Steam Next Fest has returned for June 2026, bringing a massive wave of demos to the platform. With thousands of titles appearing, finding the gems can be overwhelming. Here are 10 picks worth checking out while the event is live.
1. Mistfall Hunter
This gritty fantasy extraction ARPG features a Norse aesthetic and blends soulslike combat with mechanics similar to Dark and Darker. It includes features like a party-based resource gathering system, an auction house, multiple classes, and various bosses. While the combat is still being polished, it is currently the standout title of the festival.
2. Enginefall
If you enjoy Rust or the concept of Snowpiercer, Enginefall is a must-play. This PvP survival crafting game tasks players with building a base and surviving while traveling along massive steampunk trains. The development progress over the last six months makes this an interesting project to track.
3. Sprawl Zero
For fans of boomer shooters, Sprawl Zero reimagines 2000s FPS aesthetics by blending Quake and early DOOM. The demo offers buttery smooth gameplay and satisfying interactions between weapons, enemy NPCs, and chunky grav gloves.
4. Order of the Sinking Star
Directed by Jonathan Blow—known for 2016's The Witness—this puzzle game features over 1,000 hand-crafted puzzles. The demo provides a glimpse into its stellar mechanics and aesthetic, making it an essential download for puzzle enthusiasts.
5. Embers of the Uncrowned
Nexon’s latest ARPG effort plays similarly to Lost Ark, offering a high level of mechanical complexity and difficulty. While the camera currently needs some refinement, it is a strong contender for fans of Diablo and Path of Exile.
6. Valor Mortis
Set in a world where a mutant zombie soldier returns to serve Napoleon, this game blends the aesthetics of Dishonored and Bloodborne. You use a sabre and pistol to fight through horrors, though note that the current demo is still rough around the edges and performance-heavy.
7. Dust Front: RTS
This title delivers a classic, stunning RTS experience where you build armies and engage in grim-dark warfare. It is a rare, high-quality addition to the genre from a small team that avoids hand-holding players.
8. Echoes of Aincrad
Based in the Sword Art Online universe, this game features souls-like combat and a unique party/partner system where you level up as a unit. It is scheduled for release in July 2026, though the difficulty and partner AI could use some tuning before launch.
9. Iron Nest: Heavy Turret Simulator
This dieselpunk simulator is exactly what it sounds like. Players control an enormous turret, managing pressure gauges, levers, and maps to fire massive missiles. It is a visceral, chunky experience that stands out for its uniqueness.
10. Onimusha: Way Of The Sword
After a 20-year hiatus, Capcom’s action franchise is back. The demo allows you to play through the early sections of the game, showcasing outstanding combat that is already hooking long-time fans and newcomers alike.