Tag: Steam Deck Verified

  • Deal: Fantasy Strategy RPG Drops Below $7.50 on Steam

    Key Takeaway

    – Blends 4X strategy, turn-based tactics, and RPG mechanics with a mobile mage tower base
    – Three mage archetypes (Necromancer, Alchemist, Spellsmith) offer distinct playstyles
    – Tactical battles emphasize positioning, elevation, and spell use
    – Strong “just one more turn” appeal but limited replay value after first playthrough
    – Currently 75% off on Steam ($7.49), its lowest price ever, and Steam Deck Verified


    Starting your magical journey in SpellForce: Conquest of Eo

    Players take on the role of a powerful mage who inherits a mysterious mage tower after the death of there master and sets out to expand there influence across the fantasy world of Eo. On the path to dominance, players must control sources of magic, train new apprentices and send powerful armies into battle against rival mages, monsters and demons. Depending on the chosen archetype – Necromancer, Alchemist or Spellsmith – different playstyles and strategies emerges. Its a rich world that rewards exporation and careful planning.

    Core gameplay and the mobile mage tower

    In terms of gameplay, Conquest of Eo blends turn-based 4X strategy with tactical battles and role-playing mechanics. Armies explore the world map, complete quests, gather resources and encounter enemy factions. When combat begins, battles shift to separate battlefields, where positioning, elevation advantages, spells and special abilities determines victory or defeat. One of the game’s biggest distinctive features is the mage tower: The floating structure can be moved from region to region over the course of the campaign and serves as a mobile base where players can craft artifacts, brew potions and research spells, among other things. Its a fantastic hub for your operations.

    What critics and players are saying

    In its review, German gaming magazine PC Games awarded SpellForce: Conquest of Eo a solid 7 out of 10 points and praised the successful mix of 4X strategy, turn-based tactics and role-playing, as well as the tactically demanding battles. According to the editorial team, the game creates a strong “just one more turn” effect that keeps players motivated for many hours. On the other hand, the game looses some of its appeal fairly quickly: After the first playthrough, there is not much new left to discover, and quests overlap noticeably. Given the current low price, however, the lack of replay value should be easier to overlook.

    Current deals and platform performance

    Conquest of Eo is 75% off on Steam until June 25 and costs $7.49 instead of $29.99. According to SteamDB, the current deal matches the game’s lowest price to date, which was last reached in early May. Reviews on other platforms are also largely positive. On Metacritic, the strategy game has a Metascore of 77 and a User Score of 7.8. The Steam community gives it an 80% positive rating average based on more than 2,600 user reviews. Strategy fans who like playing on handhelds should also get there money’s worth: Conquest of Eo is rated “Verified” on the Steam Deck and should therefore run without major issues.

    Notebookcheck is not responsible for price changes carried out by retailers. The discounted price or deal mentioned in this item was available at the time of writing and may be subject to time restrictions and/or limited unit availability.


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  • Deal: Unique Drone War Strategy Game Drops to $10 on Steam

    Key Takeaway

    – Unique drone warfare concept: Real-time tactics from a bird’s-eye perspective, with no directly comparable game.
    – 90% positive Steam reviews, praised as challenging and rewarding despite clunky controls and minor bugs.
    – Discounted 20% off on Steam ($10) for the first time; Steam Deck Verified.
    – Early Access with 10 story levels + 3 secret levels, playable solo or co-op.
    – Price likely to increase after Early Access ends (originally planned for one year), making this a limited-time offer.


    Drone Perspective – A Unique Tactical Experience

    In Drone Perspective, players do not sit in the trenches with a weapon themselves, but instead coordinate their troops from a drone’s-eye view. The real-time tactics game launched in Early Access in March 2025 and usually costs around $13. It is currently 20% off on Steam, which, according to SteamDB, brings the price down to around $10 for the first time. Thanks to its “Verified” badge for the Steam Deck, the offer could also be interesting for handheld gamers.

