Are you the proud owner of a Steam Deck or considering getting one? This powerful handheld gaming device from Valve opens up a world of possibilities, allowing you to play thousands of games from your Steam library on the go.
But with thousands of games available, deciding which ones to play can be overwhelming. We’ve played more than 100 games on our Steam Deck and found these 15 to be the absolute best for portable gaming bliss.
The Best Games for the Steam Deck
To help you make the most of your Steam Deck experience, we’ve compiled a list of the best games to play on this versatile handheld. From action-packed adventures to relaxing simulation games, there’s something for everyone.
Action and Adventure Games
1.Hades – Developed by Supergiant Games, this roguelike dungeon crawler combines intense combat with a captivating Greek mythology-inspired storyline. With its smooth gameplay and stunning visuals, Hades is a must-play on the Steam Deck.
2. Horizon Zero Dawn – Experience the post-apocalyptic world of Horizon Zero Dawn on your Steam Deck. This action role-playing game from Guerrilla Games offers breathtaking visuals, engaging combat, and a compelling narrative.
3. Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance – Prepare for intense hack-and-slash action with Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance. Developed by Platinum Games, this game delivers adrenaline-fueled combat and a cyberpunk-inspired storyline, perfect for on-the-go gaming sessions.
Role-Playing Games
4. Baldur’s Gate 3 – Immerse yourself in the epic world of Baldur’s Gate 3, a highly anticipated role-playing game from Larian Studios. With its rich storytelling, tactical combat, and stunning visuals, this game is a perfect fit for the Steam Deck’s capabilities.
5. Disco Elysium – Embark on a unique and thought-provoking adventure with Disco Elysium. This award-winning role-playing game from ZA/UM offers a deep and engaging narrative, along with a highly-praised voice acting performance.
6. Persona 3 Portable – Experience the classic JRPG Persona 3 on your Steam Deck with the portable version of the game. Dive into a world of high school life and supernatural mysteries, all while enjoying the game’s compelling storyline and turn-based combat.
Simulation and Strategy Games
7. Factorio – Build and automate factories in Factorio, a highly addictive simulation game that challenges your problem-solving skills. With its intuitive controls and endless replayability, Factorio is a perfect fit for the Steam Deck’s portable gaming experience.
8. Stardew Valley – Escape to the peaceful world of Stardew Valley, where you can cultivate crops, raise animals, and forge relationships with the townspeople. This relaxing simulation game offers a refreshing break from intense gaming sessions.
9. RimWorld – Manage and oversee a colony of survivors in the sci-fi world of RimWorld. This deep and challenging strategy game offers endless replayability and the ability to create your own unique stories.
Indie and Retro Games
10. Vampire Survivors – Experience the addictive gameplay of Vampire Survivors, an indie hit that combines simple mechanics with intense bullet hell action. Its easy-to-learn controls and endless replayability make it a perfect pick for the Steam Deck.
11. Stray – Embark on a heartwarming adventure as a curious cat in the cyberpunk world of Stray. This indie game offers a unique perspective, stunning visuals, and a charming storyline that will captivate players of all ages.
12. Portal 2 – Revisit the iconic puzzle-platform game Portal 2 on your Steam Deck. Developed by Valve, this classic title offers a perfect blend of mind-bending puzzles, dark humor, and engaging gameplay.
Multiplayer and Co-op Games
13. Monster Hunter Rise – Team up with friends or join online hunts in Monster Hunter Rise. This action role-playing game offers a thrilling multiplayer experience, challenging players to take down massive beasts and craft powerful gear.
14. Valheim – Explore the vast and mysterious world of Valheim with friends in this popular survival game. Build, craft, and battle your way through Viking-inspired landscapes, all while creating your own unique adventures.
15. Among Us – Experience the social deduction phenomenon of Among Us on your Steam Deck. This multiplayer game pits crewmates against impostors in a battle of wits and deception, making it a perfect choice for gaming sessions with friends.
Versatile Gaming on the Go
One of the biggest advantages of the Steam Deck is its ability to transform your gaming experience from being tethered to a desk to the freedom of playing anywhere. The portability and power of the Steam Deck make it unique compared to other handheld gaming devices.
Imagine lounging on the couch, relaxing in bed, or even enjoying your favorite games outdoors – the Steam Deck makes it all possible. But what truly sets it apart is the vast selection of games that can be played on this compact device.
From intense first-person shooters to immersive role-playing adventures, the Steam Deck handles it all with ease. And let’s not forget the joy of revisiting classic titles from the past, now portable and ready for on-the-go gaming sessions.
Whether you’re a casual gamer or a hardcore enthusiast, the Steam Deck caters to a wide range of gaming preferences and genres.
Enhancing Your Steam Deck Experience
While the Steam Deck is a powerful gaming device out of the box, there are several accessories and tips that can further enhance your gaming experience:
- Micro SD Card – Expand your Steam Deck’s storage capacity with a high-speed micro SD card, allowing you to install more games and carry your entire library on the go.
- Portable Power Bank – Extend your gaming sessions with a portable power bank, ensuring that you never run out of battery during those epic gaming marathons.
- Protective Case – Keep your Steam Deck safe and scratch-free with a durable protective case, ensuring that it remains in pristine condition even when traveling.
- External Controller – For games that require more precise control, consider investing in an external controller that connects seamlessly with your Steam Deck.
- Cloud Gaming – Leverage cloud gaming services like Xbox Game Pass Ultimate to stream games directly to your Steam Deck, further expanding your gaming library beyond what’s installed locally.
With the right accessories and a little bit of preparation, your Steam Deck experience will be elevated to new heights, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the games you love, no matter where you are.
Our Steam Deck tips and tricks guide covers more ways to get the most out of this amazing device.
Conclusion
The Steam Deck is a remarkable gaming device that truly redefines portable gaming. With its vast library of compatible games, ranging from intense action-packed titles to relaxing simulation experiences, there’s something for every gamer.
Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the world of PC gaming, the Steam Deck offers an unparalleled level of versatility and convenience.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your Steam Deck, load up your favorite games, and embark on a gaming adventure like no other. The freedom to play wherever and whenever you want is now in your hands, and the possibilities are endless.
Happy gaming!
