New Steam Deck Verified/Playable Highlights 8/10 - 8/12

Keeping the trend going, Valve has upgrade a BUNCH of games to Steam Deck "Playable" and "Verified" in the last few days. And it is our responsibility...nay...mission...to bring to you the curated list of the best of the best! So without further delay, here are some fantastic updated games to watch out for:

Note: Verified or Playable games do not automatically mean they work amazing right out-of-the-box. Some of these games still require work to optimize and play well.

Monster Hunter Rise (Playable)

You ready to gear up, gather your friends, and take on huge monsters? I know I am! Monster Hunter Rise is the newest game in the series that pits you against gigantic beasts, though this time with some fantastic new gameplay elements like the Wirebug for many more versatile movement options. Master the 14 intricate weapons and their move sets while crafting new gear and items to utilize traps and more to methodically plan your hunt. The game is $60 and does require some text to be manually entered, but otherwise, should be very playable on Deck!

AMID EVIL (Playable)

AMID EVIL is a retro FPS that is not only fun to play, but gorgeous to look at. You play through 7 distinct "Episodes" that takes you through beautiful, non-linear levels against enemies that adapt to the way you play. You will have to use magical weaponry that can be super-charged with the souls of the dead to power through your brutal foes to a chaotic soundtrack that keeps you in the zone. The game may need a community configuration, as well as it not showing Steam Deck controller icons, but it natively has full controller support! You can get this game for $20.

Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy (Playable)

The classic courtroom adventure series has come to Steam...and is finally playable! You take control of Phoenix Wright, attorney at law, and must solve cases to save innocent lives. You must be on your toes in this detective-esque visual novel to make sure you don't miss any clues! The $30 game may not show controller icons and have some minor graphics/display issues on Deck, but will definitely play!

Thimbleweed Park (Verified/Linux Native)

From the creators of Monkey Island come a mystery adventure game that will surprise you at every turn. Take control of 1 of 5 characters as you investigate this surreal town where the deeper you go, the weirder it gets. This point and click game is $20 and proudly carries that "Verified" checkmark with it!

Urbek City Builder (Verified)

City building and management has always been a fun time ever since Cities Skylines (for me), so this game feels like a right fit on my Deck! Build your own neighborhoods and grow your city organically, focusing on educating your residents and providing basic necessities. Urbek uses no currency in-game either, so you will have to build everything with the resources you have, and with 30 different resources, there will always be something to manage! The game is $17 on Steam!

Parkitect (Playable/Linux Native)

Speaking of building and management games, if the city life isn't for you, what about a theme park? Parkitect is a business simulator that draws heavy inspiration from the theme park tycoon games before, but with an awesome and unique spin. Not only does it support the Steam Workshop (mods), but it also supports online coop with up to 8 players! Now you can build the best theme park together!! This $30 game may need to use the on-screen keyboard or touchscreen, and may not show Deck controller icons, but is a fantastic game overall that everyone should try.

Dead in Vinland (Playable)

Take on the Viking world in this gritty survival/management game where you must survive on a mysterious island. Dead in Vinland will have you taking care of your 14 unique characters skills and mental health while you gather resources, secure food, and expand your shelter to upgrade your people. On top of that, you can also influence their relationships with each other in dialog choices, including some romance options down the road! The $20 game is rated playable due to some small in-game text, needing the on-screen keyboard sometimes, and not showing Steam Deck controller icons.

The Faraway Land (Playable)

An early access game with a lot of potential, The Faraway Land is an open world survival sim that will plunge you deep into a magical world with a relaxing atmosphere. You must explore and take care of your character as you build your home, garden, and take care of yourself from illness. Fearsome creatures await you as well, so don't forget to gear up to take them on! There is multiplayer in the game as well, though there are some issues with it being ironed out still. The $12 game may need the on-screen keyboard at some points, as well as a custom controller configuration to fully access all the functionality of the game.

Sanctum 2 (Verified/Linux Native)

The sequel to the world's first Tower Defense/FPS hybrid game, Sanctum 2 brings people back into this addicting gameplay loop. Pick from 4 unique classes and utilize deep strategy to blow past all the missions. There is a deep progression system, as well as 4-player coop multiplayer and a vast customization system to keep you coming back for more. The game is a bit old (2013), so while it is $15 without a sale, it can be brought down to $2.25, so I would wait if you can!

That's all for this edition! If you want to check out our last group of newly verified/playable games on Deck, you can do so here.