    Story and Gameplay Mechanics

    The story revolves around a country under attack and the organization VEIL, which recruits the player as a tester for a new drone communication system. Fittingly, the game’s central hub is the fictional computer operating system VEIL OS, through which players communicate with their clients and operate their drones. From the air, players coordinate four teams with a total of six soldiers. From the drone’s perspective, they scout enemy positions, issue movement commands and prepare attacks with suppressive fire. The Early Access version includes 10 story levels and three secret levels with experimental gameplay – playable either solo or in co-op.

    Community Reception and Pricing

    On Steam, Drone Perspective is still largely flying under the radar, with just under 100 reviews so far. However, 90% of them are positive. Players particularly praise the unique drone warfare concept, as there is currently no directly comparable game. The gameplay is described as challenging and rewarding, although the controls are reportedly still somewhat clunky. Some players also mention occasional bugs and technical issues. For tactics fans looking for something new, the offer could still be worthwhile. According to the developers, Early Access was originally intended to last only one year, meaning it could end at any time. Since the game’s price is set to increase after Early Access, this could be one of the last opportunities to grab Drone Perspective at a discounted Early Access price.


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  • Deal: Balatro with Dice Roguelike Drops to $5.60 on Steam

    Key Takeaway

    – Combines dice mechanics with roguelike progression and risk-reward decisions
    – 60% off on Steam ($5.59), lowest price to date
    – High praise: 8.5/10 from Softpedia, 92% positive Steam user reviews
    – Four playable characters offer varied strategies and replay value
    – Luck factor can cause frustration, and gameplay may become repetitive


    A Winning Formula Reimagined

    The success of Balatro has shown how well classic card and gambling mechanics can work when combined with roguelike progression, build variety and clever risk-based decisions. Dice With Death follows a similar formula, but replaces poker cards with dice. The game comes from Sea Glass Games, the indie studio founded by YouTuber and developer Connagh Hawkins, also known as Merchant. Dice With Death is currently 60% off on Steam and costs $5.59 instead of $13.99. According to SteamDB, this is its lowest price to date; previous discounts topped out at 50%.

    Gambling With Your Afterlife

    In Dice With Death, players are already dead but receive one final chance to escape the afterlife. To do so, they must face Death himself in a seemingly friendly but dangerous dice game. Those who defeat him across several duels collect new dice, relics and special abilities, build increasingly powerful combinations and, ideally, cheat Death. Useful dice results are kept, the remaining dice are rerolled and risk-based decisions have to be made again and again: bank the points safely as damage or keep rolling for a stronger combination? A bad roll can ruin the entire turn, while successful combos stack damage, generate armor, enable healing or build up poison. This is where the core tension comes from: Is the safe damage enough, or is the next roll worth the risk?

    Critical And Community Acclaim

    The gaming website Softpedia awarded Dice With Death 8.5 out of 10 in its review, praising its exciting risk-reward mechanics, wide variety of relics and dice as well as its different character strategies. The four playable characters each have their own playstyle, which adds to the replay value. Criticism was aimed at the gameplay, which can become repetitive over time, and the thin story. There is also a strong luck factor, which can quickly lead to frustration, as bad rolls can undermine even the best strategy. The Steam community is impressed as well: 92% of more than 700 user reviews are positive. Dice With Death is also Steam Deck Verified and should therefore run without issues.

    Pricing and Availability Details

    Dic With Death is currently 60% off on Steam and costs $5.59 instead of $13.99. According to SteamDB, this is its lowest price to date; previous discounts topped out at 50%. The discounted price or deal mentioned in this item was available at the time of writing and may be subject to time restrictions and/or limited unit availability.


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  • Fast-Paced Shooter with 96% Positive Reviews Now Half Price on Steam

    Fast-Paced Shooter with 96% Positive Reviews Now Half Price on Steam

    Key Takeaway

    1. Open-world design with seamless exploration and reachability of distant locations.
    2. Combines high-speed shooter action with versatile movement mechanics like hoverboards and grappling hooks.
    3. Positive reception with strong reviews, highlighting dynamic combat, weapon variety, and smooth movement system.
    4. Features both single-player and co-op gameplay, set in a stylized sci-fi aesthetic.
    5. Currently available at a significant discount, making it an accessible option for players.

