Here are 10 Steam Deck games you need to buy in the Steam Summer Sale

Whether you're into huge open-world RPGs, tough-as-nails platformers, sports management sims, or even just cozy games, there's something for everyone in the Steam Summer Sale. Better still, if you own one of Valve's handhelds, there are over 9,500 Steam Deck Verified or Playable games currently on sale for under $10, and they feature heavily in our top picks.

The Steam Deck is still the best gaming handheld for most gamers, in large part due to the simplicity of its Linux-based operating system, SteamOS. Throw in a storefront with huge discount events where some of the best PC games can be purchased for a fraction of their MSRP, and you have a recipe for success.

With the Steam Summer Sale now underway, and lasting until July 10 at 10am PT, you've got plenty of time to browse the amazing deals on games new and old. To help save you some time, we've assembled our top 10 picks for discounted games you should buy if you own a Steam Deck.

Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy

For old-school platforming fans, the Crash Bandicoot games are iconic, and the first three games are wonderfully and faithfully remastered in this N. Sane Trilogy. That's right, you get three games for under $4 here, and they're all fantastic in their own right.

It's impressive to see how each game adds more depth to the gameplay while also expanding its creative level design, and it's hard to believe that Crash Bandicoot and Crash 3 Warped were released fewer than 26 months apart, with Cortex Strikes Back sandwiched in the middle.

Price: $3.99 / £3.49 (90% Off)

Stardew Valley

The king of cozy games is once again on sale, and it's never too late to get started with your own trip to Stardew Valley. Following recent new content additions, including a curious Baldur's Gate 3-themed mod, Stardew Valley has stormed back up the Steam Deck most played chart, dethroning Balatro if we look at the stats for the last week alone.

While games such as Disney Dreamlight Valley and Hello Kitty Island Adventure have tried to come for Stardew's crown, it's holding on to its spot as the best cozy game, and it runs incredibly well on the Steam Deck.

Price: $7.49 / £5.49 (50% Off)

Hitman World of Assassination (Part One)

A masterclass in how to build a gaming universe, Hitman World of Assassination is the culmination of almost a decade of work for our favorite bald assassin, Agent 47. The part one pack is a great way to dip your toe into this ever-evolving world.

For under $6, you can grab all the levels from the original re-introduction of Hitman in 2016, as well as some additional campaign missions and escalations. From there, you're able to expand your game by purchasing the levels from Hitman 2 and 3, and the new Freelancer roguelike mode.

There's never been a better time to jump in, as IOI is planning the release of a co-operative mode and has just added a 007 First Light elusive target where you are tasked with taking down LeChiffre, played by Mads Mikkelsen. Completing this mission will even earn you an exclusive suit in the upcoming James Bond game when it releases.

Price: $5.99 / £ 4.99 (80% Off)

The Division 2

The Division 2 just revived itself with a brand new DLC called Battle For Brooklyn, and you can even bag yourself a level 40 boost if you purchase the gold or ultimate editions of the game.

If you just want to get started with this looter shooter using the base game, set in Washington D.C, it'll cost you well under $10 and comes with a ton of content, as well as regular in-game events and quality of life updates.

Price: $7.49 / £6.24 (75% Off)

Vampire Survivors

An indie hit that took the world of gaming by storm, Vampire Survivors is hardly an expensive game when it isn't on sale, but if you're yet to give it a go, why not grab it while you can save a little cash?

Jump into this stunning pixel-art world with strong Castlevania themes and take on endless waves of enemies using cleverly assembled offensive and defensive abilities and weapons. Few games can make hours feel like minutes when you play, but Vampire Survivors does an incredible job of hooking you into long sessions when you only intended to do one or two runs.

Price: $3.74 / £2.99 (25% Off)

Control Ultimate Edition

My favorite Remedy game is also part of the Steam Summer Sale, and it includes the phenomenal Foundation and AWE expansions, all for under $6. I have replayed Control once a year since it released in 2020, and find each playthrough fresh thanks to numerous combat playstyles and a wealth of lore items to find and collect.

This unnerving sci-fi action game isn't too demanding despite being built using the Northlight Engine, which puts a huge emphasis on large-scale destructible environments. You'll have no issue running this Verified game on the Steam Deck.

Price: $5.99 / £4.94 (85% Off)

GTA Definitive Edition Trilogy

Another three for the price of one deal comes in the form of the GTA Definitive Edition Trilogy, containing GTA 3, Vice City, and San Andreas in their remastered formats.

Like a few other games on this list, these games were in rough shape when they first released, but are now the best way to go back and enjoy the iconic crime games.

It's also incredible to see how far we've come from the first 3D GTA game in Grand Theft Auto 3 to where we are as we approach the GTA 6 release date.

Price: $23.99 / £23.99 (60% Off)

Death Stranding Director's Cut

I'll admit to not appreciating Death Stranding when I first played it on the PS5. I thought that the game and its premise of uniting a post-apocalyptic America, as a glorified deliveryman, were just a little too pretentious. Alas, upon revisiting his original IP, I found myself newly appreciative of its story, messages, and gameplay.

I won't go as far as to say I understand it completely. I'm not entirely sure anyone knows this game's true intentions when it comes to narrative, but putting the pieces of the game together, I've been able to enjoy my time with the first-ever "strand game."

Price: $15.99 / £13.99 (60% Off)

State of Decay 2 Juggernaut Edition

A rough launch put State of Decay 2 on the back foot, but developer Undead Labs didn't give up on the action-survival game, and I'm glad it didn't. With the release of the Juggernaut edition and subsequent Heartland update, not only did we get a graphical overhaul for the game, but tons of new content, including a new area on the map, and some rich quality of life updates.

Right now, State of Decay 2 is the best it's been since it released back in 2018, and is well worth a try if you're looking for a post-apocalyptic, community-building, zombie survival game.

Price: $7.49 / £6.24 (75% Off)

Tiebreak

With Wimbledon starting this week, Tennis fans can enjoy a steep discount on Tiebreak, the official game of the ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) and WTA (Women's Tennis Association). These licenses mean Tiebreak has assembled the most complete roster of official players and events, although the grand slams are sadly missing due to them falling under the ownership of the ITF (International Tennis Federation).

With extensive online and single-player game modes, as well as a deep customization suite for creating your own players and venues, Tiebreak stands alongside Topspin as a return to form for one of gaming's longest-represented sports.

Price: $24.99 / £22.49 (50% Off)

If you want to check out our picks for the best Steam Deck games, regardless of price, you can see our guide where we've picked 30 games that play great on your handheld.

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