Dive into our colossal list of the best Steam Deck games to make the most of Valve’s handheld in 2023. The list below contains the best indie games and the most recent AAA titles perfect for the Deck.
Valve’s handheld continues to expand its domain in the gaming landscape. Since its debut in 2021, it has received many updates for a much better experience.
And thanks to the flexibility of its OS, tinkerers went above and beyond with this hefty handheld as well.
But if you are a simple gamer wanting to conquer their backlog and make the most of the device, try the best Steam Deck games below.
The list contains games ranging from the PlayStation 3/Xbox 360 era’s classics to this year’s most beloved indie titles. The games below almost feel like they are exclusively developed for Steam Deck.
Without further ado, let’s jump into the perfect games for your trips with Valve’s absolute unit of a gaming handheld.
What are the best games on Steam Deck?
The comically hefty handheld has one of the largest gaming arsenal among consoles. It boasts the ever-growing library of Valve’s storefront. The handheld PC also increases its roster each day as more games get Deck Verified.
32. Project Warlock
Battery Life: 4 hours
Status: Verified
Project Warlock is the ultimate reincarnation of the old-school FPS games. It draws heavy inspiration from Hexen, Doom, and Wolfenstein as well.
The 90s-style shooter also comes with 60 challenging levels filled with all kinds of pixelated creatures. This isn’t your everyday shooter with an old-school twist, though. That’s because Project Warlock offers a wide arsenal of 38 weapons, 12 perks, and eight explosive spells.
If you want to scratch that shooter itch, Project Warlock is one of the best Steam Deck games that will keep you busy. Its easy-to-adapt control schematic works just fine with Steam Deck, too.
31. Observer System Reduzx
Battery Life: 2 hours
Status: Playable
Observer: System Redux is a highly claustrophobic game set in a dark tenement building. Developed by the Polish studio Bloober Team, the cyberpunk thriller puts you in the shoes of a futuristic cyber detective, played by the Blade Runner actor Rutger Hauer himself.
While it might be a demanding game for Valve’s handheld, Observer is a brilliant game filled with thrilling moments and intriguing side quests. Its enigmatic journey keeps you on the edge of your seat and boasts stellar voice acting by talented actors.
It is one of the best Steam Deck games you can play right now. Indeed, it tends to drain the Deck’s battery a bit faster than other games on this list. But Bloober Team’s expertise in cinematic narrative shows itself in Observer, making it a worthy title for your Steam Deck backlog.
30. Bright Memory: Infinite
Battery Life: 1,5 hours
Status: Deck Verified
Bright Memory: Infinite is one of the best FPS games on Steam Deck. Made by a solo developer, this relatively brief game offers an extremely fluid combat that just delivers at every level.
The fast-paced FPS also has brilliant graphics that top even the most ambitious AAA titles in recent memory.
And to think that it was all made by a one-person development studio, Bright Memory: Infinite is definitely a unique game that is well worth your time and your hard-earned cash.
Despite its rather short gameplay length, the action-packed shooter will keep you on the edge of your seat or your bed – since that’s the case with a handheld gaming device.
On the other hand, it does come with quite ambitious graphics. That’s why you probably won’t get to play it for more than 1.5 hours. But that’s still acceptable, considering the game’s visuals.
29. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
Battery Life: 2 hours
Status: Playable
One of the best things about Steam Deck is that it allows us to take the cult classics like The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion with us wherever we go.
Bethesda’s critically acclaimed TES: IV Oblivion is one of the greatest of the RPG genre. Even though it has been more than 15 years, this RPG classic still allows you to escape reality and find yourself in Cyrodiil’s green pastures.
And despite being a 15-year-old game, the RPG classic runs surprisingly well on the Deck after a series of small adjustments. While it might be frustrating to tweak its default control settings for a better experience, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion will be a delight to play on the Deck once you’re all set up.
Wandering around the green bliss that is Cyrodiil while commuting was a dream in the past. It is now a reality.
