Best Steam Deck Games to Play in 2025

Since its release in February 2022, Valve’s Steam Deck has drawn interest as a portable gaming PC. The device allows access to the majority of a user’s Steam library and runs on SteamOS, a Linux-based operating system capable of emulating Windows games. Millions of units have been sold, making the Deck a notable part of the gaming ecosystem. Despite this, the platform’s overall share of Steam users remains relatively small, with estimates suggesting between five and seven million units in circulation as of early 2025. Playtime data (reported on by GameDiscoverCo) indicates that the Deck accounts for approximately 2.75% of total Steam playtime.

Recent analysis of Steam Deck usage focused on games that grossed over $1 million in lifetime revenue and had at least 100 reviews from users with a majority of their playtime on the Deck. The results indicate a trend toward titles that resemble console-style games in design and accessibility. Leading the list were Imaginary Game Console Catalog UFO 50, Dungeons of Hinterberg, and OlliOlli World, all of which have a higher proportion of playtime recorded on the Deck compared with typical PC users. These games tend to feature straightforward mechanics, bright visuals, and controls suited to a portable format.

Best Steam Deck Games to Play in 2025

Performance of Mid-Tier and Indie Titles

Many of the top-performing games on the Deck did not achieve high concurrent player counts on PC, often reaching 1,000 to 1,500 players at peak. However, some mid-tier and indie titles, such as Minishoot Adventures and 1000xRESIST, were able to capture a significant Steam Deck audience while performing well within budget constraints. These titles suggest that the Deck can provide an additional layer of engagement for developers targeting accessible, action-oriented, and indie-friendly games.

Genre Trends and Player Preferences

The analysis also revealed that games popular on the Deck often carry a “lite console” quality. This includes action, adventure, and platformer games, as well as titles that appeal to players accustomed to portable consoles like the Nintendo Switch. Popular franchises such as Castlevania and Kingdom Hearts collections also appear among the Deck’s more played titles. These findings suggest that the platform is suited to games that combine approachable gameplay with concise design, rather than complex, resource-intensive experiences typically aimed at desktop PC users.

Best Steam Deck Games to Play in 2025

Steam as a Primary Platform

Sales data indicates that Steam remains the primary platform for games popular on the Deck, even when simultaneous releases occur on other consoles. For some titles, 60–65% of players purchase the game on Steam, while later releases on Switch contribute a smaller share. This may reflect both Steam’s broad international reach and the purchasing behavior of users who own multiple platforms. The data also highlights the role of launch timing, as games released on Steam first often perform more strongly on that platform than on delayed console ports.

Best Steam Deck Games to Play in 2025

Implications for Game Development

For developers considering the Steam Deck, the data suggests a measured approach. Games that appeal to both Steam and Switch audiences are likely to attract Deck players, particularly those with accessible controls and visually clear designs. However, the platform’s relatively small user base means that focusing exclusively on Deck-specific development may not be financially justified. Developers may benefit from considering cross-platform strategies while keeping the Deck audience in mind.

Final Thoughts

The Steam Deck provides an additional channel for game engagement, particularly for titles with console-like design and accessible gameplay. While the installed base is modest compared with other platforms, it offers insights into player preferences and genre trends. Developers seeking to reach Steam Deck users should focus on games that combine approachable mechanics, concise design, and cross-platform availability to maximize audience reach.

Source: GameDiscoverCo

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Steam Deck?

The Steam Deck is a portable gaming PC developed by Valve, released in February 2022. It allows players to access the majority of their Steam library and runs on SteamOS, a Linux-based operating system that can emulate Windows games. The device is designed for handheld gaming and has sold millions of units worldwide.

Which types of games perform best on the Steam Deck?

Games that perform well on the Steam Deck tend to have console-style designs with accessible controls and straightforward mechanics. Popular genres include action, adventure, platformers, and indie titles. Games with bright visuals and concise gameplay are also more likely to resonate with Deck users.

Are Steam Deck players mainly using Steam or other platforms?

The majority of Steam Deck players purchase games through Steam, even for titles also available on consoles. Estimates suggest 60–65% of players for some titles buy through Steam, with Switch and PlayStation contributing a smaller share. This reflects Steam’s international reach and the behavior of users who own both a Steam Deck and a console.

How large is the Steam Deck user base?

As of early 2025, the Steam Deck’s installed base is estimated between 5 and 7 million units. Steam’s Hardware Survey indicates that about 0.7% of all Steam users are actively using the Deck. Playtime on the device represents roughly 2.75% of total Steam playtime, a figure that has remained relatively stable over the past year.

Do all Steam games work well on the Deck?

While the Steam Deck can run most Steam games, not all titles are equally suited to the platform. Games designed for console-like gameplay with simpler controls generally perform better. High-end PC games with complex graphics or resource-intensive mechanics may be less optimal for portable play.

Are indie games popular on the Steam Deck?

Yes, indie games with accessible gameplay often capture a significant portion of Steam Deck players. Titles like Minishoot Adventures and 1000xRESIST illustrate that smaller or mid-tier games can perform well on the platform, even if they do not reach blockbuster success on desktop PC.

Should developers focus exclusively on Steam Deck development?

Given the relatively small installed base, focusing solely on Steam Deck development is not generally recommended. Developers are advised to target cross-platform audiences, particularly players on Steam and Switch, while considering the Deck as a supplemental platform.

Does the Steam Deck influence game design trends?

The Steam Deck has highlighted the appeal of games with console-adjacent design, approachable mechanics, and concise gameplay. Developers may use insights from Deck engagement to inform genre choices, control schemes, and visual styles, particularly for portable-friendly titles.

Can Steam Deck users also play web3 games?

The Steam Deck can run games that integrate web3 features, provided the game is compatible with SteamOS or can be emulated. However, adoption and performance depend on the specific requirements of the web3 game and the device’s Linux-based environment.

Here’s a list of all the games mentioned: