The Steam Deck launched on February 25, 2022, commencing a new era in handheld gaming. Now, people can take their extensive Steam libraries on the go without needing to pick up a gaming laptop. While unsurprisingly not perfect, the console's takeoff has been decent, garnering a fair amount of praise along with some valid criticisms that might be ironed out in the future.

Since the platform's debut, Valve has been testing games and labeling them as Deck Verified, which means they run well on the Steam Deck. Naturally, this process will take time considering the sheer quantity of projects on Steam, but plenty of massive games have already been confirmed. What are the best RPGs​​​​​ on Steam Deck?

Updated April 29, 2024 by Mark Sammut: April 2024 saw the release of a few notable Steam RPGs. Sand Land, Saga Emerald Beyond, Another Crab's Treasure, Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes, and Megaton Musashi W; Wired are all worth checking out, even if most of them (minus Another Crab's Treasure) are not verified for the Steam Deck. This month also saw a classic Bethesda franchise receive a significant resurgence in popularity.

1 Baldur's Gate 3

Steam User Rating: 96%

After a couple of fruitful years in Steam's early access program, Larian Studios' Baldur's Gate 3 made its full debut at the beginning of August 2023, launching to a standing ovation and near-universal praise. BG3 was one of 2023's best additions to the genre, along with just being one of the year's greatest overall games. The title was immediately Deck Verified, and it runs pretty well on Valve's portable system. If someone has a gaming desktop, they should opt to use that system as the game benefits from a larger screen and the (presumably) stronger specs, but its performance is serviceable on the Steam Deck.

Baldur's Gate 3 is a turn-based tactical RPG that takes inspiration from Larian's Divinity: Original Sin 2, so fans of the latter should have an idea of what to expect from the new title. That said, the 2023 release will likely be most people's first foray into this subgenre, and they could not ask for a better entry point. The game offers deep customization, a fully realized world, great flexible storytelling, and a complex battle system that requires strategic thought and a proper grasp of each party member's strengths and weaknesses.

2 Persona 3 Reload

Steam User Rating: 97%

The Steam Deck is a pretty great device for Persona. Valve's store has seven of the franchise's games, and five of them are verified for the handheld system. There are two exceptions: Persona 4 Arena Ultimax and Persona 5 Strikers. Both of these are currently marked as unsupported, although the latter seems to be manageable with some tweaks (according to Protondb). Otherwise, fans can play through Persona 3 Portable, Persona 4 Golden, Persona 5 Royal, Persona 5 Tactica, and Persona 3 Reload. All of these are good-to-great, and an argument could be made that P5R represents the franchise at its best. However, 2024's Persona 3 remake also compares favorably to any turn-based JRPG on Steam, and it offers the ideal way to experience perhaps the darkest and greatest story in Atlus' decorated series.

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The PS2 original was a landmark release as it moved the Megami Tense spin-off series into social sim territory, a shift that would come to define Persona's identity. Although a touch rudimentary compared to its sequel, Persona 3's social links are still satisfying, and Reload modernizes them just enough to accommodate current standards while retaining its predecessor's core. The turn-based battles are traditional but entertaining, and they are complemented by a well-done monster-catching system that encourages continuous growth.

3 Stardew Valley

Steam User Rating: 98%

The 2010s saw the indie gaming scene rise to unprecedented heights, and Stardew Valley is among that scene's greatest achievements. A farming sim with heavy RPG elements, the game gives people plenty of freedom on how they develop their stretch of land and leave their mark on Pelican Town.

Stardew Valley is ambitious, complex, and endlessly playable. Although not quite as relaxing as something like Animal Crossing, Stardew Valley is perfect for those people looking for an RPG that is about everyday life rather than a grand adventure to save the world.

4 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. Can Valve's platform run a massive open-world RPG with enough content to last hundreds of hours? The answer proved to be "yes," and playing Elden Ring on the go is just as awe-inspiring as booting The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild on the Nintendo Switch.