28. Disco Elysium
Battery Life: 4 hours at 40 FPS
Status: Deck Verified
Disco Elysium is a unique, narrative-driven RPG that bagged a myriad of awards since its debut. Despite being a critically acclaimed role-playing game, it comes with quite uncommon gameplay mechanics that might seem unappealing even to the veterans of the genre.
But beyond its massive walls of text and relatively slow gameplay, Disco Elysium offers an unforgettable experience through a wonderfully written story. It gets even better when you dive into the bleak world of the game on Valve’s gaming beast.
Indeed, the Disco Elysium experience on the Deck wasn’t that great at first due to some performance issues. That has changed, though, as the title is now Deck Verified and runs beautifully on the device out of the box. If you limit the FPS to 40, you can even increase the battery life to four hours.
27. Stray
Battery Life: 1 hour 20 minutes
Status: Deck Verified
Stray was an instant hit when it launched in July 2022, thanks to its lovely protagonist, an orange cat. It is still a massive success for its developer, with over a hundred thousand positive reviews on Steam.
At Stray’s core, a therapeutic experience unravels through platforming and puzzle-solving elements. While it might not be the best adventure game out there, Stray is a lovely indie game worth your time.
And it is incredibly fun to play on Steam Deck thanks to perfect controls that just feel intuitive. The game also has the Deck Verified status, meaning it runs flawlessly on the device without any control adjustments.
You can just dive into this cyberpunk cat adventure without tinkering for better performance. You might want to make some optimizations for better battery performance, though. While it is a delightful game to play on a handheld, it can be a bit heavy on the device’s battery.
26. Atomic Heart
Battery Life: 2.5 hours
Status: Deck Verified
Atomic Heart takes you on a visceral journey set in a psychedelic Soviet utopia. Designed with BioShock inspirations in mind, this explosive FPS offers brutal gameplay featuring a large arsenal of weaponry and gravity-bending superpowers.
From creative melee weapons to a speaking glove, Atomic Heart is filled with bizarre depictions and intriguing characters. It will keep you invested in its beautifully crafted Soviet utopia.
If you ever wondered how the world would be if the Soviets achieved technological marvels, Atomic Heart is the ultimate answer. The fact that it runs perfectly on the Deck is also quite surprising.
Despite its lackluster open world, Atomic Heart is among the top Steam Deck games you should jump into.
25. Samurai Jack: Battle Through Time
Battery Life: 3 hours at 60 FPS
Status: Deck Verified
Samurai Jack tells the tale of an avenging samurai adamant about taking down the evil deity called Aku. His journey through time and space has made millions of fans around the world in the past. For many, it embodies lovely memories from their childhood, too.
Samurai Jack: Battle Through Time is a wonderful ode to those very memories. As a solid hack-and-slash game, it allows us to take the role of Jack himself.
It also takes us to familiar places and offers a lovely fan service with iconic characters like the Scotsman and Aku’s daughters.
Battle Through Time isn’t very heavy on the battery life provided you optimize by reducing brightness and turning off Bluetooth.
24. Titanfall 2
Battery Life: 2.5 hours at 60 FPS
Status: Playable
Titanfall 2 boasts one of the most impressive and brilliant narratives among FPS games in the last decade. The sequel to Respawn’s first exo-suit action game offers a solid blend of gunplay and an impressive storyline.
Titanfall 2’s formula of mech combat and fluid parkour mechanics still delivers in 2023. The fast-paced FPS also has a pretty decent story that keeps you hooked throughout the gameplay.
And its strong suit, the multiplayer, is still active once you get into an official server.
You’ll definitely love playing Titanfall 2 on Steam Deck for all these reasons and many more. While the game has not been Deck Verified yet, it has a Playable and Gold rating on Proton Database. This only means that you might have to invoke the Deck’s keyboard sometimes, though. So, no biggie.
23. Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance
Battery Life: 4 hours at 60 FPS
Status: Deck Verified
The best games on Steam Deck are the ones that made us all fans during the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 era. Since Valve’s handheld is a beast when it comes to technical specs, these games run buttery smooth on the device.
And one of the most prominent examples of that era is Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance. This hack-and-slash installment in the Metal Gear franchise has an Overwhelmingly Positive rating on Steam. And it rightfully bears that title thanks to its unforgettable story and masterful combat mechanics.
