Steam Deck helps you to play your favourite video games on the go, identical to the Nintendo Swap. The cool half about Steam Deck is that it’s mainly a transportable PC that makes gaming on the go enjoyable.
We didn’t organize them in a selected order as a result of we perceive that every participant has their very own preferences. Nevertheless, I did embody my favourite Steam Deck video games upfront to assist whittle down what you is perhaps searching for. This checklist merely goals that will help you select what recreation to take with you.
Associated: 30 Greatest Video games on Steam of all time
My favourite Steam Deck video games
The Steam Deck runs a shocking quantity of PC video games very effectively. When seeing which video games work effectively on Steam Deck, search for the “Verified” inexperienced verify. Video games which have the yellow “i” which can be marked “Playable” can run on Steam Deck, however they normally have a couple of options that don’t switch over effectively. Keep away from something that’s “Not Supported.”
The checklist of video games beneath has been a few of my latest favorites to play on Steam Deck. A variety of the video games on this checklist got here out in 2023, however there are some gems not from 2023 that I really feel want a particular shoutout.
Cocoon
My favourite indie recreation in 2023 is Cocoon. Whereas there are quite a lot of nice indie video games that got here out in 2023, Cocoon is an ideal five-hour expertise stuffed with extraordinarily fascinating and difficult puzzles. The graphics are unbelievable, the gameplay is groundbreaking, and it’s made by Jeppe Carlson, the genius behind Limbo and Inside. Because it’s brief and doesn’t have quite a lot of data on the display screen, it’s greatest to expertise Cocoon on Steam Deck.
Dave the Diver
Dave the Diver is one other beloved “indie” that gained the hearts of many on PC Invasion this 12 months. Cocoon is magnificent, however Dave the Diver has extra meat on the bones if you happen to’re searching for an extended expertise. Additionally, that is a type of video games that feels even higher to play on Steam Deck than anyplace else.
Hogwarts Legacy
Hogwarts Legacy might be the most effective Potterverse recreation up to now, and it’s a enjoyable one on Steam Deck. Whereas the fight and story aren’t outstanding, the immersion is. It’s a recreation that is perhaps extra pleasurable on an even bigger display screen, but it surely works nice on Steam Deck if you happen to’re seeking to play on the go.
Outer Wilds
One in every of my favourite video games of all time is Outer Wilds. This cosmic puzzle recreation encompasses a totally functioning, interlocked photo voltaic system with fascinating planets and unbelievable ship and participant motion. It’s a must-play and it really works very effectively on Steam Deck.
Dredge
Dredge is, but once more, an indie I completely liked this 12 months. I haven’t performed something like Dredge – it’s primarily a fishing simulator however you may discover an open sea, improve your vessel, and fish (and be careful) for eldritch horrors. The environment is killer, particularly on Steam Deck.
Hello-Fi Rush
Hello-Fi Rush was my 2023 GOTY all 12 months till Baldur’s Gate 3 got here out. That mentioned, Hello-Fi Rush is completely unbelievable and I like to recommend it to everybody. It’s an action-rhythm recreation that completely captures that feeling of early 2000s mascot video games (i.e. Jak and Daxter, Sly Cooper, Ratchet & Clank). It’s a literal thrill experience that guidelines on Steam Deck.
A Brief Hike
A Brief Hike is considered one of my all-time favourite indies. The title offers it away — A Brief Hike is a brief hike. You discover a nationwide park stuffed with anthropomorphic animals as an anthropomorphic animal. It’s extraordinarily cute and really enjoyable, the proper recreation to snuggle up throughout the winter and expertise the outside.
Lil Gator Sport
If A Brief Hike was too brief for you, play Lil Gator Sport. It’s mainly the identical actual recreation however with a extra conventional third individual digicam setup. It’s a tremendous recreation that goes hand in hand with A Brief Hike — and it’s greatest on Steam Deck.
