Games like Killer Instinct on Steam Deck
3 of the 4 modern alternatives to Killer Instinct (1994) are rated Verified or Playable on the Steam Deck. One of them is free, and the cheapest paid option is Skullgirls 2nd Encore at € 24,99. One is made by independent developers.
The Steam Deck runs most of the PC catalogue, but not all of it equally well. Only alternatives that Valve rates Verified (works out of the box) or Playable (works, with a tweak or two) are listed here. The ratings come from Valve, not from our own testing, and change as games are patched.
Prices, platform availability and Steam Deck compatibility can change at any time. Always check the store page before buying.
Skullgirls 2nd Encore Indie
€ 24,99A hand-animated fighter with a custom-assist combo system.
Skullgirls 2nd Encore is also an alternative to 2 other classics
Skullgirls 2nd Encore runs on PC, Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. It is Steam Deck Verified.
Killer Instinct (2013)
Free + in-app purchasesA modern reboot with deep combo mechanics and rollback netcode.
Killer Instinct (2013) runs on PC, Xbox. Not available on Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Switch. It is Steam Deck Playable.
BlazBlue Centralfiction
€ 36,99Anime fighting with enormous combos and a huge roster, the closest thing to Killer Instinct's excess.
BlazBlue Centralfiction runs on PC, PlayStation, Switch. Not available on Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, Xbox. It is Steam Deck Playable.
Not on Steam Deck
These alternatives to Killer Instinct are listed on the main page, but are not rated Verified or Playable on the Steam Deck:
All 4 games like Killer Instinct