    Discovering Echo Point Nova

    In this game, players takes on the role of a researcher who crash lands on a strange planet. The terrain and environment are all controlled by a cruel mercenary group who the player missions are to sabotage and uncover hidden ancient tech. The game offer a huge open-world map, where you can see distant locations and actually go there, instead of the typical levels that are small and linear. This makes exploring more fun and less predictable, giving player more freedom to choose their path.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Style

    Gameplay is super fast with a lot of movement options that lets players feel like they are really in control. You can unlock cool things like hoverboards, grappling hooks, and some other abilities that make moving around the map easier and more exciting. The battles are intense with a bunch of different weapons to use and powerful boss fights to conquer. The game has a bright sci-fi visual style with bold color choices and simple, clear graphics so you always know what’s going on. You can play alone or team-up with friends in a mode that supports up to four players.

    Reception and Critical Acclaim

    Many gamers love Echo Point Nova, with over 7,300 positive reviews on Steam and a high score of 96%. The game also scored well on Metacritic with an 85 for the PC version and a user score of 9.3 out of 10. Critics say the fast movement and combat system makes it engaging, with a wide range of weapons and enemies to keep things fresh. However, some feel the story is kinda weak and parts of the gameplay can seem a little repetitive after some time.

    Developers and Purchase Details

    Greylock, a US-based studio, developed this game and it was released in September 2024. Normally, the game costs around $24.99, but there is currently a discount of 50%, which lowers the price to only $12.49 until April 27. This is actually the lowest price it’s been since it first came out, with previous discounts only up to 40%. The game is verified for Steam Deck, so you should be able to play it smoothly on portable devices as well.


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  • New Steam Deck Game Bundle – 8 Games Worth $100 for $18

    New Steam Deck Game Bundle – 8 Games Worth $100 for $18

    Key Takeaway

    1. The 15 Golden Tales bundle offers 8 adventure games, mostly Steam Deck Verified.
    2. The bundle is available in three tiers: $10 for 3 games, $15 for 5 games, and $18 for all 8 games.
    3. The deal expires on May 2, 2026, and prices are subject to change.

    New Gaming Bundle Offers Exciting Adventures

    There’s a fresh offer in the gaming world called the 15 Golden Tales bundle that’s got alot of people talking. This package is packed with total of eight incredible adventure games, and most of these titles are verified to run on Steam Deck, making it perfect for portable gaming. The deal will be available until May 2, 2026, so gamers have plenty of time to grab it.

    Pricing Structure and Options

    The bundle is broken into three different tiers for flexible buying options. The first tier costs just $10 and includes three different games for players to enjoy. If someone want’s more, the second tier costs $15 and adds two more titles. But for those who want all the games in the bundle, it costs $18 for the third tier which includes all eight games. This setup offers a nice variety of choices depending on what you want to spend and how many games you wish to get.

    Details and Specifications of Included Games

    Here’s what really matters – the games themselves! Each game comes with specific features, and it is noteworthy that seven out of the eight games are Steam Deck Verified, which means they run smoothly on Steam’s console. While we do not list the exact titles here, the bundle boasts a variety of adventure titles, each offering unique stories and gameplay experiences. Keep in mind specific prices or deals may change, so it’s always best to check before buying. This bundle’s offer is a great opportunity for fans eager to expand their game libraries at a discount.

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  • Steam Deck Verified Program Surpasses 25,000 Playable Games

    Steam Deck Verified Program Surpasses 25,000 Playable Games

    Key Takeaways

    1. Valve’s Steam Deck Verified program helps gamers navigate the extensive Steam library, with over 31,000 games categorized for the handheld device.

    2. More than 25,000 games are marked as Verified or Playable, indicating their compatibility with the Steam Deck.

    3. Verified games may not always perform perfectly, as some require manual adjustments for optimal play.

    4. Games labeled as Unsupported can still be playable on the Steam Deck, highlighting the complexity of game compatibility.

    5. Valve remains committed to supporting the Steam Deck, suggesting ongoing improvements even as they prepare for future releases like the Steam Deck 2.


    Valve has rolled out the Steam Deck Verified to help gamers sift through the extensive Steam library. Despite some shortcomings, this system sets a standard for what the handheld gaming device can manage effectively.

