The Steam Deck, Valve’s handheld gaming device, has been revolutionizing the world of gaming by offering players access to their entire Steam library on the go. With its powerful hardware and innovative features, the Steam Deck is slowly becoming the ultimate gaming device for gamers worldwide.
In this article, we will explore the top five games that you can play on the Steam Deck right now. These games have been handpicked based on their compatibility with Steam Deck’s hardware, performance, and gameplay experience. From fast-paced action games to immersive open-world adventures, these games showcase the full potential of the Steam Deck and are sure to provide you with endless hours of gaming fun.
1. Yakuza: Like a Dragon
Yakuza: Like a Dragon is a standout among JRPGs, and its turn-based gameplay makes it perfect for on-the-go gaming. The unique combat system, which replaces the classic beat ’em up mechanics of the previous Yakuza titles, feels like a natural evolution of the turn-based RPG genre. Playing it on the Steam Deck is a truly immersive experience, reminiscent of the days of playing Pokemon on the Game Boy, but with a darker and more mature tone.
Of course, if turn-based combat is not your thing, you can still enjoy the other Yakuza games on the Steam Deck, with their satisfying hand-to-hand combat system that allows you to unleash your inner gangster and climb the criminal underworld in style.
2. Control
Control is an excellent game that offers a unique blend of action and storytelling. The game’s world-building is top-notch, with the mysterious and ever-shifting environment of the FBC headquarters, The Oldest House, being a standout feature. The game’s supernatural abilities also add a lot of depth to the gameplay, as you use telekinetic powers and other paranormal abilities to fight off otherworldly threats.
While the game was initially demanding on hardware, it’s great to hear that it runs smoothly on the Steam Deck, making it a great game to take on the go. The game’s mix of exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving makes it a well-rounded experience that’s worth playing.
3. Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order is a game that successfully merges some of the best elements of different games to create a unique experience. Combining elements from games like The Legend of Zelda, Metroid Prime, Dark Souls, and Uncharted, this single-player lightsaber adventure game delivers an adventure that fans of Star Wars games have been hoping for.
Installing EA Origin on the Steam Deck and playing Fallen Order is a smooth experience, and the game is a joy to play in handheld form. Whether you are relaxing on the couch or on the go, exploring the galaxy in your Stinger Mantis while fighting against the dark side is an incredible experience. If you have never played Fallen Order or are looking for a reason to revisit Cal Kestis’ and BD-1’s journey, playing it on the Steam Deck is an excellent choice.
4. GTA 5
The opportunity to play Grand Theft Auto 5 on the go with the Steam Deck can bring a fresh perspective to this familiar game. The sandbox world of Los Santos, with its open-world exploration and freedom to engage in various activities, can be well-suited for portable gaming. The convenience of playing it anywhere allows players to lose themselves in the game’s distractions and engross themselves in the domain of crime and mayhem. Despite its age, Grand Theft Auto 5’s performance on the Steam Deck can be impressive. The ability to customize settings to the highest levels and still have smooth gameplay is a testament to the device’s capabilities. Even with a smaller screen and lower resolution, the gameplay experience can still be enjoyable, especially with the freedom to indulge in the game’s notorious activities, such as hijacking city buses or engaging in high-speed chases.
The portability and performance of Grand Theft Auto 5 on the Steam Deck can indeed breathe new life into this iconic game, providing a unique and exciting way to experience Los Santos on the go. However, it’s important to note that Grand Theft Auto 5 is rated M for Mature, and players should exercise discretion and follow the game’s age rating recommendations.
5. Elden Ring
It’s truly remarkable how Elden Ring from From Software manages to run with such remarkable ease on the Steam Deck. We’ve spent countless hours exploring its vast landscapes and can attest that the on-the-go experience is nothing short of pure joy. It’s almost as if Elden Ring was designed to be played on a handheld device, with the game sometimes even feeling smoother than its PC counterpart.
The world of Elden Ring is a feast for the senses, with endless surprises and build options available to players. It’s hard not to get lost in its intricate map, and every corner brings with it new mysteries and challenges. This action RPG is nothing short of a masterpiece, and we’ve been thoroughly enjoying it on the Steam Deck. It’s definitely at the top of our list of favorite games to play on this platform.