FromSoftware's 2022 title drops players in the Lands Between, a vast nightmarish world that demands to be thoroughly explored. Boasting a deep customization system, dozens of epic boss fights, and rich lore, Elden Ring is incredible. Obviously, the Steam Deck is not the best way to experience Elden Ring as it does come with quite a few performance concessions compared to a mid-tier home computer or modern consoles, but it runs well enough to be playable.

5 The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Steam User Rating: 96%

There are hundreds of great RPGs, but only a handful can be said to have changed the genre (hopefully for the better). The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is an example of a relatively recent release that altered the gaming landscape by simply setting a new standard of excellence.

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Since this project's release, RPGs in general have seemingly started to make more of an effort to ensure side quests are meatier experiences. Obviously, TheWitcher 3 was not the first game to deliver great secondary content, but it arguably perfected it. The rest of the package is also incredible, be it the open-world, main storyline, or voice acting. That said, the combat can be a bit polarizing, although things do start to come together once players grow familiar with its systems.

6 Disco Elysium - The Final Cut

Steam User Rating: 93%

Disco Elysium is a work of art, and it is also quite unlike most RPGs on Steam. Rather than focus on combat, this game revolves around dialogue and character-building, the latter of which is tied to the skills players decide to prioritize when leveling up.

Set in a dense world that walks the line between realism and fantasy, Disco Elysium tells a complicated detective story that touches upon philosophical and ethical topics. This RPG emphasizes player choice and makes each word uttered and every decision made feel significant.

7 Dave The Diver

Steam User Rating: 97%

A highlight of the 2023 calendar, Dave the Diver is an absolute treat that can satisfy various cravings. Want a management sim that is enjoyable and not too demanding? Then, get ready to run a sushi restaurant. Craving deep sea exploration? Well, Dave spends his days hunting fish in a gorgeous underwater cavern with a mysterious edge. Craving a light RPG that has most of the genre's hallmarks? Dave the Diver will scratch that itch.

Ambition can be a recipe for disaster, but Dave the Diver manages to blend multiple genres and concepts to create a unique package that comes together surprisingly well. It is also one of the most relaxing Steam Deck RPGs, while still offering a challenge through its combat and loadout system.

8 The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim Special Edition

Steam User Rating: 93%

If someone is a fan of RPGs, they have probably played Skyrim at some point in the last decade. While the 2011 version's age shines through in a lot of areas, the game has largely stood the test of time. Bethesda's sandbox is a blast to explore, and the numerous cities are still visually impressive, even if they do not compare to a few more modern releases. Although never great, the combat gets the job done, and it is elevated by a fairly robust customization system that encourages players to experiment with their play styles.

Skyrim has been available on the Nintendo Switch since 2017, so playing the game on the go is not a novel experience offered solely via the Steam Deck. Nevertheless, Valve's platform runs the RPG well and provides another means to jump into this seminal masterpiece.

9 Cassette Beasts

Steam User Rating: 96%

Cassette Beasts presents a genuine case for being the best Pokemon alternative of the last few years, outside of perhaps Palworld. Washing up on a dreamy island, players are given a lot to digest as they find their way to a village and, eventually, join the Rangers. Also, they pick up the ability to transform into monsters in battles, and they can even fuse with their partners' beasts to create an especially strong temporary fighter.

Cassette Beasts has beautiful visuals, accessible but challenging gameplay, and a decently sized world. While the main storyline is quite lengthy, the RPG also has quite a bit of optional content that encourages players to thoroughly explore the map. The turn-based combat system builds on the genre's fundamentals to craft something familiar but still unique.

10 South Park: The Stick Of Truth

Steam User Rating: 97%

While The Fractured but Whole has yet to receive the Deck Verified stamp on Steam, South Park: The Stick of Truth has already made the grade. Obsidian's RPG beautifully recreates the art style of the beloved show, allowing fans to immersive themselves in this universe like never before.

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Fan service is not the only that The Stick of Truth has to offer though, as this is a fundamentally sound turn-based RPG that pays homage to the genre while simultaneously poking fun at some of its conventions. Players are cast as the New Kid, and it takes long before they are embroiled in an epic conflict fueled by a potent MacGuffin.