Moreover, this Deck Verified action-adventure title runs completely stable on the Deck. Even with 60 FPS, you’ll get to focus on Raiden’s story for a good couple of hours. It runs just fine out of the box and is not heavy on the battery life.
22. Cloudpunk
Battery Life: 2 hours
Status: Deck Verified
Cloudpunk tells a captivating story of Rania, a newcomer to the stunning cyberpunk city of Nivalis. Her task is to fly around in her vehicle and deliver shady cargo parcels.
In the process, she has to decide if she wants to unravel the strange nature of her new job. But she can also go straightforward without sticking her nose into anything.
As Rania, you have to decide what to do. That said, you’ll only have an hour and a half to decide. That’s because the captivating 3D pixel art world of Cloudpunk can be pretty heavy on your Deck’s battery.
But still, this immersive cyberpunk cargo delivery game is definitely worth your time. It also has a Gold rating Deck Verified status on Proton Database.
Provided that you limit the FPS and optimize the battery usage, Cloudpunk becomes one of the best Steam Deck games for those looking for an enigmatic journey.
21. Remember Me
Battery Life: 3 hours
Status: Playable
Remember Me is another solid action-adventure game with a Playable rating on Valve’s storefront. It is definitely one of the most underrated games of the genre, too.
Remember Me takes you to Neo-Paris, a cyberpunk utopia on the brink of transforming into a dystopia. Alongside its great world design, Remember Me has unique combat mechanics where you must overcome a rather steep learning curve.
With its rhythmic combat and vibrant visuals, this packed cyberpunk adventure game will keep you invested for several hours. Its vivid depiction of a futuristic Paris is quite intriguing as well.
The memory-bonding mechanics and engaging boss fights make Remember Me a worthy game for your Steam Deck backlog.
20. Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun
Battery Life: 3 hours
Status: Deck Verified
Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun is a smash-hit old-school shooter that runs perfectly on the Deck. Allowing you to become a Space Marine, this fantastic entry from Auroch Digital is one of the best games to take with you on your trips.
It is also one of the top Warhammer 40,000 games in recent years. After a miasma of turn-based strategy games, it is time we bash some skulls and exterminate some xenos in the 41st millennium.
Fortunately, Warhammer 40,000 lets us do just that on the Deck without any issues. In the fashion of the 90’s style retro shooters, Boltgun will keep you satisfied for 3 hours on a single charge.
It is worth noting to launch the game with the “-d3d12” launch options for a more stable experience, though.
19. Vanquish
Battery Life: 2.5 hours
Status: Deck Verified
Vanquish is one of the most underrated TPS games of the seventh generation of video game consoles. Although it was released more than a decade ago, it still holds up well in terms of visuals and gameplay.
For many, it is simply a masterpiece that didn’t receive its deserved appreciation. Helmed by the celebrated Resident Evil director Shinji Mikami, Vanquish is an incredibly well-made shooter that truly shines on the Deck.
That’s why it rightfully earns its place among the top Steam Deck games you can play right now.
18. Castlevania: Lords of Shadow
Battery Life: 2.5 hours
Status: Deck Verified
Castlevania: Lords of Shadow is another great game best played on the Deck.
Reimagining the original Castlevania will take you to a dark fantasy world. Its blend of gothic action and God of War-style gameplay formula goes exceptionally well with the Steam Deck, too.
The 2013 game also looks glorious while giving you at least 2.5 hours of gameplay on a full charge.
17. Euro Truck Simulator 2
Battery Life: 2.5 hours
Status: Deck Verified
Euro Truck Simulator 2 is another Steam Deck banger that will keep you quite busy throughout the year. This simulation classic runs perfectly out of the box and offers a playtime of 2.5 hours.
The developers of the long-running simulator introduced a series of optimizations for Steam Deck, too.
Without any configurations, you’ll get a solid experience driving your 18-wheeler on the buttery smooth roads of Europe. And when you consider the DLCs, Euro Truck Simulator 2 might just become your Deck favorite.
