Steam Deck games like Hourglass
Below are 12 Steam Deck-friendly games similar to Hourglass (8 Verified, the rest Playable), ranked by player overlap. Every pick has Valve's compat stamp — Verified means full controller support and default settings just work; Playable means a small first-launch tweak (control remap or text size) gets you there. imho.run pulls compat status straight from Valve's own endpoint, refreshed daily.
Want the full alternatives list (paid + free + Steam Deck + cheaper picks)? See the parent games like Hourglass page.
Ranked picks
- 1
The Talos Principle 2
Deck Verified alternative to Hourglass — runs on Steam Deck out of the box. Shares Adventure with Hourglass.
The Talos Principle 2 is a thought-provoking first-person puzzle experience that greatly expands on the first game's philosophical themes and stunning environments with increasingly mind-bending challenges.
- 2
Viewfinder
Deck Verified alternative to Hourglass — runs on Steam Deck out of the box. Shares Indie and Adventure with Hourglass.
Challenge perception, redefine reality, and reshape the world around you with an instant camera. Viewfinder is a new single player game offering gamers hours of interesting and fun experiences while uncovering the mysteries left behind.
- 3
Evan's Remains
Deck Verified alternative to Hourglass — runs on Steam Deck out of the box. Shares Indie and Adventure with Hourglass.
Years after a boy genius named Evan disappears, a bizarre letter arrives. Evan wants a girl named Dysis to come find him. As Dysis, you’ll need to solve an intricate series of puzzles to unravel the entire mystery—and bring Evan home.
- 4
Manifold Garden
Deck Verified alternative to Hourglass — runs on Steam Deck out of the box. Shares Indie and Adventure with Hourglass.
Rediscover gravity and explore an Escher-esque world of impossible architecture. Witness infinity in first-person and master its rules to solve physics-defying puzzles. Cultivate a garden to open new paths forward, where an eternal expanse awaits.
- 5
Taiji
Deck Verified alternative to Hourglass — runs on Steam Deck out of the box. Shares Indie and Adventure with Hourglass.
Solve puzzle panels and uncover the meaning of the symbols within. Explore a dense world where secrets are hidden in plain sight.
- 6
The Ball
Deck Playable alternative to Hourglass — runs on Steam Deck out of the box. Shares Indie and Adventure with Hourglass.
As a swashbuckling archaeologist, unlock the mystery of the ancient ruins that have been hidden for centuries and discover a mysterious artifact, a gold and metal shelled Ball.
- 7
Valley Peaks
Deck Playable alternative to Hourglass — runs on Steam Deck out of the box. Shares Indie with Hourglass.
Embark on a cozy climbing adventure in Valley Peaks, a ribbiting first-person platformer where each mountain is like a puzzle. Install Radio Towers at the top of every ridge to connect the froggy inhabitants to the wider world, venture further into the Valley, conquer peaks and unravel mysteries!
- 8
Portal
Deck Verified alternative to Hourglass — runs on Steam Deck out of the box.
Portal™ is a new single player game from Valve. Set in the mysterious Aperture Science Laboratories, Portal has been called one of the most innovative new games on the horizon and will offer gamers hours of unique gameplay.
- 9
Braid
Deck Verified alternative to Hourglass — runs on Steam Deck out of the box. Shares Indie with Hourglass.
This is the original version of Braid from 2009, which may not work well on newer systems. For an updated version of the game with nicer graphics, more levels and a large amount of developer commentary, see Braid, Anniversary Edition.
- 10
The Witness
Deck Playable alternative to Hourglass — runs on Steam Deck out of the box. Shares Indie and Adventure with Hourglass.
You wake up, alone, on a strange island full of puzzles that will challenge and surprise you.
- 11
The Talos Principle
Deck Playable alternative to Hourglass — runs on Steam Deck out of the box. Shares Indie and Adventure with Hourglass.
The Talos Principle is a first-person puzzle game in the tradition of philosophical science fiction. Made by Croteam and written by Tom Jubert (FTL, The Swapper) and Jonas Kyratzes (The Sea Will Claim Everything).
- 12
RiME
Deck Verified alternative to Hourglass — runs on Steam Deck out of the box. Shares Adventure with Hourglass.
A land of discovery stretches out before you. Explore the beautiful, rugged world of RiME. Armed with your wits and a will to overcome—and the guidance of a helpful fox—you must explore the enigmatic island, reach the tower's peak, and unlock its closely guarded secrets.