Top Must-Play Games on the Steam Deck: Our Picks for June 2023

Valve entered the handheld gaming market with the launch of the Steam Deck on February 25, 2022. With three variants available, the device offers a cost-effective portable option for PC gamers without compromising on performance. The product has garnered a mostly positive response and is gradually becoming more accessible to consumers. Valve has been working to ensure compatibility with the Steam Deck by verifying games in Steam's vast library. Any game that passes the company's checks and receives the "Deck Verified" seal of approval is expected to provide a quality experience on the portable system. With this criterion in mind, let's explore the top games for the Steam Deck.

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

Street Fighter 6

Hogwarts Legacy

Hogwarts Legacy has quickly become one of the most anticipated games of 2023, largely due to its immense popularity. Set a century before the events of the Harry Potter books and movies, the game offers players a chance to delve into a unique story within the Wizarding World. The open-world created by Avalanche is both opulent and intricate, providing players with immersive environments that truly capture the essence of the series.

Despite the announcement of a Nintendo Switch port, currently, the only option for playing Hogwarts Legacy on-the-go is through a Steam Deck or a laptop. In the past, projects like this were limited to home consoles or computers, however, Valve's portable system has effectively bridged the gap between these two sides of the gaming industry.

Hi-Fi Rush

Persona 5 Royal

Gone are the days when a PlayStation console was a must-have to enjoy Persona's mainline games. The latest addition to Atlus' franchise, a turn-based RPG, is now available on the Nintendo Switch, Xbox, and PC. This also means that Persona 5 Royal can be played on the Steam Deck, providing more than 100 hours of content that can keep players engaged for months. It's no wonder why this JRPG is so beloved among gamers.

The plot of P5R centers on the Phantom Thieves, a squad of young adults aiming to instigate societal reform by infiltrating the Palace of a corrupt individual, a manifestation of their negative qualities. The game is split into two distinct parts: social simulation and dungeon exploration. The latter incorporates classic turn-based combat, but with a chic aesthetic and an engaging creature-gathering component. Beyond the Palaces, players have the opportunity to socialize with their companions, dine out, and confront grown-ups who are ruining the planet. Additionally, the other Persona games have been Deck Verified.

Persona 3 Portable Persona 4 Golden

Dying Light

Cassette Beasts

For those hoping to catch Pokemon on their Steam Deck, official options are not available. However, there are other alternatives out there. One such option is Cassette Beasts, which entered the monster-taming market in April 2023 and quickly made a name for itself. While it draws inspiration from Game Freak's incredibly successful franchise, Cassette Beasts manages to carve out its own unique identity.

Players find themselves stranded on an unknown shore that seems to be detached from reality. However, they soon discover that they possess the power to transform into formidable beasts, a skill that proves to be highly useful in a world teeming with dangerous creatures. Along with a companion, players embark on a journey to explore the island, uncover the mystery surrounding Archangels, and acquire new monster forms. In the midst of intense battles, players have the option to fuse with their partner, adding a new layer of strategy to the game. Cassette Beasts boasts exceptional combat mechanics, captivating music, stunning visuals, and a variety of unique monster designs.

Cuphead

Neon White

Neon White is a game that has been designed with speedrunning in mind, providing players with a unique experience. By repeating stages and striving to achieve faster times, the game appeals to a wide audience. The platforming and combat mechanics are based on a card system, which requires players to think on their feet. Additionally, executing a perfect run after memorizing the stage layout is immensely gratifying.

Neon White is an ideal game for short commutes or brief intermissions since each stage only lasts a few minutes. However, the game's enthralling gameplay can make it challenging to tear oneself away, potentially resulting in missed appointments.

The Outlast Trials

Elden Ring

With the release of the Steam Deck, Elden Ring was used as a way to test the capabilities of the portable system. The question on everyone's mind was whether Valve's platform could handle a massive open-world game that was just released in 2022. Fortunately, the answer is a resounding yes!

Without a doubt, Elden Ring has emerged as one of the top games of 2022, making it highly likely that most Steam Deck users have already explored or are planning to explore the Lands Between. This enthralling experience boasts impressive visuals and offers decent performance that can be enjoyed by gamers on the go. With the Steam Deck, playing Elden Ring during a flight has become a reality, a feat that seemed unlikely before the platform's launch. Moreover, the Steam Deck's convenience and comfort surpass that of gaming laptops, especially in such situations. In addition to Elden Ring, other FromSoftware games are also Deck Verified.

