The Best Games for Steam Deck: Embrace the New Era of Portable PC Gaming

  • 06-04-2023 |
  • Julia Zimmermann

The Steam Deck is poised to revolutionize the handheld gaming world and open up new possibilities for PC gamers. On February 25, 2022, Valve introduced three exclusive variants of the device with the promise of bringing the PC gaming experience to a new, portable dimension. Now, with the Deck Verified list, gamers can easily identify and select games that will run optimally on the Steam Deck.

From classic RPGs to newly released titles, let's take a look at some of the best Steam Deck games to date. 

Hogwarts Legacy

This upcoming action role-playing game

This upcoming action role-playing game from Avalanche Software allows you to explore the iconic wizarding world of Harry Potter. With an immersive open-world adventure, Hogwarts Legacy gives fans a chance to refine their magical skills and experience the Hogwarts School from an entirely new angle. 

Hi-Fi Rush

Hi-Fi Rush

From the developers of the critically acclaimed Super Hexagon, Hi-Fi Rush is an intense rhythm-based platformer that requires players to move and jump in sync with the beat of the music. With 30+ levels and three difficulty levels, Hi-Fi Rush is a fast-paced and highly addictive game that will have players tapping their toes in no time. 

Persona 5 Royal

Persona 5 Royal

This enhanced version of the award-winning 2016 JRPG Persona 5 brings an expanded story, new characters and abilities, and a host of social events to the original game. Players take on the role of a high school student and explore Shibuya while forming relationships with a colorful cast of characters. 

Cuphead

Cuphead

This visually stunning run-and-gun indie game from Studio MDHR is a challenge for even the most experienced gamers. With more than 30 levels inspired by classic cartoons from the 1930s, Cuphead features intense boss battles, a charming art style, and an epic soundtrack. 

Neon White

Neon White

From the developers of the acclaimed Hyper Light Drifter, this fast-paced action RPG combines roguelite and deckbuilding mechanics for a frenetic and satisfying gaming experience. Players take on the role of an assassin and fight their way through a futuristic city. 

Elden Ring

This upcoming adventure game

This upcoming adventure game, created by Hidetaka Miyazaki and George R.R. Martin, combines mythical and fantasy elements to tell a compelling story. Take on the role of a hero who must unlock the secrets of the Ring of Elden and save the world from destruction.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

This classic action RPG from CD Projekt Red

This classic action RPG from CD Projekt Red is a must-play for gamers of all levels. Traverse a stunning open-world setting, take on missions, and explore the depths of the Witcher universe. With a captivating story, engaging combat, and captivating visuals, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a masterpiece that should not be missed. 

Euro Truck Simulator 2

Euro Truck Simulator 2

Take on the role of a truck driver and explore the roads of Europe in this unique simulator. Drive through cities, cross borders, and experience the everyday life of a trucker. With its realistic visuals and physics, Euro Truck Simulator 2 offers an immersive experience that’s hard to beat. 

God of War

God of War

In this acclaimed action-adventure game, players take on the role of Kratos and embark on an epic journey through the realms of Norse mythology. With intense combat, captivating storytelling, and stunning visuals, God of War is an unforgettable gaming experience. 

Hades

hades game

This rogue-like dungeon crawler from Supergiant Games is a supremely replayable experience. With multiple endings, procedurally generated dungeons, and an ever-changing cast of characters, every playthrough of Hades offers something new. 

Celeste

Celeste

This 2D platformer from developers Matt Makes Games is a heartwarming and challenging adventure. Players take on the role of Madeline, who, with the help of her friends, must climb Celeste Mountain and confront her inner demons. 

Vampire Survivors

vampire survivors game

This survival horror game from developers Spooky House Studios puts players in the role of a vampire hunter. Explore the streets of a gloomy, ruined city and try to stay alive while fighting off wave after wave of vampiric hordes. 

Slay the Spire

Slay the Spire

This strategic card game combines elements of roguelikes, deckbuilding, and turn-based combat in an easy-to-learn and easy-to-play package. Select your cards and build the ultimate deck before taking on enemies and bosses in Adventure Mode or try to conquer the Daily Climb. 

Stray

Stray game

This atmospheric adventure game from developers BlueTwelve Studio is set in a world populated by robotic cats and other robots. Explore the city and its secrets, take on missions, and uncover the truth about the world of Stray. 

Phasmophobia

Phasmophobia

This intense horror game from Kinetic Games pits players against a host of supernatural entities. Gather evidence, use various tools to identify ghosts, and try to stay alive as you explore a haunted house. 

Divinity: Original Sin 2 - Definitive Edition

Divinity Original Sin 2 - Definitive Edition

This critically acclaimed RPG from Larian Studios blends together elements from the fantasy and science fiction genres. Choose from a variety of classes and customize your character before embarking on an epic adventure set in the world of Rivellon. 

Papers, Please

Papers, Please

This award-winning simulation game from Lucas Pope puts players in the role of an immigration inspector tasked with reviewing the documents of individuals trying to gain entry into the fictional East Grestin. With its unique gameplay, Papers, Please offers an intriguing experience that’s hard to forget. 

Tales of Arise

Tales of Arise

This upcoming action RPG from Bandai Namco is set in a vibrant fantasy world. Players take on the role of two characters and explore a stunning open-world setting while they unravel the mysteries of the world. With its intense combat and captivating story, Tales of Arise is shaping up to be an unforgettable adventure. 

