Best New PC Games for Steam Deck. As we approach 2023, it appears that the pace of new game releases will not slow at all. I figured the last few weeks of November and December would only see a few games, with most people waiting until January and February 2023. I was mistaken, because I can’t recall seeing so many games I’ve wanted to play released so close to the end of the year.
Many of the games have been released on Steam, with some being exclusive to PC. I wanted to highlight the best new PC-only games worth playing on Steam Deck for this new Steam Deck feature.
The games on this list are not in any particular order and are not currently available on any console. Some of them will most likely be available on consoles next year, but for the time being, they are only available on PC. This feature has been more enjoyable than usual because many of the games were designed for keyboard and mouse gameplay.
It has led me down the Steam Input rabbit hole, where I have seen the incredible work done by users to make these keyboard and mouse titles play well on Steam Deck. This feature only includes games that have recently been released or early access titles that have received significant updates this year. I’ll also mention Valve’s individual game Steam Deck compatibility rating.
Play the best new PC-only games on Steam Deck
3 Victoria
Victoria 3 is a grand strategy game designed for keyboard and mouse play, but I’ve had a lot of fun with it on Steam Deck (and bringing back the save to my laptop). It does not support controllers, but a community layout solved my problems. The gameplay is ideal for the Steam Deck’s pick-up-and-play nature, and I’ve recently enjoyed playing it while traveling and grabbing a cup of coffee.
This is my first Victoria game, so I’m not sure how it compares to previous entries, but the dozens of hours I’ve put into it so far make me want to check out previous entries. I’m also looking forward to checking out the DLC when it becomes available. Victoria 3 has been one of the year’s best surprises, and it’s dangerously addictive on Steam Deck. Valve’s Steam Deck compatibility for Victoria 3 is now available.
Potionomics
Potionomics is a game I’ve been following for years, ever since Xseed Games showed it off at events or revealed new information on Twitter. It was finally released in October of this year, and it was a pleasant surprise with its mix of different mechanics and fantastic character designs. With a focus on min maxing, the combination of deckbuilding, dating simulation, and shop management works surprisingly well. Potionomics is one of the best PC exclusives I’ve played so far in 2022, but it could use some quality of life improvements with its interface. Valve has confirmed Potionomics’ Steam Deck compatibility on Deck.
The Golden Idol’s Case
The Case of the Golden Idol is a surprisingly difficult and inventive mystery puzzle game from Color Gray Games and Playstack. It allows you a lot of leeway in how you approach things, which reminds me of why I liked Lucas Pope’s Return of the Obra Dinn. I regret not playing it sooner, as I have with a few of the other games on this list.
It’s also a great fit for the Steam Deck, but I’m hoping to see it on the iPad soon. More people should play this because it is a unique experience with no padding. I can’t wait to see what else this developer comes up with. Valve’s Steam Deck compatibility for The Case of the Golden Idol is now available.
Mobius in Monochrome: Forgotten Rights and Wrongs
Monochrome Mobius: Rights and Wrongs Forgotten should not be included in this list, but it was only available on Steam outside of Japan. The Japanese version is available on PS5, PS4, and Steam. With that out of the way, Monochrome Mobius: Rights and Wrongs Forgotten is the latest entry in the long-running Utawarerumono series, and unlike previous entries, this one is a JRPG with some tactical RPG battles.
While it is a prequel, I definitely enjoyed it more after having played the Utawarerumono trilogy games. Monochrome Mobius is likely the only game on this list that you haven’t heard of. If you haven’t already, you should play Utawarerumono because the stories and characters are sublime.
The Path of Madness
Cosmic Star Heroine by Zeboyd Games is one of my favorite indie RPGs of all time. I didn’t bother watching trailers or researching This Way Madness Lies when the studio announced it. I bought it as soon as it was available on Steam and have been blown away by how good it is.
It’s like a cross between Sailor Moon and JRPGs. It is currently PC-only and works well on Steam Deck. I played Cosmic Star Heroine on the PS Vita and then the Nintendo Switch, so it made sense to start This Way Madness Lies on a portable. Valve’s Steam Deck compatibility for This Way Madness Lies is available.
