It might sound crazy if you told a PSP fan back in the day that there will eventually be a powerful replacement. Yes. It's not debatable, except if you factor in Nostalgia. The Steam Deck is way more capable than Sony's discontinued portable.
Perhaps many people still don't appreciate the revolution that is experiencing PC gaming on the go with the Steam Deck. With Valve's powerful handheld device, players can enjoy their favorite titles anywhere, anytime. All that power behind a rectangular OLED (or LCD) display.
Top 10 Games For Steam Deck Users
If you're looking for the best games for Steam Deck that truly showcase what this bad boy is capable of, you're in the right place. We've curated a definitive list of the top Steam Deck titles that deserve a spot in your library. Let's check them out.
1. Baldur's Gate 3
This RPG game has a 10/10 IGN, Steam, and GameSpot rating. Perhaps we should just end the rec here. Seriously, Baldur's Gate 3 has taken Steam by storm, and it runs surprisingly well on the Steam Deck after some minor settings adjustments.
With its deep character customization, tactical combat, and branching storylines, Baldur's Gate 3 proves just how capable gaming on Steam Deck can be when it comes to handling complex, extensive games.
2. Elden Ring
We're sure no one would say no to having an epic open-world adventure in the palm of their hands. FromSoftware's masterpiece runs beautifully on the Steam Deck.
While you'll want to cap the frame rate at 30fps for optimal performance, the ability to explore The Lands Between on the go makes this one of the most recommended Steam Deck games you just have to try out.
No one says you can't farm runes during your commute or tackle tough bosses from the comfort of your couch. Trust us. Elden Ring's portable experience is simply remarkable.
3. Vampire Survivors
For those seeking an addictive gameplay loop that's perfect for quick sessions, Vampire Survivors is an absolute must-have. This roguelike bullet-hell game runs flawlessly on the Steam Deck.
You get smooth performance and also don't have to worry about battery life. It has a simple yet engaging gameplay which makes it great for portable play. Take our word for it—you'll find yourself coming back for "just one more run" time and time again.
4. God of War
Sony's epic action-adventure has to be on this list. We can debate that having God of War on a bigger screen is probably the best experience, but hear us out. The fact that you can play this graphically-demanding title on the Steam Deck is an impressive win for the device. And you know what? The story of Kratos and Atreus still looks stunning on the portable screen and performs well too.
5. Stardew Valley
We know some of you prefer and enjoy more relaxed gaming experiences, and Stardew Valley scratches that itch. This beloved farming sim, with its pixel art style, looks fantastic on the handheld screen, and the ability to tend to your farm wherever you are makes it very engaging. The game's bite-sized daily structure works perfectly for portable gaming sessions.
6. Cult of the Lamb
Halloween's over for this year, but we think a little more performing of dark rituals or venturing into procedurally generated dungeons shouldn't hurt. Cult of the Lamb combinee roguelike elements with cult management gameplay, and the unique title shines on the Steam Deck.
The adorable yet dark aesthetic looks fantastic on the portable screen, and the game's structure makes it perfect for both quick sessions and extended plays. With the Cult of the Lamb, you get a distinctive gaming experience that feels right at home on the handheld.
7. Dave the Diver
This adventure management hybrid RPG has been successful in the Steam Deck community. Dave the Diver has a gorgeous pixel art display and a relaxing gameplay loop, making it an excellent fit for portable gaming. If you wish, you can split your time between underwater exploration and running a sushi restaurant. Talk about a unique and engaging experience on the Deck.
8. Diablo 4
Very few things are better than demon-slaying on the go. Blizzard's latest action RPG runs remarkably well on the Steam Deck. Just remember to uncheck the "High Quality Textures Pack" in the settings for optimal performance and you're good to go. Whether you're grinding for loot during short commutes or tackling challenging dungeons in longer sessions, Diablo 4's gameplay loop is perfect for portable play.
9. Outer Wilds
This space exploration puzzle game finds a nice home on the Steam Deck. Outer Wilds has a unique 22-minute time loop structure, making your portable gaming sessions fun. Also, the sense of discovery that comes with playing the game arguably feels more personal on a handheld device. And for a rec within a rec—be sure to use headphones to fully appreciate one of gaming's greatest soundtracks.
10. Street Fighter 6
Capcom's latest fighting game masterpiece runs very well on the Steam Deck. Thanks to its robust single-player World Tour mode and the community-driven Battle Hub, Street Fighter 6 offers plenty of content perfect for portable play, so you might wanna be on the lookout for an addiction. The game's stunning visuals and smooth performance make it one of the best fighting games you can get on the platform.
Why These Games Stand Out
What makes these titles the best games for Steam Deck is not just their excellent performance on the hardware, which, and we cannot overemphasize, is remarkable tech!
But it's also about how well they adapt to the portable gaming experience. From quick-play sessions with Vampire Survivors to epic adventures in Elden Ring, each game offers something unique for Steam Deck users. Whether you prefer action, strategy, or relaxing simulation games, the Steam Deck has something for everyone.
Final Thoughts
Gaming on Steam Deck is already impressive, but we know it will continue to evolve, and we're here for it! Even now, more titles are already being optimized for the platform every month.
These top Steam Deck titles on our list show just a fraction of what's possible on Valve's revolutionary device. Whether you're a new owner or an older user looking to expand your library, these games showcase the very best of what portable PC gaming can offer. Happy gaming!