The renewed popularity of Fallout hasn’t literally set the world on fire but it’s most certainly started a flame in the hearts of fans, new and old alike, particularly those with a Steam Deck. However, for all this uranium fever of sorts for the series, civilization still prefers the easy living and happy times of farm life to the wasteland’s orange-colored sky.
While Fallout 4 has appeared numerous times on the official Steam Deck top games list, this month marks the first time any other games in the series have made the cut. All but one are worthy of a spot on any best Steam Deck games list, even if some certainly play better than others.
Some may say it’s a sin to admit but Fallout 4 is the most natural starting point for new players, particularly those hungry for more following their binge of the Fallout TV show. Sadly, though, the RPG game only mustered enough collective playtime to secure the #2 spot on Valve’s top 20 Steam Deck games list, beaten out by the incumbent Stardew Valley. Ain’t that a kick in the head?
Dear hearts and gentle people who hoped to see Fallout reign supreme, worry, worry, worry, not, as the series enjoys other well-deserved positions on the list. Fallout: New Vegas proved the second-most wonderful guy among its peers, slotting in between Steam Deck mainstays Elden Ring and Cyberpunk 2077 at #7. Even Fallout 76 proved to be more than a sixty-minute man, climbing to #10. Finally, Fallout 3: Game of the Year Edition was able to crawl out through the fallout and earn itself spot #20.
It’s likely that had the Fallout fanbase all rallied behind Fallout 4, it would’ve seen off the reigning champ despite the allure of the Stardew Valley 1.6 update. However, we’re here to ac-cent-tchu-ate the positive, and it’s awesome to see classic PC titles find new audiences and speak to the power and enormity of Steam Deck compatibility.
New Fallout entries aside, there isn’t a whole lotta notable shakin’ goin’ on across the remainder of the leaderboard. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and Slay the Spire both make fresh appearances after periods of absence, with the latter’s resurgence no doubt spurred by the announcement of Slay the Spire 2, but both are effectively long-time favorites and come as no surprise.
Maybe the recent Fallout 4 Steam Deck verification can help it push its momentum that bit further to the top, but anything goes in the world of Steam Deck popularity. Should it not manage such an accolade though, just remember: into each life some rain must fall.
For those yet to pick up the big iron that is the Steam Deck OLED, be sure to give our review a look. If temptations for another handheld gaming PC keep a-knockin’ at your noggin, check out our guide for purchase recommendations.