Table of Contents
The “Best Open-World Games on Steam Deck” offer to provide a gaming experience that is unlike any other and can be enjoyed regardless of whether the player is exploring vast landscapes, setting out on epic missions, or simply taking pleasure in the freedom of open-world exploration. On the magnificent platform that is the Steam Deck, you may immerse yourself in these virtual places and get lost in the experiences that they have to offer.
Open-world games are huge virtual worlds that allow players to explore and interact with environments, cities, and people. The user has unlimited flexibility to wander across the map and play in whatever way they see fit. Gamers can either follow the main story or explore the universe and create their own. Quests, freedom of exploration, character customization, upgrading abilities, and a variety of other aspects are common in open-world games.
Importance of Best Open-World Game on Steam Deck
The best open-world games should be offered on the Steam Deck, a handheld gaming device made by Valve. This is important for several reasons:
- Diverse Game Play: Open-world games offer a wide range of different and engaging game play. They let people experience huge virtual worlds, do different things, and make up their own stories. This means that there is something for a wide range of gaming tastes and hobbies.
- Exploration on the Go: Because the Steam Deck is portable, it is a great way to play open-world games on the go. Players can discover these huge game worlds on their way to work, while traveling, or whenever they have some free time. This makes the device more appealing.
- Hardware Showcase: Open-world games often push the edges of what hardware can do, which can be used to show off how good the Steam Deck’s hardware is. These games can show how well the device can handle big environments with lots of graphics.
Best Open-World Games on Steam Deck Comparison Table
Users are able to choose titles that correspond with their interests and play styles when there is a choice of open-world games available on the Steam Deck. This contributes to an overall increase in happiness with the device.
| Game | Genre | Developer | Release Date | Single-Player | Multiplayer | Download Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elden Ring | Action RPG | FromSoftware | February 25, 2022 | Yes | Yes | Download Now |
| Yakuza: Like A Dragon | RPG | Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio | November 10, 2020 | Yes | Yes | Download Now |
| Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered | Action-Adventure | Insomniac Games | November 12, 2020 | Yes | No | Download Now |
| Outer Wilds | Adventure | Mobius Digital | October 15, 2019 | Yes | No | Download Now |
| Vampire Survivors | Roguelike | Petite Games | March 17, 2021 | Yes | No | Download Now |
Here is the list of Best Open-World Games on Steam Deck
Here are a few of the best Open-World Games on Steam Deck. In a game with an open world, it’s easy to get lost. You can do anything you want in these games, which is great, but it can be scary if you don’t know where to start. After you finish the main jobs, you can spend hours on the many side quests. Take your time and look into every corner of this amazing world. There are still a lot of secrets to be found.
Elden Ring
| Feature | Elden Ring |
|---|---|
| Platform | Various (PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC) |
| Genre | Action RPG |
| Open World | Yes |
| Multiplayer | Online Multiplayer |
| Single-Player Campaign | Yes |
| Storytelling | Dark fantasy narrative |
| Download Now |
Elden Ring, which was released on the same day as the Steam Deck, offered Valve’s computers a baptism by fire, and it passed with flying colours. FromSoftware’s Dark Souls formula was effectively converted to an open-world setting that encourages and rewards exploration. Players are generally free to traverse the sandbox as they like, encountering adversaries, catacombs, dragons, and loot along the way.
Furthermore, the Lands Between’s areas contain enormous dungeons reminiscent of the developer’s past Metroidvania-style locales, allowing the game to appeal to those who love the old methods. Elden Ring is a large game packed with secret regions, hidden quest lines, and optional bosses, all of which can be enjoyed on the bus thanks to the Steam Deck.
The Good
- Vast open-world with rich lore and exploration.
- Challenging and deep combat mechanics.
- Visually stunning and atmospheric.
The Bad
- Not yet released, so specific details are limited.
Yakuza: Like A Dragon
| Feature | Yakuza: Like A Dragon |
|---|---|
| Platform | Various (PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC) |
| Genre | Action RPG |
| Open World | Yes |
| Multiplayer | No |
| Single-Player Campaign | Yes |
| Storytelling | Crime drama narrative |
| Download Now |
Yakuza 0, Kiwami, Kiwami 2, and Yakuza 3 Remastered are all Steam Deck confirmed and might be included in this article. Yakuza: Like a Dragon wins because it is the most current instalment in the series and also signals the beginning of a new era. This open-world, primarily situated in the fictional Yokohama, is modest but densely populated with NPCs, quests, side content, minigames, eateries, and thugs looking for a fight.
Like a Dragon does not portray Yokohama as a mere prop; the city’s social and political situation is intricately intertwined with the plot. Yokohama essentially another character to whom the protagonist and players grow increasingly connected. Currently, this is one of the best Open-World Games on Steam Deck that you can steam from official website right now.
The Good
- Engaging storyline with a mix of drama and humor.
- Unique turn-based combat system.
- Detailed and immersive recreation of Japan’s streets.
The Bad
- Departure from traditional Yakuza combat may not appeal to all fans.
Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered
| Feature | Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered |
|---|---|
| Platform | PlayStation 5 |
| Genre | Action-Adventure |
| Open World | Yes |
| Multiplayer | No |
| Single-Player Campaign | Yes |
| Storytelling | Superhero narrative |
| Download Now |
The next open-world game to join Steam is Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered. It’s a remake of the original Marvel Spider-Man game, which debuted in 2018. The new version includes all of the original’s DLC as well as several additional gameplay aspects. The major plot is around Peter Parker attempting to uncover a riddle involving numerous Marvel villains. As you progress through the game, you’ll get access to new characters and powers that will help you fulfil these missions.
The game takes place in an open-world environment with a variety of quests to fulfil. You can also increase your fighting talents by upgrading your skills and unlocking new clothes for Peter Parker, which can be purchased with in-game gold. If you want to explore every area of New York City and obtain every collecting item available, the game features a plethora of collectibles and secrets.
The Good
- Stunning visuals and graphical improvements.
- Fluid and exhilarating web-swinging mechanics.
- Engaging story with well-developed characters.
The Bad
- Essentially a remastered version of the original game.
Outer Wilds
| Feature | Outer Wilds |
|---|---|
| Platform | Various (PS4, Xbox One, PC) |
| Genre | Adventure |
| Open World | Yes |
| Multiplayer | No |
| Single-Player Campaign | Yes |
| Storytelling | Mystery and exploration |
| Download Now |
The Outer Wilds is a brand-new open-world exploration game that can be played in any order you want. It’s a narrative about making decisions and how those decisions affect the world around you. Explore a rich and varied landscape, meet interesting characters, conquer difficulties, and unearth ancient civilization secrets. Uncovering its history can lead to one of many conceivable outcomes, which could range from your demise to the preservation of life on Earth as we know it.
The game’s universe is produced procedurally and evolves with each new gameplay. The player might get lost in this sci-fi adventure by exploring these various planets. It also has some of the best graphics and some truly unique gaming techniques. This makes it a one-of-a-kind experience that should not be overlooked if you’re seeking for something new to play on Steam.
The Good
- Unique and mind-bending exploration and puzzle-solving.
- Engaging narrative and storytelling.
- Non-linear gameplay with a dynamic, evolving world.
- Highly immersive and atmospheric.
The Bad
- Requires patience and a willingness to unravel complex mysteries.
Vampire Survivors
| Feature | Vampire Survivors |
|---|---|
| Platform | PC |
| Genre | Action-Roguelike |
| Open World | No |
| Multiplayer | No |
| Single-Player Campaign | No |
| Storytelling | Roguelike gameplay |
| Download Now |
We finally got around to playing Vampire Survivors after several RPS readers suggested it. And it rocks, fine. Moving around and auto-attacking sounds like a boring idea, but as the XP-unlocked weapon upgrades pile up and the first trickles of foes turn into screen-filling bullet hell hordes, pushing back the tide with time-stopping lasers and weaponised Bibles becomes almost hypnotically enthralling.
It only requires the left thumbstick and an occasional face button for input, yet the framerate remains over 40fps even with the most horde-like monster crowds, so consider Vampire Survivors another Steam Deck exclusive. It also doesn’t drain the battery too quickly: although we haven’t done a full full-to-empty test yet, we’d estimate four to five hours of vampire survival before the Deck runs dry.
The Good
- Addictive and challenging roguelike gameplay.
- Variety of playable characters and builds.
- Retro-style visuals and audio.
- Frequent updates and new content.
The Bad
- Limited scope and variety compared to larger titles.
Wavetale
| Feature | Wavetale |
|---|---|
| Platform | PC |
| Genre | Adventure-Platformer |
| Open World | No |
| Multiplayer | No |
| Single-Player Campaign | Yes |
| Storytelling | Exploration and discovery |
| Download Now |
Wavetale works as well on the Steam Deck as it does on the ocean. The greatest thrill in Wavetale, an expressive platformer at its core, is grabbing a ride on your movement-mimicking merperson pal to zip across the rolling ocean. It’s a lot of fun, especially if figure out how to link jumps and hookshot manoeuvres together to traverse across the flooded landscape faster.
Wavetale was first released for the ill-fated Stadia before finding refuge on a laptop or PC. It also benefits from the Stadia controller inputs effectively matching the Deck’s, making it feel like it was always meant to be here. Performance is also strong, averaging around 47-50 frames per second.
The Good
- Relaxing and visually stunning ocean exploration.
- Meditative and serene atmosphere.
- Unique gameplay with music as a central element.
The Bad
- Lack of traditional action or combat may not suit all gamers.
Grand Theft Auto 5
| Feature | Grand Theft Auto 5 |
|---|---|
| Platform | Various (PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PC) |
| Genre | Action-Adventure |
| Open World | Yes |
| Multiplayer | Grand Theft Auto Online |
| Single-Player Campaign | Yes |
| Storytelling | Crime drama narrative |
| Download Now |
The thrilling narrative of Grand Theft Auto 5’s captivating trio will never bore you. Exploration is both enormous and endless in the open-world areas of Los Santos, San Andreas, and Blaine County. Following the exploits of Michael, Trevor, and Franklin, who are surrounded on all sides by government or criminal organisations seeking to exploit and eliminate them.
