Indie Games That Shine on the Steam Deck

Summary

Some indie games, like Brotato, work exceptionally well on the Steam Deck due to their short yet satisfying gameplay loops.
For games like Dredge, the immersive experience is amplified on the Deck, especially during nighttime play with headphones on.
Titles like Hades thrive on the Steam Deck, offering fast-paced action, precise controls, and visually stunning gameplay on the go.

Enjoying a handheld device and immersing oneself in an independent game, especially with a Steam Deck, offers a unique sense of satisfaction. It’s not just about mobility; it’s about the way some games are more enjoyable when played with the screen close to your face, controls positioned under your thumbs for a comfortable grip, and the feel of the game itself in the palms of your hands.

This list showcases games that offer unique experiences when you play them comfortably. Whether it’s a roguelike game that keeps you engaged during your daily commute or a game with a slow pace that’s ideal for cozying up under a blanket, these indie games really shine on the Deck.

8. Brotato

Hold My Potato While I Wipe Out Everything On Screen

The game named Brotato truly stands out, as it’s far from being discreet, and that’s precisely why it shines so brilliantly on a Steam Deck. Crafted by the French studio Blobfish, this top-down arena shooter is all about mastering chaos. In this game, you control an armored potato (yes, a potato) trying to stay alive amidst hordes of alien adversaries while managing up to six weapons simultaneously. It’s like playing Vampire Survivors on an energy drink, but with more firepower and less idle time.

The harmony between the game’s engaging loop and its easy-to-start format on a portable device like the Deck is what truly clicks. Most playthroughs don’t exceed ten minutes, making it ideal for brief moments—like commuting, waiting, or those final hours before sleep. The control layout is straightforward yet accurate, the graphics are clear even on a compact screen, and the performance remains smooth even during intense scenes filled with explosions, lasers, and pixelated gore. It’s a game that drains battery but makes each percentage of progress incredibly rewarding.

7. Dredge

The Sea’s Full Of Horrors—Thankfully You Can Run From Them In Bed

The game titled “Dredge” has an eerie allure; it entices players with its tranquil fishing simulation ambiance. However, beneath this calm facade, it subtly rips apart the fabric of reality. Developed by Black Salt Games from New Zealand, “Dredge” is a unique blend of peaceful management sim and chilling cosmic horror. As the captain of a small boat, you navigate through misty waters, catching fish during the daylight hours, while at night you must be careful to avoid the horrors lurking beneath the surface.

Instead of just portability, what makes playing Dredge on a Steam Deck exceptional is the sense of intimacy it provides. It’s an exhilarating experience to play this game at night, in the dark, with headphones on, allowing the eerie sounds of your boat and the flickering shadows on the water to envelop you completely. The game’s unsettling ambiance becomes even more intense when you’re so close to the screen that you can almost feel your sanity meter ticking as you navigate through shipwrecks and hallucinations. Even the simple task of inventory management, reminiscent of Tetris, becomes surprisingly enjoyable on-the-go. In a way, Dredge doesn’t shout, it whispers—and the Steam Deck is the ideal platform to truly appreciate its subtle nuances.

6. Hades

Demigod Problems Hit Different When You’re Slouching On The Couch

This list isn’t fully satisfying without the thrilling entrance of Hades, the standout roguelike game by Supergiant Games. It’s a fast-paced, fashionable title steeped in Greek mythology, but it truly shines on the Steam Deck due to its seamless integration with handheld, manageable gaming sessions. The escapades of Zagreus from the Underworld are brief enough for spare moments yet intricate enough to transform a quick play into a series of five.

As a gamer, I’ve got to say, the built-in controls on this Deck are nothing short of impressive. Darting around, dodging, dashing, and slashing through swarms of shades feels as tight as it does on my high-end gaming rig. Plus, if you’re lucky enough to have the OLED model, the neon glow of Tartarus just leaps off the screen, like it was tailor-made for this device. What really blows me away is how smoothly this game runs, even during those chaotic moments when everything goes haywire – a testament to both the game’s optimization and the Deck’s power under the hood.

As a gamer, let me tell you, the sleep-resume feature on this Deck is simply a game-changer. It’s like taking a quick break during my run, coming back to find Zagreus just where I left him, dual-wielding doom and wit as if nothing ever happened. What a relief!

5. Cult Of The Lamb

Praise Be To The Portable Prophet

Cult of the Lamb is an unusual game with a unique blend. It combines elements of roguelike dungeon crawling and village management simulation games, while its sweet visual aesthetic belies its darker themes. The developers at Massive Monster cleverly designed a title where players can establish their own cult, perform rituals involving their followers, and even go fishing, all within the same gameplay session.

