Tis the season for getting cozy and curling up with a warm blanket, even warmer cocoa and hopefully some uninterrupted gaming time. Since the beginning of time itself, people have been receiving shiny, new gaming consoles for Christmas, and they're often faced with the exciting, if uncertain and potentially even stressful challenge of finding the games that they want to play on their new console. Steam's beloved, and increasingly popular handheld PC, the Steam Deck, is indubitably going to be under many a Christmas tree this year, and we thought it'd be a nice idea to put together a sizeable, diverse list of games that you should look into if you find yourself wondering what to buy for your new Steam Deck. The title of each game will have a link to its corresponding Steam store page.
Elden Ring
FromSoftware's iconic modern masterpiece is frequently listed as one of the top played games on Steam Deck. We reviewed Elden Ring and scored it as "Essential."
Ball x Pit
The unsuspecting brick-breaker smash success is massively popular on the Steam Deck. This title combines the gameplay of classics like Arkanoid with roguelike and townbuilder elements to make an incredibly unique and satisfying game.
Stardew Valley
What is there to say about Stardew Valley that hasn't been said already? This cozy Harvest Moon-like is relaxing and utterly delightful.
Megabonk
Imagined as a 3D Vampire Survivors-like, Megabonk has become an indie phenomenon. We reviewed Megabonk and and scored it as "Recommended."
Digimon Story: Time Stranger
3D Platformers
SpongeBob Squarepants Games
There are a few new SpongeBob games that have found a lot of love for those nostalgic for the early 2000s era of SpongeBob 3D platformers. We reviewed one of these games, Battle for Bikini Bottom - Rehydrated and scored it as "Recommended."
Ruffy and the Riverside
A wildly unique and visually distinct 3D platformer with an innovative and never-before-seen "copy and paste" mechanic. We reviewed Ruffy and the Riverside and scored it as "Essential."
Yooka-Replaylee
This Banjo-Kazooie spiritual successor was recently remastered and critics found this updated version to be a massive improvement and more in line with what Playtonic Games had envisioned for the original version. We reviewed Yooka-Replayee and scored it as "Recommended."
Croc: Legend of the Gobbos
The cult classic 3D platformer from the PS1/Saturn era is back with a brand new remaster. We reviewed Croc: Legend of the Gobbos and scored it as "Recommended."
Ty the Tasmanian Tiger series
This trilogy of underrated PS2/GameCube/Xbox era 3D platformers received HD remasters in recent years, as well as a side-scrolling fourth game.
Crash Bandicoot series
The original trilogy of Crash Bandicoot games were PS1 exclusives, and through the acclaimed N. Sane Trilogy of remakes, they finally became available on other platforms. They were then joined by a brand new game, Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time, which served as a direct sequel to those beloved PS1 games.
Spyro Reignited Trilogy
A remake of the beloved trilogy of PS1 Spyro the Dragon games. These updated games are absurdly beautiful and have updated and modernized controls.
Pac-Man World Re-Pac series
Bandai Namco has been remaking a cult classic series of Pac-Man 3D platformers that originally released between 1999-2005. So far, the first two games have received the "Re-Pac" treatment, and they both received strong critical reception.
PlayStation Studios (As a Whole)
RimWorld
This incredibly unique game is a colony management sim that has you trying to build a functioning colony while the environment itself, pirates, space debris and myriad other problems try to keep you from succeeding. We reviewed RimWorld and scored it as "Essential."
Castle of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse
A remake of the classic Genesis title, and one of the most delightful 2D platformers that I've ever played. We reviewed Castle of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse and scored it as "Recommended."
Hollow Knight series
The fan-favorite, challenging, gothic, bug-centric Metroidvania series is right at home on Steam Deck. We don't have a review for the original game yet, but we reviewed Hollow Knight: Silksong and scored it as "Essential."
Hades series
Supergiant's prized Greek mythology-infused roguelike series is frequently listed at the top of the most played games on Steam Deck. We don't have a review for the first Hades yet, but we reviewed Hades II and scored it as "Essential."
Dredge
One of the most unique games I've seen. You control a fishing boat and catch fish and dredge for junk to bring back and sell, but you find yourself going insane and catching some eldritch horrors along the way.
Dave the Diver
An interesting premise for a game where you dive into the ocean and bring back fish, which you then sell as sushi in a restaurant.
