Steam Next Fest is a thrice yearly affair as a showcase for upcoming games, and developers get to put up demos, livestreams and gamers get to wishlist their favourites. And especially for indie developers, the Steam Next Fest is an opportunity to showcase their creativity and innovation, as well as build traction for their titles and to get early feedback, so that hopefully they can come up with a polished product come launch.
This year’s final Steam Next Fest is slated for October 14th to 21st, and we do have a hot line up to feature over here:
Wild Woods
Octofox Games brings us Wild Woods, a charming multiplayer co-op adventure where brave kittens defend their wagon from forest dangers.
Already available for demo, this delightful game offers local and online co-op, including Steam Remote Play support. Players can look forward to the full release in winter 2024/2025, alternating between daytime resource gathering and nighttime creature defense. You can check out Wild Woods over here: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1975580/Wild_Woods/
Stray Path
Combining FreeCell mechanics with RPG elements, Stray Path offers a fresh take on the roguelike genre. Solo developer Zhong Chaowei has crafted a game with over 100 equipment pieces and randomly generated worlds, ensuring each playthrough is unique.
Adventure seekers can dive into this innovative experience when the demo drops on October 14th.
SAND
Set in a captivating diesel-punk universe, SAND is an open-world extraction shooter developed by Hologryph and TowerHaus in collaboration with publisher tinyBuild.
From October 11th, players can test-drive the game’s massive “Trampler” mechs in a demo that showcases the thrilling 6-player co-op gameplay on a fallen planet teeming with treasure hunters. You can check out SAND over here: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1431300/Sand/
Border Pioneer
Medieval strategy enthusiasts will find their match in Border Pioneer. This creation from solo developer Yahzj Games blends city-building, RTS, and tower defense elements, challenging players to build and protect their kingdom from monthly horde attacks.
The demo is live now, offering a taste of both peaceful development and intense warfare. You can check it out over here: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2346410/Border_Pioneer/
Slime Heroes & Among Ashes
Pancake Games presents an intriguing title for the Steam Next Fest. Slime Heroes, a whimsical 3D action-adventure, offers a “souls-lite” experience playable solo or in co-op. Its demo, available from October 14-21, previews the full game set for Q1 2025 release on PC and Xbox. You can wishlist the title right over here: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1511880/Slime_Heroes/
Among Ashes
Solo developer Rat Cliff Games has come up with Among Ashes which delivers a unique metafictional horror experience set in the early 2000s about a mysterious (and extremely haunted) video game called Night Call.
A demo is available now that’s optimized for Steam Deck play, you can check it out over here: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2430900/Among_Ashes/
Potion Shop Simulator
Aspiring alchemists can try their hand at running a magical shop in Potion Shop Simulator. Pebbles Games’ creation offers a demo featuring the full tutorial and limited full-game features, including co-op multiplayer for up to four players and dynamic world events.
Check it out over here: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2788920/Potion_Shop_Simulator/
Hero of the Hive
Mighty Beaver Studio invites players to save a struggling hive in Hero of the Hive. This whimsical and casual open-world adventure casts you as a worker bee exploring the vibrant Aurora Basin.
With three unique biomes, eight animal species to interact with, and extensive bee customization options, the demo promises a delightful experience. Check out the demo over here: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3038640/Hero_of_the_Hive/
The Precinct
Step into the neon-lit streets of 1980s America with The Precinct. Developed by UK-based Fallen Tree Games and published by Kwalee, this action sandbox police game offers a world of procedurally-generated crimes to solve.
Officer Nick Cordell Jr.’s story unfolds in the demo, available from October 14th. Check it out over here: https://store.steampowered.com/app/490110/The_Precinct/
Rage of the Dragons NEO
Fighting game enthusiasts can look forward to Rage of the Dragons NEO, a revival of the cult-classic brought to modern platforms by QUByte Interactive and Piko Interactive.
The demo, running from October 14th to 21st, features Versus Mode and exclusive ‘Dragon’s Challenges’, previewing the full game’s online multiplayer and training modes. Check it out over here: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2892130/Rage_of_the_Dragons_NEO/
Royal Revolt Warriors
Rounding out the lineup is Royal Revolt Warriors from Upright Games. This roguelite action game, featuring beloved characters from the Royal Revolt series, offers an expanded demo with two-player co-op, multiple heroes, and three diverse environments.
Players can dive into fast-paced, top-down action either solo or with friends, defending their realm against evil forces. Check out the game over here: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2960490/Royal_Revolt_Warriors/
The Spirit of the Samurai
Last but not least, is a game from Spanish developer Digital Mind S.L. In The Spirit of the Samurai, players will assume the role of Takeshi, a Japanese samurai tasked with defending his village from the relentless onslaught of Oni; Chisai, his warrior cat companion and a small but feisty Kodama. Players will need to prepare to confront legions of tengu, undead creatures, and the terrifying Jorogumo, all inspired by Japanese mythology.
All of this is presented as a truly unique and intense stop-motion cinematic adventure. The demo will be available during the Steam Next Fest: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1507120/The_Spirit_of_the_Samurai/
Spirit of the North 2
Spirit of the North 2, Infuse Studio’s magical sequel to its well-received 2019 title, invites players into a world stripped of joy by the dark shaman Grimnir.
Take control of a fox and its raven companion, traversing snow-capped mountains, puzzling crypts, and serene meadows to purge corruption and restore the animal guardians’ ancient powers. Leveraging Unreal Engine 5, this demo showcases extensive character customization and fresh unlockable skills. Dive into the adventure here: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2138280/Spirit_of_the_North_2/
The Stone of Madness
From the creators of Blasphemous comes The Stone of Madness, a tactical stealth adventure published by Tripwire Presents. Set in an 18th-century Spanish madhouse, this game promises a unique blend of strategy and narrative.
Guide five prisoners in their bid for freedom from a monastery doubling as an inquisitorial prison. The Game Kitchen’s stunning hand-painted visuals, inspired by Francisco De Goya, bring to life multiple escape plans, dynamic day-night cycles, and an intriguing sanity management system. Experience the demo during Steam Next Fest, ahead of the full launch on January 28, 2025. Add it to your wishlist: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2435260/The_Stone_of_Madness/
Kill the Shadow
Darkwater City comes to life in Kill the Shadow, a noir detective RPG born from the collaboration between publisher 663 Games and developer Shadowlight Sanctuary.
The latest demo introduces Zhulong Walled City, offering a tantalizing 30-minute glimpse into the game, complete with a revealing flashback scene. Shadowlight Sanctuary’s unique artistic vision blends 3D environments with 2D pixel art characters, creating a striking retro-modern aesthetic. Step into the shoes of Detective Lucas here: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1706680/Kill_the_Shadow/