    Ongoing Support for Steam Deck

    Nearly four years post the launch of the Steam Deck, Valve appears to be keeping the program in good shape. According to information from SteamDB, there are more than 31,000 Steam games that have been officially classified for the handheld. This figure represents about 19% of all games available on the platform.

    Game Categories on Steam Deck

    Of the over 31,000 games that have been categorized, more than 25,000 are labeled as either Verified or Playable. To clarify, the Verified label indicates that the game will perform seamlessly on the handheld device (the upgraded JSAUX dock for this device is currently priced at $32.79 on Amazon), without the need for any adjustments. On the other hand, the Playable tag signifies that while the game is compatible, some manual configurations may be necessary.

    Not All Verified Games Perform Perfectly

    Nonetheless, not every game marked as Steam Deck Verified works as smoothly as Valve suggests. Titles like Baldur’s Gate 3, Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2, and Hellblade 2 carry the Verified label, but they still need some manual adjustments for an optimal experience. Furthermore, just because a game is labeled Unsupported by Valve doesn’t imply that it cannot run on the handheld device.

    A number of games with the Steam Deck Unsupported tag are actually playable, like Silent Hill 2. In defense of Valve, the company has stated that it judges each game for the handheld based on a rigorous set of criteria, which explains why certain titles receive the Unsupported label despite being technically playable.

    In any case, this ongoing enhancement of the program clearly demonstrates Valve’s dedication to supporting its product, and it will be fascinating to see if the company continues this trend when the Steam Deck 2 is released.

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  • New Retro RPG Launches on Steam with Discount and 10 Classes

    New Retro RPG Launches on Steam with Discount and 10 Classes

    Key Takeaways

    1. Transition to 16-bit Style: Dungeon Antiqua 2 shifts from 8-bit NES graphics to a more detailed 16-bit SNES style, enhancing the visual experience.

    2. Expanded Job System: The game introduces ten distinct classes, including five advanced roles unlocked through gameplay, along with a new skill milestone system that allows skill sharing across jobs.

    3. Enhanced Exploration Mechanics: Players can explore six unique dungeons with a vision mechanic affecting map visibility and enemy encounters, while minimizing lengthy cutscenes for a classic dungeon crawler feel.

    4. Tailored for Handheld Gaming: The game is verified for Steam Deck and includes features for portable gaming, along with a strong data transfer system for carrying over progress from the demo.

    5. Challenging Difficulty Level: Early reviews highlight the high difficulty, requiring strategic gameplay, which may be daunting for casual players but appealing to veterans of classic RPGs.


    On January 7, 2026, Shiromofu Factory, the developer, launched Dungeon Antiqua 2 on Steam, marking a transition from its 8-bit NES roots to a more intricate 16-bit SNES style. This sequel brings significant enhancements over the original 2024 release, featuring improved character growth and exploration of the game world. Right now, the game is on sale with a special introductory price of around $7.64, available until mid-January.

    Expanded Job System

    The gameplay structure of Dungeon Antiqua 2 features an upgraded job system, now boasting ten distinct classes, compared to its earlier version. Players start with five basic roles, including the Fighter, Thief, and Priest. The other five advanced classes, such as the newly introduced Archer, are unlocked through progressing in the game. A notable change from the original is the new skill milestone system. Instead of relying solely on levels for power, players gather skill points to hit specific targets that unlock special abilities tied to each job. Moreover, skills learned can be used across various jobs, meaning that switching a character’s role doesn’t reset their basic level.

    Enhanced Exploration Mechanics

    Exploration has been expanded to feature six unique dungeons, utilizing a vision mechanic that determines map visibility and enemy icons based on character stats. This allows players to either avoid dangers or engage in battle to gain a strategic edge. The developers intentionally minimized lengthy story cutscenes, preferring to utilize dialogue and environmental storytelling, thus recreating the feel of classic dungeon crawlers from the early 1990s.

