The Steam Deck is perfect for turn-based games, however, with an ever-expanding library, it’s easy for some turn-based gems to go unnoticed. This list features a range of different games from single-player to multiplayer, PVE and PVP there is something here for everyone.
Please note that the review numbers provided are highly subject to change since the publishing of this article. All games featured are playable despite some not being Steam deck verified. If you are unsure of whether a game is playable or not always check protondb.
Let’s dive in as I spotlight some of the games that I have lost countless hours to.
Best Turn Based Games For Steam Deck
| wdt_ID | Game | Steam Review Score | Steam Text | Metacritic Critic Score | Metacritic User Score | Steam Deck Verified |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Persona 5 Royal | 97% | Overwhelmingly Positive | 95 | 8.50 | Yes |
| 2 | South Park: The Stick Of Truth | 97% | Overwhelmingly Positive | 85 | 8.60 | Yes |
| 3 | Baldur's Gate 3 | 96% | Overwhelmingly Positive | 96 | 8.90 | Yes |
| 4 | Cassette Beasts | 96% | Overwhelmingly Positive | 81 | 7.10 | Yes |
| 5 | Divinity: Original Sin II | 95% | Overwhelmingly Positive | 93 | 8.80 | Yes |
| 6 | Slay the Spire | 95% | Overwhelmingly Positive | 95 | 8.80 | Yes |
| 7 | Dragon Quest 11 S: Echoes of an Elusive Age - Definitive Edition | 93% | Very Positive | 91 | 8.60 | Playable |
| 8 | Griftlands | 94% | Very Positive | 84 | 7.20 | Yes |
| 9 | Into the Breach | 94% | Very Positive | 90 | 7.80 | Yes |
| 10 | Pit People | 93% | Very Positive | 78 | 8.20 | Yes |
| 11 | The Banner Saga (Series of games) | 93% | Very Positive | 82 | 8.00 | No (all Gold on protondb) |
| 12 | Fights in Tight Spaces | 93% | Very Positive | 78 | 6.90 | Yes |
| 13 | Darkest Dungeon 1 & 2 | 91% | Very Positive | 84 | 7.90 | Yes |
| 14 | Invisible, Inc. | 91% | Very Positive | 80 | 7.80 | Playable |
| 15 | Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden | 90% | Very Positive | 78 | 7.80 | Playable |
| 16 | Monster Sanctuary | 89% | Very Positive | 74 | 8.10 | Yes |
| 17 | Warhammer 40,000: Mechanicus | 89% | Very Positive | 78 | 8.10 | Yes |
| 18 | Shadowrun Returns | 88% | Very Positive | 76 | 7.50 | ? (Platinum on protondb) |
| 19 | XCOM 2 | 87% | Very Positive | 88 | 7.30 | Yes |
| 20 | Disgaea PC | 87% | Very Positive | No (Gold on protondb) | ||
| 21 | Valkyria Chronicles 4 | 87% | Very Positive | 85 | 8.10 | Yes |
| 22 | Monster Hunter Stories 2 | 81% | Very Positive | 82 | 6.20 | No (Platinum on protondb) |
| 23 | Wildermyth | 86% | Very Positive | 86 | 7.60 | Yes |
| 24 | Wasteland 3 | 85% | Very Positive | 85 | 8.50 | Yes |
| 25 | Octopath Traveler 1 & 2 | 84% | Very Positive | 80 | 8.40 | Yes |
| 26 | Chained Echoes | 84% | Very Positive | 90 | 8.70 | Yes |
| 27 | Marvel's Midnight Suns | 84% | Very Positive | 83 | 6.30 | Yes |
| 28 | Wargroove | 84% | Very Positive | 82 | 7.30 | Playable |
| 29 | BattleTech | 83% | Very Positive | 78 | 7.00 | Playable |
| 30 | Othercide | 83% | Very Positive | 78 | 6.90 | No (Platinum on protondb) |
| 31 | Gears Tactics | 75% | Mostly Positive | 80 | 7.80 | Yes |
| 32 | TemTem | 79% | Mostly Positive | 79 | 7.30 | Yes |
| 33 | Warhammer 40,000: Chaos Gate – Daemonhunters | 77% | Mostly Positive | 81 | 7.10 | No (but platinum status on protondb) |
| 34 | XCOM: Chimera Squad | 72% | Mostly Positive | 77 | 4.80 | Yes |
| 35 | Phoenix Point | 72% | Mostly Positive | 74 | 5.80 | Yes |
| 36 | Dark Deity | 72% | Mostly Positive | 80 | 5.60 | Yes |
| 37 | Möbius Front ’83 | 74% | Mostly Positive | Playable | ||
| 38 | Civilization V | 96% | Overwhelmingly Positive | 90 | 8.10 | Playable |
| Game | Steam Review Score | Steam Text | Metacritic Critic Score | Metacritic User Score | Steam Deck Verified |
Baldur’s Gate 3
This list isn’t ordered but this deserves to be at the top so that you don’t miss it. Set in the Dungeons & Dragons universe, this RPG follows the story after a Mind Flayer invasion. Players customise their character, interact with party members, and navigate a rich narrative, all while engaging in D&D’s 5th edition rule-based combat.
