The style awards characteristic as part of our finish of yr protection is considered one of my favorites as a result of it lets me have much more enjoyable by developing with some particular genres or classes that you simply wouldn’t see usually. This additionally lets me spotlight further video games, and mainly get your eyes on some releases you’ll have forgotten or not performed but from 2023. On this characteristic, I’ll be protecting particular video games on Steam Deck throughout genres and classes I’ve been listening to, and a few new ones for the yr. This listing is in no explicit order, and whereas some video games are runner-up winners, I like to recommend trying out each recreation right here.
The perfect Steam Deck video games of 2023 throughout completely different genres and classes
Greatest motion recreation on Steam Deck in 2023
Hello-Fi Rush
Runner-Up: Armored Core VI
Hello-Fi Rush is a superlative mix of rhythm and motion video games with its good aesthetic, wonderful use of licensed and unique music, and beautiful characters like Korsica and extra. I’ve performed this too many occasions already, and it shines on Steam Deck. This one was shut, however Armored Core VI simply missed out on being the winner right here. I am keen on each these video games although.
Greatest action-adventure recreation on Steam Deck in 2023
Like a Dragon Gaiden
Runner-Up: Resident Evil 4 Remake
Regardless of being a budget-priced launch bridging the hole between just a few video games within the collection, Like a Dragon Gaiden is a superb expertise for followers of Kazuma Kiryu, and it additionally shines with its plethora of aspect actions. Identical to the class above, I wasn’t positive which might be the winner, however Like a Dragon Gaiden edges it out simply by a hair. Resident Evil 4 Remake is Capcom’s finest remake but, and the very best model of Resident Evil 4 by far.
Greatest journey recreation on Steam Deck in 2023
A Area for the Unbound
Runner-Up: Espresso Speak 2
I ended up liking A Area for the Unbound, and its storytelling fairly a bit once I performed it on Change and Steam Deck. Whereas just a few of the gameplay parts within the center dragged a bit an excessive amount of, A Area for the Unbound is among the finest narrative pushed indie video games I’ve performed. Regardless of not having been to Indonesia which conjures up the setting, the storytelling, characters, and ambiance all felt good. Espresso Speak 2 additionally delivered a incredible narrative, however I really feel prefer it didn’t do sufficient to really feel new in comparison with A Area for the Unbound.
Greatest puzzle recreation on Steam Deck in 2023
The Talos Precept 2
Runner-Up: Cocoon
The Talos Precept 2 and Cocoon are each very good puzzle video games, however the former simply edged a victory for managing to surpass its predecessor in each method whereas costing much less. I nonetheless really feel like there’s a catch, however The Talos Precept 2 is simply that rattling good, and it is going to be a puzzle recreation individuals discuss for years to come back. Cocoon nailed its ideas and is a robust contender for the very best of the very best, however I ended up liking Talos extra.
Greatest motion RPG on Steam Deck in 2023
Destiny/Samurai Remnant
Runner-Up: Remnant II
I promise I didn’t embrace each of those right here simply due to the names. Destiny/Samurai Remnant not solely is the very best recreation based mostly on Destiny, however it’s considered one of Omega Pressure’s finest motion RPGs but. Even for those who’re new to Destiny, this one is value grabbing, and it was a pleasure to play it on Steam Deck, the very best transportable model. I liked Remnant II, however it falls brief a bit on Steam Deck and even on consoles. It’s a bit too demanding on all codecs. Barring that, I liked my time with it, and may’t wait to attempt the DLC once I’m capable of.
Greatest DRPG on Steam Deck in 2023
Labyrinth of Galleria: The Moon Society
Runner-Up: Etrian Odyssey Origins Assortment
Some may suppose it’s blasphemy to present the award to something however Etrian Odyssey, however right here we’re. I’m positive I’ve performed and personal extra variations of Etrian Odyssey than most individuals, however Labyrinth of Galleria was simply too good on all fronts. If this was a brand new Etrian Odyssey launch, issues may need been more durable, however for now, I like to recommend grabbing each, however positively prioritizing Labyrinth of Galleria if you’d like a high quality dungeon crawler.
