Marvel and Sony are officially moving forward with Spider-Man: Brand New Day, the highly anticipated fourth installment in the Tom Holland-led saga. Following the dramatic conclusion of No Way Home, the franchise is taking a bold step into uncharted territory with a story that reinvents Peter Parker’s world from the ground up. Here’s everything we know so far—from casting shakeups to production details and plot speculation.
Cast: Familiar Faces & Bold New Additions
Tom Holland returns as Peter Parker, now navigating life in complete anonymity after the multiverse-shaking events of No Way Home. Zendaya is confirmed to return as MJ, despite her character no longer remembering Peter—setting up an emotionally loaded reunion arc. Jacob Batalon will also reprise his role as Ned Leeds.
Joining the cast is Jon Bernthal, reprising his role as Frank Castle/The Punisher in his first cinematic crossover appearance. His gritty presence could signal a darker turn for the narrative. Bernthal’s Punisher was a standout in Marvel’s Netflix era, and his reintroduction into the MCU proper raises serious questions about tone and content ratings.
Also new to the cast:
- Sadie Sink (Stranger Things) in an undisclosed role, sparking fan theories about her playing a classic Marvel character like Gwen Stacy or Felicia Hardy.
- Liza Colón-Zayas (The Bear) whose role is similarly under wraps but expected to have emotional weight given her recent acclaim in dramatic roles.
Production: Filming Begins August 2025
Filming for Spider-Man: Brand New Day officially kicks off in August 2025, with major production sites in Pinewood Studios (England) and Glasgow, Scotland. Glasgow is expected to double for parts of New York City, continuing Marvel’s trend of using the city’s architecture for major urban sequences.
Street closures have already been announced for key Glasgow areas like Bothwell, St Vincent, Waterloo, and Oak Street—indicating large-scale outdoor action scenes, possibly chase sequences or battle set pieces.
Release Date: Summer 2026
Marvel has slotted the movie for July 31, 2026, a slight delay from its original July 24 date. This new release positions Brand New Day as a late-summer tentpole for the MCU, likely bridging phases and storylines as Marvel reshuffles its calendar post-Secret Wars delays.
Story & Tone: A “Fresh Start” With Grit
The film’s subtitle—Brand New Day—is a direct nod to the 2008 comic arc where Peter’s life is reset after a deal with Mephisto. While the MCU version won’t follow that supernatural path exactly, it mirrors the theme: Peter starting from scratch, no friends, no Stark tech, no Avengers safety net. He’s back to basics: sewing his own suit, paying rent, and fighting crime without help.
Marvel insiders have teased a “street-level” Spider-Man story, with Peter operating in a world that’s forgotten him. He may face off against a rogues’ gallery of grounded but dangerous villains. Rumored antagonists include:
- Scorpion (set up in Homecoming)
- Tombstone
- Boomerang
- Tarantula
- Savage Hulk (unclear if this is a real arc or fan speculation)
Despite Punisher’s inclusion, the film is expected to remain PG-13, though insiders say it will be “the darkest Spider-Man story to date.” Expect a serious, gritty tone balanced by classic Spidey heart.
First Trailer Released
A teaser trailer has debuted showcasing:
- Peter’s new homemade suit in action
- A glimpse of Punisher’s return
- A rainy confrontation that many speculate is between Peter and MJ
- Hints of a morally grey narrative where Peter questions the cost of being forgotten
The trailer avoids multiversal gimmicks and instead focuses on grounded realism—a welcome tonal shift after the reality-bending chaos of No Way Home.
Summary Snapshot
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Spider-Man: Brand New Day |
| Release Date | July 31, 2026 |
| Filming Start | August 2025 |
| Filming Locations | England (Pinewood Studios), Glasgow (citywide) |
| Cast | Tom Holland, Zendaya, Jacob Batalon, Jon Bernthal, Sadie Sink, Liza Colón-Zayas |
| Tone | Street-level, emotional, PG-13 with darker themes |
| Villains Rumored | Scorpion, Tombstone, Tarantula, Punisher (antihero), possibly Savage Hulk |
As filming ramps up and Marvel Studios begins marketing, expect major announcements over the next few months—especially around Comic-Con 2025 and D23. Until then, Spider-Man: Brand New Day is shaping up to be a sharp, stripped-down reboot that returns the character to his gritty, solo roots.
Best Games to Play on Steam Deck in 2025
The Steam Deck has changed how gamers play their favorite titles on the go since its release. This powerful handheld gaming PC lets you take your Steam library anywhere, from short commutes to long trips. Many players wonder which games work best on this portable device.
