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Stardew Valley Takes Lead on Steam Deck in April

A smaller indie game outperforms major AAA titles to become the most played game on Steam Deck in April.
Stardew Valley Takes Lead on Steam Deck in April

Highlights

  • Stardew Valley surpasses Fallout 4 on Steam Deck due to 1.6 update availability.
  • Popularity spike from Fallout series not enough to dethrone Stardew Valley in April.
  • Diverse player preferences shown with varied AAA and indie games on Steam Deck.

Valve's latest report on the most-played games on the Steam Deck handheld device reveals a surprising turn of events where the well-known titles Fallout 4 and Baldur's Gate 3 were surpassed by the indie gem Stardew Valley. This achievement comes right after Stardew Valley claimed the top spot in March on the Steam Deck.

Stardew Valley's popularity extends beyond the Steam Deck as it is also available on the Nintendo Switch and mobile platforms, offering players multiple ways to enjoy the game. However, what sets Stardew Valley apart on the Steam Deck is the availability of the 1.6 update, a feature yet to be released on other consoles and mobile devices.

Even with the advantage of the 1.6 update, Stardew Valley's dominance on the charts is remarkable. Despite a surge in the Fallout franchise's popularity triggered by the Amazon Prime TV series, which boosted titles like Fallout 3, 4, New Vegas, and 76 into the top 20 for April, only Fallout 4 barely made the list for March. Despite receiving a next-gen update, Fallout 4 couldn't overtake Stardew Valley. Issues like broken mods and disappearing graphics options on the Steam Deck might have deterred some players from engaging with Fallout 4.

Belatro, a unique roguelike poker-themed game, managed to outshine Baldur's Gate 3, Helldivers 2, and Elden Ring, showcasing the diverse gaming preferences of Steam Deck users. The list also featured popular titles from Rockstar Games like GTA 5 and Red Dead Redemption 2, as well as CD Projekt Red's Cyberpunk 2077 and The Witcher 3. Indie games such as The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth, Hades, and Slay the Spire were also well-received, indicating players' interest in both graphically demanding AAA games and simpler indie titles on the Steam Deck.

What to Expect in Future Game Popularity on Steam Deck

As we look ahead, the upcoming months may witness significant shifts in game popularity on the Steam Deck. Fallout's sudden surge was largely due to the recent update for Fallout 4 and the debut of the TV series in April. With these developments occurring late in the month yet managing to propel Fallout titles up the rankings, it's highly probable that a Fallout game will claim the top spot in May.

Nevertheless, Baldur's Gate 3 could emerge as a strong contender in the future. The forthcoming Patch 7 for Baldur's Gate 3, expected to launch later this year, will introduce enhanced evil path endings, bug fixes, and mod tools, giving players more control over the game's customization. The ongoing battle between Stardew Valley and these AAA giants will unfold in the upcoming months, revealing the evolving gaming landscape on the Steam Deck.

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