Greatest CRPG on Steam Deck in 2023
Baldur’s Gate 3
Runner-Up: Warhammer 40k: Rogue Dealer
Baldur’s Gate 3 was clearly going to win right here, however I really feel like this class was a bit unfair to Rogue Dealer. I really like Owlcat’s video games, however Rogue Dealer simply isn’t as polished as Baldur’s Gate 3 proper now. I discover Baldur’s Gate 3 extra approachable as nicely. The underside line is each of those are incredible CRPGs barring just a few points, however Baldur’s Gate 3 simply seems like a as soon as in a technology expertise proper now. I hope Rogue Dealer can enhance a bit extra, and I’ll go into element about why it’s value your time within the close to future in my assessment.
Greatest JRPG on Steam Deck in 2023
Octopath Traveler II
Runner-Up: The Legend of Heroes: Trails into Reverie
Each of those video games are necessities for JRPG followers, however Octopath Traveler II edges out the victory for enhancing on its predecessor in each method whereas being Sq. Enix’s finest JRPG for the reason that PS2 period. Trails into Reverie is identical tier for Trails followers, however not as a lot for newcomers. Trails into Reverie does shine with its very good PC conversion that makes it the very best platform to play the sport on.
Greatest SRPG on Steam Deck in 2023
Disgaea 7: Vows of the Virtueless
Runner-Up: Persona 5 Tactica
Disgaea 7 took the bottom laid by Disgaea 6 and at last delivered a recreation worthy of the Disgaea franchise. It’s excessive, insane, and addictive. Persona 5 Tactica seems like an extended misplaced 3DS recreation rebuilt for contemporary platforms, and a incredible first SRPG Persona recreation.
Greatest technique recreation on Steam Deck in 2023
Age of Wonders 4
Runner-Up: Railgrade
I didn’t play Railgrade when it was on Epic, however obtained round to it on Steam Deck after it obtained Steam Deck Verified and the wait was value it. I really like practice video games and Railgrade is excellent. Age of Wonders 4 from Triumph and Paradox wins by only a margin because of its extra polished gameplay. I do know each aren’t precisely comparable, however Age of Wonders 4 even with out its DLC made a robust exhibiting this yr.
Greatest simulation recreation on Steam Deck in 2023
Dave the Diver
Runner-Up: Luck be a Landlord
Dave the Diver is a harmful recreation that I virtually deleted as a result of I saved taking part in it on Change and Steam Deck. I ended up adoring it, the restaurant administration, diving, and the hilarious cut-scenes. Luck be a Landlord is an addictive slot machine simulator that’s value taking part in regardless of that description. Dave the Diver is finest on Steam Deck, and whereas Luck be a Landlord performs nicely there, I’d seize it on cellular when you’ve got the choice.
Greatest farming recreation on Steam Deck in 2023
Story of Seasons: A Great Life
Runner-Up: Fae Farm
Story of Seasons: A Great Life is a remake of the unique recreation for all fashionable platforms together with Steam Deck. I don’t know why Valve has marked it as unsupported as a result of it ran high-quality for me at any time when I performed it. Fae Farm seems like a beautiful recreation impressed by Story of Seasons with its personal attraction. A Great Life might not have all of the options, however it’s a extra polished and charming expertise. Fae Farm with all DLC will seemingly be shut, however proper now it’s a bit in need of Story of Seasons.
Greatest cross style recreation on Steam Deck in 2023
Mosa Lina
Runner-Up:Affogato
One other class the place I saved flip flopping on which to have as runner-up. I lastly selected Mosa Lina (puzzles, platforming, adventures, and extra) for doing extra with its style mixing, and delivering an unforgettable expertise. I’m glad somebody I comply with posted about this as a result of it’s value going into blind and is tremendous value its low asking value. Affogato equally blends genres I really like like JRPGs, barista simulation, and extra collectively to be one of many higher indies of 2023.