The Nephilim Saga: A Symphony of War
This year has been fantastic for tactical RPGs, with Square Enix releasing Triangle Strategy as well as the remake of Tactics Ogre: Reborn on multiple platforms. Symphony of War: The Nephilim Saga by Dancing Dragon Games and Freedom Games is a tactical RPG that more people should play. This 2D turn-based SRPG focuses on squads and features a lengthy campaign.
While the story is a little thin, the gameplay and customization elevate it to an easy recommendation for those looking to delve deep into a fantastic tactical RPG with a plethora of classes. In many ways, Symphony of War: The Nephilim Saga feels like a modern take on older console tactical RPGs. Valve’s Steam Deck compatibility for Symphony of War: The Nephilim Saga is now available.
The third installment of Baldur’s Gate
Having enjoyed both Divinity Original Sin games on multiple platforms, I was a little disappointed when Baldur’s Gate III was only available on PC via early access, with no mention of a console version. While it may eventually appear on consoles, Larian has stated that the PC version will reach 1.0 in August 2023. Until then, the current early access build is a shockingly good RPG that plays surprisingly well on Steam Deck.
The only disadvantage is the massive installation size. If you’re okay with some control tweaking (no official controller support right now), you’re in for a treat with Baldur’s Gate III on Steam Deck. Despite the fact that this game was released in early access before 2022, it has been updated throughout the year. Valve’s Steam Deck compatibility for Baldur’s Gate III is now available.
Dwarf Castle (Best New PC Games for Steam Deck)
When Dwarf Fortress was announced for Steam, my Twitter timeline exploded with people celebrating. I was unfamiliar with Dwarf Fortress, but I decided it was time to learn more about it. With the Steam release, I’ve been slowly learning how to play it while also being impressed by the capabilities of Steam Input. The community has already created some incredible Dwarf Fortress layouts that make use of both trackpads on the Steam Deck.
Dwarf Fortress itself appears to be something I’ll be spending dozens of hours in over the next few weeks. Right now, the only issue is a lack of cloud saves to transfer your progress to your PC. Hopefully, that will be resolved soon. Dwarf Fortress, on the other hand, continues to astound me. Valve has not yet tested Dwarf Fortress for Steam Deck compatibility, but it is perfectly playable in my testing.
Revision of ASTLIBRA
I was unaware of the existence of ASTLIBRA Revision until a few weeks ago. Several of my friends began posting about it and telling me I’d enjoy it. I decided to take a chance on it, and now I’m sorry I didn’t play it back in October. One of the best 2D action RPGs I’ve ever played is ASTLIBRA Revision.
The Steam demo gives you a good taste of the combat, but I’m blown away by how good the story is. I had one audio problem while running ASTLIBRA Revision on Steam Deck, but I easily fixed it by changing one of the in-game options. ASTLIBRA Revision is currently significantly underpriced for what it provides and how good it is. I hope more people try it out. I’m excited to revisit it when it possibly comes to console. It is currently only available for PC. Valve’s Steam Deck compatibility for ASTLIBRA Revision is now available.
Sovereign of the Knights of Honor II
I’ve only played the first game in the series, Knights of Honor II: Sovereign. I wanted to play this now because I’ve been a fan of Total War games for a long time and have recently become interested in Crusader Kings III. Knights of Honor II: Sovereign feels like a nice approachable take that incorporates elements from both series. As someone who is new to Knights of Honor, I think the tutorial is excellent and the music is fantastic.
I’ve been playing this on Steam Deck with a community layout, and aside from the interface size, I’ve enjoyed my time with it. Knights of Honor II: Sovereign is currently untested, but it works fine on Steam Deck despite the fact that the interface is too small.
This is our final Steam Deck feature of the year before we begin work on our Game of the Year coverage. Stay tuned for a few Steam Deck reviews coming soon, including Need for Speed Unbound.