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Best Steam Deck games 2024

The best Steam Deck games aren't just indies, as this handheld gaming PC has enough horsepower to make most games portable if you tinker with the settings.

Best Steam Deck games: Vampire Survivors in action on the Library map

What are the best Steam Deck games? Narrowing down the list of the best Steam Deck games is no easy task, as the device is capable of playing a myriad of genres and titles from across the decades. Yet whether you play your Steam Deck in small bursts, have it hooked up to an external display, or use it as your official travel buddy, there are perfect games for every occasion.

Why you can trust our advice ✔ At PCGamesN, our experts spend hours testing hardware and reviewing games and VPNs. We share honest, unbiased opinions to help you buy the best. Find out how we test.

With almost the entirety of the Steam library available at the touch of a button, we’re often spoiled for choice for what to play on the Steam Deck – whether it’s the original Steam Deck or the new Steam Deck OLED. And that’s not including the magnitude of options that get Valve’s Verified seal of approval every day.

Steam games don’t necessarily require Valve’s coveted approval to be playable, either, with plenty working on the handheld after some simple tinkering about with the settings. The amount of wonderful things you can play on your Steam Deck is growing exponentially, but we’ve put together a shortlist of our favorites to make things a lot easier.

Check out the best microSD card for Steam Deck guide, before getting too immersed in the list of games we recommend playing. More and more we’re seeing modern games require a lot of storage space, so whether you’re sporting the 64GB model, or just want to have the freedom to install more games, it’s worth the investment.

The best Steam Deck games are:

Silver-haired vampire Astarion looks down with a small smile on his face.1. Baldur’s Gate 3

Released: August 3, 2023 | Developer: Larian Studios | Review score: 9/10 | Size: 150GB

The latest game by Larian Studios has taken Steam by storm, becoming one of the most-played games to ever hit the platform. The massive RPG, which sees you setting off on a journey of epic DnD proportions, runs beautifully on the Valve handheld, after a bit of tinkering with the settings. Once you get going, the huge, expansive word of Faerûn comes alive in the palm of your hands, making Baldur’s Gate 3 one of the best games in the entire Steam Deck’s library.

Check out our Baldur’s Gate 3 Steam Deck compatible guide to find out exactly how the game runs, and be sure to read our Baldur’s Gate 3 review to learn more about the latest DnD adventure from Larian Studios.

2. Dave the Diver

Released: June 28, 2023 | Developer: Mintrocket | Size: 10GB

Ever since Dave the Diver splashed its way onto PC, this indie darling has taken the Steam Deck by storm. In this adventure management hybrid RPG, you take on the role of Dave (of course) who spends his time diving for fish in the morning, and running a sushi restaurant by night. Its gorgeous pixel art, and chilled gameplay, make it incredibly easy to get caught up in what might be one of the best cozy gaming experiences on the handheld. 

Check out our Dave the Diver Steam Deck compatible guide to find out exactly how the game runs.

An image of Luke from Street Fighter 6, throwing a punch towards Jamie, another playable character within the game.3. Street Fighter 6

Released: June 2, 2023 | Developer: Capcom | Review score: 9/10 | Size: 60GB

When playing a game like Street Fighter 6, I prefer to not opt for a handheld device, in case I end up having to fight against connection issues. However, thanks to the addition of the single-player campaign, World Tour, and the community-driven Battle Hub, this sixth instalment in the beloved series from Capcom becomes one of the best fighting-game experiences on the Valve handheld.

Check out our Street Fighter 6 Steam Deck compatible guide to find out exactly how the game runs, and be sure to read our Street Fighter 6 review to learn more about the latest instalment in the flagship fighting game series.

An image of Ranni the Witch from Elden Ring.4. Elden Ring

Released: February 25, 2022 | Developer: FromSoftware | Review score: 10/10 | Size: 60GB

No maidens? No worries. You’ll find plenty in this latest massive open-world RPG from FromSoftware. The difficulty found in Soulslike games isn’t for everyone, but this challenging RPG becomes a little bit easier thanks to the portability of the Steam Deck. Being able to practice your dodge rolls, and trying out a variety of builds on the go, makes venturing through the dangers of The Lands Between that little bit less taxing.

Read our Elden Ring review to learn more about one of the best FromSoftware, soulslike adventures.

An image of the player character standing in their farm in during the fall season in Stardew Valley.5. Stardew Valley

Released: February 26, 2016 | Developer: ConcernedApe | Size: 500MB

What was originally a love letter to the farming sim games of yesteryear, has become the best of the genre. If you haven’t yet joined the Stardew Valley revolution, you’re missing out. It’s one of the best cozy gaming experiences out there, which is only made better by the portability of the Steam Deck. You can tend to your farm, grow your crops, check out your new neighbors in the valley, and fight monsters in the dungeons – anything’s possible in Stardew Valley.