Chronos: The New Dawn
Developed by Bloober Team, this underrated survival horror game takes some gameplay cues from the Dead Space franchise, and it's set in an alternate timeline of Communist-era Poland. Talk about horrific.
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
Set in the long-running, beloved Prince of Persia franchise, The Lost Crown came out swinging and became one of the highest-rated action-platformers ever.
Cassette Beasts
An acclaimed indie monster-collecting RPG that takes the Pokémon formula and adds some fresh ideas and a beautiful art style.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
One of the biggest surprise indie hits in recent history. This shockingly French turn-based RPG hit critics and players hard with an emotional story and great gameplay innovations to the genre.
Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake
One of the most beloved JRPGs in history gets a full remake in the beautiful "HD-2D" art style. This is technically the beginning of the Erdrick trilogy, and is set before Dragon Quest 1 and 2.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Games
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have received several excellent video games, across a variety of genres, in recent years. Tactics, Hades-like, beat 'em up? They're all available and have strong critical reception.
Dead Cells
The indie roguelike Metroidvania smash hit that people often say has some of the most beautiful pixel art of all time.
Atomfall
This Fallout-inspired first-person shooter is set in an alternate history of post-WW2 England, amidst the aftermath of a nuclear meltdown.
PowerWash Simulator series
This series initially seemed almost like a meme, but the games have quickly become beloved, sort of cozy, satisfying experiences.
Wonder Boy Games
The wonderful, classic Sega platformer series has received a few amazing entries in recent years. We reviewed Wonder Boy: The Dragon's Trap and scored it as "Recommended."
Streets of Rage 4
Another classic Sega property that was recently revived, and in it, they made arguably the greatest beat 'em up ever made. We reviewed Streets of Rage 4 and scored it as "Essential."
Baldur's Gate 3
No doubt, the most popular CRPG of all time. Fans fell in love with the characters and world of this game and it quickly became the go-to game for those interested in trying out the genre.
Yu-Gi-Oh! Early Days Collection
While the reviews aren't incredible for this collection, it's a bundle of a bunch of classic handheld Yu-Gi-Oh! video games from the Game Boy, Game Boy Color and Game Boy Advance platforms. If you're a fan of the early Yu-Gi-Oh! era, you're sure to find a game in this mix that will interest you.
Mega Man Legacy Collections
The wider Mega Man franchise has been receiving really wonderful collections that have pleased long-time fans of the various Mega Man sub-series.
Ninja Gaiden Games
The iconic action series has received some critically acclaimed recent entries, both in the 2D and 3D styles. We reviewed Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound and scored it as "Essential."
Kingdom Hearts Collections
The confusing, clumsy titles of these games and their respective collections have been mocked for years, but these are wonderful, extensive bundles of basically the entire franchise all available on Steam Deck.
Shinobi: Art of Vengeance
Yet another Sega property that saw a recent revival. Shinobi: Art of Vengeance boasts a jaw-dropping visual style with amazing platforming and combat.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
One of the highest rated action-RPGs of all time. The story, graphics, combat and world all come together into a must-play experience.
The Elder Scrolls: Oblivion Remastered and Skyrim
Two beloved, iconic action-RPGs from the Elder Scrolls franchise. Both games are some of the most popular games played on the Steam Deck.
Dispatch
This Telltale-style adventure game is themed around superheroes. People loved the writing and humor.
Darksiders series
This long-running series takes place after Armageddon, the final battle between Angels and Demons. Each game puts you in the shoes of a different Horseman of the Apocalypse.
Tales series
The famed Tales franchise has been going for decades now, and is beloved by fans all over the world. We reviewed Tales of Xilia Remastered and scored it as “Recommended.”
Hogwarts Legacy
The ultimate Harry Potter video game experience. An excellent action-RPG where you play as a student at Hogwarts and explore a massive open world. We reviewed Hogwarts Legacy and scored it as “Recommended.”
Monster Hunter series
Capcom’s beloved action series has become a global sensation in recent years. Take up your massive weapons and hunt dangerous monsters in this addictive, often frenetic franchise. We reviewed Monster Hunter: World and scored it as “Recommended.”
The Legend of Heroes (Trails) series
Nihon Falcom’s acclaimed, prolific JRPG series is widely available on Steam and Steam Deck. I’ll share the few that we’ve reviewed.