    The game is also verified for Steam Deck (currently priced at $795 on Amazon) and includes features tailored for handheld gaming lovers. The game files have a special executable for certain portable consoles, found in the local game folders. Additionally, a strong data transfer system enables players to carry over progress from the pre-launch demo to the full game using a secure backup code. Shortly after the launch, on January 8, a patch was released to fix rare freezing problems and improve English localization, like renaming some inventory items for better understanding.

    Feedback on Difficulty

    According to early reviews, the game presents a high difficulty level that may challenge players not familiar with classic RPG mechanics. Success in battles relies on the strategic application of debuffs; for instance, physical attacks against boss-level enemies typically result in minimal damage unless the Mage in the party uses Armor Class debuffs like Darkness or Terror. While the absence of narrative elements may appeal to die-hard fans of the genre, the game’s mechanical complexity and dedication to “old school” features, such as a capped frame rate and limited auto-save options, could deter more casual gamers.

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  • Rubber Figure Sandbox Game Debuts on Steam with 97% Positive Rating

    Rubber Figure Sandbox Game Debuts on Steam with 97% Positive Rating

    Key Takeaways

    1. Players control “Wobblies,” stretchy figures that seek work and independence after being kicked out by their granny.
    2. The game features open-world exploration, allowing players to take odd jobs, customize their characters, and freely explore Wobbly Island.
    3. Wobbly Life’s fun physics create amusing interactions, and the recent Space Update introduces zero-gravity settings and space-themed missions.
    4. Developed by RubberBandGames, the game launched officially on September 19, 2025, after being in Early Access since June 2020.
    5. Currently ranked first in SteamDB’s “Hot Releases,” Wobbly Life has overwhelmingly positive reviews and is priced around $20 with a launch discount.


    In Wobbly Life, players take on the character of a “Wobbly”—these are stretchy, mouthless figures that move in a clumsy and funny way. After being booted out by their granny, players must seek work, earn some cash, and eventually buy their own home to be independent.

    Open World Exploration

    Wobbly Life is not bound by a strict storyline. Instead, it offers players a chance to enjoy freedom in an expansive world. Players can engage in odd jobs—such as pizza delivery or animal relocation—search for hidden treasures, personalize their looks, vehicles, and homes, and wander around Wobbly Island at their leisure.

    Playful Physics and New Updates

    The game’s appeal largely comes from its fun physics: vehicles, objects, and interactions are exaggerated, creating amusing scenarios. The recently released Space Update brings even more excitement, adding zero-gravity settings, space-themed jobs, and missions on a space station. Wobbly Life is also confirmed to run on the Steam Deck (currently listed on Amazon for $600).

    RubberBandGames developed and published Wobbly Life. The game first appeared in Early Access in June 2020 and had its official launch over five years later on September 19, 2025, making a strong impression with over 8,000 players online at its debut.

    Reception and Pricing

    Presently, Wobbly Life is ranked first in SteamDB’s “Hot Releases” chart. The reviews have been overwhelmingly positive, with nearly 15,000 total and an average score of 97%. While many reviews originate from the Early Access period, the most recent 800 indicate that the game continues to hold its high rating. Typically priced around $25, it’s currently on sale for approximately $20 thanks to a 20% launch discount.

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  • Top-Rated Co-Op Free Game on Steam Deck Going Paid Soon

    Top-Rated Co-Op Free Game on Steam Deck Going Paid Soon

    Key Takeaways

    1. Game Update: Pico Park: Classic Edition received a graphics refresh after nine years and will soon transition from free to a paid model, with a limited-time offer to grab it for free starting September 13, 2025.

    2. Multiplayer Features: The game supports online multiplayer for 2 to 10 players and includes 22 levels filled with physics-based puzzles, featuring unique mechanics and time-limited challenges.

    3. Endless Mode: An additional gameplay mode called Endless Mode offers cooperative challenges, requiring teamwork to solve puzzles and navigate obstacles in a single session.

    4. Local Play Options: The game supports local play with multiple Xbox controllers and includes a smartphone app, TecoGamePad, to use phones as gamepads, along with being Steam Deck Verified.

    5. Player Feedback: While the game has a 72% positive rating, some players find the gameplay frustrating due to its emphasis on coordination and timing, and the sound design has received criticism for being overly loud.


