Games
The Blix team made this list—a crew that values and knows what Steam has brought to us. For instance, look at our "Best Story Games on Steam" or "Best Steam Racing Games" lists.
However, not all games adapt equally well to its compact design and hardware. When evaluating games for the Steam Deck, we considered three primary parameters: Adaptability (to Steam Deck), Performance, and Ease of Play.
Highlights
- Top-10 games of 2024 for Steam Deck
- Our rank of the game's adaptability and performance on Steam Deck with further explanation
Best Steam Deck Games List
- Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
- Deep Rock Galactic: Survivor
- Diablo IV
- Hades 2
- Helldivers 2
- Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth
- Persona 3 Reload
- Norland
- Cat Quest 3
- Ghost of Tsushima
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
Adaptability: 8/10
Performance: 9/10
Ease of Play: 8/10
The Steam Deck runs smoothly, with fast loading times and stable frame rates. The controls are adaptable for handheld play, but the complex platforming, running, and jumping can be tricky on the small screen. However, the vibrant art style and fluid animations remain open for Steam Deck players.
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown - Steam Deck Gameplay
Release Date: August 8, 2024
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is the return of the well-known series: fast action and beautiful surroundings. Players will get parkour, combat, and puzzles - fans and new players will be happy!
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown : r/SteamDeck - Reddit
Deep Rock Galactic: Survivor
Deep Rock Galactic: Survivor
Adaptability: 9/10
Performance: 8/10
Ease of Play: 9/10
The game adapts excellently to the Steam Deck. It uses intuitive controls that translate well to the handheld format. Performance is solid, though there are occasional dips during intense action sequences: the simplified visuals and focused gameplay made for a smooth experience. Clear objectives and interesting mechanics make it easy to pick up and enjoy on the go.
Deep Rock Galactic: Survivor | Steam Deck
Release Date: February 14, 2024
Deep Rock Galactic: Survivor grants a new roguelike experience for the popular co-op mining shooter. Players battle aliens, manage limited resources, and explore randomly generated caves.
Deep Rock Galactic Survivor is pretty good : r/SteamDeck
Diablo IV
Diablo IV
Adaptability: 7/10
Performance: 7/10
Ease of Play: 6/10
Diablo IV is well-suited for the Steam Deck. It has user-friendly controls and smooth gameplay. Yes, there are occasional performance lags during intense action. But the game's simplicity and engaging mechanics make it easy to enjoy on the go.
Diablo 4 Steam Deck Best Settings - OLED and LCD Gameplay
Release Date: October 17, 2023
Diablo IV returns the action RPG to its dark roots. Once again, there is a large world, evil enemies, and valuable loot. The intense atmosphere and extensive customization choices are also present.
Diablo 4 performance : r/SteamDeck - Reddit
Hades II
Hades II
Adaptability: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Ease of Play: 9/10
Hades II is a near-perfect match for the Steam Deck. Controls and interfaces are made designed with the initial aim of responsiveness. Performance is excellent, with fluid animations and no noticeable lag. The bright, clear visuals and straightforward UI make it easy to play on a smaller screen. It holds Hades II one of the best games to take on the go.
Hades 2 On The Steam Deck Is Awesome! OLED & Docked
Release Date: December 15, 2023 (Early Access)
Hades II builds on the successful roguelike game style of the first part. Now - new characters, weapons, and challenges. The game is fast-paced and story-driven - to keep players engaged for hours.
Hades has overtaken Hades II on Steam Deck charts - Reddit
Helldivers 2
Helldivers 2
Adaptability: 8/10
Performance: 7/10
Ease of Play: 7/10
The game is adaptable to the Steam Deck's controls, but its complexity and tactical nature can be challenging on a smaller screen. Performance is decent, but some players may experience frame rate dips during heavy action. The detailed HUD slightly hinders ease of play, but it's an exciting and rewarding experience for cooperative gameplay fans.
Helldivers 2 on the Steam Deck is Great
Release Date: February 8, 2024
Helldivers 2 is an intense co-op shooter that emphasizes teamwork and tactical gameplay. Players must work together to complete missions and fend off alien threats, using various weapons and abilities.
HellDivers 2 Performance on Steam Deck? - Reddit
Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth
Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth
Adaptability: 7/10
Performance: 7/10
Ease of Play: 6/10
The game has complex controls and detailed UI, making adapting to the Steam Deck challenging. Performance is decent, but there are minor slowdowns, especially during cutscenes. The smaller screen can make reading text and navigating menus easier. The franchise's fans will find it captivating. Despite these challenges, the game has intricate storytelling and immersive gameplay.
Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth - Steam Deck Gameplay
Release Date: January 25, 2024
The most recent installment in the Yakuza franchise, Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth, combines action, drama, and humor. Gamers can experience a vibrant, detailed world with side activities and story-based missions.
Like a Dragon Infinite Wealth Graphics Settings for Steam Deck
Persona 3 Reload
Persona 3 Reload
Adaptability: 9/10
Performance: 8/10
Ease of Play: 9/10
Persona 3 Reload adapts well to the Steam Deck. It has a natural control scheme and smooth performance, but occasional graphical lags happen. Stylized graphics and a simple interface make playing on a smaller screen easy. A mix of turn-based combat and social simulation elements makes it engaging for shorter or longer gaming sessions.
Persona 3 RELOAD - Steam Deck OLED Gameplay
Release Date: February 2, 2024
Persona 3 Reload is a new version of the classic JRPG with updated graphics and gameplay improvements. Players balance daily life in the game with fighting shadows in a strange tower.
Glad to say persona 3 reload runs smoothly at 60 fps on Steam...
Norland
Norland
Adaptability: 8/10
Performance: 7/10
Ease of Play: 8/10
Norland works well on the Steam Deck in handheld mode. It has solid performance and intuitive controls. Its simple visual style maintains ease of play, yet complex simulations may occasionally cause slowdowns. Overall, it's a satisfying title for strategy lovers.
Norland - Steam Deck
Release Date: July 18, 2024
Norland is a game in which you manage a medieval kingdom. You must balance your people's needs with political intrigue and manage resources. The game's realistic simulation makes it a challenging but satisfying experience.
Norland is a new favorite : r/SteamDeck - Reddit
Cat Quest 3
Cat Quest 3
Adaptability: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Ease of Play: 10/10
This game is perfect for the Steam Deck. With simple controls, excellent performance, and colorful graphics, it's ideal for players who enjoy accessible, fun, and engaging RPGs.
Cat Quest III: Steam Deck Gameplay
Release Date: August 8, 2023
Cat Quest 3 is a delightful action RPG about the adventures of the heroic cat. The game's colorful, open world and ease of play make it great for casual gaming.
Cat Quest III is Verified! : r/decknewsunofficial - Reddit
Ghost of Tsushima
Ghost of Tsushima
Adaptability: 6/10
Performance: 7/10
Ease of Play: 6/10
Ghost of Tsushima is visually demanding, so the Steam Deck is encumbered with occasional frame drops. Complex controls and a complicated interface also make adapting to the handheld device challenging. The game's combat system and dense HUD can. However, it remains an epic and rewarding adventure for those willing to adjust.
Ghost of Tsushima Steam Deck Gameplay & Best Settings
Release Date: May 16, 2024 (Director's Cut)
Ghost of Tsushima is an enormous open-world game set in old Japan. It has excellent graphics and fun fighting.
Steam Deck Optimized Settings : r/ghostoftsushima - Reddit
Summary
The Steam Deck has several great games, including Hades, Slay the Spire, Hollow Knight, Stardew Valley, and Celeste. These games offer top-notch performance and are must-haves for Steam Deck owners.
