The Steam Deck has completely transformed handheld gaming, allowing you to take your entire Steam library anywhere. Now, you can play famous indie hits and AAA titles anytime, all thanks to Steam Deck’s performance and portability. For gaming enthusiasts, it is expensive to continuously purchase new games, especially when new titles are released every other day.
Luckily, you will find several games out there that are either free or cost a few bucks. These games run perfectly on the Steam Deck, so you can have a vast collection of games without spending a fortune. If you are looking for some budget-friendly or free games to play on Steam Deck, this guide has got you covered.
Brawlhalla
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+ 10If you are a fan of platform-fighting games, Brawlhalla is an excellent free-to-play option that’s perfect for the Steam Deck. This game has a straightforward but exciting objective: you aim to knock their opponents off the map, a task that becomes progressively easier as opponents take more damage.
Whether you are new to the platform fighters genre or a seasoned fan familiar with it, Brawlhalla has something for everyone. Its portability on the Steam Deck makes it an even better way to enjoy competitive action without cost.
Aperture Desk Job
click to enlarge + 10Aperture Desk Job is an excellent and free way to get acquainted with your Steam Deck. Developed by Valve, this game serves as a spin-off of the iconic Portal series. In it, you play as a new employee at Aperture Science, tasked with performing tests while confined to a desk. Despite its simplicity, the game is entertaining and a great introduction to your device’s features.
Aperture Desk Job provides an excellent experience for anyone who wants to experience Aperture Science’s humor. The game has a fantastic storyline and creative mini-tasks that make it even more enjoyable. Aperture Desk Job is an excellent choice for testing your Steam Deck and having fun with an engaging, low-cost game.
Fortnite
click to enlarge + 10In Fortnite, you are thrown into a massive battle royale where 100 players compete to be the last man standing. In each season, the developers add new skins, game modes, and updates, keeping things fresh for new and veteran players. Fortnite is free to play and performs well on the Steam Deck.
Although it is not directly available through Steam, you can access it via third-party launchers with some setup. The handheld controls bring a new way to enjoy Fortnite, making it accessible and enjoyable wherever you go.
Apex Legends
click to enlarge + 10Apex Legends is a free-to-play battle royale game set in the Titanfall universe. This fast-paced FPS allows you to join in pairs or trios and fight other teams in a last-man-standing style. With many characters and intense battles, Apex Legends is an excellent choice for those who wish to experience a battle royale game on a low budget.
Apex Legends also provides a satisfying experience on the Steam Deck, both when exploring its maps or engaging in intense fights. The game’s controls and solid performance on the Deck make it easy to jump into matches anywhere, anytime.
Hollow Knight
click to enlarge + 10Hollow Knight is a critically acclaimed indie adventure set in a haunting world. In this 2D action game, you control a silent knight exploring a mysterious underground kingdom, battling against enemies, and solving interesting puzzles. To expand the game’s content, the developers also add free updates.
Hollow Knight performs well on the Steam Deck, and its affordable price makes it an easy addition to any game library. It offers a highly replayable adventure and is perfect for those who enjoy complicated worlds and love to piece together a story bit by bit.
Warframe
click to enlarge + 10Warframe is a unique combination of third-person shooter, RPG, and multiplayer action set in a futuristic universe. You take on the role of Tenno, a space-faring warrior equipped with powerful exoskeletons called Warframes. The game’s mix of solo and cooperative missions ensures you experience endless replayability.
Warframe runs seamlessly on the Steam Deck and offers console-quality visuals and controls that feel natural on the handheld device. As a free-to-play game with frequent updates introduced regularly, it is perfect for those looking to spend time in an immersive game without a high price tag.
Counter-Strike 2
click to enlarge + 10Counter-Strike 2 is a legendary first-person shooter where you join a counter-terrorist or terrorist team to complete various objectives. This tactical shooter is all about precision, strategy, and quick reflexes. As one of Steam's most popular free-to-play games, it is perfect for quick matches on the go.
On the Steam Deck, Counter-Strike 2 runs smoothly, though you may need to adjust to handheld controls if you are used to a mouse and keyboard. Still, it offers an engaging experience, allowing you to enjoy all the intense action of Counter-Strike in a portable format.
Star Wars: The Old Republic
click to enlarge + 10Star Wars: The Old Republic offers an immersive journey through the Star Wars universe with engaging storylines and unique character classes. The free base game allows you to experience rich single-player narratives and engaging group content. Although some expansions require payment, the free content provides hours of entertainment.
This game is ideal for Star Wars fans and MMO enthusiasts who like to explore iconic worlds and take on the galaxy. To play Star Wars: The Old Republic on the Steam Deck, you might have to do some work to set it up, but the effort makes it worthwhile.
Path of Exile
click to enlarge + 10Path of Exile is an action RPG set in a dark fantasy world where you fight to survive as exiles in Wraeclast. The game offers hundreds of character builds and numerous ways to progress, ensuring you experience unique playthroughs every time you play.
The Steam Deck handles Path of Exile exceptionally well, allowing you to get into its challenging dungeons and customize characters without having any high-end PC. This free-to-play title is well-known for its depth and replayability, which makes it an ideal choice for RPG fans looking for an engaging experience without a cost.
Inside
click to enlarge + 10Inside is a dark, atmospheric puzzle platformer about a young boy trapped in a dystopian world. It is well-known for its haunting visuals and captivating storyline, which combine challenging puzzles with narrative gameplay. This game's simple yet intense gameplay always keeps you on the edge as you uncover the hidden secrets.
On the Steam Deck, Inside looks stunning and plays smoothly, allowing you to enjoy its eerie, immersive world on a handheld device. It is affordable and offers a memorable experience, making it a must-try for fans of indie games who enjoy puzzles.