Finding the right games for your Steam Deck can greatly enhance your gaming experience while making the most of the device’s capabilities. From indie gems to AAA blockbusters, certain titles simply shine on the handheld format. Popular choices range from immersive RPGs like Baldur’s Gate 3 to quick-play hits like Vampire Survivors that are perfect for short gaming sessions.
1: Baldur’s Gate 3
Baldur’s Gate 3 has become one of the most talked-about games for Steam Deck owners. This massive RPG adventure delivers an impressive experience on Valve’s handheld device despite some performance challenges.
When playing on your Steam Deck, you’ll notice the game handles nicely similar to other Larian Studios titles. The controls translate well to the portable format, making complex RPG mechanics accessible on the go.
Battery life is something to consider with this demanding game. From a full charge, you can expect about one hour and forty minutes of gameplay before needing to plug in again. Plan your gaming sessions accordingly.
The visual quality takes a hit compared to desktop or console versions. However, many players report that the game plays better than it looks on the device, focusing on gameplay over graphics.
Inventory management becomes more challenging as you progress through the game. Some users mention that Act I plays smoothly, but the experience can become more complex in later sections.
Despite these limitations, Baldur’s Gate 3 remains highly recommended for Steam Deck owners. The ability to enjoy this complex cRPG anywhere outweighs the performance compromises for many players.
If you’re looking for similar experiences, you might also enjoy Divinity: Original Sin 2 from the same developer, which also performs well on the device.
2: Elden Ring
Elden Ring shines on the Steam Deck, offering an impressive portable experience for this massive open-world adventure. The game runs consistently at 30fps, which provides a smooth gaming experience while exploring the Lands Between.
You’ll find that the Steam Deck handles Elden Ring’s vast landscapes and intense combat sequences surprisingly well. Many players have completed the entire game on Steam Deck, spending over 150 hours exploring every corner of its world.
The performance is often more stable than on some PCs thanks to Valve’s shader cache files. This means fewer stutters and a more consistent frame rate during your adventure.
For the best experience, you may want to adjust some settings. The Steam Deck’s default configuration works well, but optimizing certain graphics options can help maintain performance during more demanding scenarios.
Battery life will vary depending on your settings, but expect 2-3 hours of gameplay per charge. This makes it perfect for tackling a few bosses or exploring a new region during your commute.
The controls map well to the Steam Deck’s layout, making combat feel natural. The touchpads can also help with menu navigation when needed.
When compared to other demanding titles, Elden Ring stands out as one of the best performing AAA games on the handheld. You can enjoy this epic RPG anywhere, making those difficult boss fights less frustrating when you can practice on the go.
3: Stardew Valley
Stardew Valley is consistently one of the top played games on Steam Deck. The charming farming simulator offers a perfect blend of relaxation and strategy that works brilliantly on the handheld format.
You’ll find the controls translate well to the Steam Deck, making harvesting crops, exploring mines, and fishing feel natural. The pixel art style looks crisp on the screen, and the game runs smoothly without draining your battery too quickly.
What makes Stardew Valley particularly great for the Deck is its pick-up-and-play nature. You can enjoy a quick in-game day during your commute or settle in for a longer session of building your farm empire.
The game is also officially verified for Steam Deck, ensuring compatibility without technical issues. Updates have continued to improve the experience, making this a must-have for your portable library.
If you’re looking for value, Stardew Valley delivers countless hours of content. From farming and fishing to mining and relationship building, there’s always something to do as the seasons change in Pelican Town.
The game often goes on sale too, with discounts up to 40% off. This makes it an affordable addition to your Steam Deck collection that will keep you entertained for hours.
4: Marvel’s Spider-Man
Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered has become a favorite among Steam Deck users. The game offers an impressive open-world experience that translates surprisingly well to the handheld device.
You can swing through New York City with smooth gameplay, even though you might need to adjust some settings. Many players have found this to be their favorite Steam Deck game due to its immersive experience on the go.
The graphics hold up well on the smaller screen, though you’ll want to tweak your settings for the best balance between visual quality and performance. The game runs great on Steam Deck with very few compromises.
For optimal play, aim for medium settings to maintain a steady frame rate. The controls map nicely to the Steam Deck’s button layout, making web-slinging feel natural and responsive.
However, if you’re considering Spider-Man 2, you might want to hold off for now. The sequel suffers from low framerates and blurry visuals on the Steam Deck, making the original remastered version the better choice currently.
Battery life can be a concern when playing graphically intensive games like Spider-Man. You can expect around 2-3 hours of gameplay on a single charge, depending on your chosen settings.
5: Street Fighter 6
Street Fighter 6 delivers an exceptional experience on the Steam Deck. You can enjoy this fighting game with solid 60 FPS performance on the recommended settings, making it perfect for gaming on the go.
The game runs flawlessly when you stick to the fighting modes, though the World Tour mode might be more challenging for the handheld device. This ensures you can train effectively while away from your main gaming setup.
Many players consider Street Fighter 6 to be Capcom’s best fighting game in years. The quality of gameplay translates remarkably well to the portable form factor of the Steam Deck.
You can even enjoy online play with a proper setup. Some players have successfully used their Steam Deck connected to a dock with an Ethernet cable for competitive matches.
For optimal performance, you might want to adjust the graphics settings. Some users report that streaming the game performs better than running it natively, as RE Engine games sometimes struggle on the Steam Deck.
The OLED version of the Steam Deck particularly enhances Street Fighter 6’s vibrant visuals. You’ll appreciate the rich colors and smooth animations that make each match visually stunning.
6: Vampire Survivors
Vampire Survivors has become one of the most popular games on Steam Deck. This addictive roguelike offers simple yet engaging gameplay that works perfectly with the handheld format.
The controls are straightforward, making it ideal for picking up and playing in short bursts. You’ll find yourself saying “just one more run” as you try different character builds and weapon combinations.
At its core, Vampire Survivors is about survival against waves of monsters. You automatically attack while focusing on movement and collecting power-ups. This streamlined approach feels natural on the Steam Deck’s controls.
Battery life is excellent when playing Vampire Survivors. You can enjoy multiple runs without worrying about finding a charger, making it perfect for travel or commuting.
The game is often described as a steal at its price point, offering dozens of hours of gameplay. Many players have logged 50+ hours without getting bored.
The recent Castlevania DLC has made the game even more appealing, bringing familiar characters and enemies to the experience. This addition has helped push it to the top of many Steam Deck players’ libraries.
If you enjoy Vampire Survivors, you might also like Soulstone Survivors or Brotato, which offer similar “survivors-like” gameplay that works well on the Deck.
7: Portal 2
Portal 2 is an absolute must-play on the Steam Deck. This puzzle-solving masterpiece from Valve runs perfectly on the handheld device, making it ideal for gaming on the go.
The game runs at a stable 90 FPS on the Steam Deck OLED, demonstrating just how well it’s optimized for the platform. Even on the base 64GB model, you can enjoy the game at highest settings with 60 FPS.
What makes Portal 2 particularly great for the Steam Deck is that it doesn’t require a mouse and keyboard to play effectively. The controls translate smoothly to the handheld format, letting you solve mind-bending puzzles without frustration.
You’ll enjoy both the engaging single-player campaign and the cooperative mode, which offers even more puzzle-solving challenges. The game’s witty dialogue and memorable characters make it entertaining throughout your playthrough.
If you’re looking to enhance your experience, the Reddit community has discussions about recommended settings and mods that can improve your gameplay.
The game’s relatively small file size is another bonus for your Steam Deck’s storage. With its award-winning formula of innovative gameplay, story, and music, Portal 2 delivers hours of entertainment in a perfectly portable package.
You’ll find few games as well-suited to the Steam Deck as Portal 2, making it an essential addition to your gaming library.
8: Return of the Obra Dinn
Return of the Obra Dinn is a unique puzzle adventure that stands out on the Steam Deck. This detective game by Lucas Pope challenges you to solve the mystery of a missing ship and its crew through logical deduction.
The game’s distinctive 1-bit monochromatic art style not only looks striking on the Deck’s screen but also runs smoothly. Though some users have reported difficulties running the game, many have found it perfectly playable with recent updates.
What makes Obra Dinn special is its intricate puzzle design. You’ll use a magical pocket watch to view frozen moments of death, piecing together the fate of each crew member. The compact nature of these puzzles makes it ideal for portable play sessions.
Critics have praised the game as meticulously constructed, from its distinctive visuals to the complex logic puzzles. It’s often cited as an excellent game for newcomers to gaming due to its unique approach.
The Steam Deck’s controls adapt well to Obra Dinn’s interface, making investigation feel natural. You can easily navigate the ship and flip through your logbook using the device’s inputs.
For fans of mystery games looking for something different on their Steam Deck, Return of the Obra Dinn delivers an unforgettable experience. It’s regularly mentioned among best PC games to play on Steam Deck for good reason.
