cute forest animals. The 3D paper-like graphics lend themselves to the Valve handheld, and you will simply end up spending hours crafting new constructions, giving sermons to your flock, or slashing your approach via enemies. Cult of the Lamb and the Steam Deck are a match made in heaven, however this indie horror may have you braving via hell and again to create the final word cult.
17. Diablo 4
Launched: June 6, 2023 | Developer: Blizzard Leisure | Dimension: 90GB
Getting Diablo 4 to run on the Valve handheld was as hellish because the depths of Sanctuary, however because the Blizzard recreation has lastly made its approach formally on the Steam platform, taking part in it in your Steam Deck now’s completely heavenly. Hacking and slashing your approach via enemies, and reaching pinnacles of gore you by no means thought attainable, 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 evaluate.
18. Monster Hunter World
Launched: August 9, 2018 | Developer: Capcom | Dimension: 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 stated, its wealthy environments of dinosaur-laden landscapes and epic action-packed battles have by no means seemed higher when taking part in on the Steam Deck. Monster Hunter World locations you within the Elder Crossing, a brand new world ready to be found. Outfitted with an lovable cat-sidekick, known as a Paliceo, and an enormous 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 evaluate to study extra about what you may anticipate from one of the crucial expansive installments within the beloved Monster Hunter sequence.
19. Aperture Desk Job
Launched: March 1, 2022 | Developer: Valve | Dimension: 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 is a must-play in the event 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 via a Portal lens. Whereas deep within the depths of the dilapidated Aperture Science Labs, you stumble throughout Grady, a Persona Assemble (just like that of Wheatley) who takes you thru your new function at Aperture, with the humor and wit you’d anticipate from the Portal video games. Aperture Desk Job needs to be necessary taking part in for first-time Steam Deck house owners, and higher but, it is solely free.
20. Marvel’s Midnight Suns
Launched: December 2, 2022 | Developer: Firaxis | Dimension: 57.3GB
Not the Marvel recreation everybody was anticipating on the time, however this turn-based card recreation runs exceptionally properly on Valve’s handheld, and for us, it is one of the best ways to benefit from the recreation.
Wanting previous the robust efficiency, Marvel’s Midnight Suns carries improbable gameplay mechanics and an enticing story that diverts from the sometimes huge attraction of different Marvel media. You will spend time with characters you by no means knew existed or not less than have not been featured in a recreation for years, and revel in each second of it.
Learn our 9/10 Marvel’s Midnight Suns evaluate for extra.
21. Helldivers 2
Launched: February 8, 2024 | Developer: Arrowhead | Dimension: 75GB
Whereas its first few weeks had been tough when it got here to Deck compatibility, Helldivers 2 obtained a number of updates which have now made it a fantastic recreation to play on the moveable.
It now holds a playable score, with the one marks towards it being that you will have to 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 plenty 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 | Dimension: As much as 95GB
It is smart for a lot of of Steam’s greatest free video games to try to safe Deck compatibility, and of these we have performed and examined, Struggle Thunder is well one of many higher video games to play on a handheld.
It would not matter whether or not you are preventing over land, sea, or within the air, efficiency is at all times strong 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 | Dimension: 10GB
The very best Steam Deck video games are people 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 improbable recreation to play, however Supergiant made certain handheld efficiency was taken care of from launch, and it is really easy for the Steam Deck to deal with that you would be able to recover from six hours of play from a totally charged battery.
Learn our Hades 2 evaluate for extra.
24. Balatro
Launched: February 20, 2024 | Developer: LocalThunk | Dimension: 62.68MB
Who would have thought a poker-inspired roguelike would have blown up the way in which Balatro did? This recreation 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 recreation, however the trade is so a lot better off with video games like Balatro being launched so frequently on Steam.
As for its Steam Deck efficiency, Balatro appears like a recreation 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 | Dimension: 52.07GB
This could be a barely controversial inclusion, however Ghost of Tsushima is actually an unimaginable recreation to play on a Steam Deck. It is presently rated as Unsupported, however with the caveat that that is solely as a result of the Legends co-op mode shouldn’t be playable.
