5 Best Indie Games on Steam Deck (July 2022)

Steam Deck is the newest and latest portable gaming platform for gamers. Its versatile but compact build surprisingly can handle some of gaming's biggest titles, like Elden Ring and God of War. But just because it can handle big AAA titles doesn't mean they're the only ones you should spend your time playing. There is an extensive list of great Indie games, that will surely provide lots of enjoyment. In light of that, we want to look at the five best Indie games Steam Deck currently has to offer.

All of these games are coming across different genres, offering a ton of variety. So, surely there is something in this list to appeal to everyone's gaming appetite. And, rather than sifting through all of the available Indie game options, you can rely on this list to bring you the best there is right now. With that, games that are verified, Steam Deck compatible. That makes all of these games excellent choices, but keep reading to find the next best Indie game on Steam Deck for you.

5. PowerWash Simulator

Simulators seem to be the newest wave of Indie games that players are taking a liking to. You've probably heard of others like Farming Simulator and Euro Truck Simulator, even notable knock-offs like GOAT Simulator. Now the genre is branching into even more specific niches as we've seen Lawn Mowing Simulator, and now most recently PowerWash Simulator. Which you guessed it, puts a Powerwasher in your hands, and simulates the experience of cleaning various objects with it.

Despite the fact that the game may be a bit of a parody, PowerWash Simulator released on July 14th, 2022, and is already one of the highest-rated Indie games on Steam. As a result, it's currently one of the best Indie games available on Steam Deck. The only reason for this is that players can't get enough of the mindless pleasure of power washing dirt off cars, boats, houses, and other various items. So don't knock it before you try it, because PowerWash Simulator is an oddly methodical game and one that's even more hysterically fun to play with friends.

4. Neon White

Neon White released on June 16th, and it's quickly growing in popularity as a new Indie game. The action-packed first-person platformer revolves around exterminating demons in Heaven. You play as Neon White, a hand-picked assassin from Hell tasked with eliminating these demons and granting your opportunity to live forever in Heaven upon doing so. That's the task at hand, and the game presents it with lightning-fast gameplay and a unique card system.

Because Neon White is based on speed-running movement and action, Soul Cards were added to expand the gameplay. These allow you knew ways to attack your foes, or you can discard them to unlock unique movement abilities. This includes an intriguing strategy that allows you to cleverly combine the cards to unlock shortcuts and even new routes to complete levels. If you're looking for a new type of experience, Neon White will undoubtedly provide it as it's one of the best Indie games on Steam Deck right now.

3. Hades

Hades is the pinnacle hack and slash, rouge-like dungeon crawler, and the best experience of the genre you'll get on Steam Deck. As the prince of the underworld, you have the abilities and weapons to break free from the chains and confinements that keep you in the underworld. However, you will receive some assistance from other Olympus gods along the way. They will, however, be there in spirit rather than by your side. That is, you can unlock and wield the many powers they possess for yourself.

That means you can cater your abilities to that of other gods and customize the gameplay to suit your playstyle. There are over a thousand different character builds in total for Hades, making the game highly replayable and providing a refreshing new combat experience every time you play. As far as the best Indie games on Steam Deck goe's, Hades is one you surely don't want to miss out on. Regardless if you like the genre or not, this title is unquestionably a must-play for any gamer.

2. A Short Hike

One of the highest praised indie games on the Steam Deck is the relaxing adventure game, A Short Hike. The games see you playing as Claire, a young bird who spends her days exploring and uncovering the many mysteries of Hawk Peak Provincial Park. The game is completely open-world and focuses on the exploration aspect of it. You can choose to embark on the marked trails, or venture off and explore the undiscovered backcountry to your heart's content.

The overall goal of the game is to reach the summit of Hawk Peak Provincial Park. However, there is absolutely no rush to do so, as the game is meant to be enjoyed at your own pace. Plus, its melodic soundtrack won't have you feeling rushed to progress any quicker than you want. That means you can take your time soaring off cliffs, conversing with hikers, and discovering Hawk Peak Provincial Park's many pleasant mysteries.

1. Stray

Stray is an Indie game, which may come as a surprise to you, as it did to us. At least according to Developers and Steam, both of which are fairly reliable sources. The third-person cat adventure game takes you on a journey about a cat who's been separated from his family and now must solve an ancient mystery to break free of the decaying cybercity. By nimbly crawling, jumping, and pursuing through paths only a cat can reach, you must save yourself and find a way out.

As far as adorable Indie games go, Stray is easily at the top of the list. But the game is more than just a cat simulator; its narrative has received positive feedback since its release, claiming it to be a well-rounded title. So it's good that the game is succeeding in that regard because gamers have an odd fondness for cats, so the hype surrounding the game was greater than you'd expect. It's also that much more appealing knowing that Stray is Steam Deck verified upon release. So if you've ever wondered what the life of a cat is like, give Stray a shot and found out.

So, what's your take? Do you agree with our top five? Are there other games best Indie games on Steam Deck that we should know about? Let us know in the comments below or over on our socials here!