Greatest racing recreation on Steam Deck in 2023
Scorching Wheels Unleashed 2: Turbocharged
Runner-Up: Disney Speedstorm
Scorching Wheels Unleashed was a variety of enjoyable, and I didn’t suppose we’d get a sequel this quickly. Should you performed the unique rather a lot, this won’t hit as onerous, however I’ve loved it fairly a bit. Disney Speedstorm from Gameloft is perhaps one of many higher kart racers with a fight focus. Whereas it isn’t as good as Dreamlight Valley, Gameloft did a superb job right here. Whereas we don’t often do “most disappointing” awards for any class, nothing in gaming has upset me extra in 2023 than Forza Motorsport.
Greatest sports activities recreation on Steam Deck in 2023
Subpar Pool
Runner-Up: AEW Struggle Without end
Mixing pool and golf collectively ended up figuring out very well in Subpar Pool. Whereas I performed it most on iPhone and iPad, Subpar Pool on Steam is value taking part in for individuals who don’t need to play on cellular, and it performs nice on Steam Deck. AEW Struggle Without end seems like an extended misplaced wrestling recreation from a few years in the past resurrected for contemporary platforms and I imply that in the very best method.
Greatest digital board recreation on Steam Deck in 2023
Wingspan: Oceania Growth
Runner-Up: NA
Wingspan’s Oceania Growth lastly hit the digital model from Monster Sofa, and I adore it. I’ve slowly been taking part in it and seeing how the sport steadiness has been modified, however I feel that is a necessary enlargement to an already wonderful adaptation. I nonetheless want to write down my full assessment, however have liked the Oceania Growth additions and adjustments on iOS and Steam Deck up to now.
Greatest deckbuilder recreation on Steam Deck in 2023
Phantom Rose 2 Sapphire
Runner-Up: Marvel Snap
Marvel Snap lastly obtained a correct interface for PC and Steam Deck this yr after feeling prefer it was only a cellular recreation being performed earlier than. It’s our runner-up whereas Phantom Rose 2 Sapphire, a shock for me, is the winner. I didn’t even find out about this collection till I obtained despatched a code for this launch, and I really like the aesthetic and gameplay. That is positively value attempting for those who’re in search of one thing new within the style, and it even had an enormous replace launch lately.
Greatest horror recreation on Steam Deck in 2023
Paranormasight
Runner-Up: Little Goody Two Sneakers
Each the winner and runner-up on this class are from Sq. Enix. Paranormasight is among the writer’s most attention-grabbing and distinctive releases in years in its narrative, whereas Little Goody Two Sneakers is a incredible indie horror journey recreation that I adored taking part in. Each of those are on a number of platforms as nicely so seize them wherever, however please play them.
Greatest Vampire Survivors-like on Steam Deck in 2023
Halls of Torment
Runner-Up: Dying Should Die
Vampire Survivors continues to enhance and convey in additional high quality content material whereas being in my every day rotation, however the many video games which have been launched following it are actually getting higher as nicely. Halls of Torment is like Vampire Survivors meets Diablo, and it performs brilliantly on Steam Deck. Dying Should Die, our runner-up, is in early entry proper now, and it’s already shaping as much as be a particular hack and slash roguelite that brings in components from Hades as nicely.
Greatest occasion recreation on Steam Deck in 2023
KarmaZoo
Runner-Up: Social gathering Animals
KarmaZoo from Devolver is a hilarious co-op platformer the place you’ll be able to clear up puzzles, play as dozens of distinctive characters, and extra as you try to assist others. It’s our winner for the very best occasion recreation to play on Steam Deck in 2023. Social gathering Animals is a flawed however hilarious recreation to play with associates that’s held again by some terrible maps and management points. It’s nonetheless value trying out, however seemingly will likely be higher in just a few updates.