Outdoors of this, Ghost of Tsushima runs extremely properly on Steam Deck, typically reaching averages of round 50fps on medium-low settings. The story is improbable, and the open world is well-suited for exploration. This all makes for a recreation that’s unmissable on Valve’s handheld.
Learn our Ghost of Tsushima evaluate for extra.
26. Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth
Launched: Jan 25, 2024 | Developer: Ryu Ga Gotoku | Dimension: 82GB
Developer Ryu Ga Gotoku is synonymous with guaranteeing its video games run extremely on Steam Deck, and this newest journey following Ichiban Kasuga is not any completely different.
From begin to end, this engrossing JRPG runs at a secure 40-60 fps relying on the settings you utilize. It permits you to sit again and simply benefit from the story. The Steam Deck is my go-to console for Like A Dragon and Yakuza video games now due to how properly they pair up. Lengthy might this proceed!
Learn our Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth evaluate for extra.
27. No Man’s Sky
Launched: Aug 12, 2016 | Developer: Hi there Video games | Dimension: 14.1GB
It has been a turbulent eight years for No Man’s Sky, however the recreation lastly appears to have settled in a candy spot the place most gamers agree it lastly lives up the the preliminary hype.
As a chilled-out and informal area exploration recreation, it is an ideal match for the Steam Deck, to not point out it has a tiny storage footprint, particularly compared to a number of the video games on this record.
Learn our up to date No Man’s Sky opinions roundup.
28. God of Struggle: Ragnarok
Launched: Sept 19, 2024| Developer: Sony Santa Monica (PC Port by Jetpack Interactive) | Dimension: 190GB
It is at all times thrilling to see PS5 video games ultimately make their method to PC, and it was not completely different for God of Struggle: Ragnarok. Regardless of some points with the newest ports, Ragnarok launched with a day one Verified score, and AMD FSR 3.0 ensures that improbable efficiency is feasible on Valve’s handheld.
This expansive RPG is a must-play for followers of the earlier recreation within the sequence reboot, and whereas it’ll look unimaginable on an all-out gaming PC, there’s nothing improper with the way it seems on Steam Deck both.
29. Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed
Launched: Sep 24, 2024 | Developer: Purple Lamp | Dimension: 28GB
It is exceptional to assume that the unique Epic Mickey was launched 14 years in the past, however boy, am I glad it is again. One of many quintessential cartoon platformers, Epic Mickey Rebrushed places a brand new coat of paint on this glorious recreation and brings it into relevance as soon as once more.
An ideal recreation for teenagers beginning their gaming journeys, or adults who love the nostalgic really feel of video games that honor conventional journey platformers, Epic Mickey Rebrushed is Steam Deck Verified and runs nice on the hand-held.
30. Marvel Rivals
Launched: Dec 6, 2024 | Developer: NetEase Video games | Dimension: 70GB
Best shooter titles do not transition all that properly to the Steam Deck, however the brand new Marvel title is an exception to the rule. Its controller assist is great, and it runs easily even on the Steam Deck’s lowly {hardware}, making it simple to remain aggressive even on this modest machine.
The enjoyable, colourful artwork type of Marvel Rivals significantly lends itself properly to the small, comparatively low-res display screen of the Steam Deck, whereas the sport’s huge vary of characters, all with completely different play kinds and talents, means you’ll find a hero or villain that works for you. Crucially, with comparatively excessive time to kill and few characters that basically concentrate on precision aiming to annoy you with shock headshots on a regular basis, it is a forgiving and regularly enjoyable recreation.
Take a look at our information to one of the best Marvel Rivals characters.
Do you may have a fantastic bunch of video games already put in? Pivot your consideration to our greatest Steam Deck equipment record and assist Valve’s handheld {hardware} attain its full potential. We have additionally received an inventory of one of the best laptop computer video games to play proper now, in the event you’re searching for different methods to play on the go.
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