Play These Games First if You Got a Steam Deck for Christmas

by

As a seasoned gamer with decades of experience under my belt, I can confidently say that the Steam Deck has been a game-changer for me this year. The freedom to play my favorite games on the go without sacrificing performance is nothing short of remarkable.

This is the season when you might splurge on yourself or someone might feel compassionate and get you that coveted tech item you’ve been longing for throughout the year. For numerous individuals, it’s the Steam Deck. So, if you’ve just woken up to find a Steam Deck in your hands, congratulations! However, here are some games you might want to explore first on your new portable PC gaming device!

The Best Games on Steam Deck for New Owners

Every day seems to bring more game titles to the Steam Deck list, as new releases appear and classic games get verified. In no time, virtually any game will be playable on this handheld device. However, for now, you’ll still need to select carefully from an incredibly diverse collection of games. Here are a few examples of what you can look forward to playing on your new Steam Deck:

Balatro

Tom might not be pleased with me if I forgot to bring up Balatro. In fact, it’s a remarkable roguelike deckbuilder with unique gameplay that offers an addictive “just one more turn” experience we all enjoy. The mechanics are easy enough for anyone to pick up, even if you’re not familiar with poker. So, give it a try – or several tries!

Stardew Valley

I don’t hesitate to confess that Stardew Valley is among my most cherished games so far. Previously, I was deeply engrossed in Harvest Moon, but when Stardew Valley launched, I transitioned immediately and haven’t regretted it since. On the Steam Deck alone, I’ve invested approximately 300 hours into this indie farming simulator. The game is easy to start playing on a handheld device like this, and it runs smoothly with fantastic battery life. In my view, Stardew Valley performs better with a controller compared to using a mouse and keyboard.

Baldur’s Gate 3

While it’s exciting to think about playing Baldur’s Gate 3 on Steam Deck for long stretches, keep in mind that this large role-playing game may drain the handheld battery rather swiftly. However, the turn-based combat and user-friendly controls of the game are perfectly suited for the portable controls of the Deck, making it a fantastic option for gaming on the go. If you’re looking for a game that can consume vast amounts of your leisure time without requiring you to leave the comfort of your couch, Baldur’s Gate 3 is a popular choice among many gamers.

Hades (Or Hades 2!)

At first, I was hesitant about Hades since I wasn’t very familiar with the roguelike genre when it came out. But after hearing so many good reviews, I decided to give it a try and instantly became hooked. It’s an engaging action hack-and-slash game where you enhance your skills and progress in time, venturing deeper into the Underworld. The Steam Deck version works seamlessly, and the compact levels make it easy to play at your convenience.

Cult of the Lamb

2022 saw Cult of the Lamb as my standout Game of the Year, an unexpected gem that I initially doubted my interest in until it graced our home as an early birthday gift from my wife. Boy, was I hooked! I plunged 50 hours into a single playthrough on console, then repeated the adventure on PC. Subsequently, I found myself engrossed in four more complete playthroughs on Steam Deck. The game runs smoothly and boasts impressive battery life, but these technical aspects are merely the tip of the iceberg.

Read More

2024-12-25 18:18