Greatest citybuilder recreation on Steam Deck in 2023
In opposition to the Storm
Runner-Up: Terra Nil
I found In opposition to the Storm once I noticed lots of people on my Steam associates listing shopping for it. I had no concept it existed, however it exploded in reputation when it launched on Steam just a few weeks in the past. I didn’t purchase it then as a result of it didn’t play nicely on Steam Deck, however a latest replace added controller assist and noticed it getting Steam Deck Verified. I’ve been hooked on the darkish fantasy citybuilder since then. Our runner-up is Terra Nil, a reverse citybuilder meets puzzle recreation about remodeling a barren world into a stunning residing and respiratory ecosystem.
Greatest combating recreation on Steam Deck in 2023
Road Fighter 6
Runner-Up: Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising
Road Fighter 6 is Capcom’s finest combating recreation since Third Strike, and the most effective general packages we’ve ever seen within the style with its sturdy singleplayer modes, flawless on-line, and lovely aesthetic. Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising fixes each problem the unique recreation had, and it is just our runner-up and never winner by a hair at this level. Each of those are stupidly good fighters, however Road Fighter 6 is our winner.
Greatest metroidvania recreation on Steam Deck in 2023
TEVI
Runner-Up: YOHANE THE PARHELION -BLAZE within the DEEPBLUE-
TEVI from the Rabi Ribi developer is simply too good in its present state. Identical to Rabi Ribi, the developer went above and past with this launch to ship the most effective metroidvanias in a few years. Inti Creates YOHANE THE PARHELION -BLAZE within the DEEPBLUE- is our runner-up as a result of whereas it is vitally well-made, it lacks the oomph I want from Inti Creates releases. It would hit the identical highs after an replace or two.
Greatest platformer recreation on Steam Deck in 2023
Bomb Rush Cyberfunk
Runner-Up: Sonic Origins Plus and Superstars
Bomb Rush Cyberfunk is trendy, enjoyable to play, and excellent on Steam Deck. Workforce Reptile delivered an outstanding and polished expertise from begin to end with good music right here. Get it. Our runner-up is a mixture of Sonic Origins Plus and Sonic Superstars. The previous as a result of it was truly mounted this yr in a free replace, and the latter as a result of a brand new 2D Sonic is great, however it has just a few annoying points holding it again. I’m assured in Superstars enhancing with updates if it will get the assist Sonic Frontiers obtained.
Greatest visible novel on Steam Deck in 2023
Slay the Princess
Runner-Up: Videoverse
My favourite visible novels of 2023 are Slay the Princess and Nameless;Code. The latter doesn’t work correctly on Steam Deck regardless of what Valve says except you do that. The previous is a recreation you must go into with as little prior information as doable. Simply know that the hype is value it and I gained’t say extra. Slay the princess. The runner-up is Videoverse, a recreation that may hit onerous for just a few of us however not others. Those that do resonate with it, like myself, will give it some thought for a very long time. This one is crucial for those who grew up with the early days of the web.
Greatest multiplayer recreation on Steam Deck in 2023
Exoprimal
Runner-Up: Lords of the Fallen
Exoprimal has a variety of potential, however Capcom hasn’t managed fixing the opening hours of the expertise or including cross platform events. Barring these two, I really like the time I put into it with associates and randoms on Steam Deck and PS5 the place I’ve made essentially the most progress by means of the sport’s story and different modes. Lords of the Fallen wants a bit extra work in its optimization, however the multiplayer has been a pleasure on Steam Deck. Seize it if you’d like a brand new massive funds soulslike.
Greatest former EGS unique on Steam Deck in 2023
Stranger of Paradise: Closing Fantasy Origin
Runner-Up: Darkest Dungeon 2
This is among the extra enjoyable classes right here. However that is my characteristic and I’m a do issues my method (or the freeway). Talking of my method, Stranger of Paradise hit Steam this yr following its launch on consoles and Epic Video games Retailer final yr. It’s a incredible mix of Closing Fantasy and Workforce Ninja motion recreation goodness with a variety of coronary heart. Darkest Dungeon 2 virtually missed this listing, however the latest replace with full Steam Deck assist made it nicely value recommending.