16. Dredge
Battery Life: 3 hours
Status: Deck Verified
As one of the most anticipated indie games of 2023, Dredge is a brilliant fishing-themed adventure game with a sinister twist. With a rather humble fishing boat, your task is to sell your catch and upgrade your boat to brave the Lovecraftian horrors of the sea.
With an overwhelmingly positive rating on Steam, Dredge has successfully created a loyal player base that adores its twisted and tightly-packed gameplay. And thanks to its right dose of horror and thriller, Dredge is definitely an essential Steam Deck game.
In addition, the hit indie game never goes below 60 FPS and offers a playtime of 3 hours.
15. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Battery Life: 2 hours
Status: Deck Verified
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is still the rockstar of action-adventure games with great RPG elements. Undoubtedly, CD Projekt Red’s magnum opus imprinted its name on gaming history.
And now, it runs perfectly on Steam Deck with its expansions and enhanced visuals. It also received Deck Verified status soon after the next-gen update, meaning it offers a stable experience on the device even with updated visuals.
That being said, handheld consoles tend to offer a short gameplay time when you jump into ambitious AAA titles.
This, of course, applies to The Witcher 3, especially after the next-gen visual update. But still, roaming around the mesmerizing Toussaint while commuting is just amazing.
14. Death’s Door
Battery Life: 3 hours at 60 FPS
Status: Deck Verified
Death’s Door allows you to take the role of a Crow, whose task is to reap the souls for a boring commission of the afterlife.
As a brilliant isometric action game, Death’s Door weaves epic boss fights and soul-inspired gameplay into its outstanding world design. It also comes with a delightful combat system that delivers throughout the game. It is definitely a charmer for Steam Deck owners for many reasons, too.
Before anything, Death’s Door runs flawlessly on the Deck out of the box. Moreover, you’re guaranteed to get 3 hours of gameplay locked at 60 FPS.
That’s not all with this solid top-down souls-like, though. Alongside the excellent battery performance, you can even squeeze out 4 hours of gameplay at 40 FPS.
With some more tinkering, Death’s Door becomes one of the best Steam Deck games for your trips and vacations.
13. Dave the Diver
Battery Life: 3 hours
Status: Deck Verified
Mintrocket’s immensely successful Dave the Diver dominated Steam and now has an Overwhelmingly Positive on the platform. The game comes with a highly addictive gameplay loop that keeps you always invested.
As one of the best indie games of this year, Dave the Diver allows players to take the role of a diving enthusiast called Dave. As a brave diver, your task is to explore the deepest pits of the ocean to catch the best fish and sell them at your sushi restaurant later on.
That’s not all with this superb indie game, though. Developer Mintrocket has incorporated at least five different small games into Dave the Diver, which gradually unlocks at different parts of the game to keep the loop fresh.
It is simply one of the best Steam Deck games, as it houses many elements across multiple game genres. It includes casual combat, store management, challenging minigames, side quests, various storylines, and more!
12. Hollow Knight
Battery Life: 5 hours
Status: Deck Verified
Hollow Knight is one of the most successful indie games of the last decade. Boasting over 250,000 reviews on Steam, this gloriously delivers the ultimate blend of Metroidvania and souls-like action.
Tens of thousands of players also adore it with its incredible soundtrack, smooth animation, and fluid gameplay. If you still have it waiting on your backlog, your Steam Deck might be the best platform to jump into it right now.
After you conclude your first playthrough, Hollow Knight will have you made a solid fan, desperately waiting for the sequel, Hollow Knight: Silksong, to come out.
While there is no word on the sequel’s release date, we know that playing the predecessor on Steam Deck is nothing but pure joy. It runs perfectly on the handheld while offering 5+ hours of battery life.
11. Valfaris
Battery Life: 3 hours
Status: Deck Verified
Valfaris checks all the right boxes as a 2D action platformer. The game comes with a rocking heavy metal OST that keeps blazing throughout. It also features numerous weapons, tons of challenging bosses, and difficult arcade-inspired levels.