    Released back in 2016, Pico Park: Classic Edition, a no-cost game on Steam, has just gotten an update nine years after it first came out. The game now features refreshed graphics that align better with other titles in the series. Although it started as a complimentary option and is still listed at $0, it will soon change to a paid model.

    Upcoming Changes

    On September 13, 2025, the developers announced that the game will be “free for about a week.” If you’re keen on grabbing it for your Steam library while it’s still free, Pico Park: Classic Edition is classified as an action-puzzle game featuring both local and online multiplayer modes.

    Multiplayer Options

    The game allows for online play with 2 to 10 players and currently offers 22 levels filled with physics-based puzzles. Each stage features its own mechanics, including time-limited challenges. Some levels also switch player movements, creating an extra layer of difficulty.

    There are several gameplay modes available too. One such mode is called Endless Mode, where players face a new set of cooperative challenges in a single session, including dodging obstacles, constructing puzzles, and flying planes. While the controls are described as straightforward, the puzzles in this currently free game are quite tricky, demanding strategic teamwork.

    Local Play Features

    For local gameplay, Pico Park: Classic Edition includes “Xbox Extended Feature Support,” enabling players to link more than five Xbox controllers simultaneously (the Xbox Elite Series 2 Core is currently priced at $153 on Amazon). The developers also mention a smartphone app called TecoGamePad, which turns your phone into a gamepad.

    Additionally, Pico Park: Classic Edition is tagged as Steam Deck Verified, boasting a 72% positive rating from around 1,550 reviews. Although it sounds promising for a free game, some players have pointed out that the gameplay can be a bit frustrating due to the strong focus on coordination and timing. The sound design has also faced criticism, with some users finding it unnecessarily loud. Watch the video below to discover more.

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  • Steam Deck Verified Program Expands to Third-Party Handhelds

    Steam Deck Verified Program Expands to Third-Party Handhelds

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Steam Deck Verified program now includes two categories for SteamOS compatibility: games that work well and games that are not supported.

    2. This update applies to all hardware running SteamOS, not just the Steam Deck, with over 18,000 games marked as compatible.

    3. Compatibility verification will be automated, using data from the Deck Verified program, eliminating the need for manual retesting.

    4. The update improves support for third-party gaming handhelds like the Legion Go S, but does not address fundamental issues with the Deck Verified program.

    5. Valve is making efforts to enhance the Deck Verified program, suggesting potential future revisions to the verification process.


    The Steam Deck Verified program has received an update that, while not fixing the main problems with the program, does bring SteamOS compatibility. This update is primarily aimed at third-party gaming handhelds that operate on Valve’s OS, like the Legion Go S.

    New Categories for Compatibility

    According to Valve’s announcement on the Steam developer blog, there are now two distinct categories for SteamOS compatibility. One category includes games that work well with the OS, while the other consists of games that are not supported. In comparison, the Deck Verified program originally had four categories: Verified, Playable, Unsupported, and Unknown.

    Expansion Beyond Steam Deck

    Valve clarifies that this addition to the Deck Verified program applies not just to the handhelds that come with Valve’s OS, but to “any hardware running SteamOS that isn’t a Steam Deck.” The company further emphasizes in the developer blog that it anticipates marking over 18,000 games as compatible right from the start.

    Automated Updates and Future Compatibility

    Importantly, Valve has pointed out that these updates will be automated, eliminating the need to manually retest each game. Instead, the compatibility verification will rely on data from the Deck Verified program to assess SteamOS support for the games. Future games will have their Deck Verified and SteamOS compatibility badges processed at the same time.

    This is definitely a step forward for handheld devices that can utilize SteamOS (like the Legion Go S, priced at $599.99 on Best Buy). However, Valve still hasn’t tackled the fundamental issues surrounding the Deck Verified program. Given the outdated hardware in Valve’s gaming handheld, just having a Verified badge for new AAA games doesn’t guarantee that gamers will have a satisfactory experience.

    Despite this, the update indicates that Valve is making efforts to enhance the Deck Verified program, and it’s likely that significant revisions to the verification process could be forthcoming.

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