The best Steam Deck games have been my guiding light during a trying time. Currently, like many others out there, I'm still saving my cash in order to finally afford a Switch 2 of my own. The only new Nintendo consoles that I've had access to since it hit shelves are via friends and family, and as such, I haven't had the time to play all the best Switch 2 games for myself, let alone dive into the newly released Donkey Kong Bananza game either.
Times may be tough, and my wallet may be bare, but at least Valve has my back, and my trusty Steam Deck is here to chase all my feelings of FOMO away. If you're in a similar financial position to myself, or you're holding off on buying a Switch 2 for other reasons, you’ve come to the right place. I've decided to share the top Steam Deck Verified games (as well as one amazing playable option) that I'd personally recommend picking up to keep you entertained in the meantime. From the best RPGS to some of the most surprising new games of 2025, I've also tried to offer something for every kind of player down below.
So, be you a fan of short indies or sprawling adventures, get ready to give those golden coins to Valve instead of Nintendo this time around. Here are the 10 best Steam Deck games to play today.
The best Steam Deck games to play right now, starting with...
10. Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time
Developer: LEVEL5 Inc.
Release: 2025
If you are after a new game that is Nintendo coded, then Fantasy Life i is the perfect pick. This is a cute RPG that has you playing a stranded research assistant in a fantastical world. In order to save the day, you'll need to level up multiple different jobs, called "lives", travel through time, and work through a simple yet engaging storyline.
Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time gripped me as much as Animal Crossing: New Horizons did when it released on the first Switch. There is a perfect balance between cute art styles, a rewarding grindy game loop, and decoration options. I often wish I could play Switch exclusives on the Steam Deck, since they typically have a very specific look and polished feel about them. This is the closest I've ever come to feeling that Nintendo magic on another system. It's a gem for sure.
9. Balatro
Developer: LocalThunk
Release: 2024
Balatro is one of the best games of 2024 and is a perfect Steam Deck addition for everyone who wants an addictive but easy-to-handle game while traveling. The game's premise is essentially roguelike poker, as you start with a standard pack of playing cards to work to gain as many points as you can as your deck expands.
It has novel game mechanics, is easy to understand, but hard to master. It's challenging, has a ton of personality, and getting all those bonuses offers up the best endorphin rush you'll experience on your handheld. Balatro is a game you'll never regret picking up and is perfect for every Steam Deck player on the go.
8. Blue Prince
Developer: Dogubomb
Release: 2025
First of all, this is the only pick on our list that isn't technically Steam Deck Verified, but it plays amazingly, so we're sneaking it into our top picks here. The Blue Prince is a slow-paced puzzle game that is a great title to relax with on the couch as you settle in to try and figure out what the heck is generally going on. You play as the heir of the eccentric Mt. Holly house. However, in order to get what is owed to you need to find your way to Room 46. However, the catch is that you only have a set number of steps per day, and the house's layout changes with each run.
As you replay the day over and over again, you'll start to pick up clues that make your next attempt easier, as well as discover secrets via puzzles and more. It's very easy to feel lost when you first load up Blue Prince; however, the more you play this game, the more captivated you'll become by its unique premise and roguelike exploration mechanics. In our Blue Prince review, we mentioned how the game "became a puzzle obsession" after we played it, and having it ready to go whenever we want on our Steam Deck only adds fuel to our burning mystery-solving fires.
7. Baldur's Gate 3
Developer: Larian Studios
Release: 2023
OK, so yes, if you are after the best graphics, Baldur's Gate 3 on the Steam Deck isn't as good as playing the game on PC. However, besides the inferior visuals, everything else about the game runs like a dream. In this turn-based RPG set in the universe of Dungeons & Dragons, 5th edition, you'll embark on a grand story where your choices will lead you to either fight against or embrace an evil threatening the world. It's also worth noting that neither the Switch nor the Switch 2 has Baldur's Gate 3, so who needs Donkey Kong when you have the Forgotten Realms?
I also preferred playing on my Deck during longer gaming sessions in general. Baldur's Gate 3 is pretty much all-consuming, so at least I could sit with friends while I romanced Astarion for the millionth time. The Steam Deck controls are perfect, and the console's key binding comes in handy if you are after easy quick saves. You can read more about one of the best RPGs ever made with our Baldur's Gate 3 review.
6. Persona 5 Royal
Developer: ATLUS
Release: 2022
If you ever find yourself jealous of all the upcoming Switch 2 games, a great title that will consume all your thoughts instead is Persona 5 Royal. Persona 5 isn't just the best Persona game in the acclaimed series, but it's also one of the best JRPGs you can play today (just read our five-star Persona 5 review for more on that point). It also runs beautifully on the Steam Deck.
