Whether or not you’ve got simply acquired your first handheld gaming PC otherwise you’re an early adopter of this moveable option to play, you will little question wish to know what the perfect Steam Deck video games are, so we have picked out 30 unimaginable video games that you might want to play.
Whereas the Steam Deck OLED nonetheless sits atop our information to the perfect gaming handheld that your cash should purchase, there are additionally some severe contenders to Valve’s crown, specifically the ROG Ally X and AOKZOE A1X. These units price significantly extra, and likewise run Home windows as an working system, however the video games on this record all work simply as effectively on these handhelds as they do on the Steam Deck.
Our record incorporates epic RPGs, cozy indie farming video games, and every thing in between. There’s one thing for everybody on our record, however you may wish to spend money on an SSD from our information to the perfect Steam Deck equipment to make sure you have sufficient storage to obtain them.
Listed here are the 30 greatest Steam Deck video games:
1. Baldur’s Gate 3
Launched: August 3, 2023 | Developer: Larian Studios | Measurement: 150GB
The most recent recreation by Larian Studios has taken Steam by storm, turning 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 world of Faerûn comes alive within the palm of your arms, making Baldur’s Gate 3 among the best video games in your complete Steam Deck’s library.
Try our Baldur’s Gate 3 Steam Deck appropriate information to discover out precisely how the sport runs, and you should definitely 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 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 (in fact), who spends his time diving for fish within the morning and working a sushi restaurant by night time.
Its beautiful pixel artwork and chilled gameplay make it extremely straightforward to get caught up in what may be among the best cozy gaming experiences on the hand held, however do not be fooled by it is easy gameplay loop, as there’s loads to find as you dive deeper into the ocean, and there’s loads to problem you as you develop your enterprise.
3. Hole Knight
Launched: February 24, 2017 | Developer: Crew Cherry | Measurement: 9GB
Indie Souls-like video games and the Steam Deck go hand in hand, and whereas many such video games seem everywhere in the Steam Deck’s most-played charts, Hole Knight is the one which has persevered for the reason that moveable was launched in 2022.
This difficult but endearing 2D Metroidvania platformer continues to be making waves at the moment, with its sequel, Silksong, being one of the vital in-demand video games in latest reminiscence. Whereas we look forward to this sequel, which must also run nice on the Steam Deck primarily based on the Silksong system necessities, we are able to advocate the OG Hole Knight sufficient, particularly on the Steam Deck.
4. Elden Ring
Launched: February 25, 2022 | Developer: FromSoftware | Measurement: 60GB
No maidens? No worries. You will discover loads on this newest huge open-world RPG from FromSoftware. The problem present in Soulslike video games is not for everybody, however this difficult RPG turns into slightly bit simpler due to the portability of the Steam Deck. Having the ability to apply your dodge rolls and attempting out a wide range of builds on the go makes venturing by the hazards of The Lands Between that little bit much less taxing.
Whereas Elden Ring Nightregin is off to a robust begin on the Steam Deck, the OG Elden Ring nonetheless usually outranks it on probably the most performed Steam Deck recreation chart and continues to be a prime 10 recreation for the previous yr.
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 change into the perfect of the style. If you have not but joined the Stardew Valley revolution, you are lacking out. It is among the best cozy gaming experiences on the market, which is simply made higher by the portability of the Steam Deck. You’ll be able to are likely to your farm, develop your crops, take a look at your new neighbors within the valley, and combat monsters within the dungeons – something’s doable in Stardew Valley.
The Stardew Valley system necessities present simply how straightforward the sport is to run, and the Steam Deck has no concern with its calls for, providing a buttery clean body fee and lengthy battery life as well. Stardew Valley is the second most-played recreation on the Steam Deck for the previous yr, however usually takes the primary spot for shorter timelines just like the month-to-month and weekly charts.
6. Vampire Survivors
Launched: October 20, 2022 | Developer: poncle | 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 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 Steam Deck both, that means which you can count on a clean 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 inconceivable to place down. Vampire Survivors nonetheless holds a prime 10 spot on the record of most performed Steam Deck video games for the previous yr.
7. Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered
Launched: August 12, 2022 | Developer: Insomniac Video games, Nixxes Software program | 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 to be like nice on Valve’s handheld, and few issues really feel higher than attending to swing about Manhattan on the go.
8. Cyberpunk 2077
Launched: December 10, 2020 | Developer: CD Projekt Crimson | Measurement: 70GB
Whereas it is an understatement to say that Cyberpunk 2077 had a tough launch, CD Projekt Crimson has made its sci-fi epic of an RPG value a re-evaluation. With the brand new Phantom Liberty now out, there’s by no means been a greater time to get conversant in the characters of Evening Metropolis on the Steam Deck, exploring this dystopian world from the consolation of wherever you please.
Numerous recreation updates from CDPR have improved each side of Cyberpunk 2077, together with its efficiency on units just like the Steam Deck, with a particular Steam Deck graphics profile constructed into the sport. Chances are high, in the event you performed CP2077 early on, the sport it’s now will really feel like a totally completely different expertise, so it is effectively value giving it one other probability.
