I had fun playing it on PC, but the game is just that much more fun and immersive on the Deck. I’d say it’s the first game where I’ve noticed a big difference since I got my Deck last week.
On the other hand, I found Slay the Spire to be better on PC. The controls and smaller screen seem to get in the way a little bit more.
Any other suggestions for games that really shine on the Deck vs PC?
Great on deck fr:
Vampire Survivors
WH40K: Boltgun
Dave the Diver
Diablo 4 plays really well on the Steamdeck if you feel like jumping through a couple hoops to get the launcher working.
Power Wash Simulator is solid on deck as well
Brotato is worth checking out too especially for those who enjoy Vampire Survivors. Plays very smoothly on the deck.
In both Vamp and Brotato I make the right stick act as left too, nice to be able to switch hands any time.Stick tip is clutch, you thinking outside the bun
It’s awesome how well d4 runs on the deck. I love it, if you’re into the game it’s well worth jumping through the hoops.
If you want an older alternative that runs well and could arguably be considered better than Diablo 4, check out Grim Dawn.
Boltgun using gyro and trackpads is great! Takes a while to get the right settings but it’s totally worth it
I play Dave the Diver on the Deck. But one time, for a test, I started it on my PC with an XBox controller and the controls where preciser. But I still play it on the Deck.
If you enjoy card games (you mentioned slay the spire, so I assume you do) then I can also recommend Monster Train. Pretty fun to pick up for short sessions, runs great too.
Fallout: New Vegas looks great on a small screen and runs really well on the Deck. I found it to look really dated on a larger screen, but not so much on the Deck. It’s also not very demanding, so easy on the battery
Hades is phenomenal on the deck! I’m also enjoying Backfirewall, Nuclear Throne, Unpacking, and Ghost Song.
Any Metroidvania is great. Almost any 2d game is great. Newer intensive 3d games are nice but the battery goes quick.
The only issues I’ve had with the hardware is the pointer finger placements for the triggers are hard to use both on the same side if you use a game that makes use of both a lot.
I do wish I waited a year for summer sale though. The 20% discount on the antiglare screen would’ve been cheaper than the mid tier I bought. I game way more outside now though with my toddler son when he plays in the yard. The mirror reflection is killer sometimes.
I’ve heard the non glare screen isn’t as bright as the other versions, also, a matte screen protector has the same effect.
I bought a screen protector for mine and it’s brilliant.
I’m currently playing Omori and while I’m not very far in, so far the game really benefits from that sort of “console” feel the deck has.
Both Ori games were also amazing to play on the deck.
I am playing Jurassic World Evolution 2, works great on Deck out of the box.
I also have Hades in queue.
Tails of iron, vampire survivor, halls of torment, tooth and tail, ori and the blind forest (both ori games), rdr2 and gta v.
i too enjoy top-down action games on the deck. I’ve have good results with The Ascent, Hades, and the Hotline Miami games. I think Ruiner will be good but haven’t tried it on the deck yet.
i also love the retro 2d beat 'em ups like Streets of Rage 4 and TMNT: Shedder’s Revenge. Caveat: while good on the small screen i mainly did both with a group doing using local multiplayer on the TV. And we all used steam controllers because i am among the dozens who love those. put it all together and it’s like having a steam console.
Maybe it is me but I find it tiresome that whenever you die you have to go through all those rooms to start again - is there a shortcut?
I think that’s the nature of the genre unless I’m missing something.
I mean going through your own room, Hades, etc. until you get to slashing again
There is no shortcut, you have to enjoy the interactions with the characters and the developing narrative.
I know. Maybe I die too often, but it’s still the beginning :)
This provides story progression - by talking to all the residents. You can just run through three room and be in the action again.
You would be correct.
I really like Descenders if you like biking games.
Diablo 2 Resurrected and Diablo 4 have both seen more Steam Deck time than PC. Really nailed the controller scheme, and the graphics still decent for an 800p screen.
Enter the Gungeon. I’ve had a blast playing that in short bursts on my deck.
I on the other hand find it better on my ultrawide monitor (Hephaistos uw fix is marvelous). On the Deck I go docked on the TV since the Deck screen is a little too small and make the combat a little too cramped for my old ass eyes.
