The 10 Best Steam Deck Games

The Steam Deck, a powerful handheld gaming device, allows players to experience a vast library of PC games on the go. This list highlights ten exceptional titles that excel on the Steam Deck, balancing impressive visuals, engaging gameplay, and portability.

10. Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain

Hideo Kojima’s Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain is a testament to the Steam Deck’s capabilities. The game runs smoothly at 60 frames per second, offering a detailed and intricate open-world environment perfect for tactical espionage gameplay. While Death Stranding is another Kojima title available, Metal Gear Solid V‘s sandbox experience is particularly well-suited to the portable format. The detailed and rich world delivers a captivating gameplay experience.

9. Mass Effect: Legendary Edition

This comprehensive RPG collection, Mass Effect: Legendary Edition, provides an immersive space-faring adventure on the go. The captivating storyline combined with the modernized gameplay (particularly in the original Mass Effect) makes it an ideal choice for handheld gaming. Despite requiring an EA Origin sign-in, the incredible storytelling and replayability of this space-faring trilogy are well worth the minor inconvenience.

8. Yakuza: Like a Dragon

Yakuza: Like a Dragon is a unique JRPG that shines on the Steam Deck. The transition from the series’ traditional beat ’em up style to a turn-based combat system, reminiscent of popular RPGs like Pokémon, allows players to enjoy a thrilling, turn-based adventure from the comfort of their handheld. Its engaging gameplay and compelling storyline make it an exceptional experience, even for those who might not usually enjoy turn-based combat.

7. Doom Eternal

Doom Eternal is a visceral first-person shooter that delivers a powerful gaming experience on the Steam Deck. While minor text adjustments might be required for optimal viewing, the game’s high-octane action and brutal gameplay translate perfectly to the handheld format, providing a superior experience to its Nintendo Switch port. The immersive experience delivers an exciting shooter journey.

6. Devil May Cry 5

Capcom’s Devil May Cry 5 is an action-packed spectacle that is equally compelling on the Steam Deck. The game’s core mechanics and gameplay are perfectly suited for the smaller screen, allowing for hours of endless replayability as players explore different combination attacks. Its stylish combat, varied stage designs, and massive bosses create a fantastic handheld gaming experience.

5. Resident Evil Village

While not officially verified, Resident Evil Village runs surprisingly well on the Steam Deck. Its thrilling survival horror experience remains largely untouched, offering a smooth and enjoyable handheld adventure. Players can immerse themselves in Ethan Winter’s terrifying journey without needing any fiddling with settings. The Mercenaries mode, with its arcade-style gameplay, adds further replay value.

4. Control

Control, a game known for its demanding graphical requirements, delivers a captivating paranormal action experience on the Steam Deck. While setting adjustments might be necessary, the game’s unique aesthetic and intriguing story are beautifully rendered on the smaller screen, creating a compelling handheld adventure. Its combination of brutalist architecture and sci-fi action is perfect for gaming on the go.

3. Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order

Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, blending elements from classic titles like The Legend of Zelda and Dark Souls, delivers a fulfilling lightsaber adventure. The Steam Deck runs the game smoothly after a quick installation of EA Origin. The game’s satisfying combat, exploration, and captivating storyline make for a great choice for handheld gaming, whether playing on a couch or traveling virtually across the galaxy.

2. Grand Theft Auto 5

Grand Theft Auto 5, a classic experience, finds a new level of portability on the Steam Deck. The familiar sandbox world of Los Santos offers a fresh perspective in a handheld format. The game runs smoothly even at high settings, making it perfect for gaming anywhere. The ability to explore Los Santos and engage in various activities in a handheld format is incredibly enjoyable.

1. Elden Ring

FromSoftware’s Elden Ring surprisingly delivers a smooth and enjoyable experience on the Steam Deck. The game’s intricate world, challenging combat, and compelling storyline translate well to the handheld format. The vastness of the map, varied build options, and numerous surprises ensure a captivating and replayable action RPG experience, making it a top choice for the Steam Deck.