Best Steam Deck games 2024

What are the best Steam Deck games? As competition heats up within the handheld market, Valve’s Steam Deck still reigns supreme, with an almost incomprehensible number of compatible games. You might be surprised at just how many of the 15,000+ compatible games already sit in your Steam library.

Whether you’re rocking the original Steam Deck or the Steam Deck OLED, we’re confident you own the best handheld gaming PC on the market, despite powerful devices like the Asus ROG ally X making up significant ground recently.

Steam games don’t necessarily require Valve’s coveted approval to be playable, with plenty of big games working on the handheld after some simple tinkering with the graphical settings, Horizon Forbidden West and Ghost of Tsushima being the most prominent examples of this. 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.

The best Steam Deck games are:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

21. Helldivers 2

Released: February 8, 2024 | Developer: Arrowhead | Size: 75GB

While its first few weeks were rough when it came to Deck compatibility, Helldivers 2 received multiple updates that have now made it a great game to play on the portable.

It now holds a playable rating, with the only marks against it being that you’ll need to tweak the graphics settings and some text can appear small on screen. All in all, these are minor issues, and spreading democracy is a lot of fun on Steam Deck.

Check out our Helldivers 2 Steam Deck guide for advice on the best settings to use.

22. War Thunder

Released: November 1, 2012 | Developer: Gaijin Entertainment | Size: Up to 95GB

It makes sense for many of Steam’s best free games to try and secure Deck compatibility, and of those we’ve played and tested, War Thunder is easily one of the better games to play on a handheld.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re fighting over land, sea, or in the air, performance is always solid and War Thunder has earned its verified rating with ease.

For more, check out our War Thunder Steam Deck compatibility guide.

23. Hades 2

Released: May 6, 2024 (early access) | Developer: Supergiant Games | Size: 10GB

The best Steam Deck games are those that work from the moment you boot the game, to the moment you switch off. Hades 2 is the premier example of this. No settings tweaks are needed, just hit play and enjoy.

It also helps that this roguelike sequel is just a fantastic game to play, but Supergiant made sure handheld performance was taken care of from launch, and it’s so easy for the Steam Deck to handle that you can get over six hours of play from a fully charged battery.

Read our Hades 2 review for more.

24. Balatro

Released: February 20, 2024 | Developer: LocalThunk | Size: 62.68MB

Who would have thought a poker-inspired roguelike would have blown up the way Balatro did? This game came from nowhere and is a shining example of why indie developers are so important to the industry. No major publisher would have sanctioned such a game, but the industry is so much better off with games like Balatro being released so regularly on Steam.

As for its Steam Deck performance, Balatro feels like a game made for Valve’s handheld, and thanks to its non-taxing graphical nature, you can play for hours and hours without needing to charge your Deck.

25. Ghost of Tsushima

Released: May 16, 2024 | Developer: Sucker Punch | Size: 52.07GB

This might be a slightly controversial inclusion, but Ghost of Tsushima is truly and incredible game to play on a Steam Deck. It’s currently rated as Unsupported, but with the caveat that this is only because the Legends co-op mode is not playable.

Outside of this, Ghost of Tsushima runs incredibly well on Steam Deck, often achieving averages of around 50fps on medium-low settings. The story is fantastic and the open-world is well with exploring. This all makes for a game that is unmissable on Valve’s handheld.

Read our Ghost of Tsushima review for more.

26. Multiversus

Released: May 28, 2024 | Developer: Player First Games | Size: 11.4GB

This free-to-play Smash Bros-esque brawler has made the most of its second launch and is still a fantastic game to play on Valve’s handheld. It runs without issue or need to adjust settings and you’re guaranteed to get a solid 60fps with minimal drops detected even during hectic on-screen action.

While the game may have changed quite a bit since the initial beta, the core mechanics are still very much in place, with added single-player content available if you’re not keen on the idea of testing your skills against other players online. You’ll need to keep an eye on the Multiversus servers though, as they’re still crucial to single-player action.

27. Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth

Released: Jan 25, 2024 | Developer: Ryu Ga Gotoku | Size: 82GB

Developer Ryu Ga Gotoku is synonymous with ensuring its games run incredibly on Steam Deck, and this latest adventure following Ichiban Kasuga is no different.

From start to finish, this engrossing JRPG runs at a stable 40-60 fps depending on the settings you use. It allows you to sit back and just enjoy the story. The Steam Deck is my go-to console for Like A Dragon and Yakuza games now because of how well they pair up. Long may this continue!

Read our Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth review for more.

28. No Man’s Sky

Released: Aug 12, 2016 | Developer: Hello Games | Size: 14.1GB

It’s been a turbulent eight years for No Man’s Sky, but the game finally seems to have settled in a sweet spot where most players agree it finally lives up the the initial hype.

As a chilled-out and casual space exploration game, it’s a perfect fit for the Steam Deck, not to mention it has a tiny storage footprint, especially in comparison to some of the games on this list.

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. We’ve also got a list of the best laptop games to play right now, if you’re looking for other ways to play on the go.