Steam Next Fest Feb 2026: Must-Try Demos

Steam Next Fest is back and better than ever! From February 23 to March 2, you can dive into hundreds of free demos for upcoming indie and AA games. It’s the ultimate playground for discovering hidden gems and getting first dibs on your next gaming obsession. But let’s be real - there’s way too much content to sort through. That’s where we come in. We’ve rounded up the demos that deserve your time, from spooky horror to cozy farming and everything in between.

Horror Fans, Start Here

If jump scares and atmospheric tension are your thing, these demos are must-tries:

Fearwoods

Genre: Co-op Survival Horror
Grab your squad (up to four players!) and brave a cursed forest where light and silence are your only weapons. The demo drops February 23, and early looks show it’s a masterclass in suspense. The story of Aveline and the relentless demon haunting the woods? Just the cherry on top.

The Mole

Genre: Horror Adventure Simulation
You’re a giant drilling machine descending into Slavic soil… and something dead is already inside. The 30-minute demo is the perfect length to test your nerves while fixing glitchy systems and listening to whispers that won’t quit.

Metroidvania Showcase

Calling all 2D platforming fans!

Ashfire

Genre: Metroidvania
Sword fights and exploration await in a world where story and secrets are king. The demo cleverly avoids major lore spoilers - smart move by the devs. Ignite your blade and climb every peak.

Cathedral: Crows Curse

Genre: Metroidvania
This prequel to the beloved Cathedral series focuses on razor-sharp combat and a tighter parry/dodge system. If you loved the original, don’t sleep on this one - it’s available now.

Elypse

Genre: Story Metroidvania
Here’s a fresh twist: the allies you meet change how you fight and explore. Set in the mythical world of Raoah, it’s all about relationships shaping your journey. Demo is live and ready to download.

Cozy and Chill

Need a break from the madness? These demos offer relaxation wrapped in charm:

Float and Farm

Genre: Cozy Farming, Creature Collecting
Sail the seas with your animal buddy, grow crops on a floating island, and unlock new lands. Plus, demo progress carries over to the full game - no pressure to rush.

Swan Song

Genre: Puzzle
A heartfelt puzzle game where music is the key to solving emotional challenges. You’ll program a music box with shape-based notes while navigating themes of family and loss. It’s beautiful, weird, and totally unique. Available now.

Strategy and Deckbuilders

For the brainy gamers:

Elder God

Genre: 4X Strategy
Become a sorcerer god in this lore-rich 4X game. The demo gives you two hours to experiment with spells and armies - plenty of time to get hooked.

Uncle Chops Rocket Shop

Genre: Roguelike Deckbuilder
Cast elemental spells, escape prison, and make it to your niece’s birthday party. The premise is ridiculous, but the deckbuilder mechanics look solid. Definitely worth a peek.

Action and Shooters

Gun-toting fun abounds here:

Monstronaut

Genre: Creature Collector Third Person Shooter
Hatch, evolve, and upgrade space monsters in a shooter with a twist. Demo drops February 23 - perfect for fans of creative combat.

Galactic Vault

Genre: FPS Roguelite
Build your dream weapon, experiment with upgrades, and crack into high-security vaults. Fast-paced and chaotic in the best way. Demo is live.

BARKOUR

Genre: Stealth Action Platformer
You’re Agent THUNDER… a parkour dog. Yep, it’s as absurd as it sounds. But the platforming feels great, and the concept is pure gold. Demo hits February 23.

Mystery and FMV

For the detective types:

The Infectious Madness of Doctor Dekker

Genre: FMV Mystery
Play a psychiatrist solving a double murder via patient interviews. It’s a puzzle of motives and clues, with a vibe similar to Her Story. If you love digging for truth, this is your jam.

The Roottrees Are Dead

Genre: Mystery Adventure
A submarine captain dies in a locked room with a mysterious stone cauldron. Was it a curse? A crew member? Or something weirder? This one leans into cosmic weirdness with flair.

Puzzle and Adventure

Helix Visions

Genre: Adventure Puzzle
Combine unique abilities to solve intricate puzzles in the world of Helix. The storytelling and atmosphere are next-level - perfect for casual puzzle fans.

Trackastrophe

Genre: Puzzle
Guide a quirky train through wacky worlds by placing tiles on the map. It’s chaotic, creative, and oddly satisfying. Just don’t crash your train!

Action RPG

Bylina

Genre: Action RPG
Dive into Slavic folklore and challenge Koschei the Deathless in this action RPG. It’s all about skill-based combat and a deep mythological narrative. If you love folklore and flashy swordplay, this one’s for you.

How to Make the Most of Next Fest

Next Fest runs for one week. Here’s the lowdown on nailing it:

Download demos overnight - some are huge, so let ‘em cook while you sleep.
Start with genres you love. No need to sample everything.
Wishlist anything that catches your eye. You can always come back later.
Watch developer streams! Many games host live demos during Next Fest.

Track Your Next Fest Discoveries

With this many demos, it’s easy to lose track of what you’ve tried. PlayPile makes it simple to:

Wishlist games you love
Track your demo progress
Get notified when your favorites launch or go on sale

The February 2026 Steam Next Fest runs from February 23 to March 2. Don’t wait - start building your demo queue and get ready to play the best of indie gaming before the masses catch on!