Expand your gaming horizons with Non-Steam games for Steam Deck. Unleash the potential beyond Steam for an extraordinary portable gaming adventure!
Though its primary purpose is to run Steam games, Steam Deck is Valve’s newest portable gaming device. It can also run non-Steam titles. This post will explore the top PC games that aren’t on Steam so you can play them on your Steam Deck. Prepare yourself for an incredible gaming experience!
You can take your favourite Steam games anywhere with the highly adaptable Steam Deck. But many players are curious if they can use the Steam Deck to play titles that aren’t on Steam. Sure is the response! In this guide, We’ve compiled a list of the top non-Steam games for your Steam Deck so you may play the greatest portable games ever.
Here is the list of best non-steam games for Steam deck:
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Breath of the Wild is an open-world action-adventure game set in the massive realm of Hyrule. It is arguably one of the best games ever made. You will go on a heroic quest as Link to save Princess Zelda and vanquish the wicked Calamity Ganon. The game is a must-play on your Steam Deck because of its amazing graphics, engaging gameplay, and gripping narrative.
Diablo games
Blizzard Entertainment’s Diablo series is one of the most influential within the action RPG genre. Players have been enthralled with the series, which spans from Diablo to the upcoming Diablo IV, because of its rich tale, dark fantasy backdrop, and addicting loot-based gameplay.
Diablo – The 1997 release of the first Diablo introduced players to the Sanctuary universe and the conflict between the armies of Heaven and Hell. Its unique real-time combat and character development system for role-playing games established the benchmark for subsequent action RPGs. accessible through GOG.com
Diablo II – Released in 2021, Diablo II: Resurrected is a remastered version of the original Diablo II game, along with Lord of Destruction its expansion. This updated version of Diablo II for modern gaming systems has all the elements that made the game one of the most influential and lasting action role-playing games ever. Competent on Battle.net
Diablo III – Released in 2012, it marked a shift from the darker tone of its predecessors’ graphical style and brought a more simplified approach to gameplay and character development. Expansions like Reaper of Souls and the addition of Adventure Mode cemented its place in the hearts of many fans, despite some initial disagreement. accessible via Battle.net
Diablo IV – Diablo III harkens back to the darker origins of the series. With a shared open world divided into five unique areas, a non-linear campaign, and PVP zones, it strives to combine the most significant aspects of each game in the franchise accessible via Battle.net.
Fortnite
The well-known battle royale game that has gone viral worldwide is called Fortnite. Fortnite, with its distinctive building mechanics, quick gameplay, and frequent updates, is ideal for playing on-the-go with your Steam Deck.
Minecraft
The best sandbox game is Minecraft, which lets you construct, explore, and survive in a world created by randomness. It’s an excellent option for the Steam Deck because of its endless potential and replayability.
Skater Tony Hawk Pro 1+2
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2 is a superb recreation of the series’ first two classic games. Playing as an action skateboarding game, you’ll ride, flip, grind, and trick your way through retro levels updated with cutting-edge controls and gorgeous graphics.
The game includes a cast of new and old professional skaters, extensive character development and skateboard personalization, and an energetic soundtrack that blends classic hits with brand-new songs. For fans of skateboarding and action games, its combination of nostalgia and contemporary gaming features makes it an appealing option.
God of War Collection
A well-known video game title known for its rich, dark storyline and brutal, fierce gameplay is Santa Monica Studio’s “God of War” series. As he fights mythological creatures and gods from different pantheons in pursuit of vengeance and redemption, the games center on the exploits of Kratos, a Spartan warrior turned demigod.
The God of War 1-3 series of games and God of War: Chains of Olympus and Ghost of Sparta, which were first released on the PSP portable system, can be played on the Steam Deck via the RPCS3 emulator. Additionally, the Steam store offers the God of War 2018 remake.
World of Warcraft
A favourite among players everywhere is still the timeless massively multiplayer online role-playing game, World of Warcraft. It’s a fantastic choice for people who wish to play an MMO on their Steam Deck because of its enormous community, exciting gameplay, and expansive setting.