9. Crimson Lifeless Redemption 2
Launched: October 26, 2018 | Developer: Rockstar Video games | Measurement: 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’ Crimson 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 by the occasions that lead as much as the unique goings-on within the first Crimson Lifeless Redemption.
Even in the event you’ve performed this action-packed sequel earlier than, nothing beats the sensation of roaming by the Wild West on horseback with the Steam Deck. A giant cause why RDR 2 is right here over GTA 5 is the brand new anti-cheat, which has made GTA On-line unplayable on the Steam Deck, whereas Crimson Lifeless On-line stays operational on Valve’s handheld, for now.
10. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Launched: November 11, 2011 | Developer: Bethesda Sport Studios | Measurement: 12GB
It has been over a decade since The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim launched, and this colossal RPG is on the market 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 large number of options, just like the textures, for one.
Nevertheless, in the event you choose to not spend your time tinkering away with mods, the Anniversary Version already presents 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 JRPG 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 exquisite visuals.
Model is simply oozing out of each little bit of this recreation, 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, nevertheless it’s value each second, and the Steam Deck can run the sport with ease and respectable battery life, too.
12. Lifeless by Daylight
Launched: June 14, 2016 | Developer: Behaviour Interactive | Measurement: 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 choose to strive 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 enjoying Lifeless by Daylight in a dimly lit room. This fashion, you’ll be able to set the temper and correctly get your spooky on, whereas having the ability to hear the killer’s each transfer.
Cheaters have sadly began to tarnish the DBD expertise for a lot of, however in the event you’re enjoying with buddies, this needs to be a simple concern to get round. Simply you should definitely report any rule-breaking gamers if try to be matched with them.
13. Blue Prince
Launched: April 10, 2025 | Developer: Uncooked Fury | Measurement: 6GB
A roguelike that, a minimum of for now, is not like some other at the moment out there, 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 great 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 enjoying three hours later.
14. Two Level Museum
Launched: March 4, 2025 | Developer: Two Level Studios | Measurement:8GB
Two Level video games are made for consoles just like the Steam Deck, and this newest entry, Two Level Museum, isn’t any completely different. Because the title suggests, you are tasked with working a Museum and procuring all kinds of attention-grabbing antiquities and relics to verify folks wish 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.
15. Sea of Stars
Launched: August 29, 2023 | Developer: Sabotage Studio | Measurement: 5GB
We’re no strangers to turn-based RPGs in terms of this record, however Sea of Stars is the primary entry that captures the sensation of enjoying 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 one of the vital 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 avoid wasting the world and defeat the one referred to as The Fleshmancer. Should you grew up enjoying RPGs like Chrono Set off and Breath of Fireplace, you owe your self the expertise of enjoying Sea of Stars on the Steam Deck.
16. Cult of the Lamb
Launched: August 11, 2022 | Developer: Huge Monster | Measurement: 4GB
Half roguelike, half city-builder, half cult simulator – there’s loads to like about Cult of the Lamb on the Steam Deck. On this indie horror recreation from Huge Monster, you end up as an cute 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 may simply end up spending hours crafting new constructions, giving sermons to your flock, or slashing your approach by enemies. Cult of the Lamb and the Steam Deck are a match made in heaven, however this indie horror can have you braving by hell and again to create the last word cult.
17. Diablo 4
Launched: June 6, 2023 | Developer: Blizzard Leisure | Measurement: 90GB
Getting Diablo 4 to run on the Valve handheld was as hellish because the depths of Sanctuary, however for the reason that Blizzard recreation has lastly made its approach formally on the Steam platform, enjoying it in your Steam Deck now’s completely heavenly. Hacking and slashing your approach by enemies, and reaching pinnacles of gore you by no means thought doable feels destined for enjoying on the go. Having the ability to have Diablo 4 at arm’s size provides 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.
18. Monster Hunter World
Launched: August 9, 2018 | Developer: Capcom | Measurement: 52GB
Because of the poor efficiency of Monster Hunter Wilds on PC and Steam Deck, Monster Hunter Worlds has maintained its reputation on Valve’s handheld, and continues to be continuously featured within the prime 20 video games being performed on the Steam Deck.
Whether or not it is simply the technical efficiency alone, or simply the years of updates and content material expansions that delighted followers of the franchise, Monster Hunter World continues to be arguably the perfect MH expertise on a handheld PC.
19. PowerWash Simulator
Launched: July 14, 2022 | Developer: FuturLab | Measurement: 6GB
PowerWash Simulator is arguably one of many best video games to come back out of the simulation pattern that appeared within the late 2010s and early 2020s. It is unimaginable to consider what number of hours we have sunk into cleansing random environments on this recreation, nevertheless it’s simply so satisfying to listen to that ding that signifies you’ve got completed cleansing an merchandise.
PowerWash Sim has been a success on Steam and even has a VR model that kicks the immersion as much as 11. Nevertheless, the sport additionally runs nice on the Steam Deck, and is a perfect recreation for taking over the go as a result of it calls for so little of the Deck’s {hardware}, that means you’ll be able to maximize your battery life.
