Steam Deck by Valve is a groundbreaking device for gamers who wish to carry their entire Steam library with them. It delivers a performance comparable to a gaming laptop considering a handheld console form factor. Offering hundreds of compatible games, the Steam Deck allows players, from newbies to veterans, to enjoy the best RPG games.
While it may not be the best at handling some of the graphically intense games out there, there are a lot of RPGs that look good and run well on this device. This guide focuses on the best 10 RPGs that shine on the Steam Deck. Whether you want some epic adventures, traditional battles, or more progressive quests in the open world, these RPGs are worth playing on Steam Deck.
Elden Ring
Elden Ring ranks as one of the best RPG open-world games on Steam Deck by FromSoftware. Being a Steam Deck Verified game, it plays smoothly without much delay, primarily due to Shader Pre-Caching on the SteamOS. The game throws players to wander in mysterious and gloomy environments, fight with challenging enemies, and discover secrets of the game world.
To get the optimal framerates on the Steam Deck, it is advisable to limit the game’s framerate to 30 frames per second. Even with the high graphics requirements, Elden Ring displays visual accuracy on stable settings on the Steam Deck.
Baldur’s Gate 3
For the fans of the Dungeons & Dragons mechanics, Baldur’s Gate 3 will be a perfect fit to be played on Steam Deck. Featuring several character paths and challenging decisions that affect the gameplay significantly, this game provides a replayable experience where every playthrough feels different.
The game performs well on the Steam Deck with just a few minor tweaks; adjusting resolution and visuals is advised for optimal experience. With its flexible combat options and high replay value, Baldur’s Gate 3 stands out as a top RPG choice for Steam Deck.
Final Fantasy VII Remake: Intergrade
This classic RPG remake not only stands in its classic storyline but also the newly designed graphics and real-time combat. Final Fantasy VII Remake: Intergrade is Steam Deck Verified, and with a few mods, players can improve their experience with additional features.
The game’s combat system feels natural on the Steam Deck, and its stunning graphics are well-suited for handheld play. While installing new mods may require a few extra steps, they enhance gameplay, which makes FFVII Remake a nostalgic RPG.
Persona 5 Royal
Persona 5 Royal brings life simulation elements along with traditional JRPG, keeping the players in a highly immersive experience of school students and Phantom Thieves. This version includes new characters, storylines, and graphics, making it ideal for both short or long game sessions on the Deck.
Due to the daily format of the game, Persona 5 Royal is perfect for portable gaming. The freedom to pause between the days in the game is beneficial for portable gaming. Apart from that, the game features bright colors, which look stunning on the Steam Deck screen.
Hogwarts Legacy
For fans of the wizarding world, Hogwarts Legacy brings the magical world of Hogwarts into reality, where the player acts as a wizard in an open-world wizarding School. Hogwarts Legacy offers the flexibility to explore Hogwarts, master spells, and complete quests, which makes it ideal for long gaming sessions on the go.
Even though it is a challenging game, playing it at medium settings and frame rate is possible on the Deck. Its immersive world is beautifully designed, which allows players to feel like a natural part of the Harry Potter universe on a portable device.
Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen
Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen is a timeless RPG with engaging gameplay that keeps on getting interesting as players level up. It features flexible combat systems through which players can simultaneously take on many enemies.
While the plot of the game is simple, the playable mechanics and the setting are well-developed making this game even now, after ten years interesting. Although its sequel, Dragon’s Dogma 2, has issues with optimization on the Steam Deck, the first game runs well.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
The Witcher 3 is capable of drawing players' attention to the game’s world with its heart-wrenching narrative. As Geralt, players are exposed to a journey of monster hunting, exploration, and complex decisions. The game is very much playable on the Steam Deck with a Steam Deck-specific graphics preset.
The Witcher 3 is perfect for fans who want to explore numerous side quests and short missions on the go. The developers also constantly update and enhance the performance of The Witcher 3, making it ideal for a handheld portable system.
Disco Elysium – The Final Cut
Disco Elysium is a narrative-driven RPG that focuses on choice and role-playing without any traditional combat. It is set in the fictional town of Revachol, where players take on the role of a detective and use various skills to solve mysteries and interact with a richly detailed world.
With its focus on dialogue and story, Disco Elysium is a slow-paced, thoughtful game that’s perfect for portable play. The small, episodic nature of the game’s story arcs makes it easy to pick up and enjoy, even in short times.
Yakuza: Like a Dragon
Yakuza: Like a Dragon takes the action-based series to turn-based RPG mechanics. Players step into the shoes of Ichiban Kasuga, a well-meaning but slightly naive protagonist. The turn-based combat system and engaging minigames make it a blast on the Steam Deck.
This RPG is perfect for quick missions and fun side activities, such as karaoke and arcade games, and it fits well with portable gaming. Yakuza: Like a Dragon is a verified title that ensures that players can fully enjoy its lively world on the deck.
Horizon Zero Dawn
Set in a post-apocalyptic world, Horizon Zero Dawn combines beautiful landscapes with engaging combat and exploration. Players control Aloy, a skilled hunter who unravels the mysteries of a world ruled by robotic creatures. With high-quality graphics and a well-paced storyline, this is a top choice for RPG fans on the Deck.
The Steam Deck handles Horizon Zero Dawn well, with optimized controls and graphics that make the game’s vast landscapes and engaging combat system enjoyable. This game is an ideal fit for players seeking an open-world adventure that is visually stunning on a handheld device.
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