Top 10 Steam Deck Games of 2022

On Februrary 25, 2022, Valve launched the much anticipated hybrid gaming device, the Steam Deck.  Valve is most famous for creating the massively popular game distribution network, Steam. If you're a PC gamer, you've probably found yourself playing a game through Steam at one time or another.

Now, Valve has dipped its toe into the waters of gaming consoles. Their new Steam Deck device is similar to the Nintendo Switch, in the sense that it can be played as a handheld device or hooked up to a monitor. So, now that this exciting new console has arrived, it's time to put it to use.

Listed below are our top ten games for the Steam Deck that you need to play right now.

Jump to a game:

1. Elden Ring
2. Aperture Desk Job
3. Risk of Rain 2
4. God of War
5. Hollow Knight
6. Vampire Survivors
7. Spelunky
8. Hades
9. ARK: Survival Evolved
10. Cuphead

1. Elden Ring

Elden Ring is a fantasy action role-playing game developed by published by FromSoftware Inc. In the game, you enter the realm of the Lands Between, a vast open-world full of fearsome monsters, diverse landscapes, and epic quests to complete. You play as an exile of the realm, who must track down the shards of the powerful Elden Ring to ascend to the role of an Elden Lord.

You can create and customize your character, explore dungeons and castles, take on powerful bosses, and build up your skills and abilities. The immersive game features exhilarating combat, a gorgeous setting, and plenty of engaging adventure.

Get Elden Ring for your Steam Deck here.

2. Aperture Desk Job

Aperture Desk Job is the perfect game to play for anyone who's just starting with their Steam Deck. The unique simulation game was developed and published by Valve, and it takes place within the expanded Portal universe.

Although it typically takes less than an hour to play through, Aperture Desk Job fills that time with plenty of action, shifting environments, and humor. Additionally, Aperture Desk Job serves as a playable tutorial for learning the ins and outs of your new Steam Deck device.

In the game, you take the role of a new employee at Aperture Science, receiving a tutorial for your new position. As all sorts of hijinks ensue, the friendly personality core, Grady, teaches you how to use your new gaming console.

Get Aperture Desk Job for your Steam Deck here.

3. Risk of Rain 2

The critically acclaimed Risk of Rain 2 is a third-person shooter developed by Hopoo Games. The game, which you can play either solo or with friends, takes you to a hostile alien planet that you must find a way to escape. You'll have to utilize and combine the items you collect to increase your power and help you survive as you fight through numerous settings.

The game features a unique animation style and several different characters to choose from. Each survivor you can select comes with their own combat style and skills to master, meaning you can have a different gameplay experience every time. Risk of Rain 2 is fast-paced and exciting, and you'll definitely want to give it a try.

Get Risk of Rain 2 for your Steam Deck here.

4. God of War

Developed by Santa Monica Studio, God of War is an epic action-adventure game and the latest installment in the franchise of the same name. You play as the former Greek God of War, Kratos, as you embark on a treacherous journey with your son, Atreus.

The two of you must attempt to reach the highest peak of the nine realms so that you can spread the ashes of Atreus' late mother there. During your travels, though, you'll come across a variety of mythical monsters and hostile gods of Norse mythology.

Throughout the game, you'll engage in intense third-person combat with a variety of breathtaking adversaries. The game features stunning graphics and a deep, emotional storyline packed with drama and tribulations.

Get God of War for your Steam Deck here.

5. Hollow Knight

Hollow Knight offers another unique gaming experience for your Steam Deck. Developed and published by Team Cherry, the 2D platformer is stacked with cool new settings and characters.

As you leap and battle your way through the vast interconnected world, you'll encounter a variety of characters and quests, challenging bosses to defeat, and beautifully surreal environments. Don't let the 2D animation fool you; Hollow Knight looks fantastic. Your character, a little knight taking on a big world, must develop powerful abilities, circumvent obstacles, and deal with challenging foes to survive and progress.

Get God of War for your Steam Deck here.

6. Vampire Survivors

Developed and published by poncle, Vampire Survivors is a minimalist survival game in which you must fight for your life against massive hoards of enemies. The game features roguelike gameplay, and players need to utilize everything at their disposal to stay alive.

There are more than 25 weapons to choose from, 15 different power-ups, and many gems and other items to collect. As you work to unlock achievements and move through the game's stages, the simple graphics will give you a heavy dose of 90s gaming nostalgia.

Get Vampire Survivors for your Steam Deck here.

7. Spelunky

If you enjoy platformers, you'll want to try out Spelunky on your new Steam Deck. The unique roguelike game was developed and published by talented indie developer, Mossmouth. Spelunky features randomized levels, so you know that you'll get a new experience with every playthrough.

You can unlock up to 20 different explorer characters to use, and you'll adventure through underground worlds, avoiding traps, collecting treasures, and fighting monsters. The main game mode offers you complete freedom to move through the stages as you like and progress at your own pace.

Spelunky also features a deathmatch mode, in which you can unlock up to 72 different arenas for going head-to-head against friends or AIs.

Get Spelunky for your Steam Deck here.

8. Hades

Hades is a popular indie action-RPG developed and published by Supergiant Games. The award-winning game is a dungeon crawler in the roguelike style, in which you play as the immortal prince of the underworld, Hades.

With a host of epic weaponry and magical powers, your goal is to battle your way out of the underworld. During your adventure, you'll come across all sorts of unique and interesting characters, and it all takes place in a beautifully designed world.

The animation is smooth and fast-paced, and the setting is colorful and aesthetically pleasing. Hades will undoubtedly be a game that you're glad to have purchased.

Get Hades for your Steam Deck here.

9. ARK: Survival Evolved

Have you ever wanted to ride on a dinosaur's back while exploring an amazing mythical world? If so, ARK: Survival Evolved is the game for you. Developed and published by Studio Wildcard, ARK is one of the most unique survival games in existence.

Starting the game as a desperately stranded human, you have to hunt, grow crops, craft items, research technologies, and construct shelters to help you survive. Dinosaurs of all types and sizes roam the land, and you'll have the power to tame, kill, or breed them to suit your needs. The game's vast landscape features all sorts of environments, challenges, and activities, making for a gaming experience that will provide you with many hours of entertainment.

Get ARK: Survival Evolved for your Steam Deck here.

10. Cuphead

Inspired by the "rubber hose" cartoons of the 1930s, Cuphead is a run and gun, 2D platformer developed and published by Studio MDHR Entertainment Inc. The game's animation style looks exactly like the classic cartoons it's based on, and the game looks incredible on the Steam Deck.

You play as either Cuphead or Mugman, and you'll spend your time exploring strange worlds, finding new weapons, and taking several intimidating boss battles. When you play Cuphead on your Steam Deck, you'll undoubtedly find it to be one of the most unique-looking games you've ever played.

Get Cuphead for your Steam Deck here.