The 50 Best Steam Deck Games
The Steam Deck by Valve is an exceptional portable gaming device, melding convenience with power, and letting players enjoy their top picks anywhere. Its vast game library offers a wide range of genres and experiences, making the choice of the best titles a bit of a task. Here is a list of the 50 best Steam Deck games, each offering unique playstyles and stories.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
The first game in the the 50 best Steam Deck games, is The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. In this game, you step into the boots of Geralt of Rivia, a seasoned monster hunter in a vast, story-rich world. The game skillfully mixes RPG standards like questing and character growth with a story that shifts based on your decisions. You’ll spend over 100 hours in a world filled with morally grey choices and intriguing characters. Its mix of narrative, action, and discovery makes it a top pick for the Steam Deck.
Hades
In Hades, you play as Zagreus, Hades son, fighting your way out of the underworld. Every attempt brings new layouts and foes, ensuring fresh gameplay each time. The game is notable for its smooth combat, engaging plot, and striking visuals. Its addictive and narratively engaging, perfect for any length of play on the Steam Deck.
Stardew Valley
Stardew Valley provides a soothing escape into farm life. Here, you turn a rundown farm into a flourishing one. Besides farming, you can fish, mine, and build relationships with locals. The games charming pixel art and calming music set a tranquil mood. Its open-ended style lets you play at your own pace, ideal for relaxed gaming on the Steam Deck.
Portal 2
Portal 2 is a clever puzzle platformer known for its smart level design and humor. The sequel adds new elements and a co-op mode, with a story full of humor and memorable characters. Its intuitive play and steady difficulty curve make it a pleasure to play on the Steam Deck.
DOOM Eternal
DOOM Eternal, the sequel to 2016s DOOM, is a rapid-fire shooter where you battle demons. Its a visual stunner with a heavy metal soundtrack, demanding constant movement and strategy for survival. The games blend of arcade-style play and in-depth upgrades makes it both accessible and rewarding on the Steam Deck.
Hollow Knight
Hollow Knight is a hand-drawn indie Metroidvania set in the vast world of Hallownest. Its known for its tough platforming, detailed level design, and atmospheric story. The games charm lies in its challenge, rewarding exploration, and subtle narrative. Its a great fit for Steam Deck players who enjoy a good challenge.
Disco Elysium
In Disco Elysium, an innovative RPG, you play a detective with unique skills to solve a murder. The game shines with its complex dialogue, character development, and impactful player choices. Its rich story and fresh take on the RPG genre make it a standout for narrative-driven gaming on the Steam Deck.
Half-Life: Alyx
Half-Life: Alyx, primarily a VR game, offers a thrilling FPS experience in the Half-Life universe with non-VR mods. Its lauded for its story, visuals, and boundary-pushing gameplay. Even in non-VR mode, it provides a gripping experience on the Steam Deck, especially for Half-Life fans.
Control
Control is an action-adventure game blending supernatural elements and a gripping story. You explore the shapeshifting Federal Bureau of Control as Jesse Faden, combining gunplay with psychic powers. Its surreal world and strong story make it an immersive game for the Steam Deck.
Death Stranding
In Death Stranding, you immerse yourself in an open-world action game with a unique concept. As Sam Porter Bridges, you work to reconnect isolated communities in a post-apocalyptic world. The game blends exploration, survival, and a distinct cargo delivery mechanic with a deep story. Its cinematic style and thematic richness offer an immersive journey on the Steam Deck.
Celeste
Celeste is a story-driven platformer about Madelines journey up Celeste Mountain. Each level brings new challenges, demanding precision and skill. The games touching story addresses mental health and perseverance, complemented by pixel art and a captivating soundtrack. Celeste is perfect for the Steam Deck, especially for those who appreciate a heartfelt story and meticulous platforming.
Dark Souls III
Dark Souls III, the last of the celebrated series, is an action RPG famous for its tough combat and dark fantasy setting. Players explore linked environments, face tough enemies, and unravel the worlds lore. Praised for its detailed level design, complex combat, and moody storytelling, it offers a rewarding experience on the Steam Deck for those who like a challenge and rich world-building.
Monster Hunter
Monster Hunter: World revolutionized its series with an open-world approach. As a hunter, you track and battle huge monsters in varied ecosystems. Known for its strategic combat, gear crafting, and cooperative play, its detailed environments and dynamic gameplay make each hunt exciting. Its especially appealing on the Steam Deck for its mix of preparation, hunting, and upgrading, suitable for both short and long sessions.
Divinity: Original Sin 2
Set in a fantasy world where gods are dead, players embark on a quest that involves intricate world-building and complex characters. The game stands out for its freedom in character creation, choice-driven story, and interactive environments. Its strategic combat and multiplayer options make it a compelling choice for RPG enthusiasts on the Steam Deck, offering a deep and immersive experience.
Cuphead
Players battle their way through creatively designed levels and boss fights, each uniquely animated and set to an original jazz soundtrack. Cuphead is both punishing and rewarding, demanding precision and patience. Its unique aesthetic and tight gameplay mechanics make it a standout title for the Steam Deck, offering a blend of nostalgia and modern game design.