Return of the Obra Dinn
A recreation that I’m obsessive about that not sufficient individuals discuss or find out about is Return of the Obra Dinn. This can be a detective puzzle recreation the place it’s essential piece collectively who everybody on the Obra Dinn is and the way they died by watching numerous acts of the voyage. If I acquired nothing however a brand new Return of the Obra Dinn yearly, I’d be pleased, however sadly, there’s solely considered one of these video games up to now. Once more, excellent for Steam Deck.
The Case of the Golden Idol
I gave a second advice like A Brief Hike so I’ll give a second advice like Return of the Obra Dinn. The Case of the Golden Idol is a point-and-click detective recreation that’s extremely difficult, but extraordinarily rewarding. It offers that very same “I’m a genius” moments Return of the Obra Dinn does and works effectively on Steam Deck if you happen to stick with the contact pads.
One of the best video games to play on Steam Deck
Whereas the video games talked about above work nice on Steam Deck and are a few of my favorites, the video games listed beneath additionally work rather well on Steam Deck and are a few of my favorites. I’ve quite a lot of favorites, okay?
Cuphead
Cuphead is a good recreation to take with you by way of Steam Deck as a result of its ranges aren’t very lengthy, making it good for brief gaming classes. The sport’s problem will pressure you to take it severely with the boss battles, although, so it’s higher to play this when you’ve got time to spare.
Neon White
This recreation is designed for speedrunning, which suggests you gained’t spend quite a lot of time ending ranges. Practising the way you play it, nonetheless, is one other factor. You’ll must develop your platforming abilities in addition to grasp its card-based battle system to complete levels sooner. I not too long ago beat Neon White and might affirm it’s superb each on the standard entrance and on Steam Deck.
Elden Ring
Whereas FromSoftware’s epic is greatest loved on wider screens, having the ability to play a recreation this large open air is one thing to rejoice. Get immersed within the recreation’s narrative whereas defeating enemies within the Lands Between. My brother-in-law performed all of Elden Ring on Steam Deck and completely liked it.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
The Witcher 3 options a gripping story, thrilling battles, and a lush world to discover. Steam Deck helps you to get pleasure from every little thing you’ve liked concerning the recreation however in a extra transportable format. Now you can go on adventures as Geralt of Rivia from the consolation of your seven-inch display screen.
God of Battle (2018)
It’s a deal with seeing Kratos slay enemies on the large display screen. Now, it’s a deal with seeing Kratos do all that he does on the small show of a handheld machine. Benefit from the recreation’s intense battles and deep narrative, which is centered on the battle-hardened dad’s relationship along with his son, anyplace you go.
Hades
This highly-acclaimed rogue-lite options intense fast-paced battles which can be simply as thrilling on the Steam Deck as they’re on different platforms. You play as Hades’ son Zagreus as he makes an attempt to flee the Underworld, dies, tries once more, dies once more, and so forth.
Vampire Survivors
This enthralling motion rogue-lite has you doing all of your greatest to outlive an onslaught from large hordes of enemies on all sides. You’ll be able to unleash bullet hell on them, however the actual goal is to final so long as you may every spherical. This Steam Deck title will make you neglect the time. And since levels have a time restrict of 15 or half-hour, you may plan for fast gaming classes on the go.
Soulstone Survivors
Paying homage to video games like Diablo, Soulstone Survivors has you dealing with hordes of enemies. You type a celebration, stage up your characters, and do your greatest to defeat all of the enemies that come at you. This recreation may need some bugs on Steam Deck, nonetheless, however you’ll discover fixes for them on-line.
Slay the Spire
This roguelike has you slaying enemies and managers as you make your approach by a spire. It options many components that make it a novel recreation on Steam Deck. It’s thrilling and will entertain you for hours at a time.
Stray
This fascinating sci-fi recreation places you within the paws of a cat that has to resolve puzzles, keep away from enemies, and make its approach by obstacles. Its runtime lasts roughly 5 hours, which suggests it’s nice for brief gaming classes as effectively.
Persona 5 Royal
This trendy JRPG encompasses a gripping story, a tremendous soundtrack, and satisfying turn-based fight. It’s an attractive recreation that gained the hearts of many gamers. In case you liked this recreation on different platforms, you’re going to get pleasure from taking part in it on the go by way of the Steam Deck.
