8 of my favourite games on steam deck

My favourite games that I have played on the steam deck so far

I was inspired by questions I frequently see on Discords or Bluesky that I am part of, which is “What are good games for the steam deck?”

It is so hard to answer this question because it depends on what type of games you like to play, and what the scenario may be. I also am a “I will try anything” type gamer at the moment, so I thought I would create a list of different types of games, that I really enjoyed to play on the steam deck.

I am however biased to 2D, side scrollers, and I love pixel art. But below will have a mix of types of games and genres.

1. Hollow Knight

Forge your own path in Hollow Knight! An epic action adventure through a vast ruined kingdom of insects and heroes. Explore twisting caverns, battle tainted creatures and befriend bizarre bugs, all in a classic, hand-drawn 2D style.

This is a difficult game, but once you unlock some abilities, it just pulls you in. I still listen to the soundtrack on a regular basis. It is a masterclass in the metroidvania genre, adding in some soulslike elements. The movements were slick and when you get good it is such a joy to play.

2. Dead Cells

Dead Cells is a roguelite, metroidvania inspired, action-platformer. You'll explore a sprawling, ever-changing castle... assuming you’re able to fight your way past its keepers in 2D souls-lite combat. No checkpoints. Kill, die, learn, repeat.

Do you have 20 mins? Pick up Dead cells and do a run and see what items you can unlock and how far you get in the game. I did not think I would enjoy a roguelike/lite as you die a lot until you get good, but some of my favourite games on the steam deck are these roguelike/lites which offer 20-30 mins of engaging gameplay. Dead Cells is one of these and the other is …

3. Hades

Defy the god of the dead as you hack and slash out of the Underworld in this rogue-like dungeon crawler from the creators of Bastion, Transistor, and Pyre

Hades is an isometric action roguelike, with beautiful art and a fun story. It feels like a more complete experience compared to Dead Cells as you have voice artists and more of a clear storyline. What I enjoyed was the setting of mythology and the characters you come across add to the whole experience.

4. Blasphemous 2

The Penitent One awakens as Blasphemous 2 joins him once again in an endless struggle against The Miracle. Dive into a perilous new world filled with mysteries and secrets to discover, and tear your way through monstrous foes that stand between you and your quest to end the cycle once and for all. 

This is a pixel art metroidvania, just perfect for the steam deck. It is 2D, has some basic platforming puzzles and great pixel art visuals. It was a perfect handheld game for me.

5. Skyrim

Winner of more than 200 Game of the Year Awards, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition brings the epic fantasy to life in stunning detail. The Special Edition includes the critically acclaimed game and add-ons with all-new features.

Skyrim is an old 3D open world RPG from 2011, but perfect for the steam deck. It runs well, the story is great and, yes I am biased, the fantasy setting is perfect for some escapism gaming.

6. Stardew Valley

You've inherited your grandfather's old farm plot in Stardew Valley. Armed with hand-me-down tools and a few coins, you set out to begin your new life. Can you learn to live off the land and turn these overgrown fields into a thriving home?

My first 50 hours of playing on the steam deck were spent building my farm. This is a cult classic for farming sims, and you can play hours of it before needing to charge your steam deck. Great for a long journey.

7. Ori and the will of the wisps

Play the critically acclaimed masterpiece. Embark on a new journey in a vast, exotic world where you’ll encounter towering enemies and challenging puzzles on your quest to unravel Ori’s destiny.

This game actually transfixed me and I binge played it. Both Ori games are great but this second one is definitely worth your time if you can only play on of them. Fun fast platforming and movement, beautiful scenery and a lovely journey through the different biomes. Perfect handheld game.

8. Vampire Survivors

Mow down thousands of night creatures and survive until dawn! Vampire Survivors is a gothic horror casual game with rogue-lite elements, where your choices can allow you to quickly snowball against the hundreds of monsters that get thrown at you.

This is a bullet hell game that does not need much gameplay learning but is strangely addictive. Vampire Survivors needs hardly any power to run well, so you can play hours and hours of this on a trip or chilling on the sofa. I thought it would be too boring for me but they did really well with making you come back for more.