Steam Next Fest has officially kicked off, which means thousands of demos are now fighting for a chance to be added to your Steam wishlist. You only have a week to filter through ambitious indies, weird experiments, and future sleeper hits. It won’t cost you a dime, just your time. As always, the real challenge isn’t finding something interesting. It’s narrowing the list down to something manageable. Here are a few that deserve a download before the event wraps up.
Darkhaven
- Developer: Moonbeast Productions
- Genre: Action RPG
- Expected Release Date: TBA
Darkhaven goes all in on a moody, dark fantasy atmosphere. Combat appears deliberate and weighty, emphasizing timing and positioning over button-mashing. The environments lean heavily into gothic aesthetics, reinforcing the game’s somber tone. It feels like a project aimed squarely at fans of grim, old-school fantasy worlds with a twist – the procedurally generated world is fully destructible. The demo offers a solid slice of what the full experience aims to deliver, and is my top choice for Steam Next Fest
Battleplan
- Developer: Foolish Mortals Games
- Genre: Tactical Real-Time Strategy
- Expected Release Date: TBA
Battleplan leans into tactical oversight rather than frantic micromanagement, putting you in the role of a battlefield commander instead of a frontline grunt. The focus is on positioning, timing, and reading the flow of combat, which gives it a thoughtful, almost chess-like rhythm. It feels designed for players who like to outthink opponents rather than outclick them. The demo does a good job of showcasing its systems without overwhelming you. If you enjoy strategy that rewards planning over panic, this is an easy add to the queue.
Far Far West
- Developer: Evil Raptor
- Genre: Co-op Shooter
- Expected Release Date: 2026
Far Far West delivers a surreal spin on the western genre, blending dusty frontier vibes with something a little stranger lurking beneath the surface. The art direction immediately stands out, giving the world a distinct personality. Combat feels snappy and slightly chaotic in a way that fits the tone. It has the kind of energy that suggests the full game could get even weirder. If you like genre mashups with style to spare, this one is worth a look.
Armatus
- Developer: Counterplay Games
- Genre: Third-Person Roguelike Shooter
- Expected Release Date: 2026
Armatus is about power, plain and simple. As the last warrior of an ancient order, you wade into combat with a satisfying sense of impact behind every strike. The game emphasizes momentum and force, making encounters feel physical and deliberate. There’s a clear focus on delivering that “walking tank” fantasy. If you like your action loud and weighty, Armatus delivers.
Trading Card Inspector
- Developer: Daydream Gallery
- Genre: Job Simulator
- Expected Release Date: TBA
Trading Card Inspector might have the most unexpectedly compelling concept of Steam Next Fest. You evaluate trading cards for authenticity and condition, essentially roleplaying as a grading expert. It sounds niche, and it absolutely is, but there’s a strangely satisfying loop at its core. The attention to detail gives it a grounded feel, and it taps into the current trading card resurgence. This could easily become someone’s low-stress obsession.
Australia Did It
- Developer: Rami Ismail
- Genre: Tower Defense
- Expected Release Date: TBA
Australia Did It embraces absurdity from the start, right down to the title. The tone feels chaotic and intentionally offbeat, leaning into humor and unpredictability. It’s the kind of project that doesn’t seem overly concerned with playing it safe. That unpredictability may turn out to be its biggest strength. For players looking for something genuinely different, it stands out.
Dice Card Heroes
- Developer: David Skoko
- Genre: Roguelike Deckbuilder
- Expected Release Date: Q1 2026
Dice Card Heroes blends deckbuilding mechanics with dice-based randomness, creating a layered risk-reward system. Success depends on both smart card synergy and adapting to unpredictable rolls. The demo showcases meaningful decision-making without bogging things down in complexity. There’s clear roguelike replay potential baked into the design. Fans of strategic card battlers should feel right at home.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Empire City
- Developer: Cortopia Studios
- Genre: Action Adventure
- Expected Release Date: 2026
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Empire City builds on classic arcade brawler DNA while aiming for a larger, more modern presentation. Combat appears fast and cooperative at heart, encouraging teamwork and crowd control. There’s a strong nostalgia pull here, but it doesn’t feel trapped in the past. The scale suggests something more ambitious than a simple throwback. Turtles fans will want to keep this one on their radar.
Lootbane
- Developer: Milo Panta
- Genre: ARPG
- Expected Release Date: 2026
Lootbane focuses on tight combat and meaningful gear progression. Each run feels built around pushing deeper, grabbing better loot, and refining your build. The darker tone gives it a distinct identity among roguelikes. It balances challenge with that constant promise of stronger rewards just ahead. If you like grinding for incremental power gains, this will scratch that itch.
Spark in the Dark
- Developer: Stellar Fish
- Genre: ARPG
- Expected Release Date: April 7, 2026
It’s not technically a Next Fest Demo, but I’m adding it anyway. Spark in the Dark emphasizes atmosphere as much as action. Dimly lit environments and mysterious ruins create a constant sense of tension. Combat looks measured rather than frantic, rewarding awareness and patience. Exploration appears to be just as important as surviving encounters. It’s a promising blend of mood and mechanics that will make you consider adding it to your wishlist.