The primary factor contributing to its appeal on a Steam Deck lies in the unique blend of its gameplay. At one instant, players find themselves slashing through hordes of enemies in procedurally generated dungeons; at the next, they’re tending to their homes, delegating tasks to followers and cleaning up virtual filth. This alternation between action-packed moments and downtime keeps players hooked, and it aligns seamlessly with the Steam Deck’s portable playstyle.

In my opinion, it’s fantastic that the whimsical designs and fluid animations maintain their clarity even on smaller screens when playing in handheld mode. Regardless if I’m bestowing blessings upon a follower or witnessing their passage into old age, everything appears distressingly adorable, enhancing the overall gaming experience for me.

4. Dead Cells

You Can’t Escape Death, But You Can Take It On The Bus

As a gamer, I’ve got to say that Dead Cells by Motion Twin is more than just a popular title; it’s a modern gaming classic for good reason. The smooth movement, crisp combat, and unpredictable level designs ensure each playthrough feels unique. What truly sets it apart on the Steam Deck is its ability to deliver that razor-sharp gameplay experience without any performance sacrifices.

This game is excellent for building muscle memory and quick reflexes, and the controls are intuitive, not interfering with your play. The buttons respond quickly, the frame rate remains constant even in intense enemy encounters, and the vivid pixel art looks fantastic on smaller screens. To top it off, there’s a wealth of additional content released after launch, such as DLCs like “Fatal Falls,” “The Queen and the Sea,” and even a Castlevania crossover, ensuring that you’ll always have something new to conquer.

3. Slay The Spire

Deckbuilding Feels Better When It’s Literally In Your Hands

Among all card-based roguelikes, none have demonstrated the enduring popularity that Slay the Spire has managed to maintain. Originating from the American studio MegaCrit, this game sparked an entire subgenre of deckbuilders striving for its level of success. On the Steam Deck, it seems remarkably custom-built for the platform.

This game has a leisurely, sequential design that allows players to enjoy it without stressing over fast reactions. The sensation of choosing cards with a joystick is surprisingly pleasing. You can halt the gameplay at any moment, resume later, and make strategies without time constraints. The screen dimensions offer an optimal view of the battlefield without being too crowded, and the user interface adapts seamlessly to handheld devices.

What makes it particularly captivating is the speed at which it transforms into a cycle of fine-tuning for maximum efficiency. Players become aware of how one card draw can drastically alter the outcome of an encounter, and this level of control becomes dangerously engrossing when it’s conveniently within reach.

2. Hollow Knight

If The Deck Had A Soul, This Game Would Take It

Hollow Knight is an immersive adventure that resonates profoundly. Created by Team Cherry in Adelaide, Australia, it’s a captivating Metroidvania brimming with abandoned ruins, mysterious non-player characters, and world-building so rich that many high-budget games struggle to replicate. The realm of Hallownest doesn’t merely appear inhabited—it exudes an air of antiquity, weariness, and concealed mysteries.

On the Steam Deck, what truly shines is its compatibility with a leisurely, absorbing gameplay approach. Unlike many games that push players forward quickly, this one encourages deliberate exploration, tranquil observation, and even repeated backtracking which can develop into a calming ritual. The immersive experience offered by playing on a handheld device makes it simpler to lose oneself in the game without external distractions.

The controls are adequately responsive for intense boss battles, and the graphics, particularly the high-contrast silhouettes, stand out vividly on the screen, even without a large monitor. Whether it’s a maiden voyage through the Forgotten Crossroads or a revisit to the White Palace, Hollow Knight performs exceptionally well on the Steam Deck.

1. Stardew Valley

Farming Feels Better When It’s Done From Bed

Experience relaxation at its finest with Stardew Valley. Originally modeled after Harvest Moon, this solo-developed farming sim has transformed into one of the most adored indie games around. Although it performs well on various devices, it seems perfectly suited to the Steam Deck.

Perhaps, it’s the harmony between the gameplay pace – waking up, tending crops, chatting with villagers, and mining – that aligns perfectly with handheld gaming. Alternatively, it might be the convenience the Deck offers for prolonged, continuous play sessions, where an entire in-game year could pass without notice. In any case, the portability of the Deck imbues Stardew Valley with a feel reminiscent of a book – something you can engage with and lose yourself in anytime, anywhere.

Moreover, the consistent updates by ConcernedApe have maintained a vibrant feel for years, introducing fresh content, refining user interfaces, and broadening multiplayer options. Furthermore, it performs seamlessly on Deck, regardless of whether players are courting Abigail or puzzling over whether they’ve already watered the cauliflower.

2025-03-26 04:36