Baldur’s Gate 3 is an instant classic, the amount of effort that has gone into the world, character design, dialogue, story and everything in between is incredible. The gameplay is engaging and it can be very challenging on the harder difficulties. If you get one game on this list, this is it.
- Steam Deck Verified: Yes
- Steam Review Score: 96% Overwhelmingly Positive
- Metacritic Review Score: 96 (Critic) / 8.9 (User)
Check out Baldur’s Gate 3 on Steam
Divinity: Original Sin II
From the same developers as Baldurs Gate 3, Divinity: Original Sin II is a role-playing game set in the fantasy world of Rivellon. Players take on the role of a “Sourcerer,” a being with the ability to harness the power of Source magic. The narrative revolves around the quest to become the next Divine, a god-like being. Players can customise their character and recruit a diverse cast of companions to aid in their journey.
The game has deep storytelling, moral decisions with consequences, and a rich, interactive environment. Gameplay includes turn-based combat, puzzle-solving, and loot gathering. It supports both multiplayer and co-op modes.
Easily a 100-hour+ game if you explore the world fully.
- Steam Deck Verified: Yes
- Steam Review Score: 95% Overwhelmingly Positive
- Metacritic Review Score: 93 (Critic) / 8.8 (User)
Check out Divinity: Original Sin II on Steam
Slay the Spire
Slay the Spire is a deck-building roguelike game where players select a character and attempt to ascend a spire filled with enemies. Throughout their journey, players will acquire and upgrade cards to build a powerful deck to face increasingly difficult challenges. Every playthrough offers a unique experience due to the random generation of cards, relics (items that grant unique abilities), and enemies.
The game is all about card selection and the challenge of mixing and matching cards for optimal combos. It’s a single-player game, without multiplayer or co-op support. It has infinite replayability and there are some insanely good free mods available in the workshop
- Steam Deck Verified: Yes
- Steam Review Score: 95% Overwhelmingly Positive
- Metacritic Review Score: 95 (Critic) / 8.8 (User)
Check out Slay the Spire on Steam
TemTem
TemTem is a creature-collection adventure game (Pokemon clone alert), where players traverse the world of the Airborne Archipelago as “Tamers” capturing and battling creatures known as TemTem. The game sets itself apart from Pokemon with a focus on 2v2 battles, a stamina system instead of PP for moves, and a fully online world where players can interact, trade, and battle each other. It has full MMO features and co-op gameplay, as players can join forces to explore the world and battle together.
- Steam Deck Verified: Yes
- Steam Review Score: 79% Mostly Positive
- Metacritic Review Score: 79 (Critic) / 7.3 (User)
Warhammer 40,000: Mechanicus
This game was slept on! Assuming control of the Adeptus Mechanicus forces, players explore the Necron planet of Silva Tenebris. Decision-making impacts the outcome of the narrative in this turn-based tactical game. Customise tech-priests, manage resources, and delve into the mysteries of the Necrons.
