Best Multiplayer Games to Play on Steam Deck

The Steam Deck has revolutionized portable gaming, bringing an entire library of PC games to your hands. Among its most celebrated features is the ability to play a wide variety of multiplayer games. If you’re looking to dive into competitive and cooperative experiences on the go, here's a detailed exploration of some of the best multiplayer games you can enjoy on your Steam Deck.

1. Valheim

Released in early access in 2021, Valheim is a survival and sandbox game inspired by Viking culture. Players can team up to explore a vast procedurally generated world, build shelters, and fight mythical creatures. The game’s co-op gameplay allows up to 10 players in a single server, making it perfect for large groups. Valheim's mix of survival elements and cooperative play keeps every session engaging and challenging.

2. Among Us

Among Us took the gaming world by storm with its simple yet thrilling social deduction mechanics. The game is set in a space-themed setting where players work together to complete tasks while trying to uncover the impostors among them. With support for up to 10 players per game, Among Us offers a fantastic social experience that’s ideal for playing on the Steam Deck.

3. Rocket League

If you’re into sports games with a twist, Rocket League combines soccer with rocket-powered cars for an exhilarating experience. The game supports up to 8 players in total, with various modes and seasonal events keeping the gameplay fresh. Its fast-paced nature and easy-to-pick-up, hard-to-master mechanics make it a great choice for quick gaming sessions on the Steam Deck.

4. Dota 2

As one of the most popular multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) games, Dota 2 offers a deep and strategic experience. Players choose from a roster of heroes and battle in teams to destroy the enemy’s base. Its complex gameplay and steep learning curve are balanced by a thriving competitive scene and frequent updates. Dota 2 is well-optimized for the Steam Deck, making it a good choice for MOBA enthusiasts.

5. Team Fortress 2

A classic in the realm of team-based shooters, Team Fortress 2 remains a beloved game with its unique class system and whimsical style. Players can choose from various classes and engage in objective-based game modes. With its rich history and continuous updates, Team Fortress 2 is a great option for fans of multiplayer shooters on the Steam Deck.

6. Deep Rock Galactic

Deep Rock Galactic brings a cooperative twist to the mining and exploration genre. Players form a team of dwarves to explore procedurally generated caves, mine resources, and fight off alien threats. Its emphasis on teamwork and procedural generation ensures that no two missions are the same, offering endless replayability and a lot of fun.

7. Left 4 Dead 2

For fans of cooperative zombie shooters, Left 4 Dead 2 delivers thrilling experiences with its intense co-op gameplay. Players fight their way through hordes of zombies, each campaign offering different challenges and environments. The game's AI Director ensures that each playthrough is unique, making it a perfect match for the Steam Deck's portable format.

8. Warframe

Warframe is a free-to-play online action game set in a sci-fi universe. Players control members of the Tenno, a race of ancient warriors, and engage in fast-paced combat across various missions and planets. Its deep customization options and frequent updates make Warframe a compelling choice for multiplayer gaming on the Steam Deck.

9. Phasmophobia

Phasmophobia is a co-op horror game that has gained popularity for its unique approach to the genre. Players work together as paranormal investigators to identify and deal with ghosts in various haunted locations. Its immersive and often terrifying gameplay makes it an exciting option for multiplayer sessions on the Steam Deck.

10. Sea of Thieves

In Sea of Thieves, players become pirates in a shared open world. The game emphasizes cooperative play with its focus on ship management and treasure hunting. With its cartoonish art style and dynamic weather system, Sea of Thieves offers a fun and engaging multiplayer experience suitable for the Steam Deck.

11. A Way Out

A Way Out is a story-driven co-op adventure game where two players must work together to escape from prison and uncover a larger conspiracy. Its narrative-driven approach and requirement for cooperative gameplay make it a unique and memorable multiplayer experience.

12. Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS

)

A staple in competitive gaming, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive continues to be a go-to game for FPS enthusiasts. With its tactical gameplay and large player base, CS

provides endless competitive and casual play opportunities. Its performance on the Steam Deck makes it an accessible option for fans of the genre.

13. Valorant

Valorant offers a tactical shooter experience with a focus on character abilities and strategic gameplay. With its precise gunplay and unique agent abilities, it has quickly become a favorite in the competitive scene. The Steam Deck's controls and performance make it a viable option for Valorant players looking for a portable setup.

14. Overcooked! 2

For a more light-hearted multiplayer experience, Overcooked! 2 challenges players to work together in chaotic kitchens. The game’s cooperative cooking and time-management mechanics lead to hilarious and frantic moments, making it a fun choice for group play on the Steam Deck.

15. Borderlands 3

Combining first-person shooter action with RPG elements, Borderlands 3 offers a vast world filled with loot, quests, and cooperative gameplay. Players can team up to explore the planet Pandora and take on various missions. Its engaging story and dynamic gameplay make it a great fit for the Steam Deck’s portable gaming capabilities.

In summary, the Steam Deck provides an excellent platform for a diverse range of multiplayer games. Whether you’re looking for competitive action, cooperative adventures, or social deduction, there’s something for everyone. With its portability and power, the Steam Deck makes it easier than ever to enjoy these games on the go, offering endless entertainment possibilities for players everywhere.