Must-Play Game Demos at Steam Next Fest February 2025 | Part 1

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Ignacio Weil

Gaming - February 27th 2025, 15:01 GMT+1

About this gallery:

For this list, we’re shining the spotlight on the best game demos available to try during this Steam Next Fest. You know what that means – your weekend plans are officially sorted!

Since there were so many awesome demos, we decided to break the list into two parts. And guess what? **You can check out Part Two right here**!

Which of these games caught your eye? Drop your pick in the comments and let’s talk!

Gothic 1 Remake

Remember the good old days when RPGs were gritty, challenging, and didn't hold your hand? Well, the "Gothic 1 Remake" is here to transport you back to that golden era, but with a fresh coat of paint. This faithful remake invites you to return to the Valley of the Mines, where danger lurks around every corner, and your choices have real consequences. The world is hand-crafted and reacts dynamically to your actions, ensuring that no two playthroughs are the same. Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or a newcomer eager to experience a classic, this remake promises an unrestricted experience like no other. So, sharpen your sword, ready your spells, and prepare to carve your own path in a world that remembers your every decision. | © THQ Nordic

Monaco 2

Assemble your crew and dust off your heist plans because "Monaco 2" is here to test your thieving skills once more. This co-op heist game brings you back to the glamorous yet treacherous city of Monaco, where meticulous planning meets chaotic execution. Plan your operation down to the last detail, but be prepared to improvise when things inevitably go awry. With new tools, challenges, and a city that's more alive than ever, every heist is a fresh puzzle waiting to be cracked. Whether you're the mastermind or the muscle, the city is yours for the taking – just don't get caught! | © Pocketwatch Games

Breathedge 2

Suit up, spacefarer! "Breathedge 2" catapults you back into the cosmos, where danger, mystery, and a healthy dose of absurdity await. On a reckless mission, you'll find yourself navigating the perils of outer space, from managing your crew to crafting essential survival gear. And let's not forget the most crucial task: looking after the chicken. Yes, in true Breathedge fashion, humor intertwines with survival, ensuring that even in the darkest corners of the universe, there's a laugh to be had. Defeat the evil space corporation, explore uncharted territories, and remember – space is vast, but your wit is vaster. | © RedRuins Softworks

Chernobylite 2 Exclusion Zone — Chernobylite 2: Exclusion Zone

The Chornobyl Exclusion Zone beckons once more in "Chernobylite 2: Exclusion Zone." This post-apocalyptic action RPG thrusts you into a mysterious open world teeming with sinister hazards and mutated monstrosities. Craft your story by making choices that impact the world around you, all while scavenging for resources and crafting weaponry to survive. With a team of allies by your side, navigate the treacherous landscapes, uncover hidden secrets, and face the unknown lurking in the shadows. Your skills, decisions, and resilience will determine your fate in this hauntingly immersive adventure. | © The Farm 51

Descenders Next

Grab your bike, your snowboard or whatever you fancy and brace yourself for adrenaline-pumping action in "Descenders Next." This extreme sports game challenges you to master sprawling snowy peaks, navigate winding dirt tracks, and conquer a plethora of parks designed to test your skills. With a dynamic environment that offers new challenges at every turn, you and your friends can embark on a journey to become the Next Ultimate Descenders. Perform daring tricks, customize your rider, and remember – it's not just about the destination, but the gnarly rides along the way. | © RageSquid

Monster Train 2

All aboard the hype train – next stop: "Monster Train 2"! The beloved roguelike deckbuilder is back, and it's pulling out all the stops. With brand-new clans to master and formidable enemy factions to outsmart, your strategic prowess will be tested like never before. The classic three-tiered, vertical gameplay returns, challenging you to defend your Pyre against relentless foes. But wait, there's more! New modes and challenges ensure that even veteran conductors will find fresh tracks to explore. So, shuffle your deck, strategize your moves, and get ready to ride the rails of this infernal locomotive once more. | © Shiny Shoe