Greatest console port on Steam Deck in 2023
Dragon Quest Treasures
Runner-Up: We Love Katamari Reroll + Royal Reverie
Dragon Quest Treasures on Steam Deck is a large improve over its Change launch from final yr with efficiency and visible upgrades throughout the board. Together with We Love Katamari Reroll right here is sort of dishonest, however it deserves a slot as a remake of the very best Katamari recreation that shines on Steam Deck.
Greatest remake on Steam Deck in 2023
Stay A Stay
Runner-Up: Lifeless Area
Stay A Stay’s remake within the Octopath Traveler HD 2D aesthetic hit Change final yr, however it was launched on Steam and PS5 this yr with massive visible and efficiency upgrades. It’s a gorgeous remake and a necessary JRPG. Lifeless Area’s remake not solely delivered a stellar remake, however it runs and appears shockingly good on Steam Deck.
Greatest recreation not on Steam that I want was on Steam Deck in 2023
Theatrhythm Closing Bar Line
Runner-Up: Dragon Quest Monsters: The Darkish Prince
I performed and liked each of those on Change and likewise performed Theatrhythm Closing Bar Line on PS4 once more. I’ve a sense each of them will hit Steam in some unspecified time in the future, however for now they’re the very best video games from this yr that I want have been on Steam Deck.
Greatest recreation I want ran higher on Steam Deck in 2023
Wild Hearts
Runner-Up: Starfield
Wild Hearts from Koei Tecmo is the primary correct looking recreation that would’ve been competitors for Monster Hunter. It sadly was let down by unhealthy advertising and marketing and an terrible PC port. Every little thing else was nice. I hope Koei Tecmo offers it one other shot sooner or later as a result of I prefer it greater than most Monster Hunter base video games. It runs past abysmally on Steam Deck. Starfield is the primary fashionable Bethesda Sport Studios launch that wasn’t a buggy mess or simply boring to play like Fallout 4. I hope Starfield can enhance its tremendous unhealthy load occasions and efficiency on Steam Deck as a result of I feel it has a variety of potential.
Greatest ongoing recreation on Steam Deck in 2023
Closing Fantasy XIV
Runner-Up: Vampire Survivors
I’m placing Closing Fantasy XIV right here as a result of I spent a ton of time taking part in Heavensward and its updates this yr after lastly reaching the enlargement earlier than. It obtained just a few notable patches this yr, however I didn’t get to expertise that story content material but. I did take pleasure in taking part in it a ton on Steam Deck although. Vampire Survivors has gotten its wonderful Adventures replace this yr, and is our runner-up as finest ongoing recreation.
Greatest recreation DLC or enlargement on Steam Deck in 2023
Resident Evil 4 Separate Methods
Runner-Up: Nightfall HD
Resident Evil 4 Remake is wonderful, and Resident Evil 4 Remake DLC the place you play as Ada Wong is precisely what I wished. Separate Methods over delivered in its high quality and worth for its asking value, and it’s important and our greatest DLC of 2023. The runner-up is Nightfall HD, a free HD remaster of New Blood’s masterpiece.
Greatest boomer shooter on Steam Deck in 2023
Turbo Overkill
Runner-Up: Slayers X: Terminal Aftermath: Vengance of the Slayer
Turbo Overkill obtained its full launch this yr, and it has elegant motion, chainsaw motion, wonderful music, and is only a incredible recreation general. It’s our greatest boomer shooter with the runner-up being Slayers X. Slayers X is essentially the most 90s factor ever. Greater than MTV. That’s all it is advisable know.
Greatest shoot ’em up on Steam Deck in 2023
Graze Counter GM
Runner-Up: Ray’z Arcade Chronology
A good friend of mine beneficial I try Graze Counter GM, and I’m glad he did. I ended up loving the bullet hell shoot ’em up that forces you to take dangers in its gameplay. It has a beautiful aesthetic, and I’ve gone again to it usually. The runner up is Ray’z Arcade Chronology that got here to Steam this yr following its PS4 and Change launch. M2 by no means misses and this was a beautiful bundle to find Taito’s Ray collection.