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
From the creators of the Dark Souls series, this action-adventure game set in a reimagined late 1500s Sengoku period Japan, focuses on stealth, exploration, and visceral combat. Players take on the role of a shinobi, using a prosthetic arm and a katana to battle enemies. Sekiro offers a distinct experience with its focus on precision and timing, making it a great choice for the Steam Deck.
Resident Evil 2 Remake
A remake of the classic survival horror game, this title modernizes the story of Leon Kennedy and Claire Redfield in a zombie-infested Raccoon City. The game combines horror, action, and puzzle-solving, with stunning graphics and atmospheric sound design. Its tense gameplay and gripping narrative make it a compelling experience on the Steam Deck, perfect for fans of the horror genre.
Sid Meiers Civilization VI
A turn-based strategy game where players build and lead a civilization from the ancient era to the modern age. Its known for its deep strategic gameplay, varied ways to win, and extensive replayability. Players engage in diplomacy, warfare, and technological advancement to dominate the world. Civilization VI is ideal for the Steam Deck as it allows for both short sessions and lengthy strategic planning, offering a rich and engaging experience.
Cyberpunk 2077
Set in a dystopian future, this open-world RPG centers around V, a mercenary navigating the corrupt and tech-driven city of Night City. The game features deep character customization, branching narratives, and a vast world filled with stories and characters. It combines action, story, and exploration, with choices that impact the world and narrative. Cyberpunk 2077 offers a deep, immersive experience on the Steam Deck, particularly appealing to players who enjoy rich, narrative-driven worlds.
Elden Ring
From the creators of Dark Souls, this action RPG features a vast, open world full of danger and mystery. Players explore the Lands Between, encountering challenging foes, hidden secrets, and complex lore. The game is known for its unforgiving combat, deep RPG mechanics, and beautiful yet haunting landscapes. Elden Ring is an epic journey that combines exploration, storytelling, and brutal combat, making it a captivating experience on the Steam Deck for those who relish challenging and immersive worlds.
God of War
A reimagining of the classic series, this action-adventure game blends intense combat with a powerful narrative. Known for its cinematic presentation, fluid combat system, and emotional storytelling, God of War offers a profound experience that explores themes of fatherhood and redemption. The games mix of narrative depth, stunning visuals, and engaging gameplay make it an outstanding choice for the Steam Deck, appealing to players who enjoy rich, character-driven stories and visceral action.
A Plague Tale: Innocence
This action-adventure game is set in medieval France and tells the story of Amicia and her younger brother Hugo, who are navigating a world ravaged by the Black Death. Known for its atmospheric storytelling, the game combines stealth, puzzle-solving, and narrative in a beautifully realized historical setting. Its emotional story, paired with the stunning visuals and tense gameplay, creates a memorable experience. A Plague Tale: Innocence is particularly engaging on the Steam Deck for its blend of history, drama, and survival.
Ghostrunner
A fast-paced cyberpunk action game where players take on the role of a sword-wielding assassin. The game is known for its high-speed parkour and one-hit-kill combat mechanics, set within a dystopian tower-city. Its emphasis on agility and precision, along with a gripping narrative and neon-drenched aesthetic, makes it a thrilling experience. Ghostrunner is perfect for Steam Deck players who enjoy intense, fast-paced action and stylish, futuristic settings.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
An iconic open-world RPG set in a fantasy world of dragons, magic, and adventure. Players create their own character and embark on an epic quest to save the world, or simply explore and interact with a richly detailed world. Known for its expansive lore, freedom of choice, and modding community, Skyrim offers countless hours of gameplay. Its a perfect match for the Steam Deck, catering to players who enjoy deep role-playing and exploration in a vast, immersive world.
Fallout 4
Set in a post-apocalyptic world, this open-world RPG combines survival, exploration, and crafting. Players emerge from a nuclear fallout shelter and explore the wasteland, making choices that shape their story and the world around them. Known for its extensive customization, player freedom, and engaging narrative, Fallout 4 offers a rich and immersive experience. Its well-suited for the Steam Deck, appealing to those who enjoy crafting their own story in a detailed, post-apocalyptic setting.
Among Us
A multiplayer game that blends social deduction with a simple yet engaging gameplay loop. Known for its accessibility, fun interactions, and unpredictable gameplay, Among Us is perfect for quick sessions with friends. Its casual and social nature makes it a great fit for the Steam Deck, especially for players looking for a fun and engaging party game.
Terraria
Players dig, fight, and build their way through a procedurally generated world, encountering various enemies and challenges. Known for its depth, creativity, and community-driven content, Terraria offers an experience thats both relaxing and engaging. Its versatility makes it ideal for Steam Deck players who enjoy creative freedom and exploration in a pixel-art world.
Rocket League
Players work in teams to hit a giant ball into their opponents goal, using acrobatic maneuvers and strategic teamwork. Known for its fast-paced gameplay, competitive nature, and high skill ceiling, Rocket League is both accessible and challenging. Its an excellent choice for the Steam Deck, offering quick, action-packed matches perfect for on-the-go gaming.
