40 BEST Steam Deck Games (2023)

Portable gaming has come so far!

Anwell Patdu
Anwell Patdu - CS2 & Valorant Expert
40 Min Read

The Steam Deck is one of the best portable gaming machines on the market today, and people are rushing to try it out. It hasn’t had the smoothest release and faced multiple delays throughout its launch. That doesn’t stop the machine from being a fantastic portable gaming device.

Although the Steam Deck isn’t the first portable gaming machine, it’s definitely one of the more affordable ones that still packs quite a punch. The Aya Neo Pro alone costs double the price of the Steam Deck, but the Steam Deck still has a better GPU.

I know that we can’t decide on which game we want to play when we get our hands on the Steam Deck. So we’ve decided to make a list to help you narrow down your choices. Here are 40 of the best games for the Steam Deck.

40 Best Games for Steam Deck in 2023

These are our current picks for the best games to play on the Steam Deck. The games on the list should run flawlessly out of the box or smoothly after tweaking some settings.

1

Elden Ring

Elden Ring

Release Date: February 25, 2022
Storage Space Required:
60 GB
Offline Mode: Yes

Elden Ring is one of the market’s newest and best action role-playing games. Many people have often compared it to Dark Souls because of the numerous similarities. The two games were created by the same companies, and quite a lot of things were reused from Dark Souls. However, the two games aren’t related story-wise.

Overall, Elden Ring offers great mechanics, a scary but great aesthetic and design, and of course, insane difficulty. It’s an amazing game with an exciting and rewarding gameplay experience. Elden Ring also has a great open world for you to explore, allowing you to quickly sink in hundreds of hours on your Steam Deck.

2

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

The Witcher 3 is an iconic game that must be played
Geralt using Igni to fight the Fiend in The Witcher 3

Release Date: May 18, 2015
Storage Space Required:
35 GB
Offline Mode: Yes

The Witcher is a very popular and engaging series. There are various books, different games, and even shows dedicated to the franchise. The Witcher 3 follows Geralt of Rivia and his quest to find his adopted daughter, Ciri.

The game has pretty solid combat elements such as different weapons and magical signs to help you take down various enemies and monsters. Additionally, it has excellent visuals, a compelling story, and a good soundtrack. It’s one of the best RPG games in recent years and is one of the best-selling video games of all time.

3

Red Dead Redemption 2

Red Dead Redemption 2 on the Steam Deck

Release Date: December 6, 2019
Storage Space Required:
150 GB
Offline Mode: Yes

Red Dead Redemption 2 is considered one of Rockstar Games’ finest masterpieces. It won over 175 Game of the Year Awards (GOTY) and received over 250 perfect scores from reviewers and critiques. It’s a remarkable game that follows the story of Arthur Morgan and the Van der Linde gang.

Journey through America at the end of the 1800s. It has a great story, breathtaking graphics, good gameplay, and an incredible soundtrack. One downside is that it takes up a lot of space, but you can always increase the storage on your Steam Deck by adding a micro SD card. Does matter if you play on a console or PC, the game is always a treat.

4

God of War

God of War

Release Date: January 14, 2022
Storage Space Required:
70 GB
Offline Mode: Yes

God of War is one of those Sony/ PlayStation exclusive games that finally made its way to Steam. It’s an excellent game that allows you to experience Kratos’ world in the realm of Norse Gods and monsters.

You can play and understand the game, even if you haven’t played a single God of War game before. It offers a heartfelt father-son story, violent and gory combat, and a massive world waiting to be explored.

5

Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII – Reunion

Best Steam Deck Games - Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII - Reunion

Release Date: December 13, 2022
Storage Space Required:
30 GB
Offline Mode: Yes

Square Enix made sure to hit every spot with the remake of their popular Final Fantasy VII. Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII – Reunion is the remaster/remake of the original game. The developers aimed at revamping but ended up with much more than just a simple bump in visuals.

Crisis Core is a massive upgrade from its original counterpart in terms of visuals, sounds, combat mechanics, and much more. It can also be played on your handy Steamdeck and once you start playing, all of that nostalgia of playing it on your PSP will start flowing right in. With the offline mode, you can game on the go and don’t have to wait till you get home.

