Launching on February 25, 2022, the Steam Deck introduced Valve to the handheld gaming world. In 2023, Valve introduced the Steam Deck OLED, a version that provides a fairly substantial upgrade over the launch hardware. At the moment, the system comes in three variants: 256GB LCD, 512GB OLED, and 1TB OLED. These devices are intended to provide a portable option for PC gamers that balances performance and cost. The product has received a primarily positive reception, and the Steam Deck is nowadays fairly accessible.

Since the hardware's release, Valve has been gradually going through Steam's massive library to verify that a game is compatible with the Steam Deck. Any title that receives the company's seal of approval has passed all checks and should be a good experience on the portable system. Using Deck Verified as a criterion, let's take a look at the best games for the Steam Deck.

Updated April 8, 2024: 2024 has been a pretty great year for gaming, with each week producing a couple of noteworthy titles. Even though exceptions exist, most games nowadays launch directly on Steam, ensuring they are available to as many PC players as possible. As Valve does not guarantee that every major release will be Steam Deck Verified, owners of the portable system usually have to wait until they can try the game themselves to confirm its performance; however, launch-day verifications are steadily becoming more common. Even if not verified, a project might still be playable on the Steam Deck, so it is always worth checking a game's Steam profile.

Steam Decks can be reserved directly at Valve's store.

1 Baldur's Gate 3

Steam User Rating: 96%

Considering Baldur's Gate 3's full debut attracted a peak Steam player count of more than 800,000 users, it is safe to say that the game's stint in early access paid off. Due to the success of its Divinity series, Larian Studios is nowadays well-established as perhaps the greatest modern developer specializing in the tactical RPG genre, making the company the perfect pick to revisit one of the most decorated IPs in gaming history. Putting aside the spin-offs, Baldur's Gate's main projects are synonymous with excellence, so any new entry would be automatically compared to some of the best RPGs of all time. In the future, games in the genre will be compared to Baldur's Gate 3, which has set the bar so high that it might be the standard-bearer for decades.

Larian has crafted a dense RPG filled with humor, drama, and player-driven choices. Right out of the gate, the game hits a home run with its character creator, which not only offers impressive depth but also influences the gameplay and world. The party-based combat system is fairly slow-paced since it focuses on planning and strategy over action or reflexes, and battles can get brutal quickly. Anyone familiar with grid-based tactical RPGs should feel at home, but newcomers to the genre might need a few hours to adapt to its rhythm.

2 Dave The Diver

Steam User Rating: 97%

Great sushi requires a lot of hard work. Dave the Diver is a sim about running a restaurant. Also, Dave the Diver is an exploration game revolving around an ever-changing underwater paradise that is home to quite a few majestic and massive creatures. Basically, Dave the Diver wears a lot of hats, and they nearly all fit like a glove.

Mintrocket's project strikes a fun balance between open-ended dives into known but uncharted waters and a satisfying management game. Although they do not share all that much in common, these mechanics are complementary, with one side directly feeding into the other. Dave the Diver combines great gameplay with gorgeous visuals, a charming sense of humor, and a story that has more depth than meets the eye.

3 Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth

Steam User Rating: 91%

Sega's Yakuza/Like a Dragon franchise is widely compatible with the Steam Deck, with most of the entries being verified. The license's commitment to Valve's handheld was once again made evident when Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth ran well on the Deck at launch. By far the biggest (and longest) entry in the series, the 8th mainline entry is a tour-de-force that delivers quantity and quality. While the project garnered some criticism due to its DLC practices, there is no denying that the actual content is top-notch. Once again, Ichiban takes center stage as the protagonist, although this time he is accompanied by the returning Kazuma; more importantly, the story leaves Japan and heads to Hawaii, a change that makes the whole experience feel incredibly fresh.

Even if someone focuses solely on the game's main campaign, they are looking at about 50+ hours of gameplay, and that scenario is unlikely to transpire due to Infinite Wealth's fantastic substories and mini-games. The turn-based combat is not too far removed from Yakuza: Like a Dragon's system, but it is fine-tuned to create a more enjoyable and satisfying package. The same can be said for the Jobs systems, which adds plenty of build variety and customization options.

4 Balatro

Steam User Rating: 97%

Roguelikes are a dime-a-dozen, and deck-builders are not rare either. Consequently, a project that falls into both categories needs to be something special if it wants to stand out from a crowd that has produced plenty of great releases over the decades. Balatro deserves to sit alongside the likes of Slay the Spire as an example of a roguelike deck-builder done to absolute perfection. Inspired by Poker, LocalThunk's game presents a fantastic and accessible twist on the casino classic, delivering an experience that is immediately satisfying while also offering a gratifying sense of progression.

Split into Blinds and Antes, players must put together a round-winning hand, which generally means achieving one of Poker's standard lineups. The core gameplay is straightforward, but it is complemented by a plethora of special cards that enhance a player's hand. Whether talking about Jokers or Tarots, these cards significantly open up the possibilities, allowing for a massive array of potential loadouts. They transform would could have been a fun but short-lived game into something that is very replayable.

