Aura Kasih
The year 2025 has proven to be a banner year for the Steam Deck, with a remarkable influx of both groundbreaking indie titles and ambitious AAA releases that have redefined portable gaming. This analysis delves into eight standout games that not only performed exceptionally on Valve’s handheld PC but also offered unique and compelling experiences, making them essential additions for any discerning Steam Deck owner. Whether you’re unwrapping a new device during the holiday season or looking to maximize your existing hardware, these selections represent the pinnacle of 2025’s gaming output, optimized for on-the-go enjoyment.
Ball x Pit: A Genre-Bending Roguelike Odyssey
Devolver Digital’s Ball x Pit stands as a testament to the creative potential of blending disparate gameplay mechanics. This roguelike masterfully fuses the addictive progression of Vampire Survivors with the satisfying physics of classic brick-breaker games and the strategic depth of city builders. The core gameplay loop involves launching projectiles at relentless waves of enemies, where the accumulation of gems and power-ups transforms each run into a spectacular display of destructive force. Beyond the immediate thrill of combat, the game introduces a compelling meta-progression system. Upon completing a run, players can invest resources into constructing and upgrading a base, unlocking permanent stat boosts and entirely new characters. Some of these character unlocks are particularly ingenious, fundamentally altering the game’s structure; for instance, one character transforms Ball x Pit into a strategic turn-based experience. With individual runs typically concluding within a brisk 15-minute timeframe, Ball x Pit offers an ideal pick-up-and-play experience perfectly suited for the intermittent gaming sessions often afforded by the Steam Deck. Its fluid controls and adaptable gameplay ensure that it remains engaging whether played in short bursts or extended sessions. The game’s success on the handheld platform is a clear indicator of its optimized design, making it a must-have for those seeking both replayability and innovative gameplay.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33: A Narrative RPG Triumph
Sandfall Interactive’s inaugural RPG, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, has emerged as a critical darling and a significant achievement in narrative-driven gaming. This title presents a remarkably cohesive and polished experience, characterized by exhilarating turn-based combat that rewards tactical thinking and precise execution. The game’s combat system is further enhanced by a sophisticated parrying mechanic, demanding timing and skill to deflect enemy attacks and create openings for devastating counter-offensives. The narrative is deeply engaging, populated by a cast of memorable characters whose journeys are interwoven into a compelling plot that has captivated players since its release. Complementing the visual and gameplay strengths is a truly exceptional soundtrack, which lingers in the player’s mind long after the credits have rolled. While Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 may not exhibit the same graphical fidelity on the Steam Deck as it does on more powerful desktop hardware or consoles, its gameplay remains robust and highly playable. Valve has officially verified the game for its handheld PC, a significant endorsement. Furthermore, community resources like ProtonDB offer valuable insights and user-submitted tweaks to optimize visual settings, allowing players to further enhance the aesthetic presentation on the Steam Deck. For those whose primary gaming platform is Valve’s portable device, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 provides an excellent opportunity to experience what has been hailed by many as a strong contender for Game of the Year. Its intricate world-building and immersive atmosphere translate remarkably well to the handheld format.
Hades II: The Reign of a Masterpiece Continues
Supergiant Games’ Hades II has solidified its status as a generational masterpiece, building upon the unparalleled success of its predecessor with a polished 1.0 release in September. This critically acclaimed roguelike masterfully expands upon the original’s compelling formula, introducing a new protagonist, Melinoë, daughter of Hades, who embarks on her own perilous journey through the Underworld. The game offers a fresh array of divine boons, each offering unique combat enhancements and strategic possibilities, encouraging players to experiment with diverse build synergies. The roster of charming and complex characters has been expanded, providing new relationships to foster and narrative threads to unravel. Hades II introduces two entirely new realms to explore, each brimming with distinct challenges, enemies, and environmental hazards. As with its predecessor, the game is lauded for its exceptional soundtrack, a pulsating and atmospheric collection of tracks that perfectly underscore the frantic action and emotional narrative beats. Supergiant Games has demonstrated a commitment to refining the player experience, notably by implementing significant adjustments to the game’s ending, which has been lauded for its emotional resonance and narrative closure. Hades II represents Supergiant Games operating at the zenith of their creative prowess. Echoing the sentiments of many critics and players, this title is undeniably the quintessential Steam Deck game, offering an addictive gameplay loop, a captivating story, and impeccable performance on Valve’s portable hardware. Its seamless integration of narrative and gameplay mechanics makes it an ideal title for extended play sessions on the go.
Hollow Knight: Silksong: The Long-Awaited Sequel Arrives
After an extended period of anticipation, marked by widespread community engagement and a touch of playful online memery, Hollow Knight: Silksong finally launched in September, exceeding the lofty expectations set by its predecessor. This sequel, developed by Team Cherry, masterfully refines the beloved elements that made the original Hollow Knight a phenomenon. While it doesn’t radically reinvent the established formula, Silksong retains the core appeal of its atmospheric Metroidvania design, featuring a richly detailed world inhabited by charming insectoid creatures and challenging, boss encounters that test players’ skills and reflexes. The game’s combat system is fluid and responsive, allowing for precise control and strategic engagement. The exploration of the vast and interconnected kingdom of Pharloom is as rewarding as ever, with hidden secrets and pathways scattered throughout its diverse environments. The narrative, though presented in a typically understated manner characteristic of Team Cherry’s style, offers intriguing lore and character development that enriches the overall experience. The game’s design is particularly well-suited for the Steam Deck, with its responsive controls and visually striking pixel art translating beautifully to the handheld display. Its challenging yet fair difficulty curve ensures that players remain engaged, pushing them to master the intricacies of combat and exploration. Silksong is a triumph of independent game development, delivering a polished and deeply satisfying experience that justifies the years of patient waiting.