11 Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth

Steam User Rating: 91%

For the most part, Yakuza has always been tangibly related to the RPG genre. Most of the real-time action entries have players role-play as Kazuma Kiryu in epic and periodically silly stories that feature small but dense open-worlds filled with optional content and quests. Yakuza: Like a Dragon changed things around by switching to turn-based combat, introducing a new main city, and promoting Ichiban to the franchise's protagonist. Considering the sheer volume of modifications, the fact the game still felt like an authentic Yakuza experience speaks to the quality of its writing.

2024's Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth takes its predecessor's concepts and runs with them, crafting an overall fantastic and deep experience that highlights the license at its best. Ichiban returns as the protagonist, although he is now accompanied by Kiryu who takes a more active role in the story. The sequel also shifts the setting to Hawaii, a decision that comes as a breath of fresh air since the series is known to recycle maps fairly frequently.

Infinite Wealth's battle system is largely similar to Yakuza: Like a Dragon's version, albeit fine-tuned to provide an overall more satisfying and over-the-top experience. The title takes obvious inspiration from JRPG classics, including incorporating a Jobs system akin to something like Final Fantasy. Naturally, the game has way more to offer than just combat, as it comes packed with an extensive main story and a plethora of impressive mini-games that can keep someone entertained for hours on end.

12 Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade

Steam User Rating: 89%

Square Enix's Final Fantasy 7 Remake takes the seminal PS1 JRPG and gives it way more than just a fresh coat of paint. In part 1 of the story, players are guided through Cloud Strife's early days as a member of AVALANCHE, a crew that strives to undermine the actions of the Shinra Corporation. Swapping turn-based combat for real-time action, the remake offers a surprising amount of depth across its various playable characters.

Intergrade comes packaged with Yuffie's DLC, an extension of the base game that provides even more stellar combat and character-building moments. Although the PC version garnered some criticism upon release, Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade is still overall a net positive and one of the best Deck Verified RPGs​​​​​ on Steam.

13 Octopath Traveler 2

Steam User Rating: 95%

The sequel to 2018's Octopath Traveler primarily opts to fine-tune its predecessor's stellar work, resulting in a similar but slightly improved experience. For the uninitiated, the campaign follows eight characters who follow their own storylines which do not really cross over. This creative choice does create a somewhat disjointed experience, although the individual quests maintain a reasonably high standard of quality.

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Octopath Traveler 2 utilizes a turn-based combat system reminiscent of classic Square Enix productions from the 1990s. The tried-and-tested system works well and should hit the spot for anyone fond of old-school JRPGs.

14 Divinity: Original Sin 2 - Definitive Edition

Steam User Rating: 95%

A convincing argument can be made that Divinity: Original Sin 2 was the most complete RPG of the 2010s. The game has impeccable world-building, fairly great writing for its main and secondary quests, deep customization, and a complex grid-based combat system that arguably perfects this style of gameplay. This title sits comfortably alongside the genre's best offerings, and its replayability means that someone could spend years tied to this RPG.

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If there is one criticism that could be made of Divinity: Original Sin 2, it is that the game is not that welcoming to newcomers. People unfamiliar with CRPGs are likely to spend the first couple of hours at a complete loss as they stumble awkwardly from one fatal encounter to the next. However, once things click, things really get going.

15 Darkest Dungeon

Steam User Rating: 91%

Darkest Dungeon is not for the faint of heart, but it sure is addictive. Set in a gothic world drenched in horror imagery and concepts, the game casts players as the new owner of a creepy mansion that just happens to be sitting on top of a dungeon. Beckoned by the siren call of potential riches and power, adventurers are drawn to the punishing realm's depths, and most of them will not survive the ordeal. Players hire these warriors to descend the dungeon and uncover its secrets, all the while engaging in challenging turn-based combat against some truly horrifying entities.

With a wide selection of classes and permadeath, Darkest Dungeon encourages players to constantly experiment with their party setup as they desperately search for the optimal configuration that will finally allow them to take that extra step. The dungeon itself is procedurally generated, which greatly amplifies the game's replay value. The battle system is nothing too unusual, but it has a few quirks that allow it to stand out from the crowd. Darkest Dungeon also uses a stress meter that steadily builds as adventurers spend more time roaming the pitch-black corridors while fighting the nightmares held within.

