What are the most effective Steam Deck video games? As competitors heats up throughout the handheld market, Valve’s Steam Deck nonetheless reigns supreme, with an nearly incomprehensible variety of appropriate video games. You may be stunned at simply how most of the 15,000+ appropriate video games already sit in your Steam library.
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Whether or not you’re rocking the unique Steam Deck or the Steam Deck OLED, we’re assured you personal the most effective handheld gaming PC available on the market, regardless of highly effective units just like the Asus ROG ally X making up vital floor lately.
Steam video games don’t essentially require Valve’s coveted approval to be playable, with loads of large video games engaged on the hand-held after some easy tinkering with the graphical settings, Horizon Forbidden West and Ghost of Tsushima being essentially the most outstanding examples of this. The quantity of fantastic issues you’ll be able to play in your Steam Deck is rising exponentially, however we’ve put collectively a shortlist of our favorites to make issues lots simpler.
The perfect Steam Deck video games are:
1. Baldur’s Gate 3
Launched: August 3, 2023 | Developer: Larian Studios | Evaluation rating: 9/10 | Measurement: 150GB
The most recent sport by Larian Studios has taken Steam by storm, changing into one of many most-played video games to ever hit the platform. The large 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 among the finest video games in the 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 be sure you learn our Baldur’s Gate 3 evaluate 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 means onto PC, this indie darling has taken the Steam Deck by storm. On this journey administration hybrid RPG, you tackle the position of Dave (in fact) who spends his time diving for fish within the morning, and operating a sushi restaurant by night time. Its attractive pixel artwork, and chilled gameplay, make it extremely straightforward to get caught up in what may be among the finest 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 | Evaluation rating: 9/10 | Measurement: 60GB
When taking part in a sport like Avenue Fighter 6, I desire to not go for a handheld gadget, in case I find yourself having to struggle towards connection points. Nonetheless, because of the addition of the single-player marketing campaign, World Tour, and the community-driven Battle Hub, this sixth instalment within the beloved collection from Capcom turns into among the finest fighting-game experiences on the Valve handheld.
Take a look at our Avenue Fighter 6 Steam Deck appropriate information to seek out out precisely how the sport runs, and be sure you learn our Avenue Fighter 6 evaluate to study extra concerning the newest instalment within the flagship combating sport collection.
4. Elden Ring
Launched: February 25, 2022 | Developer: FromSoftware | Evaluation rating: 10/10 | Measurement: 60GB
No maidens? No worries. You’ll discover a lot on this newest large open-world RPG from FromSoftware. The issue present in Soulslike video games isn’t for everybody, however this difficult RPG turns into a bit bit simpler because of the portability of the Steam Deck. Having the ability to follow 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 evaluate to study extra about among the finest 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 grow to be the most effective of the style. When you haven’t but joined the Stardew Valley revolution, you’re lacking out. It’s among the finest 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 potential 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 classes or performed for hours when one run merely won’t do. Whereas its artwork model is charming to take a look at, it’s not taxing on the gadget both, that means which you can anticipate a easy gameplay expertise and never have to fret about battery life both. Simply be warned that this roguelike bullet hell is as robust as it’s inconceivable to place down.
7. Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered
Launched: August 12, 2022 | Developer: Insomniac Video games, Nixxes Software program, Marvel Leisure | Evaluation rating: 8/10 | Measurement: 75GB
This PlayStation console unique zips alongside on the Steam Deck with all of the pace and charm worthy of your favourite neighborhood Spider-Man. The primary Spidey outing from Insomniac Video games appears 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 | Evaluation 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 price a re-evaluation. With the brand new Phantom Liberty growth quickly on its means, there’s by no means been a greater time to get accustomed to 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 | Evaluation rating: 10/10 | Measurement: 150GB
Whereas Grand Theft Auto 5 performs beautifully on the Steam Deck, for our Rockstar choose of the record we’ve gone for the rootin’ and tootin’ Purple Lifeless Redemption 2. In what is among the greatest single-player experiences in gaming, you tackle the position of Arthur Morgan and play by means of the occasions that lead as much as the unique goings-on within the first Purple Lifeless 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 Lifeless Redemption 2 PC evaluate.
10. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Launched: November 11, 2011 | Developer: Bethesda Recreation Studios | Measurement: 12GB
It’s been over a decade since The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim launched, and this colossal RPG is obtainable 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’ll be able to set up mods to vastly enhance a magnitude of options, just like the textures for one. Nonetheless, in case you desire 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 | Measurement: 41GB
The Persona video games went from being a distinct segment RPG collection, beloved by few subsets of followers, to exploding in reputation, and rightfully so. Persona 5 Royal completely encapsulates why the collection 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 sport, and it’s by no means regarded 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 | Measurement: 50GB
Even in case 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 position of the killer or desire to attempt your greatest 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 taking part in Lifeless by Daylight in a dimly lit room. This manner, you’ll be able to set the temper and correctly get your spooky on, whereas with the ability to hear the killer’s each transfer.
13. Halls of Torment
Launched: Might 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 | Evaluation rating: 8/10 | Measurement: 60GB
This isn’t the primary FromSoftware sport to make the record, however its addition absolutely is an indication that the developer is aware of find out how to make a sport run nice on the Steam Deck. Armored Core 6 is the most recent sport within the Armored Core collection, 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 robust 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 seek out out precisely how the sport runs.
Learn our Armored Core 6 evaluate.
15. Sea of Stars
Launched: August 29, 2023 | Developer: Sabotage Studio | Evaluation rating: 9/10 | Measurement: 5GB
We’re no strangers to turn-based RPGs with regards to this record, however Sea of Stars is the primary entry that captures the sensation of taking part in 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 probably the most gorgeous 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 save lots of the world and defeat the one often called The Fleshmancer. When 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.