An image of a mass of enemies swarming the player character in Vampire Survivors.6. Vampire Survivors

Released: December 17, 2021 | Developer: Luca Galante | Size: 600MB

Vampire Survivors is a perfect fit for the Steam Deck, offering up a devilishly delightful gameplay loop that can be enjoyed in bite-sized sessions or played for hours when one run simply will not do. While its art style is charming to look at, it’s not taxing on the device either, meaning that you can expect a smooth gameplay experience and not have to worry about battery life either. Just be warned that this roguelike bullet hell is as tough as it is impossible to put down.

An image of Spider-Man from Marvel's Spider-Man Remastered.7. Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered

Released: August 12, 2022 | Developer:  Insomniac Games, Nixxes Software, Marvel Entertainment | Review score: 8/10 | Size: 75GB

This PlayStation console exclusive zips along on the Steam Deck with all the speed and grace worthy of your favorite neighborhood Spider-Man. The first Spidey outing from Insomniac Games looks great on Valve’s handheld, and few things feel better than getting to swing about Manhattan on the go.

Read our Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered PC review.

An image of the character Judy Alvarez from Cyberpunk 2077.8. Cyberpunk 2077

Released: December 10, 2020 | Developer:  CD Projekt Red | Review score: 9/10 | Size: 70GB

While it’s an understatement to say that Cyberpunk 2077 had a rough launch, CD Projekt Red has made its sci-fi epic of an RPG worth a second look. With the new Phantom Liberty expansion soon on its way, there’s never been a better time to get familiar with the characters of Night City on the Steam Deck, exploring this dystopian world from the comfort of wherever you please.

Read our Cyberpunk 2077 review.

An image of Arthur Morgan, the main character from Red Dead Redemption 2, holding out two guns.9. Red Dead Redemption 2

Released: October 26, 2018 | Developer:  Rockstar Games | Review score: 10/10 | Size: 150GB

While Grand Theft Auto 5 plays superbly on the Steam Deck, for our Rockstar pick of the list we’ve gone for the rootin’ and tootin’ Red Dead Redemption 2. In what is one of the best single-player experiences in gaming, you take on the role of Arthur Morgan and play through the events that lead up to the original goings-on in the first Red Dead Redemption. Even if you’ve played this action-packed sequel before, nothing beats the feeling of roaming through the Wild West on horseback with the Steam Deck.

Read our Red Dead Redemption 2 PC review.

An image of the player character walking in a town in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition.10. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Released: November 11, 2011 | Developer:  Bethesda Game Studios | Size: 12GB

It’s been over a decade since The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim launched, and this colossal RPG is available on most platforms, including your Steam Deck. What makes this version of Skyrim stand out is that, with a bit of elbow grease, you can install mods to vastly improve a magnitude of features, like the textures for one. However, if you prefer not to spend your time tinkering away with mods, the Anniversary Edition already offers up remastered art and effects, all the previously released expansions, and even some fishing.

An image of a Persona from Persona 5 Royal, using the move 'Riot Gun' during a battle.11. Persona 5 Royal

Released: October 31, 2019 | Developer:  P-Studio | Size: 41GB

The Persona games went from being a niche RPG series, beloved by few subsets of fans, to exploding in popularity, and rightfully so. Persona 5 Royal perfectly encapsulates why the series is now so adored, with its catchy soundtrack, top-tier voice acting, in-depth battle system, and beautiful visuals. Style is just oozing out of every bit of this game, and it’s never looked better than on the Steam Deck. You might spend anything from 100 to 140 hours on this lengthy RPG on your Valve handheld, but it’s worth every second.

An image of some of the main survivor character's from Dead by Daylight, with the killers looming above them.12. Dead by Daylight

Released: June 14, 2016 | Developer:  Behaviour Interactive | Size: 50GB

Even if you’re not someone of the spooky persuasion, Dead by Daylight is spine-chillingly fun on the Steam Deck. Whether you take on the role of the killer or prefer to try your best to survive, it’s easy to spend hours on this online asymmetric multiplayer. For an optimum experience on the Valve handheld, I highly recommend using your favorite gaming headset and playing Dead by Daylight in a dimly lit room. This way, you can set the mood and properly get your spooky on, while being able to hear the killer’s every move.

A screenshot from Halls of Torment by Chasing Carrots.13. Halls of Torment

Released: May 24, 2023 | Developer:  Chasing Carrots | Size: 4GB

Although it’s still in early access, Halls of Torment has already proven itself to be a must-have for the Steam Deck. The horde survival indie game is inspired by late-90s RPGs, and like the games of your childhood, you’ll easily find yourself spending hours upon hours in this game.

Image of two mechs fighting in Armored Core 6 Fires of Rubicon.14. Armored Core 6 Fires of Rubicon

Released: August 25, 2023 | Developer:  FromSoftware Inc | Review score: 8/10 | Size: 60GB

This isn’t the first FromSoftware game to make the list, but its addition surely is a sign that the developer knows how to make a game run great on the Steam Deck. Armored Core 6 is the latest game in the Armored Core series, and instead of the gothic surroundings, you’ll be more than used to in games like Elden Ring, this time around it’s all about robots. If you love tough boss battles, blasting away your enemies, and, even more robots, then this is the fast-paced action game for you and your Steam Deck.