6

Stardew Valley

Stardew Valley
Harvesting a Melon in Stardew Valley

Release Date: February 27, 2016
Storage Space Required:
500 MB
Offline Mode: Yes

Stardew Valley is one of the best farming games in the world today. It’s become a staple in the gaming community and held to high standards similar to games like Harvest Moon and Animal Crossing.

You can create and design your farm, meet the residents of Pelican Town, and explore the different caves. Stardew Valley was a huge hit on the Nintendo Switch. I definitely think that it’s going to be very popular on the Steam Deck as well. It’s a good and relaxing game that’s suitable for all ages.

7

Apex Legends

Apex Legends for Steam Deck

Release Date: November 5, 2020
Storage Space Required:
56 GB
Offline Mode: No

Apex Legends is currently one of the best battle royale games. It features multiple game modes and different characters known as Legends, each with unique abilities that you can use on the battlefield.

The game has excellent graphics and smooth mechanics making it great for the Steam Deck. It’s also free to play, so you don’t have to spend more to start playing on your Steam Deck. It can be a little harder to aim using joysticks, which can put you at a disadvantage, especially in a competitive shooter like Apex Legends.

8

Cyberpunk 2077

Best Steam Deck Games - Cyberpunk 2077

Release Date: December 10, 2022
Storage Space Required:
70 GB
Offline Mode: Yes

Dive into the ever-so-colorful and technologically advanced Night City in CyberPunk 2077. The city is filled with chaotic enemies and dark alleys worth exploring. The game might have had a rocky start but it ended up finding its footing not long after its release.

Aside from the exciting main storyline, the sheer amount of side quests it offers is insane and makes the game worth a shot. You will be playing a mercenary, a gun for hire, who is trying to survive in the ruthless world where money rules and the poor survives off of the remains of the top 1%. Now it is up to you to either change the system or die trying. All in all, the games make up for an enjoyable time.

9

Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered

Spider-Man Remastered one of the best games on Steam Deck

Release Date: August 12, 2022
Storage Space Required: 75 GB
Offline Mode: Yes

Marvel’s Spider-Man is a Sony/ PlayStation exclusive game that was initially released in September 2018. It was a massive success and earned a lot of praise for its excellent gameplay, fantastic graphics, and well-told narrative. A remastered version was released in 2022 on Steam, instantly making it one of the best Steam Deck games you can play.

You step into Peter Parker’s shoes and see what it’s like to become the friendly neighborhood Spider-Man. It’s set in an open-world version of Manhattan with a third-person POV. You can explore the world by swinging through the city using your web shooter, running along the sides of buildings, and vaulting over different obstacles.

Spider-Man’s combat also stays true to the hero’s powers. You can do melee attacks or web-based attacks to confront your enemies. Many famous Spider-Man characters will appear in the game, and there are also instances where you can play as Mary Jane Watson or Miles Morales.

10

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition

Skyrim best old steam deck game

Release Date: October 28, 2016
Storage Space Required: 12 GB
Offline Mode: Yes

This next game is an old but gold game. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim was originally released in November 2011. But, it was re-released in October 2016 as the Skyrim Special Edition, which was an overall visual remaster of the game with some new add-on content.

Skyrim is an action RPG game set in an open world inspired by medieval times. The world of Skyrim is filled with dragons, elves, and magic. Even though it’s one of the oldest games on the list, it still offers a solid gameplay experience filled with hours’ worth of content.

11

Hades

Best Indie game on Steam Deck

Release Date: September 17, 2020
Storage Space Required:
15 GB
Offline Mode: Yes

Hades is a roguelike dungeon-crawler game that follows Zagreus, the son of Hades, as he tries to escape from hell. His main goal is to reach Mount Olympus, which he can achieve through the help of Olympians, who grants him different gifts to help him escape the Underworld.

The game is primarily centered around a hack and slash combat system with a primary weapon, a special attack, and a magic attack. Hades received excellent reviews and praises because of its good gameplay and its incredible story that’s inspired by Greek mythology.

12

Valheim

Valheim game thumbnail

Release Date: February 2, 20121
Storage Space Required:
1 GB
Offline Mode: No

Valheim is a Viking-inspired survival adventure game currently on Early Access on Steam. The game instantly became a hit, even though it was only released in Early Access in February 2021. The community loved the game so much that they installed some of the best Valheim mods to enhance their games.