Aside from the primary tale, the city itself provides an immersive, everyday experience. When you’re not planning a heist or being shot at, everyday actions like getting a haircut or buying a house make it feel more realistic and relevant. After all, even crooks require some downtime.
The Good
- Massive open-world with a variety of activities.
- Engaging single-player story and characters.
- Robust multiplayer mode (GTA Online).
The Bad
- Aging graphics and mechanics compared to newer titles.
Red Dead Redemption 2
| Feature | Red Dead Redemption 2 |
|---|---|
| Platform | Various (PS4, Xbox One, PC) |
| Genre | Action-Adventure |
| Open World | Yes |
| Multiplayer | Red Dead Online |
| Single-Player Campaign | Yes |
| Storytelling | Wild West narrative |
| Download Now |
If the Wild West is one of your favourite historical periods, Rockstar Games’ Red Dead Redemption series has caught its essence. Red Dead Redemption 2 follows our protagonist Arthur Morgan and the Van der Linde gang in the years preceding the original game.
Red Dead Redemption 2 beautifully depicts the ‘kill or be killed’ spirit of the Wild West while combating the violent factions who threaten Arthur and his loved ones’ lives. The notion of mortality is interwoven in the very soul of Wild West America, from hunting down dangerous wildlife to participating in shootouts.
The Good
- Immersive and meticulously crafted open-world.
- Gripping and emotional narrative.
- Deep character development and interaction.
The Bad
- Requires a significant time commitment.
Days Gone
| Feature | Days Gone |
|---|---|
| Platform | PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 |
| Genre | Action-Adventure |
| Open World | Yes |
| Multiplayer | No |
| Single-Player Campaign | Yes |
| Storytelling | Post-apocalyptic narrative |
| Download Now |
Days Gone was originally launched only on the PlayStation 4, but it ultimately made its way to the PC. The zombie-themed open-world title is heavily influenced by gang culture, with a motorcycle serving as the primary mode of mobility. Deacon St. John is a biker who sets out on the road after hearing information that his wife may still be alive. Days Gone begins slowly, both in terms of story and gameplay.
However, Bend Studio’s project improves dramatically as it progresses, especially once the protagonist begins to enhance his vehicle. Zombies have lost much of their fright power, but Days Gone employs sheer numbers to elevate this issue. The game unleashes hordes of undead walkers on Deacon, and the battles are most intense at night.
The Good
- Intense and challenging survival gameplay.
- Hordes of zombies create thrilling encounters.
- Motorcycle traversal adds a unique element.
The Bad
- Some technical issues at launch (may have been patched).
Terraria
| Feature | Terraria |
|---|---|
| Platform | Various (Numerous platforms) |
| Genre | Sandbox-Adventure |
| Open World | Yes |
| Multiplayer | Yes |
| Single-Player Campaign | Yes |
| Storytelling | Exploration and creativity |
| Download Now |
Terraria, one of the best open-world games available on the Steam Deck, is one of them. Terraria allows you to explore and create your own adventure in an ever-changing landscape full with peril and discovery. As you level up your character, you’ll come across hundreds of items, including weaponry, from swords to guns.
Explore randomly generated worlds or create your own as you alternate between day and night while collaborating with other online games. The game has received accolades for its innovative crafting system, which allows players to make complicated items out of simple components. In addition to allowing players to construct structures, the game includes NPCs that offer missions and other services.
The Good
- Extensive crafting and progression system.
- Varied biomes and bosses to conquer.
- Support for cooperative multiplayer.
The Bad
- Lacks a traditional storyline.
How to Choose a Best Open-World Game on Steam Deck?
To find the best open-world game for your Steam Deck, you need to think about a few things that fit your gaming style. Here is some information to help you decide:
- Favorite Genre: Find out what kind of open-world game you like best. Action-adventure, RPG, survival, sandbox, and other types of games are among the choices. Choose a game that aligns with your favorite gaming genre.
- Setting and feeling: Think about where the game takes place and how it feels. Do you like stories set in a fantasy world, a world after the end of the world, a historical time, or a city in the future? The setting can have a big effect on how you play a game.
- The Power of Stories and Quests: Look at the game’s story and how quests work. Some open-world games have deep, branching stories, while others are more like playground games with more freedom to explore. Choose based on what kind of story you like.
Questions and Answers
A1: Some of the best open-world games on Steam Deck are “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt,” “Cyberpunk 2077,” “Red Dead Redemption 2,” “The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim,” “Grand Theft Auto V,” and “Horizon Zero Dawn,” among others.
A2: Yes, you can load and play mods on your Steam Deck if a game supports modding and has an active modding community on Steam. This can make your play better and give you more to do in the game.
A3: Yes, you can play free open-world games on your Steam Deck that are available on Steam. Some examples are “Path of Exile,” “Warframe,” “Genshin Impact,” and “Star Wars: The Old Republic.” The worlds in these games are big, and you don’t have to pay for them up front.