The Steam Deck has quickly become one of the most convenient ways to play PC games, and its growing popularity has led developers and publishers to more widely support Valve’s handheld platform. With thousands of titles available, ranging from major AAA releases to standout indie projects, choosing what to play can be overwhelming. This video presents a curated list of the best Steam Deck games, highlighting titles that perform well on the device while showcasing a wide variety of genres and play styles.

The recommendations span both new releases and older classics, making it possible to build a strong Steam Deck library without spending a premium. Performance, readability on a handheld screen, control comfort, and overall gameplay loop are key factors in determining which games make the list.

Among the featured titles is Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, a critically acclaimed action RPG recognized as a major award winner in 2025. Drawing inspiration from classic Japanese RPGs, the game combines turn-based combat with real-time mechanics such as dodging and parrying. On Steam Deck, the game runs well with light graphical adjustments, making it a strong option for portable RPG fans.

The list also highlights smaller-scale experiences that shine on handheld hardware. Games like Ball Pit deliver deceptively simple mechanics layered with roguelike depth, while puzzle-driven titles such as Blue Prince encourage experimentation and long-term problem solving that fits perfectly with the Steam Deck’s suspend-and-resume functionality.

Narrative-driven and emotionally resonant experiences are also well represented. Celeste offers precise platforming paired with a story that explores mental health themes, while Disco Elysium provides a deeply text-driven RPG experience that feels natural on a handheld screen, similar to reading an interactive novel.

Several genre-blending hits appear on the list, including Cult of the Lamb, which combines fast-paced dungeon crawling with management simulation elements, and Dave the Diver, a hybrid adventure game that layers fishing, restaurant management, and story-driven exploration into a loop well suited for portable play sessions.

The video also includes challenging action titles such as Cuphead, known for its hand-drawn animation and demanding boss fights, as well as larger-scale experiences like Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree and Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered, demonstrating how the Steam Deck can handle visually impressive AAA games with the right performance settings.

Strategy, puzzle, and roguelike fans are well served with picks like Into the Breach, Monster Train 2, and Vampire Survivors, all of which benefit from bite-sized sessions and intuitive gamepad controls. Cozy and simulation-style games such as Stardew Valley and Fields of Mistria further highlight the Steam Deck’s versatility as a device for relaxed, long-form play.

The list also acknowledges the value of classic and retro-inspired experiences, including Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, and Marvel Cosmic Invasion, many of which feel particularly well suited to handheld gaming due to their pacing, visual clarity, and control schemes.

Rather than focusing on a single genre or release window, the video emphasizes breadth and quality, presenting Steam Deck as a platform capable of delivering everything from high-budget action games to thoughtful indie projects and experimental storytelling. Whether players are looking for short-session games for commuting or deep experiences to sink hours into, these recommendations demonstrate why the Steam Deck continues to be one of the most flexible and appealing ways to play PC games.