10 AAA games to play on Steam Deck
The Steam Deck is probably the second most popular handheld gaming console after Nintendo Switch and with good reason. It is a mini, portable version of a full-on PC. You can practically play every PC game that's available on Steam, and believe me, the number of options is staggering.
With so many games to try out, it's easy to get confused. We have gone through the vast multitude of games and have compiled a list of what we think would be the 10 best among those. Do let us know in the comments if we missed any. Happy gaming!
Note: This article is subjective and solely reflects the writer's views. This article is not ranked in any order.
The best AAA games to play on Steam Deck
1) The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a piece of work and the fact that such a graphically advanced game can run on a portable gaming device like the Steam Deck is itself astonishing. You play as legendary protagonist Geralt of Rivia, exploring a war-torn world of monsters and mythical creatures.
The game has a very memorable narrative that makes it a fan favorite. The character development, visuals, and deeply immersive experience are something that would be very enjoyable on a handheld.
Also check out: 7 best games to play on the Steam Deck OLED in 2024
2) Red Dead Redemption 2
Red Dead Redemption 2 needs no introduction, as even though it's been six years since its release, it is still so relevant and enjoyed among players, making it a timeless masterpiece. RDR2 is an open-world action-adventure title and has one of the most moving storylines in gaming.
You play as Arthur Morgan, an outlaw navigating through a declining Wild West. The immersive narrative, character development, and unique experience it provides are second to none and would be super fun to play on the Steam Deck.
3) Yakuza: Like a Dragon
The Yakuza series has never disappointed with its unique combat mechanics and storylines. Yakuza: Like a Dragon retains that same factor that made the series great. You play as a new protagonist, Ichiban Kasuga, who embarks on a journey of redemption and self-discovery through the city of Yokohama, in a vibrant and happening map.
This RPG features a turn-based combat system with a rich storyline and a plethora of side quests that keep players locked in. The colorful graphics of the world would be an absolute treat to watch and play through on a Steam Deck.
4) NBA 2K24
NBA 2K24 is the latest addition to the basketball simulation experience and it is better than ever. The game features updated rosters and pays homage to basketball legend Kobe Bryant through the cover. Apart from the improved graphics, NBA 2K24 features refined game mechanics and additional features like custom character customization.
2K games have always been fun to play on a handheld and the same goes for this one as well. Controlling the players with the D-pad and scoring shots using the buttons on the Steam Deck is absolutely engaging and quite fun for gaming on the go.
5) Death Stranding: Director's Cut
Death Stranding is one of the masterpieces created by legendary video game creator Hideo Kojima. The game's Director's Cut version features a few more missions and new areas to unlock, making it worth playing. The story is set in a post-apocalyptic world and combines action and adventure through vast exploration, immersive narrative, and social elements.
Death Stranding is well-praised for its storyline and shows the importance of human connection. In the game, you reconnect isolated cities and the entire experience is something gamers enjoy and find to be memorable, making it worth checking out.
6) Cyberpunk 2077
Cyberpunk 2077 is another title that needs no introduction. It's been in development for so long, but luckily, it never died out and rose from being playable on even the most clocked-out PCs to being optimized for less powerful specs as well. The game is a futuristic dystopian RPG set in a sprawling night city, where you play as V, who's a mercenary.
The game's rich narrative, characters, and one-of-a-kind, open-world experience make it insanely popular, and the fact that you can now run it on a portable handheld makes it a must-have on Steam Deck.
7) Final Fantasy VII Remake
Final Fantasy VII Remake is a reimagined or revamped version of the classic JRPG. In the game, you play as Cloud Strife fighting against the oppressive Shinra Corporation. It also follows a classic combat system where you can send out commands to aid your team in fighting.
Its storyline is something that many gamers find to be memorable and you will surely enjoy it if you are into the genre. The deeply engaging story along with the epic adventure that follows makes FF7 Remake a solid game to play on the Steam Deck.
8) Hi-Fi Rush
Hi-Fi Rush is a breath of fresh air in the world of graphically focused video game titles. This heavily stylized game looks straight out of a comic and features fast-paced combat with a notable soundtrack. You play as Chai, a wannabe rockstar, as he battles through the colorful world to find a robotic replacement for his lost arm.
This is also one of those games that's more enjoyable on a controller configuration, so playing on the Steam Deck can be quite an experience.
9) Forza Horizon 5
Forza Horizon 5 is one of the best open-world racing games available in the market. The franchise has held on to its roots and has a similar racing festival-based gameplay where you participate in large races within diverse landscapes and different race formats.
The game features street racing, drag racing, midnight battles, and even rally adventures, making it a one-of-a-kind experience. Forza Horizon 5 is so graphically advanced and complex, making it all the more exciting to play on a handheld.
10) Horizon Forbidden West
Last but not least, we have Horizon Forbidden West, which is an open-world action RPG title that serves as a sequel to Horizon Forbidden Dawn. You play the character Aloy, as she explores the post-apocalyptic world filled with robotic creatures. The game still has one of the most breathtaking visuals and maintains an engaging narrative.
While the story isn't as impressive as the first one, Horizon Forbidden West still manages to be an experience that's hard to forget. The game's stunning environments and unique combat mechanics make it super fun to play on the Steam Deck.
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