9: Hades 2
Hades 2 has proven to be a perfect match for the Steam Deck. The roguelike sequel from Supergiant Games offers an amazing portable experience, even in its early access state.
The game runs beautifully on Steam Deck, maintaining strong framerates without draining your battery too quickly. It’s officially Steam Deck-verified with fully customizable control schemes to suit your preferences.
You’ll find Hades 2 incredibly popular among Steam Deck owners. It currently ranks as the 4th-most played game on the platform. This popularity is well-deserved, as the game perfectly suits on-the-go gaming sessions.
The addictive gameplay loop makes it ideal for both quick and extended play sessions. When you’re traveling, Hades 2 is the perfect companion to pass the time in an engaging way.
Technical performance is outstanding, with the game providing near-perfect performance on the handheld. You won’t have to worry about significant compromises when playing away from your desktop.
The combination of engaging story, wonderful voice acting, and addictive gameplay makes Hades 2 an absolute blast on Steam Deck. The controls feel natural and responsive on the handheld’s button layout.
If you enjoy roguelikes or loved the original Hades, adding this sequel to your Steam Deck library is a no-brainer.
10: Sea of Stars
Sea of Stars is a perfect match for your Steam Deck. This turn-based RPG runs flawlessly on the portable device, making it an excellent choice for gaming on the go.
Inspired by classic RPGs, Sea of Stars tells the story of two Children of the Solstice who combine the powers of the sun and moon. The beautiful 2D visuals look stunning on the Steam Deck’s screen, with vibrant colors that pop.
You’ll find the controls responsive and well-suited to the Steam Deck layout. The turn-based combat system works perfectly with the device’s button configuration, allowing for comfortable extended play sessions.
Many players have completed the entire game on their Steam Deck without issues. The game’s pacing and save system make it ideal for both quick gaming sessions and longer adventures.
The Steam Deck handles Sea of Stars without any performance concerns. You won’t need to worry about tweaking settings or dealing with frame rate issues.
If you enjoy other 2D RPGs like Chained Echoes, you’ll appreciate how well this genre works on the handheld. Sea of Stars has even been listed among favorite games to play on the Steam Deck by numerous gaming sites.
Understanding the Steam Deck
The Steam Deck combines powerful hardware with a flexible operating system to deliver PC gaming in a portable form. This handheld device from Valve offers impressive technical capabilities while maintaining compatibility with a vast library of Steam games.
Hardware Specifications
The Steam Deck features a custom AMD APU with a quad-core Zen 2 CPU and RDNA 2 graphics that can handle demanding games smoothly. It comes in three storage variants: 64GB eMMC, 256GB NVMe SSD, and 512GB NVMe SSD. All models include a microSD card slot for expandable storage.
The 7-inch touchscreen display runs at 1280×800 resolution with a 60Hz refresh rate, striking a balance between visual quality and battery life.
For controls, you get thumbsticks, face buttons, a D-pad, shoulder triggers, and four configurable back buttons. The device also includes gyro controls for motion-based gameplay.
Battery life ranges from 2-8 hours depending on how demanding your games are and your chosen settings. The Steam Deck weighs about 669 grams (1.47 lbs), making it heavier than a Switch but still comfortable for extended gaming sessions.
Operating System and Compatibility
The Steam Deck runs on SteamOS 3.0, a Linux-based operating system customized for gaming performance. This provides a console-like interface optimized for controller navigation while maintaining the flexibility of a PC.
Valve’s Proton compatibility layer allows you to play many Windows games on the Linux-based system. Games are rated on a compatibility scale from Verified (works perfectly) to Unsupported.
You can install non-Steam games and applications through the desktop mode, which provides a full Linux desktop experience. For maximum flexibility, you can even install Windows if you prefer.
The device supports multiple control schemes, allowing you to customize controls for games that weren’t designed for handhelds. You can also connect external peripherals through USB-C or Bluetooth, including keyboards, mice, and displays.
Game performance varies based on graphical demands, with the ability to adjust settings to balance quality and battery life for your specific needs.
Optimizing Game Performance on Steam Deck
Getting the most out of your Steam Deck requires finding the right balance between visual quality and smooth gameplay. The right settings can dramatically improve your gaming experience while preserving battery life.
Graphics Settings and Adjustments
The Steam Deck offers several ways to optimize performance for different games. For most titles, setting your frame rate target to 40fps for LCD models or 45fps for OLED models provides a good balance between smoothness and power consumption.