- Steam Deck Verified: Yes
- Steam Review Score: 89% Very Positive 6
- Metacritic Review Score: 78 (Critic) / 8.1 (User) 67
Check out Warhammer 40,000: Mechanicus on Steam
Wasteland 3
In a post-apocalyptic Colorado, players lead the Desert Rangers, navigating both turn-based combat and a branching narrative. Decisions impact the world and storyline, and players can opt for solo or co-op gameplay. Has a great story and very engaging combat. Graphically it also looks great and it isn’t too demanding.
- Steam Deck Verified: Yes
- Steam Review Score: 85% Very Positive
- Metacritic Review Score: 85 (Critic) / 8.5 (User)
Check out Wasteland 3 on Steam
Wildermyth
A character-driven, tactical RPG that blends procedural generation with crafted storytelling. Players guide heroes through multiple campaigns, facing off against diverse threats, with decisions impacting characters’ growth and the unfolding narrative. Characters engage with one another in the party and there are a variety of side quests to take. A hugely underrated indie game that is well worth the price tag.
- Steam Deck Verified: Yes
- Steam Review Score: 86% Very Positive
- Metacritic Review Score: 86 (Critic) / 7.6 (User)
XCOM 2
Everyone probably knows XCOM 2 by now but it had to make the list. Earth has fallen under alien occupation, and players lead the resistance against this extraterrestrial threat. This sequel offers turn-based tactical combat, squad management, and base-building, with choices directly influencing the resistance’s success against the aliens.
Can be very challenging on the higher difficulties. The % chance to hit mechanic however can become irritating in important situations.
- Steam Deck Verified: Yes
- Steam Review Score: 84% Very Positive
- Metacritic Review Score: 88 (Critic) / 7.3 (User)
XCOM: Chimera Squad
Set after XCOM 2, this game introduces a new squad-based format where players control specific agents, both human and alien. The tactical gameplay involves non-lethal apprehensions, breach-and-clear mechanics, and managing interspecies relations in a post-invasion world.
- Steam Deck Verified: Yes
- Steam Review Score: 72% Mostly Positive
- Metacritic Review Score: 77 (Critic) / 4.8 (User)
Check out XCOM: Chimera Squad on Steam
Persona 5 Royal
An enhanced version of Persona 5. Players live a dual life as a high school student in Tokyo and a Phantom Thief in the Metaverse, confronting societal issues and changing the hearts of the corrupt. The graphics are ‘anime’ style which look sharp and the game doesn’t demand much of your rig.
The game’s procedurally generated dungeons, Mementos, has been expanded with new areas to explore, challenges to face, and a mysterious character named Jose who offers unique upgrades.
- Steam Deck Verified: Yes
- Steam Review Score: 97% Overwhelmingly Positive
- Metacritic Review Score: 95 (Critic) / 8.5 (User)
Check out Persona 5 Royal on Steam
Civilization V
An all time classic franchise, Civilisation V is where the phrase ‘just one more turn’ originates. Players guide a civilization from its earliest beginnings to modern times across a dynamic map. The aim is to achieve victory through various avenues like research, exploration, diplomacy, territory growth, economic strategies, governance, and military conquests.
- Steam Deck Verified: Playable
- Steam Review Score: 96% Overwhelmingly Positive
- Metacritic Review Score: 90 (Critic) / 8.1 (User)
Check out Civilisation V on Steam
South Park: The Stick Of Truth
Who doesn’t like South Park? Play as the ‘New Kid’ and get wrapped up in an over-the-top fantasy battle, featuring elves, wizards, and the iconic South Park characters and humour. Explore the town, make friends (or enemies), and enjoy the turn-based combat alongside with the show’s satire.
- Steam Deck Verified: Yes
- Steam Review Score: 97% Overwhelmingly Positive
- Metacritic Review Score: 85 (Critic) / 8.6 (User)
Check out South Park: The Stick Of Truth
Cassette Beasts
An open-world monster collection adventure set on an island full of mysteries. Players can capture creatures on cassette tapes, fuse them together, and explore a beautiful pixel filled world offering many challenges and secrets. An engaging take on the ‘monster collector’ genre that is different enough from Pokemon to make it stand out.