The game follows a high school student with a checkered past who awakens an ability to travel to another plane of reality where he can see and change the "hearts" of those around him. Embark on some dungeon crawling and turn-based combat goodness as you use "Personas" to battle shadows and uncover multiple stories dealing with some pretty heavy themes. Dungeon crawling can get a bit grindy, so playing this on your Steam Deck is a great option if you want to relax on your couch while progressing the story.
5. Stardew Valley
Developer: ConcernedApe
Release: 2016
One of the best farming games ever made also doubles up as one of the best Steam Deck games. Build up your dream farm in the charming setting of Pelican Town, where you can get married, upgrade tools, and unlock secrets sprinkled across the various maps in the game. ConcernedApe's title is an easy-going outing that is perfect for casual gamers.
The Steam Deck controls are flawless with this one, and unlike the Switch version of the game, there are achievements to unlock as well. The only reason I'd ever play Stardew Valley on my PC over my Deck now is for modding purposes. While technically doable on Valve's handheld, it's complicated to get all my favorite Stardew mods up and running. In all honesty, I can live without them, though, so I'd still recommend picking up this masterpiece if you own the handheld.
4. Hades
Developer: Supergiant Games
Release: 2020
Yes, I've added another roguelike to this list, but it's not my fault that this genre keeps producing bangers. Hades is a stylish, hack-and-slash title that has you playing as the immortal Prince of the Underworld as he tries to escape his father's realm and reach the surface in order to get to his mother, Persephone. In order to get to your goal, you'll need to battle floors of enemies, and eventually reach bosses in order to progress to the next section of the realm.
The art style is amazing, the gameplay is challenging, and the general story is surprisingly touching. There's also the nice added bonuses of gifting characters you meet in the game to gain unlockables and perks. It should be noted that we also love Hades 2, however, since the sequel is still in Early Access, the original has it beat for now in terms of Steam Deck games I'd recommend that you play today.
3. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered
Developer(s): Bethesda Game Studios, Virtuos
Release: 2025
While I could have put Skyrim on this list, I'll be honest, I'm a bigger Oblivion fan, and the remastered version of the game that recently released has been raking up silly hours of playtime on my Deck. Set in Cyrodiil, you play as a nameless prisoner who eventually works their way up to hero status as you start facing off against the forces of Oblivion. Explore the world, join factions, and do side quests to level up your reputation.
There is something super comforting about playing the best open-world games on a handheld that any Switch player with The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild in their library can understand. Exploring and jumping into side quests can be a meditative experience that is enhanced by lying in bed while you picklock and slay opponents in the arena. Oblivion is one of the best games ever made, and is a great pick-up for anyone with a Steam Deck who is looking to distract themselves from Switch 2 news.
2. Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade
Developer: Square Enix
Release: 2022
I'll be honest, I had never played a Final Fantasy game until I picked up the Final Fantasy 7 Remake once I saw that it was Steam Deck Verified, and boy howdy, I now totally understand why this series is so beloved. The story follows the giant sword-carrying mercenary Cloud Strife, after he joins an eco-terrorist group trying to stop the corporation Shinra from using up all the earth's essence.
The game uses real-time combat mechanics, making each fight feel dynamic and fast-paced. The story is also gripping, and I easily became attached to Cloud and all his companions. However, the big takeaway is that the Final Fantasy 7 remake is easily one of the best-looking games on Deck, period. I've never played a game that looked so crisp and realistic on the Steam Deck before, and was shocked to see Cloud's sweaty forehead in high definition during cutscenes. For more information, you can read our Final Fantasy 7 Remake review!
1. Vampire Survivors
Developer: poncle
Release: 2022
Vampire Survivors was the first game I picked up when I first got my Steam Deck, and to this day, it's still my go-to title when I'm not sure what to play. The 2022 action rogue-like is perfect to play on a handled for any kind of occasion. Only have an hour to spare while travelling? Want to spend the whole day slaughtering monsters? Well, this vampire slaying masterpiece has got you covered.
Slash down enemies to collect gems, walk out of damage's way, and try to level up your weapons as you unlock more on your quest to become an unstoppable powerhouse. The game led to a surge of other "bullet heaven" titles when it first came out; however, none hit as good as Vampire Survivors. Evolving your weapons to the point where your screen is just filled with combos and gems, as your aura instantly kills enemies, is uber satisfying. And with a plethora of in-game unlocks and DLC available, every run feels rewarding as it brings you closer to completing 100% of the game.
Honorable mentions
There are so many amazing Steam Deck games that just fell short of making my top 10 picks. So, I've listed a few more options below in case you are looking for even more titles to help fight off those Switch 2 blues!
- Cult of the Lamb
- Dave the Diver
- Dead Cells
- Hollow Knight
- Slay the Spire
- Diablo 4
- Elden Ring
- Split Fiction
- Hotline Miami
- Dredge
For more recommendations, check out our list of the best Steam games. Or for more Deck info, you can read our Steam Deck OLED review.
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