PUBG BLINDSPOT — PUBG: Blindspot

Think you've mastered the battle royale genre? "PUBG: Blindspot" is here to flip the script. This dynamic 5v5 military shooter delivers realistic, fast-paced gunplay from a top-down perspective – a fresh twist that will keep even the most seasoned players on their toes. Team coordination is key, as real-time shared vision with your squad opens up a world of strategic possibilities. Utilize a variety of tools to outmaneuver and outgun your opponents in matches where every second counts. It's a new angle on a familiar battlefield, and it's time to see if you have what it takes to dominate from above. | © ARC Team, PUBG Corporation

Tempest Rising

Calling all commanders! "Tempest Rising" is set to reignite your passion for classic real-time strategy. Set on a post-nuclear war Earth, this game challenges you to lead one of three distinct factions in a high-stakes battle for power and resources. Base building, resource management, and tactical combat are your tools of the trade as you navigate a world teetering on the brink. With a rich narrative and intense multiplayer modes, "Tempest Rising" offers a tempestuous blend of nostalgia and innovation. Sharpen your wits, marshal your forces, and prepare to stake your claim in this volatile new world. | © Slipgate Ironworks™

Lost Skies

Ever dreamt of sailing the skies? "Lost Skies" turns that fantasy into reality. In this cooperative survival adventure, you and up to five friends will chart a course through a breathtaking, fractured world suspended among the clouds. Explore ancient ruins, master advanced technologies, and craft your very own skyship to brave nature's fury and colossal threats. Whether you're fending off aerial predators or unearthing long-lost secrets, "Lost Skies" promises an adventure that's as boundless as the horizon. So, gather your crew, hoist the sails, and set forth into the unknown expanse of the skies. | © Bossa Studios

Cropped Post Trauma — Post Trauma

Step into the shoes of Roman, a middle-aged train conductor, as he awakens in a nightmarish reality that defies explanation. "Post Trauma" is a modern survival horror game that pays homage to genre classics while introducing its own unique twists. Navigate through twisted environments, solve mind-bending puzzles, and confront unspeakable horrors as you seek a way back home. With fixed camera angles enhancing the sense of dread and a narrative that delves deep into the human psyche, "Post Trauma" is set to haunt your dreams and challenge your sanity. Prepare yourself for a journey where every corner hides a new terror, and the line between reality and nightmare blurs. | © RED SOUL GAMES

Despelote

Ever wondered what it's like to be an 8-year-old soccer enthusiast in the bustling streets of Quito? "Despelote" transports you to 2001 Ecuador, capturing the nation's fervor as it inches closer to World Cup qualification. Through the eyes of young Julián, you'll dribble, pass, and shoot your way through parks and alleyways, interacting with locals and soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. This slice-of-life adventure isn't just about the beautiful game; it's about the community, the culture, and the childhood memories that soccer fosters. So lace up your virtual cleats and get ready to experience football fever like never before. | © Panic

Deliver At All Costs

Meet Winston Green: courier extraordinaire with a knack for turning mundane deliveries into chaotic escapades. In "Deliver At All Costs," you're not just delivering packages; you're navigating a sandbox city filled with obstacles, challenges, and a healthy dose of mayhem. From fragile antiques to... was that a live alligator? Each delivery promises a unique set of hurdles. With physics-based driving mechanics, every mission is a test of skill, patience, and your ability to keep a straight face amidst the absurdity. Ready to embrace the chaos and become the ultimate delivery daredevil? | © KONAMI

Is This Seat Taken?

We've all been there: scanning a crowded room, trying to find the perfect seat that aligns with our myriad preferences. "Is This Seat Taken?" turns this universal dilemma into a delightful logic puzzle game. Arrange a cast of quirky characters, each with their own seating pet peeves, in various settings – from buses to weddings. Maybe Mr. Chatty prefers the aisle, while Ms. Perfume-Allergic needs to avoid certain neighbors. It's a cozy, silly, and oh-so-relatable experience that will have you pondering the complexities of social seating arrangements. Who knew playing matchmaker for seats could be so entertaining? | © Wholesome Games Presents

Vector Strike

Imagine a world where first-person shooters and high-octane sports collide. Welcome to "Vector Strike," the 4v4 arena game that challenges your precision, agility, and teamwork. In this fast-paced, physics-based battleground, scoring goals is just as important as outgunning your opponents. Master a variety of abilities, coordinate with your team, and execute jaw-dropping plays that would make even seasoned athletes jealous. Whether you're strategizing the perfect shot or reveling in the thrill of the game, "Vector Strike" offers a fresh take on competitive multiplayer action. Game on! | © Chamo Games