You can access performance settings by pressing the Quick Access button (•••) and navigating to the battery icon. Here you’ll find options to:
- Limit Frame Rate: Set this to match your game’s requirements
- Enable Half Rate Shading: Reduces GPU load for less demanding games
- Adjust TDP Limit: Lower values save battery but may reduce performance
For demanding games, try lowering in-game resolution to 1280×720 or 800p. Many games benefit from reducing shadow quality and ambient occlusion first, as these settings are often GPU-intensive but less noticeable during gameplay.
Battery Life Maximization
To extend your gaming sessions away from power outlets, several key settings can make a significant difference. Start by reducing your screen brightness to a comfortable but lower level.
The Steam Deck’s frame limiter is your best friend for battery life. Consider these battery-saving adjustments:
- Lower Refresh Rate: 40Hz offers a good balance between smoothness and power savings
- Enable FSR: AMD’s upscaling technology can help maintain visual quality at lower resolutions
- Disable Rumble/Haptics: Turning off vibration features reduces power consumption
Popular Steam Deck games often have community-created performance profiles available through the Quick Access menu. These profiles offer pre-configured settings that balance quality and performance.
Remember to close background applications when not in use. The Steam Deck performs best when it can dedicate all resources to your current game.
Frequently Asked Questions
Steam Deck owners often have questions about which games perform best on the portable device. The gaming community has identified several standout titles across various genres.
What are the top-rated Steam Deck games for multiplayer experiences?
For multiplayer gaming on your Steam Deck, several titles stand out from the crowd. Games like Street Fighter 6 offer excellent fighting game action with friends.
Cooperative games such as “It Takes Two” and “Stardew Valley” provide quality multiplayer experiences. Stardew Valley lets you farm with up to three friends, making it perfect for casual multiplayer sessions.
For competitive players, “Rocket League” and “Counter-Strike 2” run smoothly on the Steam Deck. These games maintain solid framerates even during intense moments.
Which games are currently Steam Deck verified and highly recommended?
Many top games have earned the coveted “Verified” status for Steam Deck. Baldur’s Gate 3 leads the pack with its excellent performance and controls that work perfectly with the handheld.
Elden Ring has also received verification and runs surprisingly well on the portable system. The game’s vast open world translates beautifully to the handheld format.
Marvel’s Spider-Man swings onto the list with great performance. The game’s optimization allows you to web-sling through New York with minimal compromises on the portable hardware.
What are the best adventure games available on the Steam Deck?
Adventure game fans have plenty of excellent options on the Steam Deck. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt offers hundreds of hours of monster-slaying adventure that runs admirably on the device.
Hollow Knight provides a challenging metroidvania experience with beautiful hand-drawn art. The game’s 2D nature makes it perfect for the Steam Deck’s screen.
Dave the Diver combines underwater exploration with restaurant management in a unique adventure. Its relaxed pace and vibrant visuals make it ideal for portable play.
Can you provide a list of the top 100 games for playing on the Steam Deck?
While a complete top 100 would be extensive, several genres stand out among Steam Deck players’ favorites. RPGs like Baldur’s Gate 3, Elden Ring, and Persona 5 Royal consistently rank highly.
Indie titles like Hades, Vampire Survivors, and Stardew Valley dominate many players’ libraries. These games combine low system requirements with highly engaging gameplay.
Action titles such as Marvel’s Spider-Man, God of War, and Hogwarts Legacy have proven popular despite their demanding graphics. The Steam Deck handles these AAA experiences surprisingly well.
Which games are most suitable for playing on a Steam Deck during a flight?
For in-flight gaming, titles with pause-friendly mechanics work best. Turn-based games like Civilization VI and Into the Breach let you take breaks whenever needed.
Battery-efficient games help your Steam Deck last the journey. Indie titles like Stardew Valley and Vampire Survivors offer hours of gameplay without draining your battery.
Games with offline modes are essential for air travel. Titles like Slay the Spire and Hades don’t require internet connections, making them perfect for flights.
What are the optimal Steam Deck games that take advantage of an OLED screen?
The OLED Steam Deck’s improved display makes visually striking games even better. Titles with vibrant colors like Ori and the Will of the Wisps showcase the OLED’s superior contrast.
Dark games benefit tremendously from OLED technology. Horror titles like Resident Evil 4 Remake look stunning with true blacks and improved shadow detail.
Cyberpunk 2077’s neon-lit world pops on the OLED screen. The game’s night scenes with bright signs against dark backgrounds demonstrate the screen’s advantages perfectly.
