Steam Deck Games That Should Be on Your Radar

by John Nowacky
in Action, Adventure, News, PC, Release, xEL
on 28 June 2024

Looking to enhance your gaming library? The Steam Summer Sale has arrived, presenting an excellent opportunity to snag some highly anticipated games at discounted prices. We’ve curated a list of must-have titles for the Steam Deck, both new releases and timeless classics, that you should consider adding to your collection.

Disco Elysium: The Final Cut
With its captivating storytelling and unique gameplay, Disco Elysium has garnered critical acclaim. Although it may require a patient approach, the game offers a wild ride that combines non-traditional RPG elements and immersive dialogue. Recognized as a “Game of the Year” contender, Disco Elysium is Steam Deck Verified, ensuring seamless gameplay on Valve’s handheld device.

Civilization VI
Sid Meier’s Civilization franchise has long been revered for its turn-based strategy gameplay. Civilization VI, the latest installment, guarantees endless hours of gameplay as you chart a path towards world domination. Whether you prefer pursuing victory through peaceful means, technological advancement, or war, Civilization VI offers endless possibilities. While awaiting the next game in the series, dive into the abundant content provided by its DLC packs.

Baldur’s Gate 3
Regarded as one of the finest games on the Steam Deck, Baldur’s Gate 3 defies expectations by delivering a smooth and immersive experience even on limited hardware. This expansive RPG takes players on a thrilling adventure through familiar realms and Dungeons & Dragons lore. With multiple decision points influencing the story, Baldur’s Gate 3 offers incredible replayability. Take advantage of the Steam Summer Sale to secure this gem, as discounts on this title are rare.

Batman: Arkham Knight
For fans of the Caped Crusader, Batman: Arkham Knight presents a highly enjoyable open-world experience. Despite initial criticism, the game has gained a newfound appreciation. Rocksteady’s masterful world-building and combat design shine in this trilogy-ending installment. Whether you share a deep connection to the Batman universe or not, Arkham Knight is a worthy addition to any gamer’s library.

Kingdom Hearts 1.5 & 2.5 ReMIX
Recently released on Steam and verified for the Steam Deck, the Kingdom Hearts remakes offer an ideal opportunity to immerse yourself in this beloved franchise. Blending Final Fantasy and Disney elements, the Kingdom Hearts series combines emotional storytelling, platforming, and strategic combat. Start from the beginning to avoid confusion caused by sequels and prequels.

Monster Hunter Rise
As a Steam Deck Verified title, Monster Hunter Rise is a perfect choice for fans of the franchise or anyone seeking thrilling action gameplay. While it doesn’t revolutionize the series, it offers an exceptional Monster Hunter experience at a fraction of the cost. If you’re anticipating the release of Monster Hunter: Wilds next year, Monster Hunter Rise will help scratch that itch. Take advantage of the game bundles available, including Monster Hunter Rise with its Sunbreak expansion or a combination of MH: Rise and MH: World.

To top it off, the Steam Deck Summer Sale brings a special offer for the LCD model, available until July 11. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to acquire Valve’s handheld gaming device along with your favorite games. Expand your gaming horizons and make the most of the Steam Summer Sale!

Additional Facts:
1. The Steam Deck is a handheld gaming device developed by Valve Corporation, the same company behind the Steam digital distribution platform.
2. It features a custom AMD APU with a quad-core Zen 2 CPU and RDNA 2 architecture for enhanced performance.
3. The Steam Deck has a 7-inch touchscreen display with a resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels.
4. It has built-in controls, including thumbsticks, buttons, and triggers, making it suitable for a wide range of games.
5. The device runs on SteamOS, but it also allows users to install other operating systems like Windows.
6. The Steam Deck supports game streaming, allowing players to stream games from their PC to the device.
7. It offers expandable storage options through a microSD card slot, providing players with more space to store their games.
8. The Steam Deck has a USB-C port for charging and connecting peripherals, as well as Bluetooth support for wireless devices.

Important Questions and Answers:
Q: Can I play all my existing Steam games on the Steam Deck?
A: Yes, the Steam Deck is compatible with the entire Steam library, allowing you to play all your existing games on the device.

Q: Can I connect the Steam Deck to a TV or monitor?
A: Yes, the Steam Deck has a built-in DisplayPort 1.4 support, enabling users to connect it to external displays for a larger gaming experience.

Q: How long is the battery life of the Steam Deck?
A: Valve claims that the device can provide 2-8 hours of battery life, depending on the type of games being played and other factors.

Key Challenges or Controversies:
1. Availability: The Steam Deck has been highly anticipated, leading to high demand and potential supply constraints.
2. Price: The Steam Deck comes with different storage options at varying price points, with the higher-end models being relatively expensive compared to other handheld gaming devices.
3. Game compatibility: While the Steam Deck is designed to run the entire Steam library, some games may have compatibility issues due to the hardware limitations of the device.

Advantages:
1. Portability: The Steam Deck allows gamers to play their favorite PC games on the go, offering a portable gaming experience.
2. Extensive game library: With access to the entire Steam library, players have a vast selection of games to choose from.
3. Customizability: The Steam Deck allows users to install other operating systems and customize the device to their preferences.
4. Built-in controls: The device comes with physical controls, providing a more immersive gaming experience compared to touchscreen-only devices.

Disadvantages:
1. Limited availability: Due to high demand, it may be challenging to purchase the Steam Deck during its initial release.
2. Price: The cost of the Steam Deck may be prohibitive for some gamers, especially for the higher storage capacity models.
3. Compatibility issues: Some games may not run optimally on the Steam Deck due to its hardware limitations or required modifications.