The Most Popular PC Game in 2023. It’s been amazing to see how much the software has improved over the last few months while covering the Steam Deck. If you missed Jared’s review when it first came out, you can read it here. Testing new and old games on Steam Deck has also been beneficial, as almost every game I’ve played has worked properly.
While I’ve already covered the best Steam Deck games and even the best Steam Deck games that can’t be played on console, many people are likely interested in seeing how newer games play on Valve’s handheld.
After playing many newly-released games on Steam Deck both before and after their release, I decided to compile a list of the best new games to play on Steam Deck. This feature only includes games released this year, and will include all new games with a few exceptions for games that were previously available on console but were only ported to PC this year.
Deck Rollerdrome is one of the best new games to play on Steam.
One of the games that inspired me to create this feature was Rollerdrome. Roll7 had already wowed me with OlliOlli World on Steam Deck and Switch, but given the developer’s previous work, it wasn’t as surprising. Rollerdrome, on the other hand, came as a complete surprise.
The third-person shooter/skateboard hybrid has an addictive gameplay loop, precise controls, excellent music, and a lovely stylish aesthetic. It’s a single-player adventure that will both challenge and surprise you. It also works flawlessly on Steam Deck and has recently become my go-to game for taking a break.
Project DIVA Mega Mix+ by Hatsune Miku
Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA Mega Mix+ was one of the more unexpected Steam releases this year. The games had previously only been available in arcades and on consoles, so seeing a global worldwide simultaneous PC release was unexpected. The rhythm game with vocaloids and tons of great music first appeared on Steam this year, and it works flawlessly on Steam Deck right out of the box.
I’ve been playing it on my Steam Deck since the day it was released on Steam, and I’ve had no problems. This version also combines the best PS4 and Switch games. Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA Mega Mix+ is worth your time on Steam Deck if you’ve ever wanted to get into the world of Hatsune Miku or just play a fantastic rhythm game.
Mutationem ANNO
When ANNO: Mutationem was first announced, it appeared to be something I’d enjoy, but seeing a cameo from VA-11 Hall-Jill A’s was what convinced me to buy the game on PS5. Despite a few flaws, I had a good time with ANNO: Mutationem on PS5. ANNO: Mutationem is a fantastic experience right out of the gate on Steam Deck.
I’ve played it on both the Nintendo Switch and the Steam Deck, and the action adventure game that combines 2D and 3D styles is a blast to play on the go. If you want to play a great cyberpunk adventure with stunning visuals, ANNO: Mutationem is a must-have on Steam Deck.
Sunbreak, Monster Hunter Rise
Monster Hunter Rise was released on Steam earlier this year, following its release on the Nintendo Switch last year. Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak, the game’s massive expansion, was released a few months ago on both Switch and Steam, and I played the entire expansion and postgame content available for review on Switch with almost no issues.
It has since received additional updates to include new monsters, quests, events, and other features. Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak is currently best played on Steam Deck for the definitive portable experience, and it is also one of the best games this year.
Bright White (The Most Popular PC Game in 2023)
I was surprised how Neon White managed to keep its hooks in me after playing it for review on Switch and then buying it on Steam to check out on Steam Deck. While the dialogue is still lacking, the platforming, music, and levels are outstanding. It looks great on Steam Deck and is undoubtedly one of the best new indie games available right now on any platform. If you liked Ghostrunner and Paradise Killer, this is the game for you. It also includes some No More Heroes. I’m hoping for more levels as DLC.
The sequel to Rogue Legacy
Rogue Legacy 2, like Neon White, is one of the best indie games on any platform this year. Rogue Legacy 2 expands on the first game’s foundation to feel even more modern. I was hoping Spelunky 2 would do this for me, but it doesn’t feel as significant as Rogue Legacy 2. Rogue Legacy 2’s new visual style and stunning levels make it an easy recommendation. Until a Switch or mobile port is released, the Steam Deck is the best and only official portable experience.
The Elden Ring
Elden Ring has already been featured in the best games to play on Steam Deck, but it continues to impress me every time I boot it up to play on the go. This was the first game I installed on the Steam Deck after Jared sent it to me. I was blown away by how good Elden Ring felt on Steam Deck after playing it on PS5, PS4 Pro, Xbox Series X, and a laptop.
Since its initial release, the game has received numerous updates, including balance adjustments and performance improvements on some platforms. After playing it for an hour last night just to explore more of the world, I can confidently say that this is one of the best new experiences anyone can have on Steam Deck.
Spider-Man Remastered by Marvel
I wasn’t sure whether to include this because it is a PC port or a PS5 remaster of a game that was released on PS4 a few years ago. With the exception of the terrible forced stealth nonsense in the game, I adore Marvel’s Spider-Man. It was also great to play on PS5, and while I don’t think the DLC is as good as the base game, it is a fantastic package.
I was pleasantly surprised by how well it runs on Steam Deck. It was a good sign that Valve confirmed it for the Steam Deck pre-release. Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered is an excellent PC port that serves as a proper demonstration of what the Steam Deck is capable of.
Drainus
Drainus is a side-scrolling shooter in which you absorb enemy bullets as you pilot the Drainus. Team Ladybug had already wowed me with Record of Lodoss War: Deedlit in Wonder Labyrinth, but Drainus completely surpassed my expectations. It’s extremely polished and a lot of fun to pick up and play. While the story isn’t particularly memorable, Drainus nails the gameplay and visuals.
It also borrows from the genre’s kings while injecting its own personality. This game hasn’t yet been ported to a console, but it works flawlessly on Steam Deck right out of the box. It will entice you to return for more.
nirvanA Initiative: AI: The Somnium Files
Spike Chunsoft’s Zero Escape and Danganronpa franchises are well-known in the adventure game and visual novel communities, but the publisher’s AI: The Somnium Files series is well worth your time as well. AI: The Somnium Files – nirvanA Initiative is a sequel to AI: The Somnium Files, but it can also be played on its own.
With its excellent narrative, humor, and memorable characters, AI: The Somnium Files – nirvanA Initiative is one of my favorite games this year. The best part about playing AI: The Somnium Files – nirvanA Initiative on Steam Deck is that it runs and looks better in portable mode than all console versions. It only takes one step to configure the game on first boot.
Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade Bonus
This is a tricky one, just like Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered. Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade is a PS5 version of Final Fantasy VII Remake on PS4 that includes a fantastic DLC episode. Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade first appeared on PC last year via the Epic Games Store, and it recently made its way to Steam after its PC storefront exclusivity expired.
It felt strange calling it a new game, so I’ve included it as a bonus because it will be available on Steam in 2022. Whether you’ve played the original or not, Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade is a must-have for Final Fantasy fans. It’s stunning, and it has one of the best soundtracks in recent memory. It was an incredible experience to play it on Steam Deck, just like seeing Elden Ring for the first time on a portable.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection is the second bonus.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection was released on PC and all consoles this week. I loved it on Switch and PS5, but I couldn’t pass up the chance to play it on Steam Deck. I bought it as soon as it was released and have had no problems with the games so far.
If you like older TMNT games, this is a must-have, and it works great on Steam Deck. If you aren’t sold on the collection yet, read Shaun’s 5/5 review. This is without a doubt one of the best retro collections available, and it’s great to see it play so well on Steam Deck from the start.