Top 15 Steam Deck Games to Try First

Best Steam Games to Get First on the Steam Deck

Steam is a treasure trove of games, offering everything from the latest AAA titles to classic indie gems. The Steam Deck makes it easier than ever to enjoy these games on the go. If you’re looking for the best games to start with on your Steam Deck, you’ve come to the right place.

The Steam Deck is an excellent handheld gaming console that allows you to play PC games anywhere. Whether you’re traveling or just want to game in a different setting, the Steam Deck provides a seamless experience. To help you get started, here’s a list of the best 15 games to play first on the Steam Deck.

Aperture Desk Job

Aperture Desk Job is a great first game for the Steam Deck since it’s effectively a Steam Deck tutorial that shows you how to get the most from the handheld. Not only is it informative, but it’s also hilarious. It’s also 100% free, so there’s no reason to skip it.

Baldur’s Gate 3

Released in 2023, Larian Studios’ Baldur’s Gate 3 is one of the best RPGs we’ve played in decades. It’s a love letter to Dungeons & Dragons that also manages to deliver a compelling turn-based combat system, intriguing characters, and some meaningful choices and discoveries that make this killer RPG fun to play through multiple times — alone or with friends in the cross-platform multiplayer mode.

Cyberpunk 2077 UE

Shoot, hack and sneak your way through a cyberpunk metropolis in Cyberpunk 2077. When CD Projekt Red launched the game in 2020, it was a bit of a mess, but all these years (and one excellent expansion) later, it’s easily one of the best open-world games on the market. Make sure you buy the Ultimate Edition for the best version possible, as the expansion adds several hours of new story content as well as a smorgasbord of things to do in the brand-new zone of Dogtown.

Dispatch

Dispatch is one of those games that came out of nowhere to become one of the best of 2025. It’s also perfect for the Steam Deck thanks to its simple art style and easy controls. If you enjoy story-driven games from the likes of Telltale and Dontnod, this is one you should check out.

Elden Ring

Arguably developer FromSoftware’s biggest undertaking, Elden Ring and its expansion, Shadow of the Erdtree, is just about the pinnacle of open-world action RPGs. From its deep, extensive lore of The Lands Between to the hard-as-nails combat, this critically acclaimed title will keep you on your toes from start to finish (and beyond).

Forza Horizon 5

Forza Horizon 5 is absolutely worth buying for the Steam Deck. If you enjoy driving from point A to point B, the game is a blast. The new map, handling adjustments and visual improvements go a long way in helping keep the Forza formula fresh. Forza Horizon 5 is one of the best games for anyone who likes cars and driving.

Gwent

Allowing you to build a deck of fantasy monsters and swordsmen, Gwent is a compelling mix of flashy animations and strategic gameplay. Naturally, you can spend real-world money on booster packs to augment your deck, or you can earn in-game currency as you refine your skills and defeat your foes. This game is also completely free to download.

Hades II

Set in the world of Greek mythology, you play Melinoë, Princess of the Underworld, on a quest to defeat Chronos, the titan of time. With each run through the labyrinthine underworld, you’ll gain new abilities and inch closer to the grand showdown. Much like the original Hades, in this sequel your first successful run is just the start, with Hades 2 offering myriad reasons to keep playing long after beating the titan.

Hollow Knight: Silksong

Hollow Knight: Silksong is the highly anticipated sequel that sent the gaming world buzzing. The game features gorgeous hand-drawn characters, Metroidvania-inspired level design, and challenging combat. As you explore, you’ll discover new powers to help you overcome foes and discover the world’s secrets. It’s a fantastic game to play on Steam Deck.

The Last of Us: Part I Remake

Following Joel and Ellie’s cross-country journey across a post-apocalyptic USA plagued by the undead, The Last of Us: Part I is a perfectly paced action-adventure that combines nerve-shredding stealth with impactful gunplay. But the real star is the beautifully told story of an unlikely surrogate father/daughter duo, and the sometimes devastatingly cruel lengths people will go to in the name of love.

Portal 2

Portal 2 might be one of the oldest games on this list, but it’s still an incredible title all these years later and a whole lot of fun on Steam Deck. Not only is the single-player campaign great, but the co-op mode is also a blast. If you want a quirky game filled with mind-bending puzzles, give this one a shot.

Resident Evil 4 Remake

The Resident Evil 4 remake retains what made the original 2005 release one of the most influential games of all time, while also giving the whole experience a much-needed visual facelift. Smart tweaks have also been made to the core gameplay mechanics in the name of modernization. It runs surprisingly well on the Steam Deck.

Street Fighter 6

Street Fighter 6 is a triumph thanks to features like World Tour mode and control schemes accommodating casual and advanced players. This is unquestionably one of the best fighting games right now and one of the strongest entries in the long-running franchise. Fighting Ground runs at a stable 60fps, but you might experience lower fps in the open-world World Tour Mode.

Streets of Rage 4

If you’re looking for one of the finest beat ‘em ups ever, look no further than Streets of Rage 4. Like its classic predecessors, this game has you cleaning up the mean streets as one of several selectable brawlers. Featuring tight controls and gorgeous graphics, it’s a highlight for the Steam Deck. Just be sure not to break your handheld in half when Streets of Rage 4 gets too difficult!

Vampire Survivors

Underneath Vampire Survivor’s Windows 98 aesthetic and seemingly monotonous gameplay is something rather addicting: a character unlock mechanic that changes the game ever-so-slightly and an arsenal of weapons that gets bigger with each run. Couple that with its quick gameplay loop that only takes between 10 and 20 minutes for each death, and you’ve got all the makings of an accessible and addictive game that’s perfect for Steam Deck.