Tales Of Come up
Tales Of Come up is a Steam Deck-verified JRPG, and probably the greatest ones to incorporate in your library. It encompasses a gripping story specializing in severe themes, an fascinating solid of characters to like, and a implausible fight system.
Stardew Valley
This enjoyable farming simulator immerses you within the slow-paced joys of constructing farms, cultivating crops, elevating animals, and making a revenue out of your produce. You too can construct relationships with the individuals round you on the town. The Steam Deck merely helps you to take this gem with you anyplace.
Apex Legends
This fast-paced shooter helps you to play as Legends — characters who’ve distinctive skills — to shoot down different gamers in intense free-for-all battles. The Steam Deck is designed for video games like this, so ensure that so as to add this to your library.
Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga
In case you’re a fan of the Star Wars franchise, then it’s essential get this Lego model of your complete Skywalker storyline. You’ll be able to select what episode to participate in, and in addition select the characters you’d wish to play as. This can be a lighthearted recreation of a collection liked the world over.
Resident Evil 2 Remake
Though the Steam Deck’s show may not have the ability to convey the horror in full, Resident Evil 2 Remake remains to be an exhilarating recreation for the transportable gaming machine. Relying in your character, you’ll nonetheless dread being chased by Mr. X, or G. That is the proper selection for followers of the Resident Evil collection.
Satan Could Cry 5
Fancy slaying hordes of demons in model? Satan Could Cry 5 is perhaps probably the greatest video games to get in your Steam Deck, because it helps you to deliver the sport’s signature flashy fight and trendy characters anyplace you go. This can be a must-have for the hand-held.
Threat Of Rain 2
This third-person sequel to Threat of Rain has you doing all of your greatest to outlive assaults from hordes of hostile beings as you attempt to escape from an alien planet. A novel scaling system helps you turn into extra highly effective as the sport progresses, however how lengthy will you survive on this new world stuffed with risks? Play it to search out out.
Terraria
This indie hit helps you to discover, hunt, struggle, craft, and construct in an enormous, procedurally generated world. It’s a sandbox recreation that provides you the liberty to decide on what you need to do within the recreation. Taking part in it on Steam Deck means having the ability to get pleasure from that freedom anyplace.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge
This 2D beat-em-up from the TMNT franchise could be probably the greatest additions to your Steam Deck library of video games. The hand-held runs the sport completely, its bodily controls make it simple to play the sport, and the sport itself is enjoyable to play on the machine. This can be a must-have for many who get pleasure from beat ’em ups and side-scrollers.
Last Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade
Followers of the remake of the most-loved JRPG in historical past can take their time with it by way of Steam Deck. The principle recreation helps you to play as crowd-favorite fundamental characters Cloud, Tifa, Aerith, and Barrett, whereas the Intergrade DLC offers you a greater have a look at Yuffie Kisaragi’s life.
Doom
Gamers who’re used to taking part in Doom on their PCs utilizing mice and keyboards shall be glad to know that a keyboard and mouse could be hooked up to the Steam Deck. This implies you may interact in fast-paced shootouts wherever you go, with out having to fret concerning the handheld button format.
Lifeless Cells
This roguelike Metroidvania title has you taking management of a corpse who desires to flee a dungeon. The issue is excessive, which suggests you need to count on to die a couple of occasions whenever you strive. It’s difficult, however it’s enjoyable and really rewarding.
Valheim
Valheim is a brutal survival recreation impressed by Norse mythology. You discover worlds, gather supplies, craft weapons, and use these to slay enemies large and small. The sheer quantity of issues to do on this recreation means hours and hours of taking part in match for a Viking.
Left 4 Lifeless 2
L4D2 is a fast-paced shooter that allows you to group up with as much as three different gamers in an try and survive hordes of undead attacking you. The Steam Deck model has the identical mechanics, replayability, and options as its console and PC counterparts. It’s vital for taking pictures recreation followers.
Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered
Steam Deck helps you to play because the pleasant neighborhood web-slinger in Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered even whilst you’re on the street (not whereas driving, we hope). The sport options open-world exploration, enjoyable battles, and the pure bliss of swinging round Manhattan.
