Best Metroidvania like Games that Play Perfectly on the Steam Deck in 2024

Best Metroidvania like Games that Play Perfectly on the Steam Deck in 2024

As a lifelong gamer with a penchant for exploration and challenge, I can confidently say that the Steam Deck has been nothing short of a revelation when it comes to the Metroidvania genre. With its portability and impressive performance, this handheld powerhouse has allowed me to immerse myself in breathtaking worlds and nail-biting challenges like never before.


The Metroidvania genre has long captivated gamers with its exploration, platforming, and puzzle-solving. On the Steam Deck, these games perform even better and offer a smooth, engaging experience. If you want to immerse yourself in a game that combines these elements with the portability of the Steam Deck, this guide will help you find the perfect title. Each game in this list has been carefully selected to run smoothly on the Steam Deck, providing an adventure that’s as enjoyable as it is challenging.

When delving into top Metroidvania games on Steam Deck, think about enhancing your gaming journey by upgrading some aspects. A good quality mouse or an immersive headset can significantly improve your experience. Look into these budget-friendly gaming headsets that deliver superb sound quality without draining your wallet, ensuring you hear every detail of your adventure with clarity.

Game Rant’s Best Metroidvania-like Games that Play Perfectly on the Steam Deck

The remarkable game Elden Ring stands out as an unparalleled masterpiece, boasting intricate gameplay within a vast, immersive open world. This makes it the top pick for Steam Deck enthusiasts seeking the ultimate Metroidvania-style experience. Crafted by FromSoftware in collaboration with Hidetaka Miyazaki and George R.R. Martin, this title offers an unmatched fantasy action-RPG journey. The game’s immense world beckons players to delve into every nook and cranny, uncovering hidden secrets and lore that enriches the story with each revelation.

As a newcomer to the genre or an experienced gamer, the challenge posed by Elden Ring is no walk in the park, but the rush of triumphing over these tough obstacles is like none other. The breathtaking visuals and captivating gameplay are taken to another level with the Steam Deck’s portability, enabling me to explore the epic world of Elden Ring from anywhere I go. With its depth, difficulty, and sheer beauty, Elden Ring stands out as the ultimate Metroidvania-style game for the Steam Deck.

On the Steam Deck, Hollow Knight stands out as the top Metroidvania-like game from Nintendo Switch. Its immersive world and detailed design ensure that each moment spent navigating its expansive, interwoven landscapes feels fulfilling. The gameplay, which tests one’s skill, is a great fit for those seeking a challenge. Consequently, it’s the ideal pick for the Steam Deck.

Hollow Knight stands out as a remarkable achievement within its genre, despite its challenging gameplay and limited guidance. Its stunning visuals and eerie soundtrack offer an immersive journey that keeps gamers eagerly returning. It’s the top choice among Metroidvania-style games on the Nintendo Switch for those seeking a rich, captivating adventure, especially when played on the Steam Deck.

NieR: Automata is considered the best PlayStation 5 Metroidvania-like game for the Steam Deck. It offers players a deeply engaging experience with its action RPG elements and Metroidvania-inspired exploration. Moreover, the game’s art design is stunning, with detailed environments and characters that bring the mysterious NieR universe to life. Coupled with its highly customizable gameplay and a soundtrack that is nothing short of extraordinary, NieR: Automata delivers a gaming experience that is both satisfying and meaningful.

Despite some technical hiccups such as occasional crashes and no auto-save function, NieR: Automata on the Steam Deck shines with a profound narrative filled with philosophical elements that sets it apart from many other games. Its exceptional art and engaging gameplay make it an outstanding Metroidvania-style game for the PlayStation 5, standing tall among its peers on the Steam Deck.

In the tradition of its forerunner, Hades II delivers thrilling action and storytelling, earning it the title of the top Xbox Metroidvania-style game for Steam Deck users. The game captivates with its immersive narrative, intriguing lore, and graphical aesthetic that pulls players into its mythological realm. As a sequel, it innovates with fresh mechanics while preserving what made the initial release a notable success.

Although Hades II is currently in an early access stage, it boasts a refined gaming experience that rivals many completed releases, showcasing Supergiant Games’ dedication to quality. This commitment translates into a gratifying player experience. Moreover, Hades II excels with its high replay value, varied gameplay mechanics, and continuous updates, making it the top Metroidvania-like game on Xbox for the Steam Deck.

In terms of visual beauty and emotional depth, Ori and the Blind Forest stands out as the top solo-player Metroidvania-style game for the Steam Deck. This game boasts beautiful hand-painted graphics that tell a heartfelt story, offering players an unforgettable adventure through an intricately designed world. The platforming obstacles are cleverly designed, demanding both skill and precision, ensuring that each triumph is well-deserved.

Although the game doesn’t offer Xbox Series X|S enhancements, it remains a standout on the Steam Deck due to its solid performance and immersive experience. The difficulty level can be high, but solving each challenge brings great satisfaction. Ori and the Blind Forest is the best single-player Metroidvania-like game for the Steam Deck.

“Animal Crossing: New Horizons, a brilliantly constructed Metroidvania-style game, offers an enchanting adventure, making it the top choice for this genre on Steam Deck. The game’s intricate puzzles and imaginative world design draw players into a labyrinth of secrets and mysteries, keeping them engaged. The visual and auditory aspects of the game create a captivating, immersive experience that lingers in the minds of players even after the game concludes.”

The game might be challenging for some and features a shorter playtime. However, these elements contribute to its overall appeal, making every moment feel meaningful. ANIMAL WELL is a must-play for adventure lovers on the Steam Deck. It offers a deep, memorable experience that makes it the best adventure Metroidvania-like game for the Steam Deck.

Selecting the Best Metroidvania Games for the Steam Deck

When choosing a Metroidvania game for the Steam Deck, consider factors like:

  • Game Performance: Make sure the game runs smoothly on the Steam Deck, without lag or performance issues.
  • Control Optimization: Look for games that offer intuitive and responsive controls suitable for handheld play.
  • Replayability: Games with multiple paths, secrets, and challenges offer more value and longevity on your Steam Deck.

FAQ

Q: What makes a game a “Metroidvania”?

A “Metroidvania” style game integrates aspects of adventure, jumping puzzles, and combat, emphasizing revisiting previously explored regions as you acquire new skills during gameplay. This genre’s name is a blend of the influential games Metroid and Castlevania.

Q: Why is the Steam Deck popular for playing Metroidvania games?

With its portable design, robust performance, and versatility in running numerous PC games, the Steam Deck is perfect for savoring the captivating experiences of Metroidvania games. These games frequently demand precise control and provide intricate environments to delve into.

Q: Can the Steam Deck handle graphically intense Metroidvania games?

Absolutely! The Steam Deck comes with powerful hardware that can run graphic-heavy Metroidvania games seamlessly. Its unique APU, along with its tailored software, makes it capable of handling even the toughest titles within this genre.

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2024-08-27 06:03