Since release, the Steam Deck has proven itself to be one of the best ways to play games on the go. Offering up excellent performance and compatibility with a wide range of games—even plenty which are very technically demanding.
That said, indie games remain one of the best genres to play on the go. Given their often shorter formats, streamlined gameplay and often casual approach.
Here are a bunch of indie games compatible with Steam Deck for you to play while you’re on the go!
Action
- Hades – This renowned roguelike sees you take on the role of a Greek god as you attempt to fight your way out from hell. It incorporates melee dungeon crawling with roguelike mechanics to offer a masterpiece of tight gameplay with a sprinkling of fun storytelling to boot.
- Dead Cells – Think Dark Souls in 2D, and you’re on your way to Dead Cells. An action roguelike which is built on strong and responsive combat.
- Celeste – If platforming is more your vibe, Celeste is one of the toughest platformers out there. It’s tight controls and tough stages are certainly a mountain to climb. But it’s heartwarming narrative and aesthetics make the ride enjoyable. Not to mention the game has a story mode for those who don’t want the challenge.
- Albion Online – MMOs are huge games, but these days they can be packed into small devices like the Steam Deck. Albion Online is one of the few indie MMOs out there, making it worth a visit! And you can give yourself a head start with Albion online accounts.
Puzzle
- Return of the Obra Dinn – This iconic indie investigative puzzler takes place on the titular ship, where you attempt to find out how and why each and every sailor perished. Created by the mind behind Papers, Please, this is a game certainly worth your time.
- Outer Wilds – One of the most beloved indie games out there, Outer Wilds is a mind bending space exploration game based on short loops of exploration which amalgamate into your knowledge of the whole solar system. It’s truly out of this world.
- The Witness – If you want a thinker, The Witness is one of the most inventive puzzle games of the last decade. Offering up a simple interface a puzzle design, then riffing off the idea to provide hundreds of mind-bending variations.
Cosy
- Stardew Valley – Unless you’ve been living after a rock, you’ve surely heard of Stardew Valley and its place as one of the greatest farming simulators ever made. If you’re yet to dive into this charming world, now’s your chance.
- Unpacking – A sensation when it released, Unpacking is a cosy game about moving items into new spaces. It’s a relaxing and meditative experience of unpacking boxes of items; making it perhaps the most fundamentally cosy games out there.
The Steam Deck is the perfect home for indie games. There are hundreds—thousands—of titles beyond this list which are worth your time. But if you’re just starting out with your indie game journey, these are some must plays for your Steam Deck.
