Top 5 Optimal Gaming Experiences on the Steam Deck As of January 2024

The Steam Deck has revolutionized handheld PC gaming, providing gamers the power to take their favorite titles on the go without conceding too much in the way of performance or visuals. As the library of Steam Deck Verified games continues to grow, finding the right game to play among the myriad of options can be daunting. Here, we've curated a list of the 5 best games you can dive into on your Steam Deck as of January 2024, based on users’ reviews and overall experience.

Elden Ring

FromSoftware's open-world masterpiece, "Elden Ring," continues to captivate players with its expansive landscapes and challenging gameplay. Gracefully running on the Steam Deck, this game manages to maintain the intricate details of its design, from the haunting depths of the catacombs to the soaring heights of the Grand Lift of Dectus. Players are free to explore the Lands Between, engaging in combat that is as harsh as it is satisfying.

• Pros:
  • Stunning open-world environment rich in details
  • The deep, nuanced combat system
  • Versatile character customization
• Cons:
  • Can be incredibly challenging and potentially frustrating for some players
  • Occasional performance dips in the most visually dense areas

Persona 5 Royal

A narrative-driven journey filled with heart and soul, "Persona 5 Royal" provides Steam Deck users with an additional layer to their gaming palette. Offering a perfect blend of life simulation and turn-based dungeon crawling, P5R tells the tale of the Phantom Thieves, who aim to reform society through otherworldly interventions. With its stylish visuals and a phenomenal soundtrack, each moment in the game is a treat for both the eyes and ears.

• Pros:
  • Engaging story with well-written characters
  • Strategic combat that rewards clever play
  • High replayability with multiple endings
• Cons:
  • Lengthy dialogue sections might not be for everyone
  • Significant time investment is required to complete

Hades

Supergiant Games "Hades" stands as a shining example of how to do roguelites right. Mixing fast-paced, action-packed combat with a compelling story that unfolds with each escape attempt, it’s clear why "Hades" has become a genre-defining title. With a striking art style and excellently voiced characters, the game feels like a natural fit on the Steam Deck's intimate screen.

• Pros:
  • Smooth performance, perfect for the pick-up-and-play nature of the Steam Deck
  • Diverse weapon selection and builds that encourage experimentation
  • Story progression mitigates the sting of defeat
• Cons:
  • The difficulty may spike unexpectedly at times
  • Randomized elements can occasionally feel unfair

Valheim

The Viking survival game "Valheim" has taken the gaming community by storm, delivering a unique blend of survival, crafting, and exploration. Its procedurally generated worlds mean no two adventures are the same, and the Steam Deck allows for a more intimate encounter with the mystical lands of Norse legends. Gather your resources by day and defend your homestead by night in this engaging title.

• Pros:
  • Incredibly vast and varied procedural world
  • Engaging in crafting and building mechanics
  • Excellent cooperative gameplay experience
• Cons:
  • Continuous content updates mean the game can change significantly over time
  • Performance can be tested in busier, built-up areas with a lot of elements on-screen

Celeste

Tight controls, challenging platforming, and an emotionally charged narrative set "Celeste" apart as an indie darling that feels just right for the handheld experience of the Steam Deck. As you help Madeline climb Celeste Mountain, you'll encounter screen after screen of devious obstacles, but the game’s instant respawn keeps the action flowing and frustration surprisingly low.

• Pros:
  • Intuitive controls ideal for the Steam Deck’s compact layout
  • Challenging platforming that remains fair and satisfying
  • Heartfelt story that complements the gameplay
• Cons:
  • The high difficulty may deter some players from finishing
  • Precision-required jumps might be tougher to execute on the Steam Deck's smaller controls

In comparing user reviews and experiences, one title has consistently emerged as the crown jewel for the Steam Deck: "Elden Ring." Its rich, immersive world and complex gameplay offer an unparalleled experience among its peers. The freedom to bring such an expansive and beautifully crafted game wherever you go speaks volumes about the capabilities of the Steam Deck and the game's adaptability to the platform. Whether it's the sense of accomplishment in overcoming its brutal challenges, the awe of its stunning environments, or the depth of its lore-rich story, "Elden Ring" is an epic journey that has won the hearts of gamers and claimed the throne as the ultimate game for Steam Deck users in January 2024.