The PC handhelds market has grown in recent years, with many PC hardware companies like Asus and Lenovo, getting into the handheld race. However, this PC handhelds boom is attributed to being started by Valve’s Steam Deck, first an LCD version, and later and even better OLED model.
Thanks to its features like trackpads and gyro, on the Steam Deck you can play games that require mouse or precision aim without a problem. It is a handheld perfect for any style of game, so if you’re looking into a specific genre—or you hop between different ones—this list will help you decide which game to try next.
Dota 2
Dota 2 is one of the most popular multiplayer MOBA games, and one of the most played games on Steam. While it’s marked as Playable in the Steam Deck Compatibility tag, the game doesn’t support controllers. While no controller support could be a problem for other handhelds, here is where the Steam Deck’s features shine. You can use the trackpads to navigate the menu as well as aiming, and the back buttons as extra key bindings. If you still need extra keys to add, the trackpads themselves can be used as an additional set of keys.
Warframe
It’s not surprising that Warframe has a compatibility rating of Steam Deck Verified, since it can run on smartphones as well. The game runs flawlessly on the Steam Deck thanks to its great optimization, and that you can also tweak the graphics settings. It supports FSR upscaling, so even with high settings, high frames are also possible. Thanks also to that good optimization, you can expect a long battery life for a game with such great visuals. With the gyro, you can expect great aim precision even in the fast gameplay Warframe can offer.
Final Fantasy XIV
For those looking for a handheld MMO experience, Final Fantasy XIV might be what you’re looking for. Thanks to its controller support because it is also available for consoles, FFXIV is Steam Deck Playable. The free trial version includes the base story and the first two expansions Heavensward and Stormblood. FFXIV isn’t a very graphically demandable game, so great performance is easily achievable. If the in-game chat is also something that you plan to use, the Steam Deck’s virtual keyboard will be there to help you write anything you need.
Cyberpunk 2077
Playing Cyberpunk 2077 on a handheld might sound impossible, and unplayable. However, thanks to developer CD Projekt Red’s continued support of the game, and FSR, Cyberpunk has a Steam Deck Verified compatibility. It is still a very graphically demanding game, but locking the frame rate will help you have a stable performance. Cyberpunk 2077 is a visual marvel even in low settings. The bright colors and lighting of the game look stunning on the Steam Deck’s screen.
Street Fighter 6
For fighting game fans, Street Fighter 6 offers a fluid performance, with up to more than 60 frames per second achievable on the standard stages. In the open world of the story mode is where more tinkering with the settings is required. Still, even in those large areas, a high frame rate is possible, earning the game a Verified compatibility rating. Since Street Fighter 6 is optimized for controllers, you can play every aspect of the game without problem, including online competitive ranked modes.
Baldur’s Gate 3
CRPGs have come a long way, and Baldur’s Gate 3 elevated the genre to new heights. While this type of RPG has been popular in the PC platform, Baldur’s Gate 3 has been greatly optimized not only for consoles, but for handhelds as well. What makes Baldur’s Gate 3, and most CRPGs perfect to play on the Steam Deck, it’s the trackpads. You can use the trackpad as a mouse and have a similar experience as on a PC. While the game is already Steam Deck Verified, Larian Studios keeps updating the game frequently, including updates for optimization that sometimes include the Steam Deck.
Hades II
Regarded by many as one of the best rogue-like experiences, Hades II action loop plays flawlessly on the Steam Deck. While it is not a graphics heavy game, the visuals and art style of Hades II is one of the most beautiful and unique in gaming. Every character looks like a Greek sculpture, and every location will have you staring at it for minutes with their beauty. Hades II offers visuals that simply can’t be found anywhere else, and it is best played handheld on a Steam Deck thanks to its Verified optimization.
Hollow Knight
The Steam Deck is at its best with small games because you can push them to their limit, both in frame rate and native resolution. Hollow Knight is one of those Verified games, and those max frames will benefit the 2D Metroidvania gameplay. Team Cherry also recently released an update that adds support for the Steam Deck’s 16:10 resolution, making the visual experience more immersive and enjoyable than ever.
Half-Life 2
Most of Valve’s own games have been optimized and updated to run on the Steam Deck. The Portal and Left 4 Dead games are Verified; however, nothing beats a playthrough of Half-Life 2 on the Steam Deck. The game takes full advantage of every feature the Steam Deck has to offer like gyro, trackpads, and rumble. Using the gravity gun and its unique feel while aiming with the gyro, it’s something that can’t be replicated in any other game. While it’s been 20 years since its release, Half-Life 2 still proves that it was ahead of its time both visually, as well as gameplay. It is an experience that every Steam Deck owner needs to try immediately.
Do you own a Steam Deck? If so, let us know in the comments below what is your favorite game to play on it. Keep your eyes on GameObserver for more content on the Steam Deck and other handhelds.