Metal Gear Solid Series
The well-known video game series “Metal Gear Solid” was created by game creator Hideo Kojima and debuted in 1987. It is well-known for its thrilling spy-based plot and rules, pushing players to stay out of foes’ sight rather than engage in combat.
With PCSX3 or Xemu emulators, you can play Metal Gear Solid 1-3 in the Metal Gear Solid HD Collection. RPCS3 may be used to play Metal Gear Solid 4, and MGSV is accessible on Steam right now.
Silent Hill Games
The well-known horror video game series “Silent Hill” was released in 1999 by Konami, a Japanese game production business. It is well-known for its unsettling ambience, intricate and symbolic storylines, and creative use of psychological horror as an alternative to jump scares.
Here’s a link to a comprehensive explanation on how to use emulators on Steam Deck to play Silent Hill 1, 2, 3, and 4. It does take some effort, though. Additionally, Silent Hill: Homecoming can be found on the Steam Store.
Genshin Impact
Genshin Impact is a free-to-play action RPG with a vast open world, an engaging story, and a unique elemental combat system. Its anime-style graphics and addictive gameplay make it a perfect fit for the Steam Deck.
League of Legends
One of the most played MOBAs (multiplayer online battle arena) is League of Legends, which has a sizable following and a vibrant eSports scene. It is a fantastic addition to your Steam Deck collection with its wide range of champions and strategic gameplay.
Metroid games
Nintendo produced the hugely popular “Metroid” video game series, which debuted in 1986. The sci-fi themes, atmospheric exploration-based gameplay, and protagonist Samus Aran—one of the first female characters in gaming history—are the franchise’s most well-known features.
Numerous Metroid games, such as Metroid Prime and Metroid Dread, are ideal for Steam Deck playthroughs through a variety of emulators.
BioShock Infinite
Proton has granted its Gold badge to another game, and for good cause. The setting of this thought-provoking shooter is the famous Columbia, an opulent metropolis in the sky that conceals a violent class divide and a sinister underbelly.
This game still has a stunning visual style, and it appears especially vibrant on the crisp 7-inch screen of Steam Deck. On my Deck, running at 1200 x 800 native resolution, the vintage first-person shooter never drops below 60 frames per second. You’ll love BioShock Infinite on Steam Deck if your nerves can take being mercilessly chased by a ruthless two-ton metallic budgie.
Grand Theft Auto 4
This was another open-world game that came out in late 2008 on the PC in a bit of a mess. Thankfully, Proton gave GTA 4 a Gold rating and it is completely playable on Steam Deck in 2023.
Although it is feasible to achieve 60 frames per second in some of Liberty City’s less populated locations, you should set the frame rate cap at 40 in this game because of the Deck’s refresh rate slider. It’s been fun to play Rockstar’s Rotten Apple again, and some of those missions—the “Three Leaf Clover” bank operation, which was influenced by Heat, comes to mind right away—have held up surprisingly well over time.
Honorable Mentions
Some non-Steam games to add to your Steam Deck are as follows:
MMORPG Final Fantasy XIV: Well-known for its expansive universe, captivating narrative, and breathtaking graphics.
Valorant: A competitive first-person shooter with memorable characters and skills from the makers of League of Legends.
Famous for its rich plot, varied cast of characters, and permadeath mechanic—which eliminates players who lose in combat—Fire Emblem is a prominent series of tactical role-playing games.
The renowned survival horror video game series Silent Hill is praised for its intricate storylines, psychological horror themes, spooky ambience, and the name of the ghostly, fog-covered village that appears in most of the games.
Nintendo created the popular science fiction action-adventure Metroid video game series. It is well-known for its atmospheric world-building, exploration-based gameplay, and main character, Samus Aran, one of the first significant female characters in video game history.
Playing a large selection of non-Steam games in addition to Steam titles, the Steam Deck is a solid and adaptable gaming device. The greatest non-Steam games to play on your Steam Deck are highlighted in this guide, providing you with a plethora of portable gaming possibilities. There is a game for everyone, ranging from fast-paced combat royale to open-world exploration. So go ahead and fill your Steam Deck with these amazing titles, and experience mobile gaming like never before!
