Top 3 Must-Have Games for Your Steam Deck: Mass Effect, Resident Evil, and Warframe
The Steam Deck has revolutionised portable gaming, offering a versatile platform for enjoying some of the best game series available. If you’re a proud owner of this powerful handheld device, you’re in for a treat with these top three must-have titles that promise to keep you engaged, whether you’re at home or on the go.
1. Mass Effect Legendary Edition: The Ultimate Space Saga in Your Hands
Epic Sci-Fi Storytelling, Now Portable
The Mass Effect Legendary Edition is a crown jewel in any Steam Deck library. This iconic RPG trilogy allows you to step into the boots of Commander Shepard, weaving through an epic narrative that spans the galaxy. Whether you’re forging alliances, confronting the Reapers, or exploring alien worlds, the Steam Deck brings this legendary experience to the palm of your hand. The trilogy’s interconnected story and character-driven dialogue are perfect for immersive handheld gaming, allowing you to carry the fate of the galaxy wherever you go.
Optimised for Seamless Handheld Play
The Mass Effect Legendary Edition is beautifully optimised for the Steam Deck. Enjoy smooth performance and enhanced visuals that bring the remastered textures and lighting to life on the handheld screen. Quick load times and a fully compatible control scheme ensure that the transition from console to portable is seamless. The Steam Deck’s touchscreen adds an extra layer of convenience for navigating menus and making quick selections.
Revamped Gameplay Across the Trilogy
One of the standout features of the Legendary Edition is the unified gameplay experience across all three titles. The first Mass Effect game, known for its dated mechanics, has been significantly updated with smoother combat, responsive aiming, and a modernised interface. These improvements are particularly noticeable on the Steam Deck, making handheld play more enjoyable than ever. With a consistent UI across the trilogy, you can effortlessly move from one game to the next without any jarring changes in control.
Player Choice and Replayability
The Mass Effect series is celebrated for its deep player choice system, where your decisions shape the narrative across the trilogy. On the Steam Deck, you have the freedom to contemplate these choices at your own pace, whether you’re on a commute or relaxing at home. With extensive DLC content included, there’s plenty of replay value, allowing you to experiment with different decisions, character builds, and story outcomes. The community’s love for the series, combined with the convenience of the Steam Deck, makes this an essential addition to your game library.
2. Resident Evil Series: Horror on the Go
Portable Survival Horror
The Resident Evil series is a must-have on the Steam Deck, blending horror, action, and survival elements into an addictive experience. Whether you’re navigating the eerie Spencer Mansion or surviving the horrors of Raccoon City, the tension and atmosphere of Resident Evil are amplified on a handheld device. The Steam Deck’s portability adds a new layer of immersion, making every jump scare and tense encounter feel even more immediate.
Optimised for Portable Play
Many Resident Evil titles are well-optimised for the Steam Deck, delivering smooth gameplay with impressive visual fidelity. Modern remakes such as Resident Evil 2, 3, and 4 shine on the device, offering solid performance that makes them ideal for on-the-go gaming. Whether you prefer the classic survival horror of the original games or the more action-oriented entries, the Steam Deck ensures a seamless experience.
Variety of Gameplay Styles
The Resident Evil series offers a range of gameplay styles, catering to different moods. Whether you’re in the mood for the limited ammo and puzzle-solving challenges of the original Resident Evil and Code Veronica, or the more action-packed experiences of Resident Evil 5 and 6, there’s something for every horror fan. Revisiting these classics or diving into the modern remakes on the Steam Deck is a convenient way to experience the best moments of the series.
Replay Value and Short Play Sessions
Resident Evil games are designed with replayability in mind, featuring unlockable modes, alternate endings, and speedrun challenges. Their pacing makes them ideal for short play sessions, perfect for handheld gaming when you’re on the move. The combination of iconic horror atmosphere and portable convenience makes the Resident Evil series a versatile and thrilling addition to your Steam Deck library.
3. Warframe: Fast-Paced Action on the Go
Fluid, Fast-Paced Gameplay
While not a traditional series, Warframe is an incredibly engaging game that stands out as a perfect fit for the Steam Deck. Known for its lightning-fast, parkour-infused movement and combat system, Warframe lets you control space ninjas called Warframes, each equipped with unique abilities and weapons. The game’s fluidity and speed are ideal for the Steam Deck’s portable nature, making quick sessions rewarding whether you’re slicing through enemies or zipping through missions at high speed.
Optimised Performance and Controls
Warframe is well-optimised for the Steam Deck, with custom settings to maintain a solid framerate while keeping the action smooth. The controls translate nicely to the Deck’s layout, allowing players to easily execute complex manoeuvres. The developers have actively enhanced controller support, making the game intuitive and responsive even on a handheld device. The community praises how natural Warframe feels on the Deck, with many players calling it one of the best portable experiences available.
Deep Customisation and Endless Progression
Warframe is addictive due to its deep progression systems. With over 50 unique Warframes to collect, each offering distinct playstyles and abilities, and an expansive arsenal of weapons and mods, the game offers endless content. This depth is irresistible on the Steam Deck, as it provides ample content for both short and long gaming sessions. Whether you’re grinding for rare mods or customising your loadouts, Warframe keeps you coming back for more.
Expansive Open Worlds and Rich Lore
Beyond its fast-paced missions, Warframe features vast open-world zones like the Plains of Eidolon and Orb Vallis, filled with activities, side quests, and hidden lore. Exploring these expansive areas on a handheld device feels liberating and immersive, especially since you can dip in and out at your own pace. The community loves how these zones offer variety and new ways to engage with the game, adding richness to the overall experience.
Constant Updates and Community Engagement
Digital Extremes, the developers of Warframe, are renowned for their ongoing support of the game. Frequent updates, new Warframes, story expansions, and events keep the game fresh and exciting. The community is passionate and dedicated, thriving on the developers’ transparency and involvement. Steam Deck users benefit from this live-service model, enjoying new content almost constantly, making the game feel endlessly replayable.
A Social and Cooperative Experience
Warframe excels in cooperative gameplay. Whether you’re teaming up with friends or joining random players, the game’s missions are built around collaboration. The community is often praised for being welcoming and helpful, especially to new players. On the Steam Deck, jumping into quick multiplayer sessions is seamless, making it easy to connect with friends while on the go.
Perfect for Short or Long Play Sessions
Warframe’s structure allows for both quick 10-minute missions and extended sessions spent farming materials or exploring lore-rich environments. This flexibility is perfect for the Steam Deck, catering to both casual and hardcore playstyles. Whether you’re grinding for the perfect build or simply unwinding with some quick action, Warframe on the Steam Deck offers a versatile and engaging experience.
Free-to-Play Without Pay-to-Win
One of Warframe’s most praised aspects is its fair free-to-play model. While there are microtransactions for cosmetics and convenience items, everything that impacts gameplay can be earned through play. This model is particularly appealing on the Steam Deck, where you can enjoy a full AAA-quality experience without any upfront cost. The community often highlights Warframe as a shining example of free-to-play done right, balancing generosity with monetisation in a way that respects players.
Conclusion: Essential Games for Your Steam Deck
Whether you’re drawn to the epic storytelling of Mass Effect, the spine-chilling horror of Resident Evil, or the fast-paced action of Warframe, these games are must-haves for any Steam Deck owner. Each offers a unique experience that perfectly suits the handheld format, ensuring hours of engaging gameplay wherever you are. With their optimised performance, deep content, and passionate communities, these titles are sure to enhance your Steam Deck library and provide endless entertainment on the go.