Is This Seat Taken?: A Relaxing Puzzle Experience
For players seeking a more tranquil gaming experience, Is This Seat Taken? offers a delightful and engaging puzzle-solving adventure. Developed by Poti Poti Studio, this charming game presents players with a series of seating arrangement challenges. The objective is to find suitable spots for a variety of adorable geometric shapes, each with their own unique preferences and requirements. Some shapes might express a desire to sit near a window, while others may have a strong aversion to sitting next to a particular neighbor. The game’s gentle pacing and low-stakes environment foster a sense of relaxation, allowing players to experiment with solutions without the pressure of severe penalties. Should a perfect arrangement prove elusive, players can simply proceed to the next puzzle, maintaining a stress-free gameplay loop. This design philosophy makes Is This Seat Taken? an ideal choice for unwinding after a long day or for enjoying during moments of downtime. The game’s accessible mechanics and visually appealing presentation contribute to its overall charm, making it a standout title for those who appreciate thoughtful puzzle design and a calming atmosphere. Its success on the Steam Deck is a testament to its ability to provide a fulfilling experience in a portable format, where short, satisfying play sessions are often preferred.
Lumines Arise: A Resurgence of a Classic Puzzle Genre
Enhance Games’ Lumines Arise represents a triumphant return for the beloved Lumines franchise, capturing the addictive essence of its predecessors while introducing modern sensibilities. Drawing inspiration from the innovative gameplay of the original Lumines: Puzzle Fusion, which first captivated players on the PlayStation Portable over two decades ago, Arise delivers an experience that is both nostalgic and refreshingly new. The game masterfully blends entrancing trance-inspired visuals with an equally captivating soundtrack, creating an almost hypnotic effect that draws players into its unique rhythm. The core gameplay of matching blocks to clear them remains as engaging as ever, offering a satisfying blend of spatial reasoning and quick reflexes. Much like Tetris Effect, Lumines Arise transports players into a state of serene focus, offering a brief respite from the outside world. Critics have lauded the title as an "almost perfect zen puzzle game," highlighting its ability to induce a state of flow and mental clarity. The visual themes and musical compositions are intricately linked, with each element contributing to a cohesive and immersive audiovisual experience. The Steam Deck’s vibrant display and responsive controls further enhance the appeal of Lumines Arise, making it an ideal platform for enjoying its meditative yet challenging gameplay. Its ability to provide moments of pure, unadulterated gaming joy solidifies its place as a must-have title for puzzle enthusiasts.
Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo: A Nostalgic Indie Gem
Pocket Trap’s Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo evokes the spirit of classic Game Boy Advance adventures, making it a perfect fit for the Steam Deck. This top-down action-adventure game places players in control of a protagonist who wields a magical yoyo as their primary tool for combat and exploration. The game’s mechanics are both innovative and familiar, offering a unique twist on established adventure game tropes. Players can execute a variety of yoyo tricks, including the iconic "walk the dog" maneuver, which proves essential for traversing environmental obstacles such as bodies of water. The game’s visual presentation is a highlight, featuring meticulously crafted pixel art that harks back to the golden age of 16-bit gaming. The accompanying soundtrack is equally impressive, filled with energetic compositions that feature blaring horns and driving rhythms, further cementing its status as a spiritual successor to beloved GBA titles. The combination of engaging gameplay, charming aesthetics, and a memorable soundtrack creates an experience that is both deeply satisfying and thoroughly enjoyable. Pipistrello and the Cursed Yoyo‘s design is particularly well-suited for the Steam Deck, allowing players to immerse themselves in its vibrant world and engaging challenges wherever they go. Its accessibility and depth ensure it appeals to both newcomers and seasoned fans of the genre.
The Drifter: A Dark and Twisting Point-and-Click Thriller
Powerhoof’s The Drifter reimagines the classic point-and-click adventure game formula, infusing it with a dark, gripping thriller narrative. Departing from the often lighthearted or comedic tone of traditional LucasArts-style adventures, The Drifter plunges players into a world of suspense and intrigue. While the game supports traditional mouse-driven point-and-click gameplay, it also offers an exceptionally well-designed control scheme for the Steam Deck and other gamepad-enabled platforms. This control scheme intelligently utilizes both analog sticks, allowing players to navigate the environment and interact with objects with remarkable fluidity. The narrative is a standout feature, replete with exciting and mind-bending twists that keep players on the edge of their seats. The pacing is expertly managed, building tension and suspense with each revelation. The atmospheric presentation, coupled with the compelling storyline, creates an immersive experience that is difficult to put down. For players who find themselves drawn to intricate mysteries and suspenseful narratives, The Drifter offers a deeply rewarding experience. Its success on the Steam Deck underscores the versatility of the platform and its capacity to host sophisticated narrative-driven games that can be enjoyed with intuitive controls. The game’s ability to keep players invested until the very end is a testament to its masterful storytelling and engaging mechanics.
Ridwan Kamil
Safa Marwah
Lisa Mariana
Ayu Aulia