- We reviewed Ys vs. Trails in the Sky: Alternative Saga and scored it as “Recommended.”
- We reviewed The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel 3 and scored it as “Recommended.”
- We reviewed The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel 3 and scored it as “Recommended.”
Shovel Knight Treasure Trove
This is a collection of 5 different wonderful action-platformers, all set in the charming Shovel Knight universe.
Final Fantasy series
Probably the most famous JRPG franchise of all time. Nearly every game in the series is a must-play if you enjoy these types of games. We reviewed Final Fantasy XVI and scored it as “Recommended.”
Trials of Mana
A fan-favorite entry in the storied Mana franchise. Several Mana games were remade in recent years, and this is generally regarded as the best.
Valheim
The viking-themed survival game is often mentioned as the go-to game in the genre. Fans love the unique art style and beautiful world.
Vampire Survivors
This game has been nothing short of a phenomenon in the last few years. Unique, minimalist graphics and addicting gameplay led to this game becoming a massive sales success.
Klonoa Phantasy Reverie Series
These distinctive 2.5D platformers originally released on the PS1 and PS2. This collection is a beautiful remaster of both titles.
V Rising
A vampire-themed survival action-RPG where you lay waste to your enemies to grow stronger and build a giant castle, which you can decorate. We reviewed V Rising and scored it as “Essential.”
Palworld
This is a monster-collecting survival game. Imagine Pokemon, but you can make your creatures work in factories or even eat them. This is one of the top played games played on Steam Deck.
Okami HD
This action-adventure title features an immediately eye-catching visual style. Okami has impressed fans and critics alike since the game originally released on PS2 in 2006.
Resident Evil series
Capcom’s highest selling franchise ever has been terrifying audiences for nearly three decades. We’ve reviewed a few of the games in the series.
Cyberpunk 2077
CD Projekt RED’s incredibly anticipated follow-up to The Witcher 3 initially disappointed audiences with rough performance. The game has since had a full turn around and is now lauded as one of the best games ever made.
Dead Space (Remake)
The 2023 remake of Dead Space blew gamers away with gorgeous graphics, brutal combat and a well-structured reinterpretation of the original game’s story.
Balatro
This card game has entranced millions of players into crippling addiction to the game’s brilliant poker-based mechanics. Balatro is one of the biggest indie games in many years.
No Man's Sky
This sci-fi survival game started off with a rough reception, but has earned a strong, dedicated following through careful course correction by the game’s developers.
Diablo IV
The most recent iteration in Blizzard’s iconic loot-driven ARPG franchise. Diablo IV took the series back to its bloody, darker roots.
Octopath Traveler series
The JRPG series that kicked off Square Enix’s beautiful HD-2D art style. These games are known for being lengthy, but gorgeous and with solid writing. Their soundtracks are also standout features.
Persona series
Atlus’ brilliant JRPG franchise has earned millions of fans with its innovative mechanics, distinctive art styles, catchy soundtracks and excellent stories.
Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time
This RPG life-sim game is renowned for its coziness and delightful tone. It is a sequel to a cult classic 3DS title.
Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road
The return of the beloved soccer-themed RPG franchise is here at last. Build your perfect team from over 5,400 available characters and enjoy the intense competition!
Hitman World of Assassination
This is a collection of the three most recent Hitman titles. These are thrilling, sandbox-style games where you play as Agent 47, a hitman, who must do anything he must to take out his targets.
Half-Life series
Valve’s esteemed first-person shooter franchise has enthralled gamers and critics for decades now. Will we ever see Half-Life 3?
Batman: Arkham series
Four of the most iconic superhero games of all time. Each and everyone of these games is a must-play if you’re a Batman fan.
Sea of Stars
This indie RPG wowed fans and critics with its gorgeous art, fun story and solid gameplay. It’s designed as a throwback to genre classics like Chrono Trigger.
Death Stranding
Hideo Kojima’s critically acclaimed game takes place in a post-apocalyptic world where supernatural entities are an everyday encounter. The USA has become fractured and disconnected amidst this apocalypse and you must travel to various cities and try to reconnect the people.
Holocure
Think Vampire Survivors but starring various Vtubers. This free game has earned an enormous amount of positive critical reception.
The Steam Deck is a surprisingly powerful handheld PC and can play a massive variety of games. Hopefully with some help from our huge list of game recommendations here, you can find yourself some incredible games to play.
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