I think that Valheim is one of the best games to play on the Steam Deck. It allows you to continue exploring, taking care of your crops, and customizing your base while away from your desktop.

13

No Man’s Sky

Best exploration game on Steam Deck

Release Date: August 13, 2016
Storage Space Required:
10 GB
Offline Mode: Yes

During the early days of No Man’s Sky, it wasn’t actually well received. Fortunately, it got better through the years. It slowly evolved into a feature-rich and captivating game that you can easily get lost in because of its massive and impressive worlds.

No Man’s Sky’s primary focus is exploration and survival in an infinite universe filled with various lifeforms in over 18 quintillions of fully fleshed-out planets. There are tons of things to do in the game, and the developers continue to add more updates regularly.

14

Horizon Zero Dawn

Aloy fighting a Sawtooth in Horizon Zero Dawn
Aloy fighting a Sawtooth in Horizon Zero Dawn

Release Date: August 7, 2020
Storage Space Required:
100 GB
Offline Mode: Yes

Horizon Zero Dawn is considered one of the best games from the PlayStation exclusive games lineup. It’s an action RPG game that follows Aloy’s story as you unlock the secrets of your past in a world overrun by machines.

The game was released on PC in August of 2020. Although it had a rocky start, some patches fixed a lot of the bugs and improved the overall gameplay on PC. Horizon Zero Dawn is a great game to play on the Steam Deck.

Related: A PlayStation 5 Horizon Zero Dawn Remaster and a Horizon Multiplayer Game Reportedly in the Works

15

GTA V

GTA V

Release Date: April 14, 2015
Storage Space Required:
72 GB
Offline Mode: Yes

The Grand Theft Auto series has always produced amazing games filled with violence, crime, and other PG content. GTA V is their most successful one yet. It’s been around for quite a while now, and rumors for a new GTA VI have been buzzing lately. However, GTA V is still a fantastic game that’ll provide a solid gaming experience.

The great thing about GTA V is that you can access offline story mode and an online GTA experience like no other. GTA Online is a whole different world filled with numerous things that you can do. You can play various game modes, join role-play servers, and play with your friends. But at the end of the day, it’s still filled with the classic GTA gameplay that we all love.

16

Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade

Best Steam Deck Games - Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade

Release Date: April 10, 2020
Storage Space Required:
100 GB
Offline Mode: Yes

Final Fantasy games have always been a fan favorite no matter the year. Final Fantasy VII was a smash hit back when it originally came out and once again the game was immediately picked up by enthusiasts when Intergrade came out first on the PlayStation and then on PC first on Epic Games then on Steam.

FFVII is the quintessential action RPG that has always put Square Enix on a pedestal and the remake was no different. The game might have a few jitters here and there but the core idea, the storyline, and the hardcore mechanics still had the original vibe to them but with a much more advanced feeling.

17

Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order

Best Star Wars game in recent years
Cal with BD-1 on his shoulder

Release Date: November 15, 2019
Storage Space Required:
55 GB
Offline Mode: Yes

It’s a third-person perspective action-adventure game that allows you to jump into the role of Cal Kestis. Cal Kestis is a young Jedi Padawan who tries to complete training while being hunted by the Empire.

Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order is one of the franchise’s most difficult games, and takes around 17 hours to complete. It’s a challenging game that’ll surely get your juices flowing. It’ll be a fun game to play once the Steam Deck pre-orders get delivered.

18

Monster Hunter: World

Fighting a Black Diablos in Monster Hunter: World
Fighting a Black Diablos in Monster Hunter: World

Release Date: August 10, 2018
Storage Space Required:
48 GB
Offline Mode: Yes

The Monster Hunter franchise is composed of RPG games where you play as a hunter who captures or kills the different wild creatures in the world. You can then craft unique gear and weapons from the various monster parts you collect.

Monster Hunter: World is a grindy game that definitely isn’t for everyone. You either love it or hate it, and that’s just how it is. However, if you fall in love with the game, you’ll end up playing the game for countless hours, going on hunts alone or with friends. It’s a fun Steam Deck game to play on the go if you want some extra time to grind for materials.

However, you’ll usually get matched with other controller players, so that’ll even the playing field a little bit.

