2024 Has been an incredible year so far PC gaming which also means it's been an incredible year for the Steam Deck. Here are our favorite PC games so far that run great on the Steam Deck in 2024.
First up, we have Tekken 8. Initially, this game had some issues, but thanks to hotfixes, it's now running impressively on the Steam Deck. The online play, which didn't work at launch, is now functional. Performance-wise, you're looking at a smooth 60 FPS, though it may dip to 40-50 FPS in online matches. As a long-time fan of Tekken, the story mode in Tekken 8 is a joy to play, making it a must-try for fighting game enthusiasts.
Next is HellDivers 2, a Sony creation that's made a significant splash online. It's notable for being a same-day PC and console release, a rarity for Sony. The game, reminiscent of Starship Troopers, is fantastic in four-player co-op, despite some recent connection issues. Performance on the Steam Deck is decent, averaging 30-40 FPS. The first Hell Divers was great, but this sequel takes it to a new level.
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown might deceive you with its visuals. It looks like a Metroidvania, but there's a rich, detailed world beneath. This game runs exceptionally well on the Steam Deck, even reaching 90 FPS on an OLED model. The story is captivating, and the combat system feels robust. However, it requires the Ubisoft launcher, for which a tutorial is available on Steam Deck Gaming.
Palworld is a delightful mix of Pokémon and Ark Survival elements. The lore is engaging, and the game has a mix of building and creature-catching gameplay. After some updates, it now runs at a playable 30-40 FPS on lower settings on the Steam Deck.
For JRPG fans, Grand Blue Fantasy is a surprising gem. It's a visually stunning game with a decent story and engaging gameplay, running at a stable 30 FPS on the Steam Deck. It's one of those games that you start playing and can't put down.
Lastly, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. If you enjoyed the first game, this sequel won't disappoint. What's impressive is its optimization for the Steam Deck, offering a smooth 60 FPS experience. The game supports FSR 3, allowing for good performance even on medium to high settings. The story and combat are as engaging as ever, making it a strong recommendation for fans of the Yakuza series and similar games.