16 Chained Echoes

Steam User Rating: 91%

Steam is packed with 16-bit indie games that harbor back to the days of the SNES, particularly when it comes to platformers and Metroidvanias. While not quite as common, developers do occasionally take notes from classic JRPGs like Chrono Trigger, Mana, Final Fantasy, and Dragon Quest. Chained Echoes wears its inspiration on its sleeve without feeling like a blatant copy; in fact, the game shows that certain ideas are simply timeless.

Chained Echoes is not only ambitious but also refreshingly polished. The game tells an effective storyline that features a wide assortment of memorable characters and should keep most players engaged for around 30 hours. Such a lengthy campaign needs to be built on strong gameplay, something Chained Echoes nails. Initially, the battle system will seem fairly typical for the genre; however, the game introduces a unique risk-reward mechanic that adds an element of strategy to each encounter. It works wonders to extend the combat's longevity.

17 Star Ocean: The Second Story R

Steam User Rating: 96%

The only Deck Verified Star Ocean game, The Second Story R is arguably the franchise's best release in years, and it should not be dismissed as just a retread of a PS1 classic. In this case, the "R" stands for remake rather than remaster, and the 2023 JRPG does an admirable job of modernizing the original's visuals, gameplay, and presentation while preserving its charm and personality.

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The Second Story R uses Square Enix's 2D-HD aesthetic, which is a great fit for the game. The real-time combat system was tweaked and freshened up, although not too much needed to be altered as The Second Story's gameplay holds up well.

18 WitchSpring R

Steam User Rating: 97%

The WitchSpring series has been around for nearly a decade, although its games have been primarily limited to mobile devices. As well-regarded as most of these releases have been, their platform exclusivity means they will never be acknowledged by a large group of players for the simple reason that mobile gaming is not for everyone (which is fine). Thankfully, the IP has finally started to make its way to other ecosystems, with WitchSpring R landing on PC via Steam.

A remake of the original game in the franchise, this turn-based RPG oozes charm out of every pixel. As a witch named Pieberry, players go through a lengthy adventure that starts fairly silly and inconsequential but gradually gains a sense of scale and purpose. Taking inspiration from classic JRPGs, WitchSpring R's combat system does not hold too many surprises but functions well and progresses nicely.

19 Pathologic 2

Steam User Rating: 92%

Pathologic 2 is unlike any other Steam Deck RPG, and the game is the definition of an acquired taste. Set in Russia during the 1910s, a surgeon returns to his hometown, only to discover that his father has been murdered and a plague has infested the village. With only 12 days to find a cure for the disease, players must mingle with the locals, determine which information to prioritize, and try to survive.

Pathologic 2 completely immerses players in its unforgiving setting, and they will not experience a moment's peace. This RPG is also a hardcore survival horror game, one that challenges players to manage an array of meters while constantly asking them to make difficult decisions. Pathologic 2 is not meant to be fun, but it is unique and horrifying.

20 Fallout 4

Steam User Rating: 83%

Who knew that releasing a competent TV adaptation of a video game might help attract new players? Amazon Prime Video's Fallout proved to be such a hit that viewers flocked to Fallout 4, Fallout 76, New Vegas, and Fallout 3. All of these games were already popular, but they had long since faded from the cultural zeitgeist; more importantly, Fallout 4 and 76 had mixed reputations, and they benefited greatly from another shot at the spotlight. Due to being the only Deck Verified main entry, F4 takes center stage in this discussion of the best RPGs on the Steam Deck, but it is largely a placeholder for the franchise since all the other games (minus Fallout Tactics) should be at least playable on the portable console.

The most accessible and mainstream entry, Fallout 4 leans heavily into "action," with the role-playing elements being considerably streamlined. The result is a game that shines in its open-world and exploration, while not providing the most in-depth customization and dialogue options. While these changes were a disappointment to veteran fans who yearned for something closer to New Vegas, they allowed F4 to be the ideal entry point into the series for newcomers.