Greatest monster accumulating recreation on Steam Deck in 2023
Cassette Beasts
Runner-Up: Dragon Quest Treasures
Each Cassette Beasts and Dragon Quest Treasures on Steam Deck have been wonderful video games. The previous specifically does every little thing higher than the style chief, and it even had a reasonably good DLC launch. Dragon Quest Treasures, whereas not as targeted on the monster accumulating facet as DQ Monsters, remains to be a incredible expertise on Steam Deck. Should you’ve been a Pokemon fan in search of a extra polished and fashionable expertise, seize Cassette Beasts as quickly as you’ll be able to.
Greatest cooking recreation on Steam Deck in 2023
Venba and Thirsty Suitors
Runner-Up: Cook dinner Serve Without end
I ended up loving each Venba and Thirsty Suitors for various causes, however they excelled in making me consider the meals I really like. Venba even obtained me to enhance my very own idli making method, and Thirsty Suitors was a contemporary mix of some genres with a beautiful addition of cooking. I do know that is dishonest however it obtained you to examine two wonderful video games that showcase good meals so why not? The runner-up is Cook dinner Serve Without end that’s nonetheless in early entry, however has the potential to be wonderful. Proper now, it simply falls brief a bit.
Greatest retro recreation assortment on Steam Deck in 2023
Mega Man Battle Community Legacy Assortment
Runner-Up: The Making of Karateka
Capcom’s latest Mega Man assortment can be considered one of its finest ones, delivering a ton of high quality content material and introducing this aspect of Mega Man to me for the primary time. Digital Eclipse’s first Gold Grasp Collection launch in The Making of Karateka is simply held again by it being based mostly on Karateka which is extra of a curiosity than a recreation I take pleasure in replaying. It’s our runner-up as a result of Digital Eclipse did a lot right here, and I’m blindly going to purchase each single Gold Grasp Collection launch from the staff. It’s that good.
Greatest recreation from 2022 we’re nonetheless taking part in on Steam Deck in 2023
The King of Fighters XV
Runner-Up: PowerWash Simulator
This can be a enjoyable class as a result of I’m nonetheless taking part in video games from just a few years in the past. The King of Fighters XV obtained its remaining introduced DLC and cross play this yr making it even higher. I take pleasure in taking part in it on all platforms, and whereas the brand new DLC characters are nice, it’s superior to see the web so lively at any time when I attempt getting a match. I hope it will get extra DLC. PowerWash would’ve been the winner right here if the latest DLC didn’t disappoint in comparison with prior paid content material. I’ve put in a ton of time into it although regardless this yr.
Greatest combating recreation character DLC on Steam Deck in 2023
Responsible Gear Attempt – Elphelt Valentine
Runner-Up: Responsible Gear Attempt – Johnny
Having performed and loved so many combating video games this yr, there isn’t any method I wasn’t going to do a separate class/style for simply combating recreation DLC. This one was shut between Elphelt and Johnny, however Elphelt has been extra enjoyable to play so she wins it. Johnny is the runner-up. Simply Lean.
Greatest remaster on Steam Deck in 2023
Pocky and Rocky Reshrined
Runner-Up: Rise of the Triad Ludicrous Version
Pocky and Rocky Reshrined hit PC and Xbox this yr following its debut on PS4 and Change. I liked it on Change, and it has aged like the very best wine in its Steam and Xbox releases. Tengo Venture did an outstanding job with this remixed remake remaster hybrid of a basic, and it’s beautiful. Rise of the Triad Ludicrous Version brings a 90s basic to all present platforms with a stellar launch that serves as a historical past lesson and a incredible shooter.
Hopefully you loved this barely completely different tackle our style awards with many new enjoyable genres and classes. I do know Shaun’s Change listing will likely be a bit completely different, however I hope with so many genres and video games listed, you discover one thing you want right here. Forgive me if a recreation wasn’t within the style you’d place it in. What did you take pleasure in taking part in on Steam Deck this yr, and have you ever discovered your self attempting out extra video games ever since you bought a Steam Deck or a Steam Deck OLED? Thanks for studying!