19

Tekken 7

Tekken 7 character selection featuring Jin vs. Alisa
Tekken 7 character selection featuring Jin vs. Alisa

Release Date: June 2, 2017
Storage Space Required:
60 GB
Offline Mode: Yes

If you’ve never played a Tekken game, there’s no need to worry. Some new features were introduced in Tekken 7 that made the game more beginner-friendly. Allowing new players to quickly learn and play the game.

The Tekken franchise is undoubtedly home to some of the best fighting games the world has ever seen. It’s greatly complimented by the Steam Deck because of its built-in controls. Tekken is also very casual-friendly, allowing you to play a match or two while on your daily commute.

20

Stray

Stray best steam deck games for kids

Release Date: July 19, 2022
Storage Space Required: 10 GB
Offline Mode: Yes

Do you love cats? Then you’re going to love playing Stray on the Steam Deck. Stray is an adventure game with platformer elements and a semi-open world where you play as a cat. Who would’ve thought that a game about a stray cat would be so interesting? The game received praise from all around and near-perfect reviews.

Stray is set in a walled city populated only by robots, machines, and mutant bacteria. Along the way, you meet a drone companion called B-12, who helps you return to the surface. The main gameplay revolves around solving puzzles and interacting with the environment. Stray is a short game that usually takes about 6-8 hours to complete, making it perfect for playing on the go.

21

Devil May Cry 5

Devil May Cry 5

Release Date: March 8, 2019
Storage Space Required: 35 GB
Offline Mode: Yes

Devil May Cry 5 is part of a series of video games that focuses on hunting devils and slaying various monsters. It’s an action-adventure game where you play as three warriors with demonic powers as they attempt to stop the Demon King from conquering the world.

Devil May Cry 5 features fast-paced combat with players receiving “style ratings” based on move variety, combo lengths, and attacks dodged. It received praise for being a visually stunning game with great audio integration and a good narrative.

The game definitely features one of the more unique combat mechanics on the list. It allows you to fight off the demonic hordes using various attacks and weapons, making you feel like a true demon hunter.

22

ARK: Survival Evolved

ARK Survival goes portable
Using the spear to fight off dinosaurs in ARK: Survival Evolved

Release Date: August 28. 2017
Storage Space Required:
60 GB
Offline Mode: Yes

Survive on a mysterious island, explore the vast lands, craft basic necessities, and tame the primitive creatures that roam the land. That’s what ARK: Survival Evolved is all about. It has an open-world environment filled with 176 creatures and thousands of different items.

It offers an enjoyable single-player experience but is definitely more fun with friends. There are many stories to uncover within the game, and it has thousands of hours worth of gameplay.

23

DiRT Rally 2.0

DiRT Rally 2.0

Release Date: February 26, 2019
Storage Space Required:
100 GB
Offline Mode: Yes

The DiRT franchise is known as one of the best racing game franchises in the world. DiRT Rally 2.0 was released in 2019, but it’s still a fantastic game to play today. Like most franchise games, it’s a racing simulation game that features realistic driving physics.

It has a challenging and immersive set of tracks that will get you playing for hours. Not to mention the great graphics that’ll definitely look amazing on great on the Steam Deck’s 1200 x 800 screen. It’s one of the best racing games that you can play on the Steam Deck.

24

UNCHARTED: Legacy of Thieves Collection

Nathan Drake running away from enemies firing guns at him.

Release Date: October 19, 2022
Storage Space Required: 126 GB
Offline Mode: Yes

Next up, we have another PlayStation-exclusive game that made its way to Steam. Say what you want about PlayStation exclusivity, but they undoubtedly offer great games, and the UNCHARTED: Legacy of Thieves Collection is one of them. The Uncharted franchise is one of the most awaited PlayStation games to get a PC release, and it has finally arrived.

UNCHARTED: Legacy of Thieves Collection is one of the biggest games on our list, and I mean that literally. It requires a whopping 126 GB of storage, but it does include 2 amazing UNCHARTED games. Those are UNCHARTED 4: A Thief’s End and UNCHARTED: The Lost Legacy.

Both games are remastered HD versions of the original games, making them look amazing on the Steam Deck. Both games are highly acclaimed, won multiple awards, and offer excellent gameplay. The UNCHARTED: Legacy of Thieves Collection offers exciting combat, fantastic connected stories, and immersive worlds, resulting in hours of gaming fun.

