On February 25, 2022, the highly anticipated Steam Deck was released, revolutionizing handheld gaming by allowing gamers to take their extensive Steam libraries on the go. Since its debut, the Steam Deck has received positive feedback, although there have been some criticisms that might be addressed in the future.
Valve has been testing and labeling games as Deck Verified, signifying that they run well on the Steam Deck. With numerous massive games already confirmed, many enthusiasts are eager to know the best RPGs available for the Steam Deck.
Baldur's Gate 3
Steam User Rating: 96%
After successful years in Steam's early access program, Larian Studios' Baldur's Gate 3 finally made its full debut, garnering universal praise. The title was immediately Deck Verified and runs well on Valve's portable system. The turn-based tactical RPG offers deep customization, flexible storytelling, and a complex battle system.
Cassette Beasts
Steam User Rating: 96%
Released in April 2023, Cassette Beasts presents a genuine case for being the best Pokemon alternative in recent years. With beautiful visuals and accessible but challenging gameplay, this RPG offers a lengthy main storyline and turn-based combat system.
South Park: The Stick Of Truth
Steam User Rating: 97%
Obsidian's RPG beautifully recreates the art style of the beloved show and offers a fundamentally sound turn-based experience. The game is Deck Verified, allowing fans to immerse themselves in this universe like never before.
Tales Of Arise
Steam User Rating: 88%
Bandai Namco's Tales of Arise is a contender for one of the franchise's best games. Set in a world defined by discrimination, Arise follows two people from opposite sides of the conflict, delivering a strong narrative and fantastic combat.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Steam User Rating: 96%
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt sets a new standard of excellence in the RPG genre with its open-world, main storyline, and voice acting, despite some polarizing combat mechanics. The game offers a rich and immersive experience for players.
Yakuza: Like A Dragon
Steam User Rating: 95%
Like a Dragon introduces turn-based combat reminiscent of classic Dragon Quest, retaining the heart, humor, and creativity synonymous with the franchise. The game takes a big risk and delivers a compelling experience.
Elden Ring
Steam User Rating: 92%
Released on the same day as the Steam Deck, Elden Ring was the ultimate test of the handheld system's potential. FromSoftware's title drops players in a vast nightmarish world that demands to be thoroughly explored, offering a rich and deep experience.
Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade
Steam User Rating: 89%
Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade takes the seminal PS1 JRPG and gives it way more than just a fresh coat of paint. The game provides a net positive experience for players, making it one of the best Deck Verified RPGs on Steam.
Octopath Traveler 2
Steam User Rating: 95%
The sequel to 2018's Octopath Traveler primarily opts to fine-tune its predecessor's stellar work, maintaining a high standard of quality campaign and turn-based combat system reminiscent of classic Square Enix productions from the 1990s.
Monster Hunter Rise
Steam User Rating: 86%
Monster Hunter Rise serves as a satisfying gameplay loop and a formidable RPG, challenging players to piece together new weapons and armor while offering a variety of weapon types and mechanics to explore.
Divinity: Original Sin 2 - Definitive Edition
Steam User Rating: 95%
Divinity: Original Sin 2 offers impeccable world-building and deep customization, although it may not be welcoming to newcomers. The game's complexity and replayability make it a compelling choice for RPG enthusiasts.
Nobody Saves The World
Steam User Rating: 91%
Nobody Saves the World invites players to experiment with various archetypes through a compelling central gimmick, complemented by an art style and world that ooze charm and personality.
Tiny Tina's Wonderlands
Steam User Rating: 76%
Tiny Tina's Wonderlands adopts the Borderlands formula to a tabletop fantasy setting, offering satisfying gameplay and a solid entry in the series.
Darkest Dungeon
Steam User Rating: 91%
Set in a gothic world drenched in horror imagery, Darkest Dungeon offers addictive, challenging turn-based combat and a procedurally generated dungeon, encouraging players to experiment with different party setups.
Chained Echoes
Steam User Rating: 91%
Chained Echoes is an ambitious, polished turn-based RPG, offering an effective storyline and a unique risk-reward mechanic that adds an element of strategy to each encounter.
Ni No Kuni: Wrath Of The White Witch Remastered
Steam User Rating: 85%
Originally released on the PS3, this remaster offers a charming storyline and action-oriented combat, making it a stunning JRPG and a worthwhile experience for players.
Fate/Samurai Remnant
Steam User Rating: 92%
Fate/Samurai Remnant offers a robust skill tree system and a plot-driven experience, pushing the boundaries of the Musou genre and delivering a compelling narrative.
Persona 5 Royal
Steam User Rating: 97%
Persona 5 Royal offers a captivating turn-based experience and an immersive storyline, emphasizing player choice and making each decision feel significant.
Star Ocean: The Second Story R
Steam User Rating: 96%
Arguably the franchise's best release in years, The Second Story R modernizes the original's visuals and gameplay while preserving its charm and personality.
WitchSpring R
Steam User Rating: 97%
An effective storyline and turn-based combat system make WitchSpring R a compelling JRPG, delivering a broad and engaging adventure for players.
Stardew Valley
Steam User Rating: 98%
A farming sim with heavy RPG elements, Stardew Valley offers a complex and endlessly playable experience, perfect for players looking for an everyday life RPG.
Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen
Steam User Rating: 89%
Capcom's action RPG offers versatile and satisfying combat, a great dark fantasy setting, and memorable monsters, making it a cult classic and a must-play for RPG enthusiasts.
Pathologic 2
Steam User Rating: 92%
A unique and horrifying RPG, Pathologic 2 challenges players to manage an array of meters and make difficult decisions while being immersed in its unforgiving setting.
Project Zomboid
Steam User Rating: 94%
An open-world survival game that challenges players to rise up to the occasion, Project Zomboid is a must-play for anyone interested in the survival genre, offering rich and engaging gameplay.
Wildermyth
Steam User Rating: 95%
Wildermyth captures the joy of forging a player-driven campaign in tabletop gaming, offering a competent tactical RPG system that emphasizes character personalities.
Dragon Quest 11 S: Echoes of an Elusive Age - Definitive Edition
Steam User Rating: 93%
Arguably the most influential turn-based JRPG franchise, Dragon Quest 11 offers a colorful adventure and magnetic characters, making it the best JRPG on Steam Deck.
Sea Of Stars
Steam User Rating: 87%
Sabotage's Sea of Stars is a modern, special RPG that pays homage to classic JRPGs, offering a compelling experience for players.
Cyberpunk 2077
Steam User Rating: 81%
After updates and improvements, Cyberpunk 2077 remains one of the greatest Steam Deck RPGs, immersing players in a futuristic world and offering a compelling experience.
Disco Elysium - The Final Cut
Steam User Rating: 93%
Disco Elysium revolves around dialogue and character-building, emphasizing player choice and delivering a significant experience for players.