15 Steam Next Fest game demos to play this weekend

Over the course of seven days, Steam is running its Next Fest — “a celebration of upcoming games.” Hundreds of demos are available to download for free as part of the event. There are many genres covered: strategy, action, simulations, role-playing and puzzle games as well as VR, multiplayer, virtual reality, and more. There’s truly something for everyone as part of the Steam Next Fest.

But the sheer number of games — seriously, hundreds of them — makes choosing what to play a little overwhelming. Of course, there’s no limit to the amount of games you can install and play, but you’ve only got until Feb. 13 to do so. (You may be able to launch some games after that time period, but they most likely won’t be available to once the festival ends.)

Do you need any recommendations? These are the 13 games we’ll be demoing during the Steam Next Fest.

A child laying in a stream, wearing a daruma hat.

Mineko’s Night MarketIt has been on the radar of our team for some time. It was initially scheduled to be released in 2019. It’s a life simulator with a story about friendship and tradition, according to developer Meowza Games. Of course, it’s also got a ton of cats — it’s set on an island that worships the Sun Cat, Abe. Beyond the story, you’ll be able to do typical life sim stuff, completing daily activities, taking on jobs, and crafting items for the night market.

It’s listed on Steam as “coming soon,” with no release date announced just yet.

Mars First Logistics, from Australian developer Ian MacLarty and Shape Shop, is an open-world physics simulator set on Mars; you’ll build rovers to transport stuff across the planet. Shape Shop stated that this is a way to get money for upgrades and setting up a colony in space. It’s expected out in 2023.

art for Planet of Lana in a painterly style, with a child looking up at a sky with missiles

Swedish Indie Studio Wishfully Announced Planet of LanaIn 2021 and 2023, the game was launched. The platformer follows the titular Lana and her creature companion on a mission to save Lana’s sister, after the planet they live on is sent into chaos from a seemingly extraterrestrial attack. Wishfully says the game isn’t about war, though — it’s about the “vibrant, beautiful planet and the journey to keep it that way.”

A vowel alleyway lit up by street lights

ColePowered Games’ Shadows of DoubtIt is a game of stealth detective in a sci-fi, noir city. Its neon-lit world is full of puzzles that’ll require you to take on the role of a private investigator — taking on jobs while solving a larger mystery involving a serial killer. You will find plenty of interesting places in the rich voxels.

a screenshot of a character firing in rusted moss

Rusted Moss is described by its developer as a “bullet-helly” Metroidvania, and traversal involves swinging around with a grappling hook that’s also your robotic companion. Like any good Metroidvania, exploration is a huge element of the game — and the travel mechanic looks intriguing, too.

a character slashing their way through a level in gestalt: steam & cinder

Gestalt: Steam & Cinder’s gorgeous, pixelated world is unrivaled — the steampunk setting is stunningly detailed and full of life. The 2D platforming and combat will be just as important as the “twist-laden narrative” set in the Steam City of Canaan, a world filled with “dangerous truths.”

a green hued level in dust and neon, where a robot cowboy is hunting other robots

Dust & NeonThis is the Wild West, but it’s futuristic. Are you looking for a futuristic roguelite shooting game where you can play as a robotic gunslinger against evil robots? This one is a good choice. You’ll love it!

A colorful taco in Cook, Serve, Delicious

The makers of Cook, Serve, Delicious!, The new You Can Cook Forever is a cooking adventure game starring a home cook who’s starting a food truck in a vibrant, futuristic city. It’s management, rhythm, and a whole lot of delicious food, gorgeously rendered in a unique style.

A city rendered in pink and purple tones

Desynced’s survival strategy gameplay comes from Stage Games, bringing a hazy, muted world to life. It’s said to have all the classic survival strategy elements, from exploration and research to expansion and combat. It’s expected out in 2023.

A lo-fi screenshot from Outlanders, showing a town-building area

Similar Desynced, OutlandersIt’s a strategy game with an entirely different atmosphere. From Pomelo Games, Outlanders is a town-builder with a positive spin: It’s just a bunch of folks who are hardworking and looking to collaborate and build together — not dominate and overrule the land they inhabit.

Gator Shins’ The CovenDark and scary horror first-person shooter featuring lots of violence. You can think of it as: DoomThis is probably truer than you might think. Gator Shins said the direct influences are classic FPS games like “Blood, Hexen, Realistic, And Timesplitters.” It definitely doesn’t appear to be for the faint of heart.

four players engaged in a fishing minigame

Arcade PartyArcade Party by developer is a party-game that features many arcade-inspired minigames. It’s got online and local play, and looks like a ton of chaotic fun. For fans of classic arcade games, you’ll certainly be able to pick out specific influences from its collection of more than 20 minigames. There’s even a fishing minigame!

An astronaut on a space station with a gun

BoundaryStudio Surgical Scalpels has created a multi-player, tactical space shooter which pits two teams against one in zero gravity battlegrounds aboard floating stations. Astronauts here are not just any astronauts — they’re kitted out to take on fierce battles against other similarly suited teams looking to control space.

Two explorers raft down a river in Highwater.

Starting atGolf Club Wasteland developer Demagog, HighwaterThe game takes players to a grim climate disaster. When the ultra-rich are leaving Earth and heading to Mars, the player — a normie — takes to the flooded world in an attempt to sneak on board the rocket.

Four mechanical soldiers stand in a line holding large weapons.

Brace Yourself Games’ Phantom Brigade The game is turn-based and real-time tactical, role-playing strategy with sick mech pilots. Its emphasis is on customization and user-driven stories. Players will be able to guide the outgunned team to their goal to take back their home. It’s high-level strategy that plays out in cinematic scenes, making it a totally unique spin on the genre.

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