Kena: Bridge of Spirits
This story-driven fantasy motion journey recreation helps you to play because the titular Kena as she journeys searching for the hidden Mountain Shrine. It options lovable characters, fast-paced battles, wealthy worlds, vivid colours, a terrific soundtrack, and spectacular particle results. It’s Steam Deck verified and ought to be in your library.
Judgment / Misplaced Judgment
These two entries within the Yakuza franchise put you within the footwear of a personal investigator who appears into the felony underworld in Japan. The sport’s emphasis on stealth and would require you to suppose like a detective. Steam Deck helps you to benefit from the recreation on the street.
Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Assortment
When you would possibly must tweak some settings to keep away from efficiency points, Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Assortment helps you to get pleasure from AAA gameplay on the Steam Deck. You play as both Nathan Drake or Chloe Frazier and go on to create a legacy that may final.
Forza Horizon 5
In case you’re searching for probably the greatest life like racing video games for the Steam Deck, then you need to get Forza Horizon 5. The hand-held machine’s controls are an ideal match for this fast-paced racer, permitting you to drive your favourite automobiles alongside numerous race tracks. Simply ensure that to decrease the graphics settings for optimum efficiency.
Rogue Legacy 2
This indie platformer will fulfill your cravings for a difficult approach to kill time. It’s a roguelike that may have you ever exploring a citadel and preventing it out with what lurks inside. Regardless of its problem, the sport is enjoyable and can have you laughing at occasions. It’s the proper Metroidvania title to play after ending video games like Hades, Lifeless Cells, and the like.
Portal 2
Valve’s masterpiece shall be simply as thrilling on the Steam Deck as it’s on different platforms. You’ll nonetheless remedy puzzles and difficult conditions, however this time whereas them from a small 7-inch display screen as a substitute of a TV or monitor. Whereas the small show provides to the problem, the machine’s buttons make it simple to play the sport.
Metallic Gear Stable 5: The Phantom Ache
In case you liked this extremely acclaimed entry to the outstanding Metallic Gear Stable franchise on consoles, then you definitely’ll like it on the Steam Deck. Relive the fun of taking part in as Large Boss as he goes round stealthily to dispatch opponents and transfer in for the kill — whilst you experience the bus or sit on a bench someplace.
Hitman 3
Hitman 3 is one other recreation that ought to be in your checklist if you happen to like stealth titles such because the aforementioned MGS5. This live-service title helps you to dip into any in-game location, together with these from earlier entries, to remove your targets as Agent 47. The Steam Deck merely helps you to benefit from the recreation each time and wherever you need to.
Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak
Fancy searching down monsters of all sizes throughout your free time? Then Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak simply is perhaps what your Steam Deck wants. You’ll be able to hunt small monsters throughout brief breaks, greater beasts throughout longer breaks, and save the hunt for elder dragons whenever you’re at dwelling. One of the best factor right here is which you can slay them at your individual tempo.
Metallic Gear Rising: Revengeance
As one of many in style entries within the stealth-focused franchise, the action-heavy Metallic Gear Rising: Revengeance is among the greatest methods to get pleasure from your Steam Deck. The sport options fast-paced fight, in addition to a terrific soundtrack that takes benefit of the hand-held’s audio system. That is an absolute must-have for followers of the style.
Alien: Isolation
If the video games on this checklist aren’t thrilling sufficient for you, then you need to get Alien: Isolation. This terrifying survival horror recreation is even scarier on the Steam Deck’s small display screen, merely since you may need problem seeing all kinds of high-quality particulars. Watch out to not drop your handheld as soon as you are feeling the dread of being chased and hunted all through the house station you’re in, although.
And there you’ve got it! That is our checklist of the most effective video games on Steam Deck proper now. All of those titles are nice in their very own approach, so be at liberty to decide on what you suppose is greatest for you. Additionally whilst you’re searching for your subsequent Steam Deck recreation, take a look at the way to see your Steam 12 months in Assessment 2023.