What are the perfect Steam Deck video games? Valve’s handheld gaming PC continues to fend off all competitors regardless of being at a serious drawback with regards to energy. As for video games, lots of the finest 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 listing right 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 the perfect handheld gaming PC in the marketplace, regardless of highly effective gadgets just like the Asus ROG Ally X and Ayaneo 3 making up vital floor lately.
Steam video games do not essentially require Valve’s coveted approval to be playable, with loads of massive 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 current examples of this. The variety of great issues you possibly can play in your Steam Deck is rising exponentially, however we have put collectively a curated listing of the very best to make issues so much simpler.
Listed below are the 30 finest Steam Deck video games:
1. Baldur’s Gate 3
Launched: August 3, 2023 | Developer: Larian Studios | Assessment rating: 9/10 | Dimension: 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 superbly 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 fingers, making Baldur’s Gate 3 top-of-the-line video games in your entire Steam Deck’s library.
Try our Baldur’s Gate 3 Steam Deck suitable information to discover out precisely how the sport runs, and make sure you learn our Baldur’s Gate 3 evaluation 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 means 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 attractive pixel artwork, and chilled gameplay, make it extremely simple to get caught up in what is perhaps top-of-the-line cozy gaming experiences on the hand-held.
Try our Dave the Diver Steam Deck suitable information to discover out precisely how the sport runs.
3. Road Fighter 6
Launched: June 2, 2023 | Developer: Capcom | Dimension: 60GB
When taking part in a sport like Road Fighter 6, I want to not go for a handheld system, in case I find yourself having to battle in opposition to 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 top-of-the-line fighting-game experiences on the Valve handheld.
Try our Road Fighter 6 Steam Deck suitable information to search out out precisely how the sport runs, and make sure you learn our Road Fighter 6 evaluation to study extra in regards to the newest instalment within the flagship combating sport collection.
4. Elden Ring
Launched: February 25, 2022 | Developer: FromSoftware | Dimension: 60GB
No maidens? No worries. You may discover a lot on this newest large open-world RPG from FromSoftware. The issue present in Soulslike video games is not for everybody, however this difficult RPG turns into a bit of bit simpler because of the portability of the Steam Deck. With the ability to apply your dodge rolls, and attempting out a wide range of builds on the go, makes venturing by way of the hazards of The Lands Between that little bit much less taxing.
Learn our Elden Ring evaluation 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 change into the perfect 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 inclined to your farm, develop your crops, try your new neighbors within the valley, and battle 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 periods or performed for hours when one run merely won’t do. Whereas its artwork fashion is charming to have a look at, it is not taxing on the system both, which 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 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 style worthy of your favourite neighborhood Spider-Man. The primary Spidey outing from Insomniac Video games appears to be like 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 evaluation.
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 value a re-evaluation. With the brand new Phantom Liberty enlargement quickly on its means, 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 evaluation.
9. Purple Lifeless Redemption 2
Launched: October 26, 2018 | Developer: Rockstar Video games | Dimension: 150GB
Whereas Grand Theft Auto 5 performs beautifully on the Steam Deck, for our Rockstar choose of the listing we have gone for the rootin’ and tootin’ Purple Lifeless Redemption 2. In what is without doubt one of the finest single-player experiences in gaming, you tackle the function of Arthur Morgan and play by way of the occasions that lead as much as the unique goings-on within the first Purple Lifeless Redemption. Even when you’ve performed this action-packed sequel earlier than, nothing beats the sensation of roaming by way of the Wild West on horseback with the Steam Deck.
Learn our Purple Lifeless Redemption 2 PC evaluation.
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 offered 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 possibly can set up mods to vastly enhance a magnitude of options, just like the textures for one. Nonetheless, when you want to not spend your time tinkering away with mods, the Anniversary Version already affords 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 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 performing, in-depth battle system, and exquisite visuals. Type is simply oozing out of each little bit of this sport, and it is 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. Lifeless by Daylight
Launched: June 14, 2016 | Developer: Behaviour Interactive | Dimension: 50GB
Even when 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 finest to outlive, it is simple to spend hours on this on-line uneven multiplayer. For an optimum expertise on the Valve handheld, I extremely suggest utilizing your favourite gaming headset and taking part in Lifeless by Daylight in a dimly lit room. This manner, you possibly can set the temper and correctly get your spooky on, whereas with the ability to hear the killer’s each transfer.
13. Blue Prince
Launched: April 10, 2025 | Developer: Uncooked Fury | Dimension: 6GB
A roguelike that, at the least for now, is in contrast to another at the moment obtainable, Blue Prince is a surprising indie sport from Uncooked Fury that may 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 affords an intriguing story and satisfying gameplay loops that may have you ever promising to play “yet 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 operating a Museum and procuring all kinds of fascinating antiquities and relics to verify folks need to come and go to.
Very similar to 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 evaluation for extra.
15. Sea of Stars
Launched: August 29, 2023 | Developer: Sabotage Studio | Dimension: 5GB
We’re no strangers to turn-based RPGs with regards to this listing, 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. Delivered to you by the identical studio as The Messenger, Sabotage Studio has created some of the 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 generally known as The Fleshmancer. For those who grew up taking part in RPGs like Chrono Set off and Breath of Hearth, you owe your self the expertise of taking part in Sea of Stars on the Steam Deck.
Learn our Sea of Stars evaluation for extra.
