iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
If Final Fantasy XVI worked for you because of its real-time swordplay, dramatic fantasy story, or spectacular abilities, the best next game depends on which of those you want more of. Tales of Arise is the closest genre neighbor in this short list; ELDEN RING is a darker, more distinct action-RPG alternative. Neither should be treated as a direct match for Final Fantasy XVI in combat or storytelling.
What makes Final Fantasy XVI a useful reference point?
Square Enix lists Final Fantasy XVI as a single-player action RPG. Its Steam description centers on Clive Rosfield’s revenge story and highlights swordplay and Eikonic abilities, giving you a mix of dramatic fantasy narrative and real-time action to use as a comparison. Square Enix’s Steam listing also offers Story-focused mode for players who are less comfortable with action games and want to focus on the story, alongside an Action-focused mode that gives players control over every action.
Those features point to different reasons you might be looking for another game: a story-led fantasy adventure, action built around abilities, or simply a substantial action RPG. The recommendations below match some of those preferences, not all of them.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Which Steam Deck action RPG should you try next?
| Game | Best fit if you want… | Story and setting | Combat direction | Steam Deck status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tales of Arise | Another fantasy action RPG with a story and a diverse cast. | Steam describes a fantasy adventure with a story and diverse cast. | The listing highlights a combat system, but the available details do not establish that it plays like Final Fantasy XVI. | Steam’s listing displayed Verified in the listing captured for this article; check the live page for its current label. |
| ELDEN RING | A darker fantasy world and a different action-RPG direction. | Bandai Namco describes an action RPG set in an authentic dark-fantasy world. | Its official expansion page cites weapons, weapon skills, magic, enemies, and boss encounters; that does not establish combat equivalence with Final Fantasy XVI. | Not established here; check the current Steam listing. |
Tales of Arise: choose another story-led fantasy action RPG
Steam classifies Tales of Arise as an action RPG and describes a fantasy adventure built around a diverse cast, story, and combat system. That makes it a reasonable next stop if you want to stay in the broad territory of story-rich fantasy action rather than pivot to a very different tone.
#1 Best Overall
- 1TB NVMe SSD
- 1280 x 800 HDR OLED display with premium anti-glare etched glass, 7.4" Diagonal display size up to 90Hz refresh rate
- Wi-Fi 6E
- 50Whr battery; 3-12 hours of gameplay (content-dependent)
- Carrying case with removable liner
Do not assume the shared genre label means its combat has the same feel as Clive’s swordplay and Eikonic abilities. The listing supports the genre and story comparison, but not a claim that the two combat systems are alike. Steam showed the game as Verified in the listing captured for this article; because Valve’s reviews continue to change, confirm the label on the live Steam page before relying on it.
ELDEN RING: choose a darker, less direct alternative
ELDEN RING suits a different preference: action RPG play in a dark-fantasy setting. Bandai Namco’s official description frames it as an action RPG, while its Shadow of the Erdtree page lists additional weapons, equipment, weapon skills, magic, enemies, boss encounters, and plotlines. That material supports its appeal as a broad fantasy action option, not as a close narrative or combat substitute for Final Fantasy XVI.
Rank #2
- International (UK) Version
- 7.4” diagonal, HDR OLED, 1280 x 800 x RGB, up to 90Hz Refresh rate, High performance touch, <0.1 ms Response time, 1,000 nits peak brightness (HDR), 600 nits (SDR)
- SteamOS 3.0 (Arch-based)
- 512GB NVMe SSD, 16GB LPDDR5 on-board RAM (5500 MT/s quad 32-bit channels), microSD UHS-I supports SD, SDXC and SDHC
- 6 nm AMD APU, CPU: Zen 2 4c/8t, 2.4-3.5GHz (up to 448 GFlops FP32
The official information cited here does not establish a current Steam Deck compatibility label for ELDEN RING. Check its Steam listing for the status shown now rather than assuming it is Verified.
How to read Steam Deck compatibility labels
Steam Deck compatibility is a point-in-time store signal, not a permanent guarantee. Valve says its review process continues as games and updates are released, and notes that the first tab in the Steam Store shows games that are great on Steam Deck. See Valve’s Steam Deck Verified page and check each game’s live store listing when deciding what to install.
A Verified label is useful when comparing listings, but it does not answer every performance question. The cited information does not establish current frame rates, graphics settings, battery life, or smoothness for these recommendations on Steam Deck.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What the Final Fantasy XVI PC requirements do—and do not—tell you
Square Enix’s Steam listing gives the Windows PC version a 170 GB available-storage requirement and requires an SSD. Those are PC system requirements, not a Steam Deck storage recommendation or a measured game-size figure. The same page lists expectations of 30 FPS at 720p minimum and 60 FPS at 1080p recommended for PC; neither figure promises those results on Steam Deck. Check the listing for the requirements associated with that Windows version.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 512 GB NVMe SSD: Fast storage for quicker game load times and space for larger game libraries.
- OLED Display: 1200x800 resolution with deep contrasts and vibrant colors for a captivating visual experience.
- Custom AMD APU: Power-efficient Zen 2 CPU and RDNA 2 GPU for desktop-level gaming performance.
- Expandable Storage: Add more space with a microSD card slot, ensuring you can bring even more games with you.
- Versatile Controls: With built-in thumbsticks, trackpads, and touchscreen controls, you have full control over your gaming experience.
Rank #4
- 【Upgraded】We sells product with professionally upgraded to 2TB SSD. Original Seal is opened for upgrade ONLY.
- 【Stunning 7.4" HDR OLED & 90Hz Motion】 Experience striking contrast and brilliant clarity with the all-new 7.4-inch HDR OLED display. Designed from the ground up for gaming, it features a 90Hz refresh rate for smooth motion and pure blacks. This handheld is capable of delivering an immersive visual experience, ensuring your Steam library looks better than ever with vibrant colors and amazing motion rendition.
- 【30-50% More Battery & Efficient Performance】 Play your favorites longer with up to 50% more battery life. By fitting a larger battery and a power-efficient OLED panel, this device provides extended gameplay sessions. It’s the perfect travel companion for long flights or commutes. The updated AMD APU ensures high-speed performance for AAA titles while maintaining incredible energy efficiency.
- 【3X Faster Downloads with Wi-Fi 6E】 Never wait for a game again. Equipped with Wi-Fi 6E, this Steam Deck OLED offers increased bandwidth and lower latency, delivering downloads up to 3 times faster than previous models. This ensures stable online play and rapid updates, making it the most reliable wireless gaming handheld for modern high-speed home networks.
- 【Responsive Touch & Enhanced Connectivity】 Enjoy a vastly improved touchscreen with higher fidelity and faster haptics. We’ve added a dedicated Bluetooth antenna to improve connections for multiple controllers. Whether using the built-in trackpads or the included external controller, this allows for precision play in everything from FPS to complex strategy games.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