Skin Deep

From the creative mind behind "Thirty Flights of Loving" and "Quadrilateral Cowboy" comes "Skin Deep," an immersive first-person shooter that throws you into the deep end – literally shoeless and outgunned. As insurance agent-turned-mercenary Nina Pasadena, you're awakened from cryo-sleep to deal with space pirates who've hijacked your starship. Navigate the vast, non-linear vessel, employing stealth, sabotage, and a bit of sneezing (yes, sneezing) to survive. With its unique blend of humor, strategy, and immersive gameplay, "Skin Deep" ensures that in space, everyone can hear you laugh. Prepare for a stellar sandbox experience that's as unpredictable as it is entertaining. | © Annapurna Interactive

Shuffle Tactics

Ever wondered what happens when you blend a deck of cards with tactical combat? "Shuffle Tactics" answers that question with a resounding "Deal me in!" This roguelike deckbuilding tactical RPG invites you to strategize your way through challenging battles, selecting the perfect cards to create powerful synergies. As you journey through the realm of Asteria, you'll bond with a diverse cast of sidekicks, each offering unique abilities to aid in your quest for the throne. With its vibrant art style and dynamic gameplay, "Shuffle Tactics" ensures that every playthrough is a fresh and exhilarating experience. So, ready to shuffle up and deal your way to kingship? | © The Arcade Crew

Into The Grid

Jack into the neon-soaked world of "Into The Grid," where hacking isn't just a skill – it's a way of life. This cyberpunk roguelike deckbuilder thrusts you into the depths of cyberspace, challenging you to outsmart corporate security systems and unleash digital mayhem. Build and upgrade a deck of powerful programs, unlock unique perks and skills, and navigate a labyrinth of virtual dangers. With its sleek visuals and strategic gameplay, "Into The Grid" offers a fresh take on the deckbuilding genre. So, decker, are you ready to dive deep and hack your way to glory? | © Flatline Studios

Labyrinth of the demon king msn — Labyrinth Of The Demon King

Sharpen your katana and prepare for a journey into darkness with "Labyrinth Of The Demon King." Set in feudal Japan, this first-person dungeon crawler casts you as an ashigaru foot soldier on a quest for vengeance against a treacherous demon general. Navigate intricate mazes, solve devious puzzles, and battle grotesque monsters as you delve deeper into the demon's lair. The game's atmospheric design and challenging gameplay promise an experience that's as immersive as it is intense. Do you have the courage to face the horrors that await in the shadows? | © Top Hat Studios, Inc.

Demon Tides

Hoist the sails and set course for adventure in "Demon Tides," an open-world 3D platformer that invites you to explore uncharted seas and uncover the kingdom's darkest secrets. Traverse diverse locales, from sunlit shores to haunted caverns, all while upgrading your gear and honing your skills. With its expressive platforming mechanics and vibrant world design, "Demon Tides" offers a fresh and exhilarating take on the action-adventure genre. Ready to brave the tides and face the unknown? | © Fabraz

The Horror at Highrook

Gather your courage and assemble your team of investigators for "The Horror at Highrook," an occult card-crafting narrative RPG that plunges you into the depths of a haunted mansion. Explore eerie corridors, summon dark entities, and craft powerful protections as you seek to uncover the fate of the missing family. Your choices shape the narrative, leading to multiple possible outcomes in this chilling tale. With its atmospheric storytelling and strategic gameplay, "The Horror at Highrook" promises a haunting experience that will linger long after the lights go out. Dare you enter the mansion and face the horrors within? | © Nullpointer Games

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Steam Next Fest February 2025 is here, bringing an exciting lineup of free game demos from some of the most anticipated upcoming indie and AAA titles. Whether you're a fan of action-packed shooters, deep RPGs, immersive horror experiences, or innovative strategy games, this event offers a first look at what's coming to Steam in 2025.

With hundreds of demos available for a limited time, it can be overwhelming to decide which ones are worth your time. That’s why we’ve curated this must-play list featuring the best, most promising, and most talked-about game demos at Steam Next Fest. From hidden indie gems to major upcoming releases, these are the demos you shouldn’t miss.