Top 8 Must-Play Games for Your Steam Deck in 2025

I spent a ton of time gaming on my Steam Deck this year, diving into an endless array of fantastic indie titles that really shine on Valve’s portable powerhouse. While some larger games also made their mark on the Steam Deck, they might not look as stunning as they do on a high-end PC. Still, the convenience of gaming on the couch or while out and about makes it all worthwhile.

If you’re unboxing a Steam Deck this holiday season or have some Steam gift cards itching to be used, here are my top picks from 2025 that you should definitely check out. (And if you’re looking for more suggestions, don’t miss my favorites from 2024.)

Ball x Pit
Ball x Pit is a delightful roguelike that fuses elements from games like Breakout, Vampire Survivors, and city builders. You shoot balls at an advancing horde of enemies, collecting gems and upgrades along the way. Eventually, you become a whirlwind of chaos with balls flying everywhere. After each run, you can build a base to enhance your stats and unlock clever characters, including one that transforms Ball x Pit into a turn-based experience. With runs typically lasting under 15 minutes, it’s perfect for quick sessions on your Steam Deck.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Sandfall Interactive’s debut RPG blew me away this year. It features thrilling turn-based combat, a fantastic parrying system, memorable characters, an engaging story, and a soundtrack that I still revisit months after finishing the game. While it doesn’t look as polished on the Steam Deck as it does on a PS5, it’s still a solid experience, and it’s been verified for Valve’s handheld. If the Steam Deck is your only option, it’s a great way to enjoy this Game Awards’ Game of the Year.

Hades II
I know I included Hades II on my list last year, but the roguelike received a major 1.0 update in September, and it’s absolutely fantastic. Supergiant Games expands on the original with a new protagonist, fresh boons, new characters to interact with, two new routes, and another incredible soundtrack. They even improved the ending. Hades II showcases Supergiant at their best, and as noted by others, it’s an ideal fit for the Steam Deck.

Hollow Knight: Silksong
After years of anticipation, Hollow Knight’s sequel finally dropped in September, and it was worth the wait. Silksong sticks to the atmospheric Metroidvania formula, featuring charming bug characters, challenging bosses, and some tough moments. If you loved the original Hollow Knight, you’ll find plenty to enjoy in Silksong.

Is This Seat Taken?
For a more laid-back experience, check out Is This Seat Taken?. In this puzzle game, you help adorable geometric shapes find their perfect seats based on their quirky preferences. Whether they want a window view or to avoid a smelly neighbor, you can move on to the next puzzle if you can’t find a suitable arrangement, keeping the stakes low and the gameplay relaxing.

Lumines Arise
I have fond memories of playing the original Lumines: Puzzle Fusion on my PlayStation Portable, and Lumines Arise captures that nostalgic magic over 20 years later. With mesmerizing visuals, an incredible soundtrack, and engaging puzzle mechanics, it draws you in and offers a zen-like experience that’s hard to resist.

Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo
Earlier this year, I mentioned that Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo would feel right at home on a Game Boy Advance, and that’s part of what makes it a great match for the Steam Deck. This top-down adventure lets you battle enemies and explore with a magical yo-yo, featuring cool tricks like “walking the dog” to cross water. With charming pixel art and a lively soundtrack, it feels like a spiritual successor to the GBA classics I grew up with.

The Drifter
The Drifter takes inspiration from classic LucasArts point-and-click adventures but twists the format into a dark, gripping thriller. You can use a mouse for traditional point-and-click gameplay, but it also offers a smart control scheme for the Steam Deck or gamepad, allowing you to navigate and interact with the environment using both joysticks. The story is packed with thrilling, mind-bending twists that might keep you up long after you should’ve gone to bed.