Steam has officially begun the last of its thrice-annual Steam Next Fest event. The October 2025 event is the third of three events, the first and second held in February and June, respectively. With its Next Fest showcases, Valve-owned digital game platform Steam allows independent video game studios to connect with potential fans by offering free downloadable demos. Participating dev teams can hear pertinent feedback directly from players, reveal gameplay through entertaining livestreams, and boost game visibility by encouraging gamers to add titles to their Steam Wishlists. From October 13 to October 20, Steam users can check out countless free game demo downloads from studios around the globe.
Not sure where to start? I’ve got you! These 15 demos are among my most-anticipated, spanning genre, art style, studio, and more. Enjoy my top Steam Next Fest event picks, and let us know in the comments which demos you’re most looking forward to.
YAPYAP
GENRE: Co-op; Horror; Funny
RELEASE DATE: TBD
“A magic-themed co-op horror game where you and up to 5 friends are minions summoned by a wizard to break into their rival’s towers to cause mayhem. Try to fulfill your vandalism target with an assortment of spells while avoiding magical beasts and monsters that protect the tower.” Check out the Steam demo here!
LET IT DIE: INFERNO
GENRE: Action; Roguelike
RELEASE DATE: Dec. 3, 2025
“Hell Gate tore open the earth! Deep within its chaotic depths, where time and space warp, lies the “Eye of the Reaper”—a treasure granting world-ruling power. You are an immortal Raider. Descend into the abyss, conquer the Reaper’s challenge, and seize your future from the bottom of Hell!” Check out the Steam demo here!
Bladesong
GENRE: Crafting; Simulation; Medieval
RELEASE DATE: 2025
“The ultimate swordmaking game. Forge unique weapons with freeform blade shaping and modular hilts, perfectly balanced to your customers’ needs. Master the art of smithing and uncover the secrets of Eren Keep, a last haven of a dying world – or so they say.” Check out the Steam demo here!
Follow Outrun Gaming on MSN for more content you love.
Slots & Daggers
GENRE: Fantasy; Slots; Roguelike
RELEASE DATE: Oct. 24, 2025
For fans of CloverPit comes Slots & Daggers, a “retro-fantasy roguelike inside a slot machine. Steady your blade – and spin!” Check out the Steam demo here!
Star Trek: Voyager – Across the Unknown
GENRE: Strategy; Roguelike
RELEASE DATE: TBD
“Star Trek: Voyager – Across the Unknown is a story-driven survival strategy game in which the fate of the iconic starship is in your hands. Take the helm, manage the ship and resources, and make difficult decisions. Will you be able to bring home the ship and its crew?” Check out the Steam demo here!
Woodo
GENRE: Story Rich; Puzzle; Cozy
RELEASE DATE: TBD
“Woodo feels like a 3D coloring book you can touch, a relaxing puzzle-tale told through handcrafted wooden dioramas. A toy for those who never forgot how to be a child.” Check out the Steam demo here!
On-Together
GENRE: Casual; Indie; Simulation
RELEASE DATE: TBD
“A virtual co-working game to work, play games and hang out with your friends. Stay connected while you work, then use breaktimes to chat, chill, chew bubblegum and more!” Check out the Steam demo here!
Mr. Sleepy Man
GENRE: Adventure; 3D Platformer; Funny
RELEASE DATE: Q1 2026
“Mr. Sleepy Man is up way past his bedtime and out of control! Make a mess of everything you find and turn Bedtime Town against you! This sandbox adventure is filled with comical hijinks, outrageous characters, and platforming action!” Check out the Steam demo here!
Pieced Together
GENRE: Simulation; Casual; Puzzle
RELEASE DATE: TBD
“Pieced Together is a cozy scrapbooking game that takes you on a heartfelt journey about friendship, getting older and learning to let go. Sort items, solve gentle puzzles, and decorate the scrapbook as you uncover the story piece by piece.” Check out the Steam demo here!
PowerWash Simulator 2
GENRE: Casual; Simulation; Cleaning
RELEASE DATE: Oct. 23, 2025
“PowerWash Simulator is back, bubbling with fresh locations, soap-erior equipment and splashy features. Effortlessly transform soiled surroundings into clean, serene scenes, solo or with pals. Satisfaction is a spray away!” Check out the Steam demo here!
Pancito Merge
GENRE: Puzzle; Casual; Arcade
RELEASE DATE: TBD
“Drop, stack, and merge colorful pan dulce into bigger, tastier treats in this cozy puzzle adventure! With charming visuals and simple gameplay, it’s a sweet celebration of Mexican baking, perfect for quick sessions and high score chases.” Check out the Steam demo here!
Jackal
GENRE: Top-Down Shooter
RELEASE DATE: TBD
“Execute ultra-violent raids in 1970s casino hotels. Become a drug-fueled Vegas hitman that takes down the mob in unforgiving top-down close combat. Betray bosses, rob casinos and steal the dames”
Check out the Steam demo here!
Loop//Error
GENRE: Surreal; Horror; Visual Novel
RELEASE DATE: TBD
“Alone in the dead of night, you find yourself sent on a simple errand to check on a quiet gas station on the outskirts of town. But nothing here feels right. You can’t outrun this place. It wants you. And it will keep you.” Check out the Steam demo here!
UMIGARI
GENRE: Adventure; Casual; Simulation
RELEASE DATE: TBD
“UMIGARI is a first-person harpoon fishing game set in the foggy waters off the coast of Japan. Hunt fish with your harpoon, sell your catch, buy fuel, and upgrade your gear. Alone at sea, the more you explore, the stranger the fish become.” Check out the Steam demo here!
The Cave Diver
GENRE: Physics; Psychological Horror; Exploration
RELEASE DATE: 2025
“The Cave Diver Demo introduces you to a segment of the cave that has been unexplored for decades. Here you will learn to maneuver throughout this claustrophobic maze of rock using only your two hands. Learn to perfect these punishingly difficult controls, and discover the remnants of old caving journals left by explorers who failed to navigate these unforgiving caverns.”
Check out the Steam demo here!
Follow Outrun Gaming on MSN for more content you love.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.