Hitman 3
The conclusion to the World of Assassination trilogy, this stealth game offers intricately designed levels where players take on the role of Agent 47, a master assassin. Known for its open-ended levels, creative assassination methods, and replayability, Hitman 3 challenges players to execute perfect hits using stealth and disguise. Its blend of strategy and creativity makes it a compelling experience on the Steam Deck for players who enjoy tactical and thoughtful gameplay.
No Mans Sky
Players can discover new planets, species, and galaxies, engaging in activities like mining, trading, and combat. The game is known for its continuous updates and improvements, expanding its universe and gameplay mechanics. No Mans Sky is ideal for the Steam Deck, providing a boundless and evolving experience for players who love exploration and discovery in a sci-fi setting.
Crusader Kings III
A grand strategy game set in the Middle Ages, Crusader Kings III focuses on dynasty management, political intrigue, and feudal warfare. Players control a noble family over generations, navigating complex social and military landscapes. The game is celebrated for its depth, where personal drama intertwines with historical events. It combines strategy, role-playing, and storytelling in a unique way. On the Steam Deck, it offers a deeply engaging experience for players who enjoy intricate strategy games and creating their own historical narratives.
Return of the Obra Dinn
Players assume the role of an insurance investigator, piecing together how the crew died using a magical pocket watch that reveals the moment of a persons death. The game is renowned for its distinctive monochrome graphics and complex storytelling. Its immersive narrative and unique gameplay mechanics make it an intriguing choice for the Steam Deck, especially for players who enjoy mystery and deduction.
Factorio
A game about building and managing factories on an alien planet. Players mine resources, research technologies, and automate production to build increasingly complex systems. Known for its deep and intricate gameplay, Factorio challenges players to optimize and expand their industrial empire. The games appeal lies in its problem-solving and efficiency planning, making it a compelling choice for Steam Deck players who enjoy strategy and management games with a high level of complexity.
Metro Exodus
Following the events of Metro: Last Light, the game combines survival horror, stealth, and exploration elements. Players journey across the devastated landscape, encountering mutated creatures and hostile humans. Known for its atmospheric storytelling and tense gameplay, Metro Exodus offers an immersive experience on the Steam Deck, appealing to players who enjoy narrative-driven shooters and survival games.
Red Dead Redemption 2
An open-world western epic, this game tells the story of Arthur Morgan, an outlaw in the declining Wild West. Players explore a vast and detailed world, engaging in gunfights, heists, and interactions with a wide array of characters. On the Steam Deck, Red Dead Redemption 2 offers an expansive and engaging experience for players who appreciate detailed world-building and narrative depth.
Ori and the Will of the Wisps
A visually stunning platformer and sequel to Ori and the Blind Forest. The game is known for its fluid gameplay, emotional narrative, and breathtaking visuals. Its combination of precision platforming and heartfelt story makes it an excellent choice for the Steam Deck, especially for players who enjoy artistic and engaging platformers.
Subnautica
An underwater adventure game that combines exploration, survival, and crafting. Players crash-land on an alien ocean planet and must explore the depths to survive and uncover the planets mysteries. Known for its beautiful underwater environments and tense survival elements, Subnautica offers a unique experience. On the Steam Deck, it provides an immersive and serene adventure, ideal for players who enjoy exploration and discovery in a richly detailed setting.
It Takes Two
A co-op adventure game that requires two players to work together through inventive and varied challenges. Players control a couple turned into dolls, navigating a fantastical world to save their relationship. The game is celebrated for its creative level design, engaging mechanics, and heartwarming story. It Takes Two is perfectly suited for the Steam Deck when played with a friend, offering a unique and enjoyable cooperative experience.
XCOM 2
A tactical strategy game where players command a resistance force against alien occupation. Known for its challenging missions, deep strategy, and squad customization, XCOM 2 offers a tense and rewarding gameplay experience. Players must make strategic decisions in managing resources, technology, and team abilities. Its a great fit for the Steam Deck, especially for players who enjoy intense, tactical decision-making and managing the outcomes of their choices.
The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth
A roguelike shooter with dark themes and randomly generated dungeons. Players control Isaac, navigating through a series of dungeons filled with bizarre enemies and items. With each run being different, The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth offers an addictive and varied experience. Its well-suited for the Steam Deck, appealing to players who enjoy challenging, fast-paced action and dark humor.
Conclusion
The Steam Decks diverse library caters to a wide array of gaming preferences, offering something special for every type of player. From the deep narrative experiences in games like The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and Red Dead Redemption 2 to the intense action of DOOM Eternal and Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, each game on this list showcases the versatility and capability of the Steam Deck. Whether you’re into strategic challenges, immersive role-playing, or fast-paced action, these 50 games represent the best of what this innovative platform has to offer, ensuring hours of engaging gameplay for both casual and hardcore gamers alike. The 50 best Steam Deck games not only brings these varied gaming experiences into a portable format but also opens up new possibilities for enjoying these top-tier games wherever you go.
