Steam Next Fest for June 2026 is finally here, and it brings over 100 game demos. With these many games out and such little time, I have decided to do the heavy lifting for you and find you the games that are worth your time. After playing over 50 Steam Next Fest 2026 demos, here are 10 games that have thoroughly captured my attention. Make sure to try them so that you can instantly buy them during the next Steam sale.
Empulse is a 6v6 FPS game, and it features one of the best movements I have seen since Apex Legends. After trying the demo, I instantly thought about the old days of playing Titanfall 2 multiplayer. Empulse gives complete freedom when it comes to movement, allowing players to wall-run, use grapple hooks, and fly around on jetpacks. But what truly stood out was something called P.A.I.N.T. bombs that can be used to jump, speed up, deal damage, and even heal.
The game also lets you control mechs, which is one of the game’s objectives that you have to fight for. Once you have captured the mech, you can use it to completely change the fight in seconds. Overall, I am very excited for Empulse’s release, so do give the demo a try to get ready for the early access.
I had already played a fair bit of Valor Mortis when its demo was first released months back. The new demo showcased a different area with a new major boss, and I enjoyed both quite a bit. The gameplay is quite similar to Life of P, but set in a dystopian Napoleon era. I loved the addition of guns alongside classic souls-like parry and dodge-based swordplay. It adds a tinge of Bloodborne’s flavor to the game, which is a game I enjoyed dearly.
However, the performance of the Valor Mortis demo is still a concern. The FPS drop and stuttering during boss fights have clearly drawn negative responses from players. Hopefully, the game is fully optimized on release and is not in the same sorry state. I would still recommend you give the demo a chance while it is still available during the Steam Next Fest 2026.
If you have been enjoying extraction games, then you should definitely give Mistfall Hunter demo a try during the Steam Next Fest 2026. This game is a dark fantasy extraction ARPG that you can play with friends. The game is completely PvE, your only challenge is tough souls-like style bosses that you can take on with your party. If you like dungeon slaying games, then Mistfall Hunter should be right up your alley.
The unique part about the game is that it is an extraction game, so any item or weapon you obtain from your runs can be brought back for future use. I loved the combat and the team synergy skills in co-op. The game is set to release next month, so now is a good time to give it a try.
A big fan of Sword Art Online? Then you should not miss out on Echoes of Aincrad demo at this Steam Next Fest. The game is set in the world of Sword Art Online, taking place in the world of Aincrad. Instead of choosing to play Kirito, you actually can create your own character. The gameplay is fantastic, with each swing feeling weighty. The game is going to be completely single-player, but you won’t be lonely due to the companion system in the game.
I loved the demo, mostly due to the smooth and impactful combat. The main story is also well voiced with hood animations, and the world looks gorgeous. If you have time and love for open-world anime-style games, then Echoes of Aincrad should be right up your alley.
The Mound Omen of Cthulu is another co-op game that I have been looking forward to for quite a while. With the opportunity to play the game using the demo, thanks to Steam Next Fest 2026, I must say that I am thoroughly impressed. This is a psychological horror game with up to 4-player co-op. Explore a cursed jungle that is filled with every horror imaginable, in search of treasure. The game features a variety of weapons, including a literal cross to drive off spirits.
Think of it as Phasmaphobia, but with a much better combat system. The game contains guns, swords, and explosives, but the real depth is provided through the utility items that you have to keep an eye on, like maps, a compass, and such. Overall, if the demo is anything to go by, I have big hopes for the game’s release.
For players who enjoy games like PEAK and RV There Yet?, we have Over the Hill. The game is all about taking your jeep over difficult terrains while listening to soothing music. But as games like these go, the road is not safe. From wild animals to challenging terrains, you and up to 3 other companions will have to navigate to reach the destination.
However, unlike RV There Yet and PEAK, where survival takes precedence over everything else, Over the Hill is a bit more chill. The scenery is breathtaking, and you can take pictures of distant animals. Overall, this is the perfect game to chill on the weekends with friends. Over the Hill is set to release in 2026, so before you decide to buy, do check out the demo first to know whether you like it or not.
Dungeon Settlers is a simulation strategy game where players have to create their own settlement in a barren land. But it won’t be easy, as the world in this game is flooded with monsters. Set up your settlement, unlock powerful characters, and head into dungeons to get food and other necessary things to survive.
Anyone who enjoys simulation games should give it a try, as I found an incredible depth to it that many games are missing. Creating your own piece of the world has never been more satisfying. So, try out the Dungeon Settlers demo today during the Steam Game Fest 2026.
Grain Rot is another horror co-op extraction game, where you have to take on the roles of robots to head deep into ruins to find items. Using those items, you can build your base, which is the main game loop. But what sets it apart is how fun the game’s mechanics are, even though it’s technically horror. Employ a variety of gadgets, like shooting out both your hands to grab objects, or strong weapons like guns and swords.
I thoroughly enjoyed the little I played of this game and will be looking forward to its release in the 3rd quarter of 2026. This game gives similar vibes to Lethal Company, so if you enjoy such games, try Grain Rot today.
About Fishing completely twists the concept of fishing, which is often seen as a relaxing experience, turning it into a deep psychological horror, and I absolutely love it. This is the most standout game I have played during Steam Next Fest 2026. The game’s atmosphere is intensely creepy, and it changes the simple setting of catching fish into a horror story. Anyone who enjoys creepy games with a touch of good gameplay mechanics will find themselves spending hours on this game.
Ending our list of best Steam Next Fest 2026 demos is another psychological horror that literally gave me the creeps. lily’s world XD is a game about investigative, psychological horror where you have access to Lily’s laptop, an ordinary teenager in 2004. The game is all about investigating what happened to Lily by reading her diary and even messaging her friend. A caution, the game doesn’t hold back when cranking up its creepy meter.
Anyone who enjoys investigative games, with a touch of psychological horror, should definitely try out lily’s world XD. The game even breaks the fourth wall sometimes, which can definitely put you off.
So, these are the 10 best Steam Next Fest demos I found after trying over 50 games. Did we miss out on any game that caught your eye? Let us know in the comments below.
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