Check out our Armored Core 6 Steam Deck compatible guide to find out exactly how the game runs.

Read our Armored Core 6 review.

A screenshot of the overworld from Sea of Stars.15. Sea of Stars

Released: August 29, 2023 | Developer:  Sabotage Studio | Review score: 9/10 | Size: 5GB

We’re no strangers to turn-based RPGs when it comes to this list, but Sea of Stars is the first entry that captures the feeling of playing the classic fantasy games of the ’90s on the Steam Deck. Brought to you by the same studio as The Messenger, Sabotage Studio has created one of the most stunning uses of sprite art in modern gaming and one of the best-looking games to play on the handheld. Sea of Stars tells the story of the Solstice Warriors and their adventures of using Eclipse Magic to save the world and defeat the one known as The Fleshmancer. If you grew up playing RPGs like Chrono Trigger and Breath of Fire, you owe yourself the experience of playing Sea of Stars on the Steam Deck.

Read our Sea of Stars review.

A screenshot from Cult of the Lamb by Devolver Digital.16. Cult of the Lamb

Released: August 11, 2022 | Developer:  Massive Monster | Size: 4GB

Part roguelike, part city-builder, part cult simulator – there’s a lot to love about Cult of the Lamb on the Steam Deck. In this indie-horror game from Massive Monster, you find yourself as an adorable lamb, who is saved from annihilation from a creepy entity. To repay your debt, you must start a cult, and grow your flock of dedicated followers, represented by equally cute forest animals. The 3D paper-like graphics lend themselves on the Valve handheld, and you’ll easily find yourself spending hours crafting new structures, giving sermons to your flock, or slashing your way through enemies. Cult of the Lamb and the Steam Deck are a match made in heaven, but this indie horror will have you braving through hell and back to create the ultimate cult.

A screenshot of Diablo 4, featuring a character opening up a sarcophagus.17. Diablo 4

Released: June 6, 2023 | Developer:  Blizzard Entertainment | Review score: 10/10 | Size: 90GB

Getting Diablo 4 to run on the Valve handheld was as hellish as the depths of Sanctuary, but since the Blizzard game has finally made its way officially on the Steam platform, playing it on your Steam Deck now is utterly heavenly. Hacking and slashing your way through enemies, and reaching pinnacles of gore you never thought possible, feels destined for playing on the go. Being able to have Diablo 4 at arm’s length, gives you ample time to get familiarised with the numerous classes, and get more acquainted with everyone’s favorite daughter of hatred, Lilith, in this horrifying yet addictive action RPG. Check out our Diablo 4 Steam Deck compatibility guide to find out exactly how the game runs.

Read our Diablo 4 review.

A screenshot from Monster Hunter World.18. Monster Hunter World

Released: August 9, 2018 | Developer:  Capcom | Review score: 9/10 | Size: 52GB

Monster Hunter and handhelds go hand in hand, with some of the earliest games in the series being originally released on devices like the original Sony PSP. That being said, its rich environments of dinosaur-laden landscapes and epic action-packed battles have never looked better when playing on the Steam Deck. Monster Hunter World places you in the Elder Crossing, a new world waiting to be discovered. Equipped with an adorable cat-sidekick, called a Paliceo, and a massive arsenal of weapons, there’s a whole variety of monsters out for you to hunt, and turn into some of the coolest-looking armor and weapons around.

Check out our Monster Hunter World review to learn more about what you can expect from one of the most expansive installments in the beloved Monster Hunter series.

A screenshot from Aperture Desk Job from Steam.
19. Aperture Desk Job

Released: March 1, 2022 | Developer:  Valve | Size: 4GB

Aperture Desk Job marks one of the first proper returns to the world of Portal, and while it might not be canonical to the franchise as a whole, it’s a must-play if you own a Steam Deck. The game works pretty much like a tech demo for what your Valve handheld is capable of, taking you through all the various buttons and controls but through a Portal lens. While deep in the depths of the dilapidated Aperture Science Labs, you stumble across Grady, a Personality Construct (similar to that of Wheatley) who takes you through your new role at Aperture, with the humor and wit you’d expect from the Portal games. Aperture Desk Job should be mandatory playing for first-time Steam Deck owners, and better yet, it’s entirely free.

Marvel Midnight Suns - image featuring Spider-Man, Nico and the Hunter

20. Marvel’s Midnight Suns

Released: December 2, 2022 | Developer:  Firaxis | Size: 57.3GB

Not the Marvel game everyone was expecting at the time, but this turn-based card game runs exceptionally well on Valve’s handheld, and for us, it’s the best way to enjoy the game.

Looking past the strong performance, Marvel’s Midnight Suns carries fantastic gameplay mechanics and an engaging story that diverts from the typically wide appeal of other Marvel media. You’ll spend time with characters you never knew existed or at least haven’t been featured in a game for years, and enjoy every moment of it.

Read our 9/10 Marvel’s Midnight Suns review for more.

Do you have a great bunch of games already installed? Pivot your attention to our best Steam Deck accessories list and help Valve’s handheld hardware reach its full potential.