Gaming

Get Ready to Play: The Top 5 Games You Need on Your Steam Deck

May 13, 2025 / by Louigi Balao / 4 mins read

I just want to say congratulations! The Steam Deck is a great handheld device that offers the power to bring your gaming everywhere, especially if you already have a huge Steam library. If you don’t know what to download or can’t settle in properly, we will present a list of must-haves for your portable gaming adventures! 

 

From Steam Official Website

 

Melatonin

 

From Steam Official Website

 

If you are in transit after a long day, you want something to chill with to wind down with, and Melatonin is the perfect title to play. This comfy rhythm-based game invites players into a dream world that is oddly relatable to some. Players can complete various stages and games set to a lo-fi beat. 

Melatonin runs beautifully on the Steam Deck, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in its dreamlike sequences. So whether you’re lounging on the couch or on the go, the game's low-pressure nature makes it a fantastic companion for those quiet moments. 

 

Hades

 

From Steam Official Website

 

Compared to the previous title, Hades is there to deliver it for those who crave action and challenge—no problem! You play as Zagreus, the son of Hades, attempting to escape the Underworld. Every run is different, keeping the gameplay fresh with randomized rooms, enemies, and upgrades. The combat is fluid and intuitive, with tight controls that feel at home on the Steam Deck’s ergonomic setup.

Not only does Hades look and run amazingly on the Deck, but the pick-up-and-play nature of the game is perfect for a portable device. Whether you have a few minutes or a few hours, this title is one you can play on your own time. 

 

LEGO® Star Wars

 

From Steam Official Website

 

When I saw the compatibility for this title, I immediately added it to my handle. I remember playing part of it on the Game Cube, so this was a treat. Now, if you’re a fan of Star Wars or a LEGO fanatic, this title is an absolute blast to have on the Steam Deck. 

This game covers all nine movies of the Skywalker saga and lets you relive the iconic moments from each film in a quirky, LEGO-ified universe. It's packed with humor, exploration, and puzzle-solving, making it a great choice whether you're playing solo or with friends.

 

The Witcher 3: The Wild Hunt

 

From Steam Official Website

 

Released 2015? Man, it doesn’t feel like that at all. Playing The Witcher 3 on the Steam Deck feels like having a console-quality RPG in the palm of your hand—simply amazing! For those unaware, the Witcher 3 offers an expansive open world filled with rich storytelling, deep character development, and thrilling combat. As Geralt of Rivia, you’ll navigate a war-torn land, making choices that shape your journey and the world around you. 

Plus, if you haven’t tackled any of its excellent DLCs, this is a perfect chance for you to finish up! 



Sea of Stars

 

From Steam Official Website

 

The Steam Deck is a strong device. However, it can’t be compared to the PlayStation 5 or the Xbox Series X, but at least you can bring it around. While it can’t run insane graphics, it can beautifully bring the pixel world of Sea of Stars to life as soon as you boot up your device. This game is perfect for fans of retro RPGs who want to experience something new with a nostalgic feel. The Steam Deck’s controls feel natural with Sea of Stars, and its portability lets you dive into the game’s world whenever you feel like it.

Being immersed is great, but preparing yourself for low charges is also a good thing, especially with the Steam Deck. If you want to reduce moments of worrying about battery life, you can equip yourself with the Promate Titan-160 power bank, which provides a 27600mAh lithium-ion battery for on-the-go charging. Check it out today at the Next Upgrade Shop!


Author

AUTHOR

Louigi Balao

Content Writer

Louigi, better known as Gi, is a content writer for Next Upgrade’s Tech and Gaming sections. In his free time, he enjoys long strolls in his house, loves fantasizing about anime ships that will never bear fruit, and constantly complains about his scuffed Korean backdashes. If you need a quick 3 AM chit-chat, he is your guy. 

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