20. Marvel’s Midnight Suns
Launched: December 2, 2022 | Developer: Firaxis | Measurement: 57.3GB
Not the Marvel recreation everybody was anticipating on the time, however this turn-based card recreation runs exceptionally effectively on Valve’s handheld, and for us, it is the easiest way to benefit from the recreation.
Wanting previous the robust efficiency, Marvel’s Midnight Suns carries incredible gameplay mechanics and an attractive story that diverts from the sometimes huge enchantment of different Marvel media. You will spend time with characters you by no means knew existed or a minimum of have not been featured in a recreation for years, and luxuriate in each second of it.
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 awesome recreation to play on the moveable.
It now holds a playable ranking, with the one marks towards it being that you’re going to 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 quite a lot of enjoyable on Steam Deck.
22. Conflict 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 attempt to safe Deck compatibility, and of these we have performed and examined, Conflict Thunder is definitely one of many higher video games to play on a handheld.
It would not matter whether or not you are combating over land, sea, or within the air; efficiency is all the time stable, and Conflict Thunder has earned its verified ranking with ease.
23. Hades 2
Launched: Could 6, 2024 (early entry) | Developer: Supergiant Video games | Measurement: 10GB
The very best Steam Deck video games are those 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 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 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 recreation 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 recreation, however the trade is so a lot better off with video games like Balatro being launched so usually 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’ll be able to play for hours and hours while not having to cost your Deck. It is also at the moment the primary most-played recreation on the Steam Deck over the past 12 months.
25. Ghost of Tsushima
Launched: Could 16, 2024 | Developer: Sucker Punch | Measurement: 52.07GB
This may be a barely controversial inclusion, however Ghost of Tsushima is really an unimaginable recreation 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 just isn’t playable.
Outdoors of this, Ghost of Tsushima runs extremely effectively 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 recreation that’s unmissable on Valve’s handheld.
26. Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth
Launched: Jan 25, 2024 | Developer: Ryu Ga Gotoku | Measurement: 82GB
Developer Ryu Ga Gotoku is synonymous with guaranteeing 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 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 effectively they pair up. Lengthy could this proceed!
Learn our Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth evaluate for extra.
27. No Man’s Sky
Launched: Aug 12, 2016 | Developer: Hiya Video games | Measurement: 14.1GB
It has been a turbulent 9 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, or a minimum of as shut as it could ever get to such an achievement.
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 among the video games on this record. Whereas Hiya Video games is now engaged on its subsequent large launch, Mild No Fireplace, No Man’s Sky continues to be receiving assist to maintain it ticking over.
28. God of Conflict: Ragnarok
Launched: Sept 19, 2024| Developer: Sony Santa Monica (PC Port by Jetpack Interactive) | Measurement: 190GB
It is all the time thrilling to see PS5 video games ultimately make their option to PC, and it was no completely different for God of Conflict: Ragnarok. Regardless of some points with the latest 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 recreation within the sequence reboot, and whereas it can look unimaginable on an all-out gaming PC, there’s nothing mistaken with the way it appears to be like on Steam Deck both.
29. Schedule 1
Launched: March 24, 2025 | Developer: TVGS | Measurement: 8GB
Whereas removed from excellent (which we’ll contact on in a second), Schedule 1 has taken Steam by storm, and we predict it can quickly be one of the vital performed video games on Steam Deck year-on-year, though it already occupies a prime 50 spot regardless of solely releasing in March.
This “enterprise administration sim” would not have native management assist but, however there are a number of Steam Enter profiles that can be utilized to remap the controls to what’s out there on the Steam Deck. Common updates ought to maintain coming, on condition that the sport continues to be in early entry, however Schedule 1 is already baggage of enjoyable in its present state, and an awesome recreation to play on the go through a handheld.
30. Marvel Rivals
Launched: Dec 6, 2024 | Developer: NetEase Video games | Measurement: 70GB
Best shooter titles do not transition all that effectively to the Steam Deck, however the brand new Marvel title is an exception to the rule. Its controller assist is superb, and it runs easily even on the Steam Deck’s lowly {hardware}, making it straightforward to remain aggressive even on this modest machine.
The enjoyable, colourful artwork fashion of Marvel Rivals significantly lends itself effectively to the small, comparatively low-res display 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 basically give attention to precision aiming to annoy you with shock headshots on a regular basis, it is a forgiving and regularly enjoyable recreation.
There you will have it, our record of the 30 greatest Steam Deck video games, and you’ll obtain and play proper now through Steam. If handhelds aren’t fairly your pace, however you continue to need some moveable energy, we have additionally acquired a listing of the perfect gaming laptop computer picks which you can purchase proper now. You can too take a look at our record of the perfect free Steam video games in the event you’re searching for extra issues to play.
Elsewhere, in the event you’re seeking to seize another key equipment to go along with your Steam Deck, both for enjoying on the go or at house, take a look at our information to the perfect gaming headset and the perfect Steam Deck dock.
You’ll be able to observe us on Google Information for each day PC video games information, evaluations, and guides. We have additionally acquired a vibrant group Discord server, the place you’ll be able to chat about this story with members of the group and fellow readers.
