Truth is, desktop computers are big and stuck to your desk with a mess of wires. Who likes such limits, right – may it be a relationship or a game? The Steam Deck comes like a champion. Its mission? Get rid of that ‘stuck to your desk’ gaming style. It promises to bring in the era of carried-with-ease PC greatness. But, what if money is a bit tight right now? No stress, my careful friend! The Steam Deck’s archive is filled with free games! They promise endless fun without needing to sell your granddad’s antique glasses (please don’t sell your granddad’s glasses 🙏).
In this guide, we’ll explore the top 5 such games, each one suited well for the controls and crisp screen of the Steam Deck. Get ready for engaging fights, imaginative construction, and laughable tricks – all free!
What’s a Steam Deck?
What’s a Steam Deck?
Meet the Steam Deck, a portable PC gaming powerhouse from Valve, the creators of the famous gaming hub, Steam. It’s essentially a high-performing handheld gadget that enables you to play PC games anywhere you want, freeing you from your desk. Picture a power-up version of a Nintendo Switch, but it can access a huge collection of PC games. That’s Steam Deck in a simple phrase.
Valve presents three main versions of the Steam Deck – differentiated by storage capacity.
- The first model, a more budget-friendly choice, provides 256GB of NVMe SSD storage which could fill up quickly with larger games. The second model offers a generous 256GB NVMe SSD (OLED), giving faster load times and space for more games. The third one comes with 1TB (OLED) storage with exclusive perks.
- Regardless of the storage, all models outperform with similar features – a compact yet potent AMD APU processor, a stunning 7.4-inch touchscreen HDR OLED Display with eye-catching color results and quick 90Hz refresh rate, super-quick Wi-Fi 6E for downloading and online gaming, and a durable Battery that lasts 3 to 12 hours on one charge, varying on game choice.
- Each version also includes a protective carrying case, a power supply and access to your Steam profile to sync your games.
If the need for versatile PC gaming appeals without hurting your pockets, the Steam Deck is a strong contender. Stick around as we dive into the compatible free-to-play games in our next segment!
Apex Legends for Steam Deck
Apex Legend
Let’s get the obvious one out of the way and talk about Apex Legends, a popular free-to-play game that’s captivated gamers worldwide. It’s a given for the Steam Deck, and here’s why:
- Exciting Gameplay: Join forces with two partners and compete as the last team standing in an ever-changing, futuristic arena. Use Legends with unique abilities, outwit the opposition with your squad, and feel the fun of the non-stop action.
- Free Accessibility: With nothing to pay upfront, you’re free to get right into the game and perfect your skills. There are optional costs for in-game cosmetic items (skins), but these won’t affect your essential game experience.
- Steam Deck Approved: Apex Legends has passed official checks and fine-tuning for optimum play on the Steam Deck’s display and controls. You’ll see well-defined menus, logical button assignments, and experience efficient game performance, getting you right into the action.
With its quick, tactical movements and regular content updates, Apex Legends provides limitless replay value, making it a brilliant demo of the Steam Deck’s assets. Let’s explore the next free game in our lineup in the next segment!
Naraka Bladepoint for Steam Deck
Naraka Bladepoint
Get ready as we dive into the exciting world of Naraka: Bladepoint! This free melee battle royale sends you into a harsh survival battle on a beautiful, mythical isle. Here’s how Naraka: Bladepoint is ideal for the Steam Deck.
- Bring Your Inner Warrior Alive: Learn a mix of melee weapons and grappling hook methods to rule the battlefield. Join in heated one-on-one combat, plan deflections and responses, and set out powerful ultimate moves to win. (Until you get third-partied 😜)
- Free Gaming: Similar to Apex Legends, Naraka: Bladepoint provides the complete main gameplay experience at no cost. You can get more characters and skins with in-game buys, but it doesn’t provide an unfair edge over others.
- Designed for Steam Deck: The developers have ensured seamless performance and natural controls for the Steam Deck. Use the Deck’s gyroscope controls for sharper marking with your distant weapons, and roam the vast landscape with ease using the handy analog sticks.
If you’re a fan of intense sword-and-shield combat coupled with parkour and grappling hook tricks, Naraka: Bladepoint is a must-try on your Steam Deck. Get ready to challenge other participants in a survival battle that will test your quick moves and battle abilities. We’ll uncover the next free game gem in the next part!
The Sims 4 for Steam Deck
The Sims 4
Ever thought about designing your own world? The Sims 4, an open world life simulation game, allows this! Here’s why it’s great for the Steam Deck:
- Use Your Imagination: Create your dream house, down to the last tiny detail. Develop unique Sims with different personalities, dreams, and relationships. Discover lively neighborhoods and set off on exciting quests – the opportunities are limitless.