5 Hi-Fi Rush

Steam User Rating: 97%

Hi-Fi Rush came out of nowhere. Tango Gameworks' game was announced and released on the same day, and it is even available on Xbox Game Pass. As an added bonus, the hack and slash title is already Steam Deck verified, so owners of the handheld system can immediately jump into this project.

Boasting striking visual design and a stellar soundtrack, Hi-Fi Rush is a feast for the senses. Ultimately, high production value does not mean that much if the gameplay is not up-to-snuff, which is something that Tango clearly understands. Hi-Fi Rush rewards players who sync their movement to the beat, and this goes beyond providing a power boost in combat. Even exploration benefits from this synergy.

6 Persona 3 Reload

Steam User Rating: 97%

While the same cannot be said for every spin-off, all mainline Persona games on Steam are Deck Verified. Consequently, JRPG fans can pick from Persona 3 Portable, Persona 4 Golden, Persona 5 Royal, and the recently released Persona 3 Reload, all of which are brilliant projects in their own right. Now, everyone is likely to have a personal favorite, and many are likely to argue that P5R is the franchise's peak; however, P3R rejuvenates arguably the strongest story in Atlus' series by giving it a makeover reminiscent of its successors.

Telling a dark and mature story, Persona 3 was groundbreaking in 2006 since it introduced the social sim elements that would come to define the license moving forward. Although still enjoyable, the original title and its PSP version show their ages, and they needed and deserved an ambitious remake that caters to a modern audience. P3R is that game, and it is nothing short of a masterpiece.

7 Dying Light

Steam User Rating: 95%

Both Dying Light games are Steam Deck verified, and the sequel is a decent title in its own right. However, Techland's 2015 original is extra special since it leans a lot more into survival horror than its successor, which helps distinguish it from the many other open-world projects flooding the market.

Gameplay-wise, the franchise is predominantly known for its parkour, which is allowed to flourish thanks to a map that emphasizes verticality. The first-person combat is also intense, particularly during the nighttime. Dying Light is a prime contender for the best open-world zombie game of all time.

8 Cassette Beasts

Steam User Rating: 96%

As there is no way to officially play Pokemon on the Steam Deck, people looking to catch 'em all will need to check out some alternatives. In 2023, a new contender not only entered the monster-taming market but immediately cemented itself as a front-runner to become one of the subgenre's modern greats. While it takes a few notes from Game Freak's ludicrously successful franchise, Cassette Beasts has no trouble whatsoever establishing its own identity.

Washing up on an unfamiliar shore seemingly removed from reality, players learn they can transform into "beasts," which proves to be useful since this realm is overrun with creatures. Alongside a partner, players must explore the island while acquiring new monster forms, exploring a mystery involving Archangels, and occasionally fusing in the middle of a heated battle. Cassette Beasts has fantastic combat, music, visuals, and monster designs.

9 Cuphead

Steam User Rating: 96%

Inspired by classic cartoons, Cuphead has gorgeous visuals, tight controls, and many brilliantly designed bosses who yearn to make players suffer. The best Steam Deck games might be the ones that cater to shorter play sessions, and Cuphead is one such title.

Now, while the levels themselves are not extremely long, their high difficulty greatly expands their completion time, so they do require commitment. Also, try to resist the urge to fling the Steam Deck out of a window out of sheer frustration.

10 Neon White

Steam User Rating: 98%

A pleasant surprise, Neon White is specifically designed for speedrunning. The goal is to repeat stages in search of progressively quicker times, and while that might seem like a niche structure, the game's strong fundamentals give it wide appeal. Neon White builds its platforming and combat on a card-based system that forces the player to think on their feet, and executing a perfect run after memorizing the stage's layout is incredibly satisfying.

As stages do not last more than a few minutes, this is the perfect Steam Deck game for short bus rides or quick breaks. Admittedly, Neon White's addictive nature makes it difficult to put down once someone finds their rhythm, which might lead to some missed meetings.

11 The Outlast Trials

Steam User Rating: 93%

Anyone specifically looking for a single-player survival horror experience would be better served picking up Outlast or its direct sequel, two games that are playable but not perfect on the Steam Deck. While Deck Verified, The Outlast Trials is quite different from its predecessors. For one, the game supports and prioritizes co-op, and it handles this feature fairly well. The campaign tasks the captured players with escaping from an array of locations, with each section featuring multiple missions. Although not devoid of lore or story beats, The Outlast Trials is not story-driven, which can be disappointing for fans of the previous entries.

Despite all that, Red Barrels has still put together a fun and addictive survival horror package, one packed with terrifying monsters and impressive environments. While initially an early-access project, The Outlast Trials has now made its full debut.

12 Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade

Steam User Rating: 89%

As Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is currently a PS5 exclusive, PC players will have to settle for its predecessor. FF7 Remake got the ball rolling in Square Enix's modern revamp of its most iconic story, telling the first chapter in a trilogy that looks set to recontextualize, expand, and honor its 1997 ancestor. The Intergrade version contains the base game and the Intermission DLC that shines a spotlight on Yuffie, a beloved character who is a strong addition to the core cast.