16. Cult of the Lamb
Launched: August 11, 2022 | Developer: Huge Monster | Measurement: 4GB
Half roguelike, half city-builder, half cult simulator – there’s lots to like about Cult of the Lamb on the Steam Deck. On this indie-horror sport from Huge 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 constructions, giving sermons to your flock, or slashing your means by means of enemies. Cult of the Lamb and the Steam Deck are a match made in heaven, however this indie horror can have you braving by means of hell and again to create the final word cult.
17. Diablo 4
Launched: June 6, 2023 | Developer: Blizzard Leisure | Evaluation rating: 10/10 | Measurement: 90GB
Getting Diablo 4 to run on the Valve handheld was as hellish because the depths of Sanctuary, however because the Blizzard sport has lastly made its means formally on the Steam platform, taking part in it in your Steam Deck now’s totally heavenly. Hacking and slashing your means by means of enemies, and reaching pinnacles of gore you by no means thought potential, feels destined for taking part in 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 courses, 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 seek out out precisely how the sport runs.
Learn our Diablo 4 evaluate.
18. Monster Hunter World
Launched: August 9, 2018 | Developer: Capcom | Evaluation rating: 9/10 | Measurement: 52GB
Monster Hunter and handhelds go hand in hand, with a few of the earliest video games within the collection being initially launched on units like the unique Sony PSP. That being mentioned, its wealthy environments of dinosaur-laden landscapes and epic action-packed battles have by no means regarded 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 a complete number of monsters out so that you can hunt, and switch into a few of the coolest-looking armor and weapons round.
Take a look at our Monster Hunter World evaluate to study extra about what you’ll be able to anticipate from probably the most expansive installments within the beloved Monster Hunter collection.
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 won’t be canonical to the franchise as a complete, 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 position 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’s completely 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 the easiest way to benefit from the sport.
Wanting previous the robust efficiency, Marvel’s Midnight Suns carries incredible gameplay mechanics and an attractive story that diverts from the usually broad enchantment of different Marvel media. You’ll spend time with characters you by no means knew existed or no 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 evaluate for extra.
21. Helldivers 2
Launched: February 8, 2024 | Developer: Arrowhead | Measurement: 75GB
Whereas its first few weeks had been tough when it got here to Deck compatibility, Helldivers 2 acquired a number of updates which have now made it an important sport to play on the moveable.
It now holds a playable ranking, with the one marks towards it being that you just’ll have to tweak the graphics settings and a few textual content can seem small on display. All in all, these are minor points, and spreading democracy is loads of enjoyable on Steam Deck.
Take a look at our Helldivers 2 Steam Deck information for recommendation on the most effective settings to make use of.
22. Warfare Thunder
Launched: November 1, 2012 | Developer: Gaijin Leisure | Measurement: As much as 95GB
It is sensible for a lot of of Steam’s greatest free video games to try to safe Deck compatibility, and of these we’ve performed and examined, Warfare 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 all the time stable and Warfare Thunder has earned its verified ranking with ease.
For extra, take a look at our Warfare Thunder Steam Deck compatibility information.
23. Hades 2
Launched: Might 6, 2024 (early entry) | Developer: Supergiant Video games | Measurement: 10GB
The perfect 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 incredible sport to play, however Supergiant made certain 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 totally charged battery.
Learn our Hades 2 evaluate 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 business. No main writer would have sanctioned such a sport, however the business is so significantly better off with video games like Balatro being launched so recurrently on Steam.
As for its Steam Deck efficiency, Balatro seems like a sport made for Valve’s handheld, and due to its non-taxing graphical nature, you’ll be able to play for hours and hours while not having to cost your Deck.
25. Ghost of Tsushima
Launched: Might 16, 2024 | Developer: Sucker Punch | Measurement: 52.07GB
This may be a barely controversial inclusion, however Ghost of Tsushima is really and unimaginable sport to play on a Steam Deck. It’s 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 effectively on Steam Deck, usually reaching averages of round 50fps on medium-low settings. The story is incredible 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 evaluate for extra.
26. Multiversus
Launched: Might 28, 2024 | Developer: Participant First Video games | Measurement: 11.4GB
This free-to-play Smash Bros-esque brawler has made essentially the most of its second launch and remains to be a incredible sport to play on Valve’s handheld. It runs with out problem or want to regulate settings and also you’re assured to get a stable 60fps with minimal drops detected even throughout hectic on-screen motion.
Whereas the sport might have modified fairly a bit because the preliminary beta, the core mechanics are nonetheless very a lot in place, with added single-player content material obtainable in case you’re not eager on the thought of testing your expertise towards different gamers on-line. You’ll have to regulate the Multiversus servers although, as they’re nonetheless essential to single-player motion.
27. Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth
Launched: Jan 25, 2024 | Developer: Ryu Ga Gotoku | Measurement: 82GB
Developer Ryu Ga Gotoku is synonymous with making certain its video games run extremely on Steam Deck, and this newest journey following Ichiban Kasuga isn’t any completely different.
From begin to end, this engrossing JRPG runs at a steady 40-60 fps relying on the settings you employ. 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 effectively they pair up. Lengthy might this proceed!
Learn our Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth evaluate for extra.
28. No Man’s Sky
Launched: Aug 12, 2016 | Developer: Hey Video games | Measurement: 14.1GB
It’s been a turbulent eight years for No Man’s Sky, however the sport 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 house exploration sport, it’s an ideal match for the Steam Deck, to not point out it has a tiny storage footprint, particularly compared to a few of the video games on this record.
Do you might have an important 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’ve additionally received a listing of the most effective laptop computer video games to play proper now, in case you’re on the lookout for different methods to play on the go.