Dark Souls 2: Scholar of the First Sin Dark Souls 3 Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice - GOTY Edition

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Valve has collaborated with CD Projekt Red to optimize The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and Cyberpunk 2077 for the Steam Deck, ensuring that players can enjoy these immersive RPGs on-the-go. The Witcher 3, in particular, has set a new standard for gaming with its exceptional storytelling and engaging side content. The game's intricately designed world seamlessly blends the franchise's rich lore with accessible gameplay, making it a compelling and addictive experience. While the combat system may require some initial effort to master, players will soon find themselves taking full advantage of Geralt's arsenal.

Euro Truck Simulator 2

Since its introduction, Euro Truck Simulator 2 has experienced tremendous growth and has been on the market for over a decade. SCS Software's driving simulator requires players to establish a transportation empire, which begins with modest beginnings. After a few hours of working for established companies, drivers are free to strike out on their own and establish their own businesses, opening up a variety of management opportunities.

Euro Truck Simulator 2 can be described as a uniquely soothing experience. While driving on the endless roads, the hustle and bustle of the real world seems to fade away into the background, giving you a sense of tranquility. Although the game is best enjoyed with a gaming wheel and a large monitor, it is still playable on the Steam Deck.

God Of War

A few years back, the mere thought of Sony's latest God of War being available on a portable system, let alone one developed by Valve, would have been preposterous. However, the 2018 installment has deviated significantly from its predecessors by immersing Kratos and his progeny, Atreus, in Nordic mythology, where the gods are less than thrilled about the Spartan's sudden appearance.

Serving as the first chapter in a new saga, the game follows Kratos on a journey to pay his final respects to his deceased spouse and to foster a stronger bond with his son. The game's over-the-shoulder camera and intense melee combat allow for a certain degree of customization through progression and loadout systems. Additionally, the campaign isn't solely focused on constant action, as there are plenty of segments that shift the focus to puzzles and exploration.

Hades

Although Roguelite games may not be everyone's cup of tea, Hades stands out as a more approachable option for those who aren't typically fans of this sub-genre. While the basic gameplay loop remains the same - running through the same stages repeatedly - death doesn't result in a full reset. Instead, the story develops naturally with each defeat, providing 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.

Celeste

Celeste stands out from the sea of hard-as-nails 2D indie platformers with its unique story-driven approach. Released in 2018, the game follows Madeline on her journey to climb a mountain that mirrors her personal struggles. The gameplay, while challenging, complements the narrative by reflecting the protagonist's insecurities and trauma. Even without the story element, Celeste's tight controls and well-designed levels make it a popular game in the speedrunning community.

Vampire Survivors

Vampire Survivors, an early access game, has taken the gaming world by storm since its launch. The game is split into stages, where players must lead their characters through a bullet hell while powering up along the way. Although the setup may not seem unique at first glance, the execution is always the key to success 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.

Slay The Spire

Stray

In the current gaming landscape, AA games are not as prevalent as they once were. However, there are still some titles that fit perfectly within this category, and Stray is one of them. This adventure sci-fi game follows the story of a typical house cat that finds itself in a city filled with robots. The game takes players on a delightful journey through the city's sewers, bars, and neon-lit streets as the charming feline tries to find its way back home.

The gameplay in Stray involves completing puzzles, interacting with various machines, navigating obstacles, and engaging in combat with enemies. Overall, the game executes these aspects quite effectively. With a runtime of approximately 5 hours, Stray doesn't overstay its welcome and utilizes every moment to its fullest potential. As a result, it's an excellent choice for those playing on the Steam Deck.

Phasmophobia

Divinity: Original Sin 2 - Definitive Edition

For those eagerly anticipating the release of Baldur's Gate 3, it's worth exploring Larian Studios' Divinity franchise. While the series as a whole is impressive, Divinity: Original Sin 2 stands out as a standout in the tactical RPG genre.

Set in a world of richly detailed fantasy, this RPG boasts nuanced NPCs and surprisingly emotional side quests. It's an ambitious and challenging game that never fails to engage. While the turn-based combat may be daunting for newcomers, mastering its intricacies leads to beautifully fluid battles.

Papers, Please

Tales Of Arise

Gone are the days of console exclusivity for JRPGs as more and more of them are finding their way to PC. While a majority of these games are yet to be Steam Deck verified, there is one exception that stands out - Tales of Arise. This latest offering from Bandai Namco is considered to be one of the best entries in the franchise, alongside the likes of Symphonia and Vesperia.

Tales of Symphonia, Tales of Vesperia, and Tales of Berseria.

Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition Tales of Symphonia

Stardew Valley

Stardew Valley stands out among the abundance of indie games in Steam's library that have become cultural phenomena. Developed by Concerned Ape, this farming simulation game with RPG elements allows players to manage their land while also providing a variety of other activities to engage in. The game's campaign is purposeful, with a constant sense of anticipation for what's to come. Its charm, ambition, and addictiveness have cemented Stardew Valley's status as a timeless classic.

Dredge

Dredge, an indie fishing game, has managed to capture the attention of gamers worldwide. It offers a unique experience with a customizable boat and gear, allowing players to venture out into the sea to catch fish while uncovering hidden secrets. The gameplay loop involves collecting and selling fish during the day to earn better equipment, which enables players to embark on more ambitious sea-faring adventures. With its relaxed tone, Dredge is the perfect game to unwind and enjoy the simple pleasures of fishing.

Once the sun sets and the fog rolls in, the serene seas of Dredge turn into a nightmare-inducing hellscape. Lovecraftian monsters emerge from the depths, ready to attack any unsuspecting fishermen. Black Salt Games' addition of this horror element elevates the game beyond a simple fishing simulator, making for a truly unique and thrilling experience.

Brotato

Brotato, a popular wave-based roguelike game on Steam, has recently joined the Vampire Survivors and despite being in early access, it already boasts an extensive array of content. With over 30 unique characters, each possessing distinct strengths and weaknesses that significantly impact gameplay, Brotato offers a rewarding experience for players. Although only five characters are initially available, the game unlocks new fighters at a regular pace, keeping the gameplay fresh and exciting.

What sets Brotato apart is its emphasis on player choice, providing a plethora of options for weapon selection and upgrades. The combat system, while typical of the genre, centers around clearing waves of enemies, requiring players to focus on dodging and movement. Although not the most visually stunning game, Brotato is an excellent choice for Steam Deck users who have limited time to play, as each session only requires 20-30 minutes of gameplay.

Resident Evil 4 (2023)

While some games in the Resident Evil franchise have struggled to translate well to handheld devices, Resident Evil 4 manages to strike a balance between action and horror that makes it a standout in both categories. Unlike other entries in the series, which may be marked as "Great on Deck" but fall short in terms of delivering scares, Resident Evil 4's campaign is able to achieve top marks in both areas. Even in the year 2020, it remains a shining example of what a horror game can be on a handheld platform.

The 2023 remake of Resident Evil is not simply a visual overhaul of the 2005 original. It introduces changes in pacing, character development, enemy design, and movement that result in a more cohesive gameplay experience. While not necessarily superior to the original, the remake offers a fresh entry point for newcomers and exciting updates for long-time fans. Additionally, other Resident Evil games have also been verified by Deck.

Lego games offer a nostalgic and comforting experience, and Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga exceeds expectations as it covers all nine main movies in the franchise. The game features five missions per episode, allowing players to relive the major plot points from the films. Along with recreating iconic scenes, players can also explore hub worlds on various planets, each offering a plethora of side content. While the game is tailored to Star Wars fans, it also offers a lighthearted adventure for anyone looking for a fun experience.

Deck Verified games include popular Lego titles such as Lego Harry Potter, Lego Indiana Jones, Lego Marvel Super Heroes, Lego The Hobbit, and Lego Jurassic World, among others. The Lego Movie and The Lego Ninjago Movie also have their own video game adaptations. Additionally, Lego Star Wars and Lego City Undercover are included in the list of Deck Verified games, along with newer titles like Lego Builder's Journey, Lego Brawls, and Lego Bricktales.

Apex Legends

Capcom took over a decade to release another Devil May Cry game, but the wait was worth it. Devil May Cry 5 offers players three unique characters to play as, the best combat system in any hack and slash game, and the ability to use a bike as a weapon. The game's focus is on gameplay, with stages featuring linear corridors that lead players to the next encounter. This makes the game easy to pick up and play, especially after finishing the campaign for the first time.

DmC: Devil May Cry is also Deck Verified.

Risk Of Rain 2

A Short Hike

A Short Hike, a beloved indie game, chronicles the adventure of Claire, a bird, as she embarks on a journey to reach the top of a park to receive a mobile signal. However, the crux of the game is not the destination but the journey itself. Throughout the hike, players encounter numerous fellow hikers, and the decision lies with them whether to indulge in socializing or to focus solely on Claire's quest.

A Short Hike offers a serene and picturesque gaming experience that urges gamers to savor each moment. There are no battles to fight and the game highly emphasizes on discovery, allowing players to dictate their own pace and duration of the adventure.

