So, I wrote a brief post about the best games to play on Steam Deck with links to individual reviews as I write them
I guess I should counter that by writing a post about the best Steam games that won't be played on it's mobile platform any time soon. There are many possible reasons for this. Some just won't work for compatibility reasons, though I am continually surprised by how many actually work at all, and also how many work flawlessly. The Steam Deck really is a great platform, especially considering its basically an experiment by Valve, and has only been available to established Steam users.
Some games really need to be played with certain peripherals, like FPS games that are best played with the mouse and keyboard. Other games require a HOTAS or flight yoke (pictured), and others still make good use of a steering wheel and pedals.
Now, that doesn't mean they can't work like that on a Steam Deck. I have yet to purchase an SD docking station and try it out on a big screen with other gadgets attached. But that's kinda pointless if you have a gaming PC already.
So for now, I will be using the SD to play gamepad controlled games only, especially on the move.
I am also going to leave out VR games for now, they deserve their own post, especially as some are on Steam, others are on Oculus's own PC platform, and others still are exclusively on the Quest.
1. Doom Eternal
Doom Eternal actually runs quite well on the Steam Deck, so I have been told.
But I'm not playing it with a gamepad.
3. XPlane 12
4. Returnal
5. Project Cars 2
6. MS Flight Simulator (42nd Anniversary Edition)
7. Elite Dangerous
8. Project Cars
9. Mortal Kombat 11
Unlike it's predecessor, MK X, which runs great on the Steam Deck, the newest installment of the franchise either doesn't work, or is too demanding for the SD. It's actually great to have both. MK11 really does look amazing on the big screen, and MKX plays beautifully on the SD.
10. Doom 2016
11. MS Flight Simulator X (Steam Edition)
12. XPlane 11
13. Unravel