Related: 10 Games Like the Uncharted Series (Our Top Picks)

25

MultiVersus

MultiVersus

Release Date: July 19, 2022
Storage Space Required: 5 GB
Offline Mode: Yes

MultiVersus is one of the most anticipated fighting games of 2022. It’s a platformer fighting game similar to the likes of Super Smash Bros and Brawlhalla. The gameplay is also quite similar. Although MultiVersus is mainly played in a 2v2 format, 1v1 game modes are also available.

Like Super Smash Bros, MultiVersus also features famous characters, but this time from Warner Bros., DC Comics, HBO, Adult Swim, Cartoon Network, and Turner Entertainment. This includes popular characters like Shaggy, Batman, Tom and Jerry, Bugs Bunny, Finn and Jake, Arya Stark, LeBron James, and other iconic characters. There are also different skins and costumes in MultiVersus, allowing you to dress your favorite characters.

26

Dying Light: Enhanced Edition

Dying Light: Enhanced Edition
A Dying Light and Left 4 Dead 2 crossover event promotional poster

Release Date: February 4, 2022
Storage Space Required:
60 GB
Offline Mode: Yes

Dying Light is a first-person survival horror game with an open-world experience. It has fast-paced adrenaline-inducing gameplay that requires quick decision-making and parkour to survive the zombies.

It offers a great single-player experience because of its good storyline and progression system. However, it also has a multiplayer co-op option to enjoy the full story with friends. Dying Light is a fantastic game that you should play if you want some fast-paced action.

27

DOOM Eternal

Best first-person shooter on Steam Deck

Release Date: March 20, 2020
Storage Space Required:
80 GB
Offline Mode: Yes

DOOM Eternal is one of the best first-person shooter games in recent years. It’s a fast-paced, aggressive action-packed game that has you battling against different demonic monsters.

Compared to DOOM (2016), DOOM Eternal introduces new mechanics, different environments, and more enemy types that make the combat more thrilling and engaging. It’s a truly amazing game that offers a good challenging campaign and comes with the gore and violence that we all love.

28

Forza Horizon 5

Forza Horizon 5

Release Date: November 9, 2021
Storage Space Required:
110 GB
Offline Mode: Yes

We have yet another racing game in Forza Horizon 5. It is one of the best games in the entire franchise. It’s based in Mexico and features a ton of beautiful sceneries and thrilling driving action. You’re free to explore the world thanks to the limitless open-world nature of the game.

Honestly, Forza Horizon 5 is one of the best racing games that has been released. The only reason why it’s so low on our list because it doesn’t run smoothly without tweaking on the Steam Deck. Even then, some users still report minor lags and a few minor crashes. However, it’s still a pretty awesome game for the Steam Deck, and you should still give it a try.

29

Control

Control is Max Payne but with Superpowers

Release Date: August 27, 2020
Storage Space Required: 42 GB
Offline Mode: Yes

Control is a third-person video game filled with supernatural action gameplay. It is centered around the Oldest House and the Federal Bureau of Control’s (FBC) headquarters. Your main goal is to fight against a otherworldly entity called the Hiss and stop him from crossing over into this reality.

It became one of the biggest hits in 2019 and received numerous awards and nominations. Control is a visually stunning game with an immense atmosphere, great gameplay, and a mind-blowing story. I personally think that it’s one of the best games to experience with the Steam Deck.

30

A Plague Tale: Requiem

Amicia De Rune hiding in the tall grass from an enemy while holding a crossbow.

Release Date: October 18, 2022
Storage Space Required: 55 GB
Offline Mode: Yes

Next, we have one of the hottest games of 2022 in A Plague Tale: Requiem. It’s the highly anticipated sequel to the A Plague Tale: Innocence game and picks off directly after the events of its predecessor. It’s an excellent adventure-filled action game with some incredibly executed survival, horror, and stealth mechanics.

It offers significantly improved stealth mechanics, eye-catching graphics, a well-designed environment, and of course, fantastic and emotional storytelling. If you loved the first game, you’re definitely going to love this one. A Plague Tale: Requiem is one of the best Steam Deck games you can buy. It’s filled with tons of lovely puzzles, intense stealth scenes, and a heartfelt story. What more can you ask for?