Pizza Tower

Hollow Knight

Hollow Knight, developed by Team Cherry, is a Metroidvania game that has earned its place among the best. The game takes place in the vast and seemingly endless Hallownest, where players control the Knight as he navigates the ruins of a fallen kingdom in search of the root of the corruption.

Hollow Knight's stunning visuals are complemented by its engaging gameplay, which becomes more intricate as the story develops. This makes it a perfect choice for handheld devices, including the Steam Deck, where it stands out as one of the top games to play.

Terraria

Ultrakill

Ultrakill, currently in early access, is a thrilling retro shooter game that has been gaining popularity on Steam. The game's campaign comprises a prologue and two acts, each containing three layers. The layers are then divided into short missions, providing players with a decent amount of content to play through. Despite being unfinished, Ultrakill's gameplay has already proven to be rewarding for players who want to replay the game.

Ultrakill distinguishes itself from other throwback shooters by its exceptional movement mechanics. Running through levels, performing triple jumps, and obliterating enemies with gunfire is endlessly thrilling. Additionally, the game boasts a diverse array of weapons, with distinct variations for each type.

Dead Space (2023)

Hotline Miami

The independent gaming scene exploded into the mainstream during the 2010s, and titles such as Hotline Miami played a significant role in this movement. With its captivating top-down shooter gameplay set in the late 1980s, the game's vibrant neon-themed world is a perfect representation of the pop culture aesthetic of the time. The game's protagonist, an unnamed character, receives mysterious missions from an unknown source, which usually involves the task of eliminating the opposition.

Hotline Miami is a brutal and gory game, but the vibrant visuals only serve to enhance its violent nature. With a mix of strategy and visceral action, players must carefully plan their moves to outsmart their targets, making it a game that never loses its edge. It's no wonder that Hotline Miami is considered one of the top Steam Deck games.

Doki Doki Literature Club Plus!

Doom

While Doom (2016) is a strong contender for the greatest FPS of the past decade, it may not be the best fit for PC owners accustomed to playing shooters with a keyboard and mouse. The game's reliance on a gamepad could be a hindrance for some players. However, Doom's forgiving nature in terms of accuracy sets it apart from other FPSs, making it a must-play for fans of classic run-and-gun shooters from the '90s.

A keyboard and mouse can be connected to the Steam Deck, so that is also an option. Also, Doom Eternal and Doom 2 are also Deck Verified.

Dead Cells

The Steam Store is brimming with Roguelikes, with many of them being Deck Verified. This particular genre is well-suited for portable systems, as gameplay sessions are typically brief and perfect for a quick distraction, such as during a bus ride. Dead Cells is one of the best examples of a Roguelike, featuring a combat system that borrows from the Souls series. Players control a corpse attempting to escape a dungeon and must collect items along the way. The game is both thrilling and satisfying, with plenty of explosive action.

Valheim, a Viking-themed game released in 2021 and still in early access, has managed to stay relevant in public conversations. The game presents players with an open-world divided into bio-domes and challenges them to survive the harsh conditions they encounter.

Valheim's continuous growth and frequent updates make it an ideal game for those interested in Viking role-playing. It's highly recommended to jump on board before its official launch.

RimWorld

In RimWorld, players are tasked with managing a group of unique characters on a foreign planet with the ultimate goal of escaping. However, this is no easy feat as unexpected disasters constantly threaten the colony's survival. The game's addictive nature stems from its procedurally generated elements, but be warned, RimWorld is a challenging and consistently stressful experience. Despite the charming art style, the characters possess a degree of self-control which can sometimes work against the player's efforts to succeed.

Valve's Deck Verified games, including Left 4 Dead 2, are consistently ranked among Steam's most active titles due to their timeless appeal. While multiplayer games like Team Fortress 2 and Counter-Strike may not be Deck Verified, Left 4 Dead 2 remains Valve's most replayable release. Gathering with friends to take down hordes of zombies is always a great way to spend time.

Many games have tried to replicate the Left 4 Dead formula, but none have come close to matching the excellence of Valve's second entry in the series.

Marvel's Spider-Man Remastered

Marvel's Spider-Man Remastered is now available on PC and the Steam Deck, allowing players to swing through Manhattan during their commute. Insomniac's combination of open-world gameplay and Spider-Man's superhero abilities make for a truly special experience. The game's controls are flawless, resulting in a traversal system that is among the most satisfying in any open-world game. The main story is also well-crafted and the PC version comes with all DLC, including The City That Never Sleeps. While not a must-buy, the DLC is a nice addition when included with the base game.