Top Steam Deck Games

The Steam Deck, a handheld gaming PC developed by Valve Corporation, has revolutionized the way gamers experience their favorite titles on the go. With its powerful hardware and sleek design, the Steam Deck offers an unparalleled gaming experience, allowing players to enjoy a wide range of games from the Steam library. In this article, we'll delve into the top Steam Deck games, highlighting their unique features, gameplay mechanics, and compatibility with the Steam Deck's hardware.
Key Points
- The Steam Deck supports a vast library of games, including popular titles like Portal 2, Half-Life 2, and Dark Souls III
- Games like Cuphead and Hollow Knight showcase the Steam Deck's capabilities in handling demanding 2D games
- Proton, a compatibility layer, enables the Steam Deck to run Windows games on Linux, expanding the device's game library
- The Steam Deck's dual-trackpads and gyro controls provide a unique gaming experience, especially in games like Resident Evil 4 and Overcooked 2
- Games with controller support and touchscreen input are well-suited for the Steam Deck, offering a seamless gaming experience
Top Steam Deck Games

The Steam Deck’s library is vast and diverse, with games from various genres and developers. Some of the top Steam Deck games include:
- Portal 2: A first-person puzzle game that challenges players to navigate through increasingly complex test chambers using a portal gun
- Half-Life 2: A classic first-person shooter that sets the standard for storytelling and gameplay in the genre
- Dark Souls III: An action role-playing game known for its challenging gameplay and dark atmosphere
- Cuphead: A run-and-gun action game with challenging boss battles and unique hand-drawn graphics
- Hollow Knight: A metroidvania game that explores the interconnected world of Hallownest, featuring tight gameplay and atmospheric sound design
Game Compatibility and Proton
The Steam Deck’s compatibility with Windows games is made possible by Proton, a compatibility layer that allows Linux to run Windows applications. This technology has enabled the Steam Deck to support a wide range of games, including those that were previously exclusive to Windows. However, it’s essential to note that not all games are compatible with the Steam Deck, and some may require additional configuration or workarounds to run smoothly.
Game | Compatibility | Proton Support |
---|---|---|
Portal 2 | Native | No |
Half-Life 2 | Native | No |
Dark Souls III | Proton | Yes |
Cuphead | Native | No |
Hollow Knight | Native | No |

Controller Support and Touchscreen Input

The Steam Deck’s dual-trackpads and gyro controls provide a unique gaming experience, especially in games that support controller input and touchscreen interaction. Games like Resident Evil 4 and Overcooked 2 showcase the Steam Deck’s capabilities in handling demanding games with complex controls.
Games with Controller Support
Games with controller support are well-suited for the Steam Deck, offering a seamless gaming experience. Some examples include:
- Resident Evil 4: A survival horror game that utilizes the Steam Deck's gyro controls for aiming and movement
- Overcooked 2: A cooking simulation game that requires coordination and communication between players, making it an excellent choice for the Steam Deck's controller support
- Diablo III: An action role-playing game that supports controller input, offering a comfortable gaming experience on the Steam Deck
What games are compatible with the Steam Deck?
+The Steam Deck supports a vast library of games, including popular titles like Portal 2, Half-Life 2, and Dark Souls III. However, it's essential to check the compatibility of each game before purchasing, as some may require additional configuration or workarounds to run smoothly.
Can I play Windows games on the Steam Deck?
+Yes, the Steam Deck supports Windows games through Proton, a compatibility layer that allows Linux to run Windows applications. However, not all games are compatible, and some may require additional configuration or workarounds to run smoothly.
What type of controls does the Steam Deck support?
+The Steam Deck supports dual-trackpads, gyro controls, and touchscreen input, offering a unique gaming experience. Games with controller support and touchscreen input are well-suited for the Steam Deck, providing a seamless gaming experience.
In conclusion, the Steam Deck offers an unparalleled gaming experience, with a vast library of games to choose from and unique controls that provide a new way to play. Whether you're a fan of first-person shooters, action role-playing games, or puzzle games, the Steam Deck has something for everyone. With its powerful hardware, sleek design, and compatibility with Windows games, the Steam Deck is an excellent choice for gamers looking for a portable and powerful gaming device.
Meta Description: Discover the top Steam Deck games, including Portal 2, Half-Life 2, and Dark Souls III, and learn about the device’s compatibility with Windows games, controller support, and unique controls.