31

Portal 2

Using a Portal in Portal 2 on the Steam Deck

Release Date: April 19, 2021
Storage Space Required: 8 GB
Offline Mode: Yes

Portal 2 is one of those old but gold games that people like revisiting. It was one of the most famous games during its time and still remains a solid game worth playing today. Portal 2 is a unique action-adventure game that requires you to use your wits and think outside of the box to solve the various puzzles within each level.

The main story revolves around Chell needing to leave the Aperture Science Facility. Throughout the game, you’ll encounter various levels that require you to move boxes, open doors, avoid lasers, and hide from guard bots using your portal gun as you escape. It’s an exciting cult classic that features both single-player and co-op game modes, each filled with tons of portal hoping and teleporting fun.

32

Death Stranding Director’s Cut

Best delivery simulator game with a great story

Release Date: March 30, 2022
Storage Space Required:
80 GB
Offline Mode: Yes

Death Stranding is Hideo Kojima’s first game ever since he split from Konami. The game generally received positive reviews. With amazing voice acting, stunning visuals, and a moving soundtrack. However, the gameplay and story are where a difference in opinions occurs.

It features an open-world game where you play as Sam Bridges and delivers cargo to various isolated cities. You have to balance the weight of the shipment while navigating through the world and surviving the otherworldly creatures and the other dangers of the world.

It offers innovative gameplay that, unfortunately, isn’t for everyone. It mostly depends on personal preference. It’s either one of the best Steam Decks games for you or one of the worst.

33

Ori and the Blind Forest

Ori and the Blind Forest

Release Date: March 11, 2015
Storage Space Required:
8 GB
Offline Mode: Yes

Next up, we have Ori and the Blind Forest. Ori and the Blind Forest is an action platformer game like no other. It features amazing combat mechanics filled with different abilities and skills, a challenging environment, and unique graphics and art style.

Ori and the Blind Forest is one of the most beautiful games on our list. It has beautiful aesthetics, smooth animations, and a warm story perfect for chill gaming sessions. But, don’t let the beautiful theme fool you; it’s still a very challenging game but is also forgiving, filled with checkpoints that motivate you to keep trying.

34

Albion Online

The gathering of players in Albion Online

Release Date: July 17, 2017
Storage Space Required: 2 GB
Offline Mode: No

If you’re looking for a sandbox MMORPG to play on the Steam Deck, this next game might be for you. Albion Online is a solid pickup with a classless combat system, player-driven economy, support for PvP battles, thousands of weapons and armor, and numerous territories to conquer. It’s an excellent MMORPG to play alone, with friends, at home, or on the go.

Albion Online is one of the top MMORPGs if you’re looking to play PvP a lot. On the other hand, PvE also provides you with a solid gaming experience with gathering, cooking, crafting, mount raising, and killing mobs. The various dungeons also provide a challenging yet enjoyable experience. The best part about Albion Online is that it’s free and takes up a small amount of storage, making it great for new Steam Deck owners.

35

Ghostrunner

Best platformer on Steam Deck
Slicing through an opponent in Ghostrunner

Release Date: October 28, 2020
Storage Space Required:
22 GB
Offline Mode: Yes

Ghostrunner is a cyberpunk hack and slash platformer game. It’s fast-paced, offers violent and bloody-filled gameplay, and has a great post-apocalyptic setting. The graphics are actually pretty good and compliment the premise of the game really well.

The game has insane mobility and excellent combat and movement mechanics. You can parkour, grapple up, run on walls, and many more. The element of slashing and chopping your way through your opponents will make you feel badass. It’s an amazing first-person platformer and is undoubtedly one of the best Steam Deck games you can play.

36

Death’s Door

Using your bow and arrow on Death's Door on Steam Deck

Release Date: July 20, 2021
Storage Space Required: 5 GB
Offline Mode: Yes

Next, we have a dungeon-crawling RPG action-adventure game. Death’s Door is one of the best games on the Steam Deck if you like snappy combat and a world filled with magic, beasts, and demigods. It has a beautifully crafted world with a unique art style, multiple areas to explore, and a fantastic soundtrack.

In Death’s Door, you play as a Crow reaping the souls of the dead on a daily basis. One of your assigned souls gets stolen, and you must hunt down the thief and follow him into an unknown realm.

