Valve’s foray into handheld gaming with the Steam Deck has certainly made waves, earning many positive reviews. For us, the avid gamers who crave the thrill of the game at our fingertips, this new device targets our needs precisely. It’s worth noting that various games are officially endorsed as Steam Deck compatible, ensuring an optimal gaming experience. Today, we’ll talk about the five best verified Steam Deck games.
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Verified Steam Deck Games
Games are sorted into four Steam Deck compatibility categories: Unsupported, Unknown, Playable, and Verified.
The Unsupported games have been checked and deemed unsuitable for the Steam Deck, while the Unknown games have yet to be evaluated.
Games falling under the Playable category need minor tweaks from you to run smoothly on the Deck. Then we have the Verified games, optimally functional on the Steam Deck, and we’ll delve into some of these shortly.
A game achieves the verified status when it ticks four boxes concerning the Steam Deck: Input, display, seamlessness, and system support. The game must offer full controller support, align with the Steam Deck’s visual language, and employ the on-screen keyboard when necessary. It should also be compatible with the Steam Deck’s default resolution.
Additionally, no compatibility warnings should appear, and if the game runs via Proton, everything, including the anti-cheat protocol, should be fully compatible.
Here are five top-tier verified Steam Deck games we reckon you’ll love on your new handheld device.
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1. Hogwarts Legacy
Get ready, young sorcerer, to command your destiny with your Steam Deck as if wielding the legendary Elder Wand. Hogwarts Legacy offers an open-world action role-playing adventure, casting you as a wizard or witch in the expansive, enchanting realms of the wizarding world.
You can dart through Hogwarts’s grand, marble hallways, soar between towering spires, or take a daring detour into the Forbidden Forest to encounter its shadowy inhabitants.
As one of the latest verified Steam Deck games, we’ve all been eager to experience Hogwarts Legacy on our devices, and at last, it’s received the green light.
Release Date: February 10, 2023
Developer: Avalanche Software
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2. Elden Ring
Elden Ring, undoubtedly one of 2022’s best games, is a Souls-like adventure crafted by FromSoftware and brought to us by Bandai Namco Entertainment. It’s a game that spans both last-gen and new-gen consoles, along with PC.
Here’s a game with an open world to explore, where every corner breathes life, the brainchild of George R.R. Martin, the esteemed author behind the epic fantasy novel series, A Dance of Fire and Ice.
We’ve been keenly waiting for Elden Ring to receive the all-clear for Steam Deck, and it’s just been handed its badge. Lauded by critics and players alike, it’s an experience you can now savour on your handheld device.
Release Date: February 25, 2022
Developer: FromSoftware
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3. Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered
The Big Apple yearns for its web-slinging hero as Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered swings into action to tackle the city’s escalating chaos. This game is a fresh inclusion in the verified Steam Deck games list, bringing exceptional entertainment right into your hands.
With the power of Steam Deck, you can effortlessly glide among the towering skyscrapers. Channeling Peter’s heightened reflexes are crucial to his heroic endeavours, making Spider-Man Remastered on Steam Deck the perfect companion for your heroic journeys.
Plus — Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales is also verified.
Release Date: August 12, 2022
Developer: Insomniac Games
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4. Street Fighter 6
Street Fighter 6 recently secured its spot in the verified Steam Deck games list. The game’s intense battles will test the harmony between your strategic mind and quick reflexes but fear not. With Steam Deck, maintaining control of your moves becomes a breeze.
Whether you’re dishing out blows on your World Tour journey or making a name for yourself in Fighting Ground and Battle Hub, the power is in your hands. Let the fight begin.
Release Date: June 1, 2023
Developer: Capcom
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5. ARK: Survival Evolved
Last on our list, but certainly not least, is ARK: Survival Evolved, rounding off our top five verified Steam Deck games. In this thrilling survival action game, you’ll immerse yourself in a world where battling and even taming ancient and mythical dinosaurs becomes your daily routine.
Keep an eye on your health, strategise your shelter, consider joining forces in a tribe, and know when to fight or flee. Remember, it’s easier said than done. So, stay sharp and keep those fingers poised over your Steam Deck. You’re on your way to becoming the most skilled handheld player in the game.
Release Date: August 27, 2017
Developer: Studio Wildcard
Our list doesn’t stop here, of course. There are plenty more options for your entertainment on the horizon. The Valve team is tirelessly working on optimising the entire Steam catalogue for Steam Deck. Word on the street is that tens of thousands of game titles are lined up for review. So, what’s unsupported today could be your new favourite verified game tomorrow. Keep your eyes peeled and stay tuned for the surprises.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can I Check My Games’ Steam Deck Compatibility?
To see the compatibility of the games in your Library, click Library and look for the covers of each game, showing their compatibility levels automatically.
Is the Steam Deck Compatible with All Games?
No — many games are still under review for their prospective compatibility with the Steam Deck. Some games are already reviewed but found incompatible with it. These titles may later be adjusted for the console though.
How Long Does Steam Deck Last Playing Elden Ring?
Steam Deck is a powerful device, almost with the performance of a PS4. However, the size of the console is in contrast with its power. With Steam Deck, you can enjoy a mere 93-minute playing if you keep the brightness of your screen around 50% and dynamic intelligence disabled.
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