5 Best Action RPGs on Steam Deck (July 2022)

This appears to be the best time to own a Steam Deck system. I mean, with all the new title additions to the Steam collection, who wouldn’t want a part in it? There are hundreds of games you can access from the Steam Deck library, and thanks to the device’s portability, you can take all these games with you wherever you go. This vast library also includes a ton of RPGs to cater to the fans of the genre. 

However, going through all of them can be tedious. So what is the quickest way to sort through the best Steam Deck verified action RPGs today? Well, that’s why we are here. This is a list of the best action RPGs on Steam Deck. Take a look to find out if any of your favorite PC titles have made the cut.

5. Horizon Zero Dawn 

Say goodbye to your free space.

Horizon Zero Dawn is one of the biggest RPGs you can play in 2022. The game has become a cult favorite since its release on Xbox and PlayStation. Thanks to the significant updates to the Steam Deck library, owners of the system can now enjoy this marvelous title. Expect to encounter vicious enemies and engage in incredible battles. Not to forget the signature element of the game, which is the fantastic, explorable open world. There are also some breathtaking mechanical dinosaur-like creatures that you just have to see for yourself. 

The game lets you travel through different areas of its post-apocalyptic realm, where you will encounter varying difficulty levels; some areas will be more difficult than others, with much tougher enemies. Therefore, you must level up your character’s skills and weapons at every chance you get. If you enjoy a nicely visualized RPG incorporating a unique storyline, you must try Horizon Zero Dawn.

4. Yakuza: Like A Dragon

If you have played Yakuza: Like A Dragon before, you may need to revisit the game on Steam Deck. This is due to the changes and additional features in store for all of you Kazuma fans. The new features range from new locations within the Yokohama district to new combat styles. The game has switched to a turn-based combat style from the typical fighting style in all previous Yakuza games. The graphics are also a big aspect of the game that has recently improved. Yakuza: Like A Dragon has been designed just right for a portable device. 

In terms of gameplay, there are plenty of fun elements to look up to. The game lets you select any main character of your choice, with a wide range of abilities to explore. Despite the numerous changes, Yakuza: Like A Dragon has maintained a number of outstanding elements. For instance, you can still summon other characters to back you up in fights. Not to mention the in-game sub-stories that often make the game more expansive.

3. Elden Ring

Elden Ring is another awesome action RPG you can play on your Steam Deck. A major production from the good folks at Bandai Namco and FromSoftware. If you are up for serious combat and challenging bosses, this is the game for you. Elden Ring takes you through an open world that you are encouraged to explore and prevail through every challenge in your path. Obtain powerful armor and weapons and get in the best shape to fight fierce opponents. Elden Ring is easily one of the best games you can find on Steam Deck this year. 

The game follows a complex story, one that you are sure to enjoy. It also takes you through multiple routes that will require relevant decision-making, especially when interacting with NPCs. Like most soul games, Elden Ring lets you choose a class that comes with different choices of weapons; which will determine your dominant combat style. The various fun activities you can engage in include horseback riding, crafting, summoning, and casting magic spells.

2. Scarlet Nexus

Moving on to another major Bandai Namco production, we have Scarlet Nexus, an anime-styled JRPG. The game follows an expansive lore centered around the coexistence between regular humans and beings with psionic abilities. However, this era of advancement does not come without flaws. A much bigger threat has arisen in the form of brain-hungry mutants targeting human brains. It is up to you, as the last hope of humanity, to use your incredible psionic abilities to save the world.

While playing Scarlet Nexus, there are impressive action and fierce combat techniques you get to explore. Aside from that, you may also enjoy the amazing dual story that the game offers. You begin playing as either of two characters whose stories connect and intertwine at certain points in the game. Connecting both parts of the characters’ stories helps bring out the whole narrative. Like most JRPGs, Scarlet Nexus lets you level up your characters’ skills, powers, and weapons. Similarly, as you progress through the game, you will meet various other characters, some of which will assist you on your quest.

1. Apex Legends

Steam Deck has also got you, battle royale fans, covered with Apex Legends. This is one of the biggest action games to grace the Steam collection. Select a legend from a roster of variant characters, each with special abilities unique to themselves. The game offers two play modes, one of which includes a massive action-filled battle royale mode. Before you begin the match, you must form a squad of three to battle against up to 19 other squads; you may also choose to enter a match by yourself. The battles take place on a series of maps where you must take down all your opponents to remain the last team or person standing.

Apex Legends lets you scavenge for weapons and resources that may help you gain the upper hand against other players. It also features various interesting science fiction elements based on the Titanfall universe; a first-person shooter game from the same developer. Similarly, Apex Legends features several characters from the Titanfall series. Besides that, the game still runs on its own independent notions. Now, if you are into fierce head-to-head competitive combat, you know which game to pick.

Which of the video games from the list above do you think is the best action RPGs on Steam Deck? Share your pick with us in the comments below or over on our socials here!