A new way to check which games will run efficiently on the Steam Deck

As we previously mentioned in the article Why the Steam Deck Runs on Linux, and with developers showcasing the performance of their games on the Steam Deck (like The Witcher 3 and DOOM), Valve has launched a new Twitter account dedicated to demonstrating game performance on the Steam Deck.

Today, Valve also introduced a new section on their website along with a video explaining the compatibility of most games on the Steam Deck, shared on their Twitter account. This divides games into four categories: Verified, Playable, Unsupported, and Unknown. In this article, we’ll explore what these categories mean for games on the Steam Deck.

Verified

Games marked as Verified have been 100% tested for performance, achieving at least 30 FPS or more. They work seamlessly with all Steam Deck control options, including the gamepad, touchscreen, and trackpads. These games offer an easy and comfortable experience on the device.

Playable

Unlike Verified games, Playable games can be completed on the Steam Deck but may have minor issues. Examples include performance inconsistencies or games not fully recognizing the control buttons initially. For instance, some RPGs require a keyboard to input a character name, meaning you’d need to use the on-screen keyboard. Other examples include manually adjusting graphics settings for better performance or needing to open a separate launcher, such as Ubisoft Connect for games like Far Cry or Assassin’s Creed. The reasons for a game being marked as Playable instead of Verified are clearly stated.

Unsupported

Unsupported games do not work on the Steam Deck. This includes VR games, which require specialized hardware and more powerful systems than the Steam Deck offers. Additionally, games with anti-cheat software that doesn’t support Linux, like Call of Duty Warzone, fall into this category.

Related: New Performance Tests Reveal the Power of the Steam Deck

Unknown

Unknown means it’s unclear whether a game works on the Steam Deck. This could be because Valve’s testing team hasn’t tested the game yet or the developer has refused testing. For such cases, the best solution is to check the game’s status on ProtonDB, where players provide similar ratings and feedback.

Conclusion

This initiative by Valve is a major step forward, not only helping players easily find games that run well on the Steam Deck but also encouraging developers to optimize their games for the device more quickly.