16. Cult of the Lamb
Launched: August 11, 2022 | Developer: Large Monster | Dimension: 4GB
Half roguelike, half city-builder, half cult simulator – there’s so much to like about Cult of the Lamb on the Steam Deck. On this indie-horror sport from Large Monster, you end up as an cute lamb, who’s saved from annihilation by a creepy entity. To repay your debt, you have 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 buildings, giving sermons to your flock, or slashing your means by way of enemies. Cult of the Lamb and the Steam Deck are a match made in heaven, however this indie horror may have you braving by way of hell and again to create the last 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 for the reason that Blizzard sport has lastly made its means formally on the Steam platform, taking part in it in your Steam Deck now could be totally heavenly. Hacking and slashing your means by way of enemies, and reaching pinnacles of gore you by no means thought attainable, feels destined for enjoying on the go. With the ability to have Diablo 4 at arm’s size, provides 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. Try our Diablo 4 Steam Deck compatibility information to search out out precisely how the sport runs.
Learn our Diablo 4 evaluation.
18. Monster Hunter World
Launched: August 9, 2018 | Developer: Capcom | Dimension: 52GB
Monster Hunter and handhelds go hand in hand, with a few of the earliest video games within the collection 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 appeared 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 cute 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.
Try our Monster Hunter World evaluation to study extra about what you possibly can count on from some of the expansive installments within the beloved Monster Hunter collection.
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 a complete, it is a must-play when 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 way 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 must be necessary taking part in for first-time Steam Deck homeowners, and higher but, it is totally free.
20. Marvel’s Midnight Suns
Launched: December 2, 2022 | Developer: Firaxis | Dimension: 57.3GB
Not the Marvel sport everybody was anticipating on the time, however this turn-based card sport runs exceptionally properly on Valve’s handheld, and for us, it is the easiest way to benefit from the sport.
Trying previous the robust efficiency, Marvel’s Midnight Suns carries incredible gameplay mechanics and an enticing story that diverts from the sometimes large attraction of different Marvel media. You may spend time with characters you by no means knew existed or at the least have not been featured in a sport for years, and luxuriate in each second of it.
Learn our 9/10 Marvel’s Midnight Suns evaluation for extra.
21. Helldivers 2
Launched: February 8, 2024 | Developer: Arrowhead | Dimension: 75GB
Whereas its first few weeks have been tough when it got here to Deck compatibility, Helldivers 2 obtained a number of updates which have now made it a terrific sport to play on the transportable.
It now holds a playable ranking, with the one marks in opposition to 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 quite a lot of enjoyable on Steam Deck.
Try our Helldivers 2 Steam Deck information for recommendation on the perfect settings to make use of.
22. Battle Thunder
Launched: November 1, 2012 | Developer: Gaijin Leisure | Dimension: As much as 95GB
It is smart for a lot of of Steam’s finest free video games to attempt to safe Deck compatibility, and of these we have performed and examined, Battle Thunder is definitely one of many higher video games to play on a handheld.
It does not matter whether or not you are combating over land, sea, or within the air, efficiency is at all times stable and Battle Thunder has earned its verified ranking with ease.
For extra, try our Battle Thunder Steam Deck compatibility information.
23. Hades 2
Launched: Might 6, 2024 (early entry) | Developer: Supergiant Video games | Dimension: 10GB
One of the 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 luxuriate in.
It additionally helps that this roguelike sequel is only a incredible sport to play, however Supergiant made positive handheld efficiency was taken care of from launch, and it is 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 evaluation 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 best way Balatro did? This sport got here from nowhere and is a shining instance of why indie builders are so necessary to the trade. No main writer would have sanctioned such a sport, however the trade is so significantly better off with video games like Balatro being launched so repeatedly 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 possibly can play for hours and hours without having to cost your Deck.
25. Ghost of Tsushima
Launched: Might 16, 2024 | Developer: Sucker Punch | Dimension: 52.07GB
This is perhaps a barely controversial inclusion, however Ghost of Tsushima is actually an unimaginable sport to play on a Steam Deck. It is at the moment rated as Unsupported, however with the caveat that that is solely as a result of the Legends co-op mode isn’t playable.
Exterior of this, Ghost of Tsushima runs extremely properly on Steam Deck, typically attaining averages of round 50fps on medium-low settings. The story is incredible, and the open world is well-suited for exploration. This all makes for a sport that’s unmissable on Valve’s handheld.
Learn our Ghost of Tsushima evaluation 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 making certain 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 evaluation for extra.
27. No Man’s Sky
Launched: Aug 12, 2016 | Developer: Good day Video games | Dimension: 14.1GB
It has 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 area exploration sport, it is 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 listing.
Learn our up to date No Man’s Sky opinions roundup.
28. God of Battle: 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 finally make their strategy to PC, and it was not completely different for God of Battle: Ragnarok. Regardless of some points with the newest ports, Ragnarok launched with a day one Verified ranking, and AMD FSR 3.0 ensures that incredible efficiency is feasible on Valve’s handheld.
This expansive RPG is a must-play for followers of the earlier sport within the collection reboot, and whereas it is going to look unimaginable on an all-out gaming PC, there’s nothing unsuitable with the way it appears to be like on Steam Deck both.
29. Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed
Launched: Sep 24, 2024 | Developer: Purple Lamp | Dimension: 28GB
It is outstanding 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 excellent sport and brings it into relevance as soon as once more.
An ideal sport for youths 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 system.
The enjoyable, colourful artwork fashion 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 skills, means you could find a hero or villain that works for you. Crucially, with comparatively excessive time to kill and few characters that actually concentrate on precision aiming to annoy you with shock headshots on a regular basis, it is a forgiving and regularly enjoyable sport.
Try our information to the perfect Marvel Rivals characters.
Do you’ve got a terrific 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 have additionally acquired an inventory of the perfect laptop computer video games to play proper now, when you’re searching for different methods to play on the go.
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