- Steam Deck Verified: Yes
- Steam Review Score: 96% Overwhelmingly Positive
- Metacritic Review Score: 84 (Critic) / 8.2 (User)
Check out Cassette Beasts on Steam
Marvel’s Midnight Suns
A tactical RPG featuring Marvel heroes against supernatural threats. Players create a custom hero, ally with iconic characters, and use a card-based combat system to confront the ancient force known as Lilith. The harder difficulties are recommended in this one as it can be quite easy otherwise.
- Steam Deck Verified: Yes
- Steam Review Score: 84% Very Positive
- Metacritic Review Score: 83 (Critic) / 6.3 (User)
Check out Marvel’s Midnight Suns on Steam
Octopath Traveler 1 & 2
A turn-based JRPG where players embark on a journey through multiple intertwining narratives, each focusing on one of eight protagonists, each with distinct abilities and storylines. More pixel art goodness.
- Steam Deck Verified: Yes
- Steam Review Score: 84% Very Positive
- Metacritic Review Score: 80 (Critic) / 8.4 (User)
Check out Octopath Traveler on Steam
Monster Sanctuary
Monster Sanctuary combines monster-collecting mechanics with Metroidvania-style exploration. Players inherit the legacy of a line of monster keepers and set out on a quest to uncover mysteries while battling and collecting monsters. These monsters aid players in battles and help navigate obstacles in the world.
Combat is turn-based, emphasising strategic synergy between the monsters in a player’s team. Really engaging indie game, lacks the depth of some other creature collector games but definitely worth your time.
- Steam Deck Verified: Yes
- Steam Review Score: 89% Very Positive
- Metacritic Review Score: 74 (Critic) / 8.1 (User)
Check out Monster Sanctuary on Steam
Darkest Dungeon 1 & 2
A challenging, turn-based strategy game where players manage a team of flawed heroes through twisted forests, crypts, and other not so friendly places. The game uses the psychological stress of adventuring by having mental statuses affecting your characters.
It is a very difficult game so be prepared. Since it is rogue like the game does get easier as you unlock more upgrades.
- Steam Deck Verified: Yes
- Steam Review Score: 91% Very Positive
- Metacritic Review Score: 84 (Critic) / 7.9 (User)
Chained Echoes
An RPG set in a fantasy world with sci-fi elements, players embark on a journey, piloting mechs, battling foes, and uncovering a tale of war and dragons. Feature stylish 16 bit pixel graphics. There are no random enemy encounters so players engage with enemies on the field. There is a skill point-based system that lets players customise their character’s abilities to match their play style.
- Steam Deck Verified: Yes
- Steam Review Score: 84% Very Positive
- Metacritic Review Score: 90 (Critic) / 8.7 (User)
Into the Breach
Strategy at its finest! When giant creatures threaten humanity’s existence, time-travelling mechs come to the rescue. Every playthrough is a unique puzzle in this turn-based strategy game.
Into the Breach is deceptively complicated since it looks like a very simple grid like puzzle game. It makes you think and there are many ways to complete each mission offering opportunities to get better.
- Steam Deck Verified: Yes
- Steam Review Score: 94% Very Positive
- Metacritic Review Score: 90 (Critic) / 7.8 (User)
Griftlands
Griftlands is a roguelike deck-building game set in a sci-fi fantasy universe, home to both humans and unique races like the crab-like Kra’deshi. Players navigate the overworld, diving into dialogue trees to secure quests or shop. During encounters, they face card-based challenges using either combat or negotiation decks. Players start with two specific decks and can earn new cards, upgrade existing ones, or remove cards as they progress. Additionally, they can gain grafts, powerful implants, that offer persistent advantages throughout the game.
- Steam Deck Verified: Yes
- Steam Review Score: 94% Very Positive
- Metacritic Review Score: 84 (Critic) / 7.2 (User)
Pit People
Pit People is a turn-based strategy game set in an unpredictable world narrated by a mysterious figure. Players command a team against various enemies and can recruit characters along the way. It features single player and co-op game modes.
