Steam Deck Compatibility: Understanding Verified, Playable, and Unsupported

Deck Verified (Green Checkmark):

Meaning:

Game works perfectly on Steam Deck out of the box. No configuration, tweaking, or workarounds needed.

Requirements for Verified Status:

Full controller support (no keyboard/mouse needed)

Text is readable on 7-inch screen

Default graphics settings run at acceptable performance

No launcher issues or additional steps required

All in-game text is legible

Proton compatibility (for Windows games)

Experience:

Plug and play

Optimal performance

Native feel

No compromises

Example Games:

Hades

Vampire Survivors

Elden Ring

Spider-Man Remastered

Most modern indie games

Playable (Yellow Icon):

Meaning:

Game works on Steam Deck but requires manual configuration, has minor issues, or needs workarounds.

Common Playable Issues:

Text Size:

Small text hard to read on 7-inch screen

Menus require squinting

Subtitles challenging

Controller Support:

Game works but needs custom controller mapping

Some functions require touchscreen

Occasional keyboard access needed

Performance:

Runs acceptably but not optimally

May need graphics settings adjusted

Frame rate dips in certain areas

Launcher Issues:

Third-party launchers (Ubisoft, EA, Rockstar)

Extra steps to launch

Sign-ins required

Manual Configuration:

Proton version selection needed

Community controller layouts required

Graphics tweaking necessary

Experience:

Playable with patience

May need tweaking

Generally enjoyable with setup

Minor annoyances

Example Games:

Some Ubisoft games (launcher)

Older games with small UI

Games requiring occasional mouse input

Unsupported (Red X):

Meaning:

Game doesn't work on Steam Deck or has major functionality issues.

Reasons for Unsupported:

Anti-Cheat Issues:

EasyAntiCheat not configured for Linux

BattlEye incompatible

Custom anti-cheat systems

Technical Problems:

Doesn't launch

Crashes constantly

Severe performance issues

Game-breaking bugs on Deck

VR Only:

VR-exclusive games

No non-VR mode available

Incompatible Technology:

Windows-only features

DRM issues

Missing dependencies

Experience:

Won't work without significant effort

May never work

Avoid unless community fixes exist

Example Issues:

Destiny 2 (anti-cheat)

Some multiplayer competitive games

VR-exclusive titles

Unknown (Gray Question Mark):

Meaning:

Valve hasn't tested the game yet.

What This Means:

No official compatibility information

May work perfectly or not at all

Community reports are your guide

Proceed with caution

How to Research Unknown Games:

Check ProtonDB for community reports

Search Steam Deck subreddit

Look for YouTube gameplay

Check Steam community discussions

On Steam Store:

Desktop:

Game store page

Look for Steam Deck compatibility badge

Shown near system requirements

Steam Deck:

Store pages show compatibility prominently

Filtering by compatibility available

In Your Library:

Deck Display:

Library view shows compatibility icons

Filter library by "Deck Verified" or "Playable"

Sort by compatibility status

Desktop:

Library details

Compatibility information in game details

Check before installing for Deck

Third-Party Resources:

ProtonDB:

Best resource for compatibility information

Community-verified reports

Performance data

Workarounds and fixes

Rating system (Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze, Borked)

Steam Deck HQ:

Optimized settings

Performance guides

Best settings configurations

Game-specific tips

r/SteamDeck Subreddit:

Community discussions

User experiences

Problem solving

Game recommendations

Before Purchase Decisions:

For Verified Games:

Buy with confidence

Will work as expected

No concerns

For Playable Games:

Research specific issues

Check if issues are dealbreakers for you

Read community workarounds

Consider if you'll tolerate setup

For Unsupported:

Avoid unless you're technical

Check for community fixes

Consider buying elsewhere if available

Wait for updates

For Unknown:

Research thoroughly

Check ProtonDB

Look for similar games' compatibility

Consider waiting for official testing

Proton Version Selection:

What is Proton:

Valve's compatibility layer that runs Windows games on Linux (Steam Deck's OS)

Changing Proton Version:

1. Library → Game Properties

2. Compatibility tab

3. Force specific Proton version

4. Try Proton Experimental or latest stable

When to Change:

Game doesn't launch

Performance issues

Graphics glitches

Audio problems

Common Solutions:

Proton Experimental (newest, experimental features)

Proton GE (community-enhanced version)

Older Proton versions (for compatibility)

Graphics Settings Optimization:

Performance vs Quality Balance:

For 30 FPS Target:

Medium to High settings

Better visual quality

Longer battery life

For 60 FPS Target:

Low to Medium settings

Smoother gameplay

Faster battery drain

Key Settings to Adjust:

Resolution (800p native for Deck)

Anti-aliasing (lower for performance)

Shadows (biggest performance impact)

Effects and particle quality

V-Sync and frame limiters

Controller Configuration:

Using Community Layouts:

Game Properties → Controller

Browse community layouts

Try highest-rated configs

Save personal tweaks

Creating Custom Layouts:

Map keyboard controls to controller

Use touchpads for mouse functions

Back buttons for quick access

Gyro for aiming (shooter games)

Common Fixes for Issues:

Small Text:

Increase UI scaling (if available)

Use magnification accessibility features

Sit closer or adjust viewing angle

Some games have UI mods

Launcher Problems:

Skip launcher with launch options

Install launcher dependencies

Use community scripts

Check ProtonDB for specific fixes

Performance Issues:

Lower resolution

Disable power-hungry features

Use FSR (AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution)

Frame rate limiter (40 FPS sweet spot for Deck)

Audio Problems:

Switch Proton versions

Check audio output settings

Verify game audio configuration

Community audio fixes

Ideal Steam Deck Games:

Perfect Genres for Handheld:

Roguelikes:

Perfect for pick-up-and-play

Short runs fit portable gaming

Examples: Hades, Dead Cells, Slay the Spire

Indie Games:

Often Deck Verified

Lower performance requirements

Great for short sessions

Turn-Based Strategy:

No twitch reflexes needed

Playable in any environment

Examples: Civilization, XCOM

RPGs:

Deep experiences for long sessions

Often controller-optimized

Great for dedicated gaming time

Metroidvanias:

Controller-native gameplay

Portable progression

Perfect difficulty for handheld

Puzzle Games:

No performance demands

Touchscreen compatible

Great for casual play

Games to Avoid on Deck:

Competitive FPS:

Requires precision

Smaller screen disadvantage

Better on desktop

RTS Games:

Mouse-heavy gameplay

Small unit management difficult

Text readability issues

Complex Simulations:

Tiny UI elements

Requires large screen

Keyboard-heavy controls

Collection Strategy:

Build Deck-Specific Collection:

1. Filter library by Deck Verified

2. Identify Playable games worth optimizing

3. Create Deck-specific favorites

4. Download for offline play

Installation Management:

Prioritize Verified games

Keep variety of genres

Install for different moods/situations

Manage storage carefully (SD card recommended)

Key Takeaways:

Verified = works perfectly, Playable = works with setup, Unsupported = don't try

Check ProtonDB for detailed compatibility information

Many Playable games can be optimized for great experiences

Build a library focused on Deck-friendly genres

Adjust Proton versions and settings for better performance

Use community controller layouts for better controls