Stardew Valley

Stardew Valley

This farming simulation game from Eric Barone is a charming and relaxing experience. With its simple-yet-addictive mechanics and its captivating characters, Stardew Valley is an experience that anyone can enjoy. 

Dredge

Dredge game

This dungeon exploration game from developers Garo takes players through the winding tunnels of a mysterious underground world. Fight off wave after wave of enemies, explore the depths of the dungeon, and uncover its ancient secrets. 

Brotato

Brotato game

This roguelike platformer from developers Creaky Stairs is a challenging and rewarding experience. Choose your character and take on wave after wave of enemies in procedurally generated levels as you make your way to the top of the tower. 

Resident Evil 2 (2019)

Resident Evil 2 (2019)

This remake of the classic 1998 survival horror game has been widely praised for taking the original game and turning it into a modern masterpiece. With improved visuals, sound design, and a more intense atmosphere, Resident Evil 2 is an experience that no fan of horror games should miss. 

Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga

Lego Star Wars The Skywalker Saga

This upcoming game from TT Games is an open-world adventure set in the world of the Star Wars universe. With its iconic Lego visuals, exciting story, and captivating characters, Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga is set to be a must-play game. 

Apex Legends

Apex Legends

This free-to-play battle royale from developers Respawn Entertainment has become one of the most popular games in the world. Choose from several unique characters, use various weapons and abilities, and become the last squad standing in Apex Legends. 

Devil May Cry 5

Devil May Cry 5

This latest entry in the iconic action series from Capcom is arguably the best game in the series. With a thrilling story, impressive visuals, and intense combat, Devil May Cry 5 is an experience that no fan of action games should miss. 

Risk of Rain 2

Risk of Rain 2

This roguelike shooter from developers Hopoo Games is a frenetic and intense experience. Fight off wave after wave of enemies, use a variety of weapons and abilities, and try to stay alive as you explore randomly generated levels. 

A Short Hike

A Short Hike

This charming adventure game from developers Adam Robinson-Yu puts players in the role of a young explorer. With its simple-yet-addictive mechanics, captivating visuals, and tranquil soundtrack, A Short Hike is an experience that’s both relaxing and rewarding. 

Pizza Tower

Pizza Tower

This unique puzzle game from developers Pixel Pizza puts players in the role of a pizza chef. With its charming visuals and easy-to-learn mechanics, Pizza Tower is an addictive and rewarding experience. 

Hollow Knight

Hollow Knight

This critically acclaimed action-adventure game from Team Cherry is an unforgettable experience. Explore the depths of Hallownest, take on unique bosses, and uncover the secrets of this fascinating world. 

Terraria

Terraria

This classic sandbox game from developer Re-Logic is a must-play for any fan of sandbox games. With its randomly generated worlds, an enormous variety of items, and dozens of bosses, Terraria has become a modern classic. 

Ultrakill

Ultrakill

This intense first-person shooter from developers Solaar puts players in the role of the assassin known as Prime. With its intense action, neon-drenched visuals, and epic soundtrack, Ultrakill is an experience that’s hard to forget. 

Dead Space (2023)

Dead Space (2023)

This upcoming horror game from developers EA is a return to the classic horror franchise. With its immersive world, intense horror elements, and thrilling story, Dead Space (2023) looks set to be an unforgettable experience. 

Hotline Miami

Hotline Miami

This classic indie game from developers Dennaton Games is a frenetic and intense experience. With its unique visual style, intense soundtrack, and intense combat, Hotline Miami is an experience that no fan of action games should miss. 

Doki Doki Literature Club Plus!

Doki Doki Literature Club Plus!

This unique visual novel from Team Salvato is an experience unlike any other. With engaging characters, interactive narration, and an emotionally powerful story, Doki Doki Literature Club Plus! - is an adventure that will stay with you long after the game is over.

Doom

Doom

This classic first-person shooter from id Software is a timeless classic. Take on the role of the Doomguy and rip and tear through hordes of demons in one of the most iconic games of all time. 

Dead Cells

game Dead Cells

This roguelike platformer from developers Motion Twin offers an intense and rewarding experience. With its procedurally generated levels, countless weapons, and intense combat, Dead Cells is an experience that no fan of roguelikes should miss. 

Valheim

Valheim

This action-adventure game from developer Iron Gate AB is set in a procedurally generated world inspired by Viking mythology. Explore the world, craft weapons, and fight off deadly creatures in this unique and captivating experience. 

RimWorld

RimWorld

This colony-building sim from developers Ludeon Studios allows players to create their own unique stories as they explore an alien planet. With its unique gameplay, captivating narrative, and detailed visuals, RimWorld is a must-play game. 

Left 4 Dead 2

Left 4 Dead 2

This classic cooperative zombie shooter from developers Valve is an intense and thrilling experience. Take on the role of one of the four survivors and take on wave after wave of zombies in this iconic game. 

Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered

acclaimed 2018 game from developers Insomniac Games

This remaster of the acclaimed 2018 game from developers Insomniac Games is a must-play for any fan of the Marvel universe. With its improved visuals, engaging story, and intense action, Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered is an unforgettable experience. 

The Steam Deck is a revolutionary product that’s been steadily gaining traction in the handheld gaming world since its launch. With its incredibly diverse library of games, there's something for everyone on the list of Deck-Verified titles. Whether you're a fan of RPGs or you're a fan of horror games, you'll surely find something to satisfy you on the Steam Deck. 

As Valve continues to bring more and more titles to the platform, the Steam Deck is only going to become more accessible and powerful. So, if you’re looking to experience PC gaming on the go, the Steam Deck is the perfect device for you.