- Steam Deck Verified: Yes
- Steam Review Score: 93% Very Positive
- Metacritic Review Score: 78 (Critic) / 8.2 (User)
The Banner Saga (Series of games)
Set against a Viking backdrop, The Banner Saga is a role-playing game where players navigate a caravan through a challenging landscape. Decisions made during the journey influence the story’s progression. It is story orientated but that gameplay and combat make it what it is. A highly recommended series of games.
- Steam Deck Verified: No (all Gold on protondb)
- Steam Review Score: 93% Very Positive
- Metacritic Review Score: 82 (Critic) / 8.0 (User)
BattleTech
BattleTech takes place in the 31st century, focusing on warfare involving large combat vehicles called BattleMechs. Players manage a mercenary outfit, handling everything from finances to direct combat. Combat is turn-based, with a notable emphasis on tactics.
- Steam Deck Verified: Playable
- Steam Review Score: 83% Very Positive
- Metacritic Review Score: 78 (Critic) / 7.0 (User)
Dark Deity
In Dark Deity, players follow Brookstead Academy graduates uncovering ancient mysteries. The game features over 54 classes and uses a grid-based battle system.
- Steam Deck Verified: Yes
- Steam Review Score: 72% Mostly Positive
- Metacritic Review Score: 80 (Critic) / 5.6 (User)
Disgaea PC
Disgaea PC is a strategy RPG set in the Netherworld, where prince Laharl aims to claim his throne. The narrative combines serious undertones with moments of humour.
- Steam Deck Verified: No (Gold on protondb)
- Steam Review Score: 87% Very Positive
Fights in Tight Spaces
This is a strategy game that combines deck-building and hand-to-hand combat. Players control an agent navigating tight environments, using a deck of cards for moves, counters, and strikes.
- Steam Deck Verified: Yes
- Steam Review Score: 93% Very Positive
- Metacritic Review Score: 78 (Critic) / 6.9 (User)
Check out Fights in Tight Spaces
Gears Tactics
Set in the popular “Gears of War” universe, this game shifts the focus to turn-based tactics. Players form a squad to hunt down an enemy leader, customising gear and utilising various skills in combat. Similar system to XCOM 2 so if you like that genre of turn-based games then it might be up your street. It is best to be very aggressive otherwise the AI can run you down.
It improves on the % chance to hit that was so frustrating with XCOM. If you are close to an enemy with a shotgun you will rarely miss.
- Steam Deck Verified: Yes
- Steam Review Score: 75% Mostly Positive
- Metacritic Review Score: 80 (Critic) / 7.8 (User)
Invisible, Inc.
A turn based tactics game set in a dystopian future where players manage an espionage agency under threat from corporations. Gameplay focuses on stealth and strategy. Players guide agents through procedurally generated missions, utilising action points for movement and tasks. They can also access the hacking interface, “Incognita,” to navigate security. As missions advance, increasing alarm levels introduce heightened challenges, ensuring a dynamic and replayable stealth experience.
- Steam Deck Verified: Playable
- Steam Review Score: 91% Very Positive
- Metacritic Review Score: 80 (Critic) / 7.8 (User)
Möbius Front ’83
Set during an alternate history 1983, players confront an American insurgent force using U.S military tactics. This turn-based strategy game involves planning moves and employing a combination of ground and air units.
- Steam Deck Verified: Playable
- Steam Review Score: 74% Mostly Positive
Warhammer 40,000: Chaos Gate – Daemonhunters
Set in the grimdark Warhammer 40k universe, players lead the Grey Knights, an elite strike force, against the daemonic threat. This turn-based strategy title emphasises tactical decision-making, squad customization, and confronting Chaos gods’ followers.
- Steam Deck Verified: No (but platinum status on protondb)
- Steam Review Score: 77% Mostly Positive
- Metacritic Review Score: 81 (Critic) / 7.1 (User)
Check out Warhammer 40,000: Chaos Gate – Daemonhunters on Steam
Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden
This game combines turn-based tactical combat with real-time exploration in a post-apocalyptic world. Players guide a team of mutants searching for the legendary Eden. It has somewhat budget XCOM 2 vibes about it. However, the characters in the game are interesting and the combat is solid. It can be too easy though so it is recommended to up the difficulty. There is no co-op or multiplayer.