Developed by Steel Mantis, Valfaris received thousands of positive reviews thanks to its difficult but fair gameplay. Its enthralling boss fights and intense heavy-metal soundtrack will keep you invested for a solid 10 hours.
Valfaris isn’t heavy on your Deck’s battery life, thanks to its modest visuals. You can squeeze out a good 4 hours if you reduce the screen brightness and turn off Bluetooth.
10. Half-Life 2
Battery Life: 4.5 hours at 60 FPS
Status: Deck Verified
Experiencing one of Valve’s most acclaimed works on Valve’s acclaimed handheld? That’s a really good idea.
Those who somehow have never played Half-Life 2 will have a blast playing it on Steam Deck.
Naturally, the functionality is completely accessible when using the default controller schematics. The game also shows the Deck’s controller icons, making it feel like a Steam Deck exclusive.
You can assume the role of Gordon Freeman once again on Valve’s incredibly successful handheld. It is even possible to get a good 4 hours of gameplay!
9. Dark Souls Trilogy
- Battery Life: 2 hours 46 minutes (Dark Souls) – Playable
- Battery Life: 2 hours 51 minutes (Dark Souls II) – Deck Verified
- Battery Life: 1 hour 50 minutes (Dark Souls III) – Deck Verified
FromSoftware’s critically acclaimed trilogy are some of the best games on Steam Deck. This incredible trio of brilliant games runs like a dream on it.
Make no mistake, they don’t get any easier with the Deck’s control layout. And a smaller screen doesn’t make playing these games less stressful as well. That said, they run perfectly on Valve’s beast, hitting 60 FPS on medium graphics.
It is worth noting that Dark Souls 3 doesn’t run as stable as its predecessors due to its power-hungry visuals. But it is still highly playable, thanks to the Deck’s impressive specs.
8. Dragon’s Dogma
Battery Life: 2 hours
Status: Deck Verified
Dragon’s Dogma is one of the most unique and captivating RPG games. Its depiction of a dark fantasy world and distinctive combat mechanics made RPG enthusiasts fall in love with it.
As one of CAPCOM’s greatest hits, it also received positive reviews thanks to its vast open world of Gransys, challenging dungeons, and interesting pawn system. For all these reasons and more, the developer announced that a sequel is in the works.
With the new game underway, RPG fans should get their hands on Dragon’s Dogma on Steam Deck. It runs exceptionally well on the device without any issues. You can even install mods that improve the game’s quality of life without much tinkering.
As an RPG classic, Dragon’s Dogma is easily one of the best Steam Deck games in 2023.
7. Fallout 4
Battery Life: 2 hours 40 minutes
Status: Playable
Steam lists Fallout 4 as one of the most-played games on Steam Deck. And that’s only natural, considering this amazing post-nuclear RPG’s sheer amount of content.
Fallout 4 is the last single-player mainline entry in the Fallout series, and it takes us to the nuclear wasteland of Boston. While Fallout 4 puts us in the shoes of a parent searching for their baby, it also offers a plethora of chances to become literally anyone else.
Turn into a Knight of Brotherhood of Steel or establish settlements across Wasteland to lead the once-proud Minutemen. Fallout 4 is still the whole package eight years after its launch. And it runs like a dream on Steam Deck, too.
Other than invoking the keyboard at certain times, you’ll have no difficulties with accessibility. That’s why Fallout 4 is easily one of the best games on the Deck.
6. Dead Cells
Battery Life: 6 hours
Status: Deck Verified
In an alternative world, Dead Cells is a Steam Deck exclusive. This fantastic roguelike runs perfectly on the device thanks to its extremely smooth controls. But what’s really great about it is its jaw-dropping battery life.
Playing Dead Cells on the Deck for 6.5 hours is possible locked at 60 FPS. Yes, you read that right.
With that battery performance, it is simply the ultimate game that perfectly matches your Steam Deck trips. Its bulletproof core gameplay loop will keep you invested for hundreds of hours. And with its winning battery usage, you probably won’t stop playing Dead Cells, like ever.
5. Hades
Battery Life: 4 hours at 60 FPS
Status: Deck Verified
What’s better than playing the Game of the Year award winner of 2020 on Valve’s handheld?