- Free Main Game: The basic Sims 4 journey has no cost. Establish families, construct houses, and roam the game world all for free. You can buy expansion packs for more content and gameplay options, but you can also enjoy the basic game for loads of hours.
- Easy-going Gameplay: The Sims 4 offers a more soothing ride compared to the intense ones we’ve seen. Just relax, ease up, and create the ideal life at your own pace. The Steam Deck’s cozy controls and stunning screen are perfect for long playtimes, enabling you to truly dive into your digital world.
Whether your dream is to build a large estate or a cozy cabin, create the ultimate family, or chase a wild rockstar life, The Sims 4 on the Steam Deck has got you covered – for free! As we move forward, we’ll explore another free-to-play option in the next section.
Aperture Desk Job for Steam Deck
Aperture Desk Job
If you’re new to Valve or the Portal series, Aperture Desk Job is a great starting point – plus, it’s free! Here’s why you should add this quirky game to your Steam Deck:
- A Spin-Off from Portal: Aperture Desk Job is a brief, fun experience set in the oddball Portal universe, created by Valve. You act as a newbie at Aperture Science, the slightly questionable company that’s behind the iconic portals.
- A Warm Welcome: Though it’s not a full Portal game, Aperture Desk Job gives a funny sneak peek into the daily happenings (or lack thereof?) at Aperture Science. Be ready for clever banter, absurd assignments, and a good serving of office humor.
- Designed for the Steam Deck: This game is tailor-made for the Steam Deck! Use the device’s specific controls to tackle everyday office chores in more and more inventive (and often chaotic) methods. The cool graphics and user-friendly layout highlight the Steam Deck’s features brilliantly.
See Aperture Desk Job as a tasty sample before the main event. It’s a fantastic way to get used to the Steam Deck’s controls and the unique Portal universe, all while enjoying a laugh.
Brawlhalla for Steam Deck
Brawlhalla
Attention, fight game fans! Dive into Brawlhalla’s lively arenas for epic no-rules face-offs against friends or players globally. Here’s why it suits the Steam Console:
- It’s a Platform Fighter Riot: Brawlhalla, like Super Smash Bros., lets you pick from a number of mixes of Legends, each with unique weapons and fight techniques. Beat your rivals off the stage for victory in wild solo battles, team fights, or ranking games.
- Free Access: Brawlhalla is totally free, offering many Legends to pick from and different game modes to conquer. There’s optional in-game purchasing for more Legends and aesthetic goods, but you won’t benefit more than players who haven’t spent any money.
- Designed for the Steam Deck: Brawlhalla’s easy controls work great with the Steam Deck. Use the user-friendly layout and fast buttons for powerful combos and stage domination. Plus, the lively images and quick action of the game look fabulous on the Deck’s beautiful OLED display.
Brawlhalla is a top pick for any after a fun, easy-to-play fight game on the Steam Deck. Get your buddies, choose your Legend, and gear up for limitless free-for-all chaos!
Dark and Darker for Steam Deck
Bonus Game: Dark and Darker (Welcome Back On Steam)
Okay, let’s talk about Dark and Darker. It’s not exactly free but it’s free. I know this might sound very confusing but let me explain; the free version of the game feels like a demo. In order to access the full or normal version of the game you will have to spend around $30.
Before you take a long gasp, let me explain to you why this game is on the list:
- It’s All About Dungeon Crawling: Join forces with a couple of buddies, challenge risky dungeons filled with scary scriptures and priceless treasures. Dark and Darket highlights teamwork, strategy, and a sprinkle of doubt – your true allies are hard to figure out in this risky underground world.
- Unofficial Optimization (For Now): Dark and Darker isn’t yet confirmed for Steam Deck, but there are handy online community guides to help you set it up yourself. Be warned, this may need some modding and fixing, and it might not be as smooth as the other games listed here.
- It’s a Game of Risk and Reward: Dark and Darker is popularly tough to play. Get ready to lose characters and stuff, but pulling through these trials with your friends yields great satisfaction.
Make sure to do your homework on Dark and Darker’s functionality on your console. Look at online forums and follow the latest advice to have a smoother gaming experience.
That’s all for our tour of the amazing free-to-play games suited for your Steam Deck. With many great categories to pick from, the world of mobile PC gaming is at your fingertips without hurting your pocket too much. So switch on your console, pick your top game, and get ready for never-ending fun!
Until next time, fellow gamers, Ciao!!