- Steam Deck Verified: Playable
- Steam Review Score: 90% Very Positive
- Metacritic Review Score: 78 (Critic) / 7.8 (User)
Othercide
A turn-based strategy game with a horror theme. Players command the Daughters against nightmarish creatures, introducing a “Dynamic Timeline System” where actions influence combat order. The combat system means that each fight has many ways to complete it which increases the games replayability.
- Steam Deck Verified: No (Platinum on protondb)
- Steam Review Score: 83% Very Positive
- Metacritic Review Score: 78 (Critic) / 6.9 (User)
Phoenix Point
Phoenix Point offers a new twist on strategy, coming from the original creator of X-COM. The game pits humanity against aliens (very original I know). Leading the Phoenix Project, players must engage in tactical battles and negotiate with rival factions. There are 3 factions which you can use to your advantage whether that’s via diplomacy or force!
- Steam Deck Verified: Yes
- Steam Review Score: 72% Mostly Positive
- Metacritic Review Score: 74 (Critic) / 5.8 (User)
Shadowrun Returns
The world of Shadowrun was created almosted 25 years ago. This cyberpunk-fantasy fusion RPG lets players navigate a story-rich world, engage in tactical combat and contains skill based character progression. There are starting character achetypes to choose from each with different skill systems. The writing is solid which makes the story much more interesting.
- Steam Deck Verified: ? (Platinum on protondb)
- Steam Review Score: 88% Very Positive
- Metacritic Review Score: 76 (Critic) / 7.5 (User)
Valkyria Chronicles 4
Valkyria Chronicles 5 has a hybrid combat experience that combines turn-based tactics, RPG elements, and real-time third-person shooting. You lead a team of soldiers, each with distinct skills and weaponry. A fresh addition to the game is the Grenadier class, specialists in targeting foes with mortar rounds. Beyond combat, an extensive skill tree permits detailed customization of character abilities and weaponry.
- Steam Deck Verified: Yes
- Steam Review Score: 87% Very Positive
- Metacritic Review Score: 85 (Critic) / 8.1 (User)
Check out Valkyria Chronicles 4
Wargroove
A classic turn-based tactics game with anime style graphics. There are 12 commanders to choose from and 4 different factions, devise strategies, and either challenge others or create your own battle scenarios with its extensive editor. There game features online pvp, co-op and single player game modes.
- Steam Deck Verified: Playable
- Steam Review Score: 84% Very Positive
- Metacritic Review Score: 82 (Critic) / 7.3 (User)
Monster Hunter Stories 2
This game provides a different take on the Monster Hunter universe. Instead of hunting monsters, players befriend and raise them. Roam a vibrant world, collect eggs, hatch them and battle them! Engage in tactical battles alongside your monster allies. The game was not well received by fans but the gameplay is still fun if you like the typical creature battler genre.
- Steam Deck Verified: No (Platinum on protondb)
- Steam Review Score: 81% Very Positive
- Metacritic Review Score: 82 (Critic) / 6.2 (User)
Check out Monster Hunter Stories
Dragon Quest 11 S: Echoes of an Elusive Age – Definitive Edition
A hugely popular JRPG series which I haven’t gotten around to playing yet. You control a party of characters, explore, complete quests, and use a turn-based combat system to battle monsters. There’s a skill tree for character customization, and it’s been praised for its story, mechanics, and visuals.
- Steam Deck Verified: Playable
- Steam Review Score: 93% Very Positive
- Metacritic Review Score: 91 (Critic) / 8.6 (User)
Check out Dragon Quest 11 S: Echoes of an Elusive Age – Definitive Edition
Conclusion
So, that wraps up my picks for the standout turn-based games on the Steam Deck. If you discovered some new titles or believe others deserve a shout out, don’t hesitate to drop a comment. Happy gaming!