Along with a major graphical upgrade, FF7 Remake utilizes a real-time combat system that also implements turn-based elements, finding a middle ground that works surprisingly well. With great action, beautiful visuals, and a strong story, this action JRPG is comfortably among the franchise's best efforts in a long time.

13 Elden Ring

Steam User Rating: 92%

Released very close to the Steam Deck's debut, Elden Ring was something of a test of the portable system's potential. Could Valve's platform handle a massive open-world game? Thankfully, the answer was yes.

Among the best games of 2022, Elden Ring implements the Dark Souls formula into a sandbox environment that generally allows players to go wherever they please. The Lands Between is stuffed with content, both compulsory and optional, and the base game can readily keep a player engaged for 100+ hours. Build variety, epic boss fights, PvP, and lore depth are just a couple of Elden Ring's strengths, and they are just the tip of the iceberg.

14 The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Steam User Rating: 96%

Valve worked with CD Projekt Red to optimize The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and Cyberpunk 2077 for the Steam Deck, ensuring that owners can take these ambitious RPGs on the go and have a blast in the process. The Witcher 3 set a benchmark for gaming in general, particularly when it comes to storytelling in side content.

Set in a beautifully crafted world that builds upon the lore of previous franchise releases while still delivering an accessible package for newcomers, The Witcher 3 is gripping, deep, and addictive. The combat system takes a bit of getting used to, but things do start to come together once the player grows familiar with Geralt's signs and tools.

15 Euro Truck Simulator 2

Steam User Rating: 97%

Celebrating more than a decade on the market, Euro Truck Simulator 2 has expanded by leaps and bounds since its debut. SCS Software's driving sim asks players to grow a hauling empire, a journey that comes with humble beginnings. After spending a couple of hours working for established businesses, drivers can venture out on their own and start companies, a decision that opens up a host of management options.

Euro Truck Simulator 2 is an oddly cathartic experience. When out on the open road, the rest of the (real) world has a tendency to disappear into the background. It is refreshing. SCS's sim is at its best with a gaming wheel and a large monitor, but the Steam Deck is also an option.

16 God Of War

Steam User Rating: 96%

A few years ago, it would have seemed ludicrous to imagine that Sony's newest God of War would not only be available on a portable system, but one specifically released by Valve. Changing things up significantly from previous entries in the series, 2018's God of War drops Kratos and his son, Atreus, in Nordic mythology, and the latter's deities are not particularly enamored by the Spartan's arrival.

The first entry in a new saga, the game finds Kratos going on a pilgrimage to pay respect to his deceased wife while trying to foster a stronger bond with his child. Opting for an over-the-shoulder camera, God of War features intense melee combat that offers a degree of customization via progression and loadout systems. The campaign is not just endless action either as there are plenty of stretches that shift the focus to puzzles or exploration.

17 Hades

Steam User Rating: 98%

Roguelite games are an acquired taste, but Hades is one of the more welcoming options out there for people who do not typically love this sub-genre. The basic gameplay loop is still there: players run through the same stages over and over again. However, in this game, death does not result in a full reset; in fact, the story develops naturally with each defeat, so there is a constant sense of progression.

Narratively, Hades follows Zagreus, the son of the titular god, as he attempts to leave the Underworld for Olympus. The journey is brutal and, more importantly, memorable.

18 Celeste

Steam User Rating: 97%

Hard-as-nails 2D indie platformers are not in short supply, and these games can start to blend together. However, Celeste will not be mistaken for any of its peers. A rare example of a story-driven entry in the genre, the 2018 title follows Madeline as she climbs a mountain that echoes her personal struggles. Consequently, the punishing gameplay complements the narrative being told, reflecting the protagonist's insecurities and trauma.

Putting the story to one side, Celeste's gameplay still holds up in a vacuum. The controls are tight and the levels are well-designed, and the game is a popular fixture of the speedrunning scene.

19 Vampire Survivors

Steam User Rating: 98%

Vampire Survivors has taken the world by storm since its launch. Split into stages, players lead a character through (bullet) hell as they power up along the way. On the surface, there is nothing about this setup that seems particularly unique, but the execution is always key in these instances.

Vampire Survivors is simply fun, and the diverse character and weapon builds provide more than enough depth to ensure that things remain interesting for multiple playthroughs.

20 Slay The Spire

Steam User Rating: 97%

Slay the Spire combines an array of genres to create a package with no true peers on Steam, which is saying something. The roguelike sets players on randomly generated paths as they work their way through a spire's levels, taking on enemies and bosses along the way. Before a run, players pick from a range of classes that each come with unique starting decks, and the cards contained within are used during battles.

After each win, players earn new cards that could be randomly drawn in future encounters, meaning there is a constant sense of progression. Slay the Spire is addictive, polished, and charming.