UPDATED 6/11: Steam Next Fest June 2025: Try These Demos Before They’re Gone!
It's Demo Season, Dood
The outdoors stink—it’s hot out there, the Chicagoland area got its first dust storm not seen in 90 years (and full of chemicals, because of course), and depending on where you are the mosquitoes are going to come out if they’re not already out in full force. Good thing we’ve got June 2025’s Steam Next Fest to keep us occupied then! For the uninitiated, every few months the Steam platform runs a festival of all things coming and the best way to do so is by highlighting games through demos. Any developer can apply to be a part of Next Fest, but they can only join one (1!) of ’em, so they’re incentivised to bring their best work to entice you the lovely soul with a heart of gold and a wallet that stretches to the ends of the earth.
This is our… 5th issue of Steam Next Fest! I’m not good at keeping count, but just like the previous listicles, our goal here is to curate our own list of games to check out—be it stuff we’ve played or given cursory glances to. Because your time is precious and, really, choice paralysis is the real killer of time. Below you’ll find a list of action, adventure, puzzlers, visual novels, strategy, the works that we’ve looked over and think are worth your time to check out. And hey, if you have recommendations of your own or you’d like to see your game listed in our issues: please, email us! We don’t bite; we’re just overworked.
Previous Issues: Feb 2024 | June 2024 | October 2024 | Feb 2025
Anywho, without further ado, check out our recommendations below! We’ll be updating this listicle over the course of the week that Steam Next Fest runs. Don’t forget one thing, though: many of these demos will disappear when Next Fest ends next week on the 16th—play them ASAP! And don’t forget to leave a review as it makes an ocean’s difference for visibility on the ever-packed Steam storefront.
LAST UPDATED: 11th June @ 1845 BST
Updates will be interspersed across pages—so you can give everything a onceover more than once!
Oh, and if it sounds like I’m utterly bitter that I can’t leave my abode for a month due to a recovery, it’s because I am. Game on, game responsibly, and catch some Vitamin D for me, yeah?
Arcadian Days
Arcadian Days is a non-linear, relaxing game where your choices shape a dynamic world and story. Play as Miela, explore vibrant landscapes, form meaningful relationships, and uncover secrets with your loyal dog, Tola. Each playstyle is unique to you.
Arcadian Days boasts a compelling setting and gorgeous visuals—especially those from a solo developer!
Operation Octo
Play as an Octopus scientist fighting off sunken skeletons in this frantic aquatic Tower Defense! Discover sea life turrets from unique biomes: Pistol Shrimp! Navy Seal! Death Ray! Deploy turrets whilst dodging enemy bullets as you venture the seven seas!
Players will fight to survive—but instead of bullet hells, traps and quick maneuvering will be your strongest assets in this -Plants Vs. Zombies’-inspired strategy game. Easy to pick up, difficult to master!
Jump Ship
Jump Ship is a mission-based co-op PvE for up to 4 players, where you are the crew of a spaceship. Transition seamlessly from crewing the ship to on-foot exploration and space walks. Engage in intense battles both on the ground and in space, and always keep your ship upgraded and intact. Teamwork is key for survival and victory.
Seamless space traversal with mates? Count us in!
Times Trials
Flex your 200 IQ with Times Trials – an arcade-style block-dropping puzzle game. Arrange falling numbers to solve equations and win. Style on your friends in versus multiplayer, or wrinkle your brain in singleplayer.
Learn maths in this fast-paced educational match three game! Math conditionals will get you a winning score. Forget AI slop, this is what you want in your life.
Undusted: Letters from the Past
Undusted: Letters from the Past is a casual game in which you clean and restore dirty items. What is her story as she returns to a long-neglected house? Enjoy the satisfying audiovisuals featuring sensually designed sounds and graphics.
Take your time and dust—it’s good to think. Sometimes.
Forgotten Fragments
Test your skills in this puzzle-platformer game: Help Enid, Ryder, and Dayen recover the Forgotten Fragments in this beautiful pixel art adventure. Hundreds of hand-crafted levels split between the single-player and co-op campaigns!
I am a simple man—I see lovely visuals and puzzle platforming, I recommend.
Star Overdrive
Star Overdrive is a high-speed action adventure set in an open world. Race across an alien planet on your Hoverboard, mastering tricks, battling enemies, solving puzzles, and using your powers to overcome challenges and shape your destiny!
Set off on a high-speed Hoverboard adventure in Star Overdrive, where fast-paced action collides with the mysteries of a distant alien world. After intercepting a cryptic distress signal, you, the protagonist Bios, find yourself stranded on an enigmatic planet called Cebete. Armed with your versatile Keytar and advanced Hoverboard, you’ll navigate diverse biomes, confront challenges, evolve your hidden powers, and uncover the mystery behind the disappearance of your beloved Nous.
High-speed skateboarding. ‘Nuff said.