Even if it made its debut two years before Deck’s debut, Hades is easily one of the best Steam Deck games you can play right now.
If you somehow missed it or put it in your backlog, it is time to lead Zagreus in this incredible roguelike on the Deck.
Moreover, Hades allows you to delve into some real dungeon action in the Underworld for four whopping hours at 60 FPS.
The graphics of the award-winning title are not only stunning, but they are also not heavy on the device’s battery.
4. Vampire Survivors
Battery Life: 3 hours
Status: Deck Verified
Vampire Survivors is conquering the indie gaming with its extremely addicting gameplay and quite humble graphics. The brilliant game is also one of the most played titles on Valve’s storefront.
There is a lot to unravel about Vampire Survivors’ immense success. It is also mind-puzzling how a game can be this addictive. But you probably won’t think about those as you battle against hordes of pixelated bats and vampires in utter chaos.
What’s also great about Vampire Survivors is its perfect gameplay experience on Steam Deck. Its low system requirements allow you to squeeze out nearly 4 hours of gameplay.
In addition to the great battery performance, Vampire Survivors also runs at a stable 60 FPS.
3. Resident Evil 4 Remake
Battery Life: 1 hour 30 minutes
Status: Deck Verified
The Japanese game giant Capcom set a solid foothold in the gaming landscape with a series of great hits in 2023. And, of course, their success started with the debut of the masterful remake of Resident Evil 2.
Undoubtedly, it was a clear success for the gaming conglomerate. That’s why they created an even better remake of the cult classic Resident Evil 4.
The remake received critical acclaim and became one of the best remakes in gaming history. In addition to its colossal success, it also became an instant hit for Steam Deck owners.
Even though it boasts realistic graphics in an immersive atmosphere, it actually performs well on the Deck, provided that you make the necessary changes.
After optimizing the game’s graphics and running it on 30 FPS, RE4 Remake is definitely a great Steam Deck game. You won’t get a fully smooth experience right out of the box. But considering that it is a massive AAA title, we’re grateful to see Leon’s stunning hair on the Deck’s screen.
2. Stardew Valley
Battery Life: 6 hours
Status: Deck Verified
Oh, Stardew Valley…one of the most relaxing and time-consuming games ever created.
Stardew Valley is one of those games that will probably never stop playing. Made by a solo developer, this incredible indie has been one of the most-played titles for years. And we are sure that it will continue to preserve its position among the gaming classics.
Despite its almost non-existent system requirements, Stardew Valley packs a ton of content that will keep you invested for hundreds of hours. Thanks to its incredible battery performance, it is also one of the best Steam Deck games.
Even though it has a ton of content, this tiny game won’t make your Steam Deck sweat a bit. It is possible to get six hours of battery life if you make some tweaks.
In the worst-case scenario, you’ll get 5 hours of gameplay in the lovely Stardew Valley on the Deck.
1. Elden Ring
Battery Life: 2 hours
Status: Deck Verified
FromSoftware houses some of the most talented and visionary minds in the gaming industry. They have shown it numerous times in the past with multiple titles.
Moreover, they are also great at tailoring unique experiences for handheld consoles. They developed three brilliant Armored Core games for the PlayStation Portable. As mentioned above, the Souls trilogy offers a delightful experience on the Deck.
But both FromSoftware’s worldbuilding talents and Steam Deck’s beast-like specs truly shine when on Elden Ring. Valve’s handheld shows off a brilliant performance when running the studio’s latest title.
Even though you can’t get a stable 60 FPS, Elden Ring still runs great and offers a long-lasting performance.
The Lands Between doesn’t lose anything from its luster on Deck’s relatively smaller screen. We deem Elden Ring the best Steam Deck game for this and all the reasons above.
Wrapping Up
Thanks to Valve’s incredible work on it, Steam Deck has the largest gaming arsenal among its handheld counterparts. Its massive lineup encompasses thousands of games available on Valve’s storefront.
We also know that many developers are optimizing their games for the device. With more games getting the Deck Verified status each day, the best Steam Deck games are bound to increase their numbers in the future.