Death’s Door is a truly excellent game that’s lightweight and perfect for both long and short gaming sessions on the Steam Deck. It’s only 5 GB but is loaded with all the fantasy, action, combat, and story elements that you’ll find in traditional RPGs.

37

Sid Meier’s Civilization VI

Best turn-based strategy game on Steam Deck

Release Date: October 21, 2016
Storage Space Required:
12 GB
Offline Mode: Yes

The Civilization franchise is known for creating excellent turn-based strategy games. Sid Meier’s Civilization VI is one of the best games and feature-rich games in the entire series. It has a colorful and cartoony design that received mixed reviews.

Civilization VI offers a lot of depth and a new city-building mechanic that wasn’t present in the previous Civilization games. There are different ways to play the game, and there are a ton of viable strategies.

38

Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance

Raiden using a samurai sword to slash through multiple enemies on Steam Deck

Release Date: January 10, 2014
Storage Space Required: 25 GB
Offline Mode: Yes

Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance is another old but solid game that’s perfect for playing on the Steam Deck. The game provides a perfect mix between exciting samurai/ ninja-like action and epic storytelling that revolves around a half-cyborg, half-human soldier. The enhanced version available on Steam also includes some new DLC missions and customizable upgrades that give you a better gaming experience.

Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance was a hugely successful game when it was released. The HD version of it proves to be a great game if you’re looking to relive some of the best classics from the past decade. It’s jam-packed with action scenes, unique enemies, and a great soundtrack that’s perfect for lovers of the hack-and-slash genre.

39

Neon White

Using the Purify card as your weapon in Neon White

Release Date: June 17, 2022
Storage Space Required: 6 GB
Offline Mode: Yes

Neon White is one of the newer games on the list, with it being released in 2022. It’s a lightning-fast-paced game with addictive gameplay and unique mechanics. At first glance, you wouldn’t guess that it’s an FPS game, but it’s far from the traditional shooter games that we know. Even the best Valorant players will need to adjust to Neon White’s gameplay.

You play as an Assassin named Neon White, who is given another shot at redemption. The aim it to collect various Soul Cards throughout the game that each feature unique weapons. You can use these Soul Cards to attack enemies to discard them to perform unique parkour moves. Neon White requires you to have quick decision-making, good aiming skills, and a speedy reaction time to succeed.

40

Overcooked 2

Best family-friendly game on Steam Deck

Release Date: August 8, 2018
Storage Space Required:
3 GB
Offline Mode: Yes

Overcooked has a very simple premise. Prepare, cook, and serve orders before the customers get impatient. This simple mechanic brings with it chaotic but fun gameplay. It’s usually a game that’s played through classic couch co-op, but Overcooked 2 offers online multiplayer. This opens the game up to more fun multiplayer sessions with friends.

The game is great for portable devices because of its casual nature. It’s a great game to play solo or with friends and can help you pass the time.

Conclusion

That concludes our list of the 40 best games to play on the Steam Deck in 2023. Hopefully, you’ve found at least a game or two that you want to play on the Steam Deck. Most of these games can be played on the go, allowing you to sneak in a gaming session anywhere.

If you’re looking for a great game on Steam that isn’t on this list, it might not be confirmed to flawlessly run on the Steam Deck yet. However, we’ll make sure to update this list as more games get guaranteed to run smoothly on the Steam Deck.

Leave the first game you’ll play on the Steam Deck down in the comments down below.

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By Anwell Patdu CS2 & Valorant Expert
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Hey, awesome game enthusiasts! I'm Anwell, diving into the gaming world from the days of the Game Boy Advance SP with Pokémon FireRed, evolving into a pro strategist in the intense showdowns of Valorant and CS2. It's a thrill ride I never want to get off! But hey, I'm not all about the competitive scene. Sometimes I'm kickin' back with the latest indie farming sims, where my farm designs—though not award-winners—bring a quirky kind of peace. As for the tech side, yeah, I've put together a PC or two, and it's a blast. But let’s park that for now; we're all about the gaming vibes here! All this joystick joy turned me into a wordsmith in the gaming universe, with a sea of articles to my credit. And the journey, with you all by my side, just keeps leveling up. So, stay tuned, stay connected, and let’s keep this game-night rolling! Ready for more action and less talk? Onward to our next virtual adventure!
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