We have the best Steam Next Fest demos for you right here. The showcase features hundreds of upcoming games, but which ones should you check out?
The Steam Next Fest runs from October 9 to October 16 and is a celebration of upcoming games on... Steam. Where else? The showcase features demos for hundreds (not an exaggeration) of games that are coming in 2023 or later. Just go on Steam, click on the big banner on top, and you'll see the list of all available games.
With this much going on, it can be hard to know what you should check out, though. That's why we picked out the best Steam Next Fest Demos for you!
Best Steam Next Fest Demos: Our Recommendations
Read on to see ten recommended Steam Next Fest demos. I have either played these games, whether during Steam Next Fest or in other circumstances, or am really excited to check them out.
Enshrouded
Let's start with one of the most high-profile games in the selection. Enshrouded by German indie studio Keen Games is maybe the most-anticipated survival game of the year. Earlier this year, I was able to see a preview of the game, which can (reductively) be described as Zelda meets Valheim. I'm glad to report that the demo confirmed my very positive impressions.
I'm definitely excited about the full release. Until then, I'm gonna dive deeper into this demo, and so should you!
Download the Enshrouded demo here on Steam.
Ghostrunner 2
Ghostrunner was awesome, and the sequel is shaping up to be even better. If you enjoy high-octane action, hard-as-nails challenges and badass dystopian Sci-Fi, you have to check out Ghostrunner 2. If you have enjoyed the first game, you can now already get a taste of the promising sequel.
Download the Ghostrunner demo here on Steam.
Jusant
If you enjoyed the climbing in Tears of the Kingdom, but wish it was more active, challenging and the focus of the gameplay, then check out Jusant. Don't Nod's (Remember Me, Vampyr) latest game is absolutely gorgeous and features some of the most engaging and fun platforming we have seen in years.
Download the Jusant demo here on Steam.
Deep Rock Galactic: Survivor
Did you ever play the amazing Deep Rock Galactic, but just wished it was a top-down, single player auto-shooter? Me neither! But this "Vampire Survivors"-like spin-off for the best co-op shooter out there is pretty great and instantly addicting.
Download the Deep Rock Galactic: Survivor demo here on Steam.
Laika: Aged Through Blood
Just watch the trailer for Laika: Aged Through Blood and tell me you don't want to immediately play this game. The "western-inspired motorvania set in a post-apocalyptic wasteland" is incredibly unique, cool and fun to experience. The artstyle is genuinely stunning and the slow-mow-shooting-on-a-motorbike gameplay is just exhilarating.
Download the Laika: Aged Through Blood demo here on Steam.
Sentry
Sentry is a super cool-looking FPS with a pretty unique premise. Yeah, you're on a space station killing a bunch of aliens. But, the game is closer to Natural Selection, meaning that you have strong tower defensive elements here, as you have to take care of placing turrets, traps and more while defending your position. The mix works really well, the graphics are great, and the shooting feels nice and crunchy.
Download the Sentry demo here on Steam.
Turnip Boy Robs a Bank
If you don't know the wonderful "Turnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion", you haven't lived properly yet. Now, we're getting a sequel to the wonderful adventure game. And it looks just as clever, funny and ridiculous as the first game.
Download the Turnip Boy Robs a Bank demo here on Steam
Headbangers: Rhythm Royal
If you think that we have surely run out of unique twists for battle royale games, check out Headbangers: Rhythm Royal. As the name suggests, this is a rhythm game, but with up-to 30 players competing against each other. The fun twist and the colorful presentation could make this hit. It definitely looks like a ton of fun.
Download the Headbangers: Rhythm Royal demo here on Steam
Peripeteia
This fascinating "indie immersive sim" is a third-person and first-person stealth game inspired by classic titles like System Shock and Deus Ex. It's a little janky, but I'm super into the vibe and the variability in gameplay. If you like the gameplay in Cyberpunk or games like the newer Deus Ex titles, definitely check this out.
Download the Peripeteia demo here on Steam
My Work Is Not Yet Done
A lot of the games here have unique, exciting styles. But My Work Is Not Yet Done easily takes the crown in this category. You need to check this game out, it looks incredible. The lo-fi black & white aesthetic is instantly grabbing and creepy, giving this indie horror game a super strong identity and an amazing atmosphere.
Download the My Work Is Not Yet Done demo here on Steam
Those were our recommendations for Steam Next Fest! But like we said, there are literally hundreds of games. So make sure to check out some other titles as well! Who knows, maybe you'll find your next favorite game...