03 Dec 2024 12:46 PM +00:00 UTC

The Best Games Under 1GB for the Steam Deck

The Steam Deck is one of the best handheld gaming machines on the market, offering a variety of AAA games right in your hand. But sometimes, you may want to play lighter games that do not take up too much space. Luckily, there are a ton of great games under 1GB that run great on the Steam Deck. These games might be small, but they offer hours of fun, engaging gameplay and even delightful stories.

This guide will introduce you to some of the best games under 1GB. These games are easy to download and perfect for when you are on the go or want to save storage space. These games cover a range of genres, so there is something for everyone, whether you are a fan of city-building, action, strategy, or just want something casual.

Kingdoms and Castles

In Kingdoms and Castles, you manage a small castle and a handful of peasants to build your medieval kingdom. As the ruler, you'll manage resources, construct farms to feed your people, build fortifications to defend your kingdom and create houses to expand your population. Every decision shapes the growth and prosperity of your kingdom.

The more your kingdom expands, the more you collect taxes, use that money to construct larger structures, and even recruit soldiers. Kingdoms and Castles run perfectly on your Steam Deck and offer the players a basic and entertaining city-building game experience.

Rooftops and Alleys

Rooftops and Alleys is a thrilling parkour game that allows you to live out your free-running dreams. You will jump across rooftops scale walls and perform impressive flips. The game is easy to pick up and offers fun mechanics with great controls.

It is incredibly satisfying on the Steam Deck’s controls, where the parkour moves feel smooth and responsive. With additional features like weather effects, character customization, and a multiplayer mode, Rooftops and Alleys has plenty to keep you entertained without taking up much space.

Thronefall

Thronefall simplifies the classic strategy game experience by focusing on the essentials. In this game, you build up a small kingdom by day and defend it from waves of enemies at night. You will have to make smart choices about building defenses, hiring archers, or investing in structures that generate resources.

Thronefall is a perfect game for the Steam Deck because it does not require complex controls but offers a good strategy challenge. If you like the idea of balancing economy and defense without endless planning, It is a great choice.

Stardew Valley

In Stardew Valley, you inherit an old farm and must turn it into a thriving homestead. You can plant crops, raise animals, and even start a family with a few basic tools and seeds. In addition to farming, you can fish, mine, and explore the town, forming friendships with its residents.

With a relaxed pace and cozy atmosphere, Stardew Valley is perfect for a quick gaming session or a long farming adventure. The simple graphics work well on the Steam Deck, and the game’s low file size means it fits perfectly without hogging space.

Zero Sievert

In Zero Sievert, you explore a post-apocalyptic wasteland, looking for supplies and facing dangers in a world damaged by nuclear fallout. Starting from a bunker, you collect items, face off against bandits, and survive the harsh environments. Each time you leave the bunker, the world is randomly generated, making every trip new and unpredictable.

You will need to be cautious and well-prepared as you navigate different zones with unique challenges and enemies. The game’s survival mechanics and custom weapon-building add depth without overwhelming new players and make it accessible on the Steam Deck.

Mini Motorways

Mini Motorways is a relaxing yet challenging puzzle game that allows you to manage traffic in a growing city. You draw roads to connect homes and businesses to keep traffic flowing smoothly. The game starts simply, but as the city grows, so does the challenge. You will need to be smart about road placement and may have to adjust your strategy as more buildings appear.

With clean graphics and a simple interface, Mini Motorways is perfect for short bursts of gameplay on the Steam Deck. It is easy to learn but hard to master, as keeping up with traffic in a bustling city requires skill.

Slay the Spire

Slay the Spire is a deck-building card game where you climb a tower full of enemies using a custom deck. You choose a character, collect cards, and face different monsters on each floor. The goal is to create powerful card combos to defeat increasingly difficult enemies.

Each playthrough feels fresh, with new cards and items making every run different. The game is well-suited to the Steam Deck’s screen size, and its straightforward controls work well on the handheld device. For fans of strategy and card games, Slay the Spire is a must-play.

TOEM

TOEM is a relaxing adventure in which you play as a young photographer traveling to witness a natural phenomenon called TOEM. You solve puzzles and help the locals by taking photos in charming, hand-drawn towns. The game has a simple but beautiful style, and its focus on photography makes it unique.

Its light-hearted gameplay and chill vibes make it a perfect fit for the Steam Deck. You can take your time exploring and helping out quirky characters, making it an enjoyable experience without any pressure. For anyone looking for a laid-back adventure, TOEM is a delightful choice.

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