It’s that time of year again for PC gamers: Steam Next Fest June 2025 is here, running from June 9–16, 2025. If you love discovering new games without spending a dime, this week-long event is basically a free digital gaming festival on Steam. Hundreds of free Steam demos for upcoming titles are available to play, alongside developer livestreams and interactive chats. Whether you’re a hardcore gamer or just casually browsing for something fun, Next Fest offers a friendly, no-pressure way to try out games before they launch – and everyone wins (players get to play cool new games early, and developers get feedback and wishlists)
What is Steam Next Fest?
Steam Next Fest is a week-long celebration featuring hundreds of free playable demos, plus live broadcasts where developers showcase their games and answer player questions. Think of it as a virtual game expo: you can download and play demos of upcoming PC games for free, watch livestreams to see gameplay and chat with devs, and wishlist your favourites to be notified when they release. The June 2025 edition runs from Monday, June 9 through Monday, June 16, 2025. It’s an exciting opportunity to sample everything from indie gems to anticipated new titles. Why does it matter? For gamers, it’s a free chance to find your next favourite game (or just have fun trying something new). For developers, it’s a huge boost – they gather player feedback and build hype ahead of launch. In short, Next Fest is a win-win for the gaming community, and a must for any curious PC gamer who doesn’t want to miss out on the latest buzz.
Top 7 Free Demos to Try (Best Next Fest Games)
With hundreds of demos on tap, it can be tough to know where to start. To help, here’s a quick list of some of the best Next Fest games you should check out first. These demos span different genres and vibes – from action-packed adventures to chill puzzle games – so there’s a little something for everyone:
Hell is Us
A third-person action-adventure in a surreal dystopian world where no map or quest markers hold your hand. You’ll rely on your instincts to explore and fight mysterious foes. Built on Unreal Engine 5, Hell is Us boasts gorgeous graphics (and notably high system requirements) – making its demo a great way to both immerse yourself in its eerie atmosphere and see how well your PC handles a next-gen title.
Baby Steps
From the creator of Getting Over It with Bennett Foddy comes this hilariously absurd physics-based platformer. You control an unemployed “failson” one awkward step at a time, literally, by manually moving each of his legs. It’s goofy, challenging, and oddly addictive – like a 3D twist on the infamous QWOP game. If you enjoy a bit of slapstick frustration and humour in your games, Baby Steps is a must-try demo that will have you laughing (and probably yelling at the screen).
Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound
Ninja Gaiden is back! This new instalment revives the iconic action franchise as a 2D pixel art side-scroller, developed by the team behind Blasphemous. Expect the series’ signature fast-paced, challenging combat with slick retro visuals. The demo features multiple playable characters and several levels to slice through. If you grew up on old-school ninjas or just crave a solid action-platformer, Ragebound’s demo will scratch that itch (and test your reflexes).
Ratatan
A spiritual successor to the beloved rhythm-strategy game Patapon. Ratatan feels like a sequel in all but name, blending Patapon’s core drum-beat gameplay with new roguelike elements, charming character visuals, and a killer soundtrack. March in rhythm with your tiny army and experience a fun mix of music and strategy. Fans of quirky rhythm games or anyone looking for something delightfully different should give this a go – it’s catchy, cute, and challenging in equal measure.
Monument Valley 3
The gorgeous puzzle series returns with a third instalment, and its demo lets you sample those famous mind-bending illusions on PC. Originally known on mobile, Monument Valley 3 brings its atmospheric, perspective-twisting puzzles to the big screen. You’ll guide characters through beautiful, impossible architecture, manipulating the environment to solve puzzles. It’s soothing, artful, and perfect if you enjoy brainteasers at a relaxed pace. (Fun fact: this sequel was initially exclusive to Netflix subscribers, but it’s coming to PC on July 22 – so now’s your chance to preview it early.)
Mina the Hollower
A retro-action adventure from Yacht Club Games, the creators of Shovel Knight. Mina the Hollower channels classic Game Boy Colour vibes with top-down action-adventure gameplay reminiscent of early Zelda titles. In the demo, you play as Mina, whipping monsters, using trinkets, and even burrowing underground to outmanoeuvre hazards. The pixel art visuals perfectly homage old-school handheld games while adding modern polish and smoothness. If you have a soft spot for retro Zelda-like adventures (or just loved Shovel Knight), this demo will be a treat.
Coffee Talk Tokyo
For a change of pace, Coffee Talk Tokyo offers a chill visual novel experience. This newest chapter of the Coffee Talk series has you running a cosy café in Tokyo, brewing coffee and chatting with a cast of humans and yokai (mythical creatures) who drop in with their troubles. It’s all about comforting vibes, charming pixel art, and heart-to-heart conversations with your customers. The demo is perfect for winding down: no stress, just great stories and warm ambiance. If narrative-driven, relaxing gameplay is your thing, grab a cup and try this one.
(Of course, there are tons more fantastic demos beyond these – from shooters and horror games to simulators – so feel free to explore. But the titles above are a great starting sampler of Next Fest’s highlights.)
Tips to Make the Most of Steam Next Fest
With so many games and streams happening, here are some quick tips to help you enjoy Next Fest to the fullest:
- Browse by genre or tags: The Next Fest hub on Steam lets you filter demos by genre (action, puzzle, strategy, etc.) and features. Use those filters to find games that match your interests, so you’re not overwhelmed by the list of hundreds of demos. Love roguelikes or cosy sims? Filter and dive right in!
- Tune into developer livestreams: Throughout the fest, many developers schedule live broadcasts on their Steam store pages. These streams let you see live gameplay and often feature dev commentary or Q&A. It’s a fun way to learn about the game straight from the creators. Don’t be shy about joining the chat to ask questions or just to soak in the insights – devs are usually excited to interact during Next Fest.
- Try “Popular” and hidden gems: On the Next Fest page, you might notice sections for trending or popular demos (often based on player counts or wishlist adds). Checking out what other players are enjoying can lead you to some real winners. At the same time, don’t hesitate to download a quirky game that catches your eye even if you haven’t heard of it – part of the joy is discovering surprise hits!
- Wishlist your favourites: If you play a demo and love it, hit that “Add to Wishlist” button on the Steam page. Not only will this ensure you get a notification when the game officially releases, but it also helps the developers gauge interest. It’s a small action that goes a long way for indie devs. Plus, your wishlist will serve as a handy reminder of all the cool games you tried once the fest is over.
- Plan your time (demos are limited): Next Fest lasts one week, and some demos are only available during the event. Make a little game plan to try the demos you care about most while you can. It might help to install a batch of demos early in the week, so they’re ready to play when you have free time. And remember, the event ends June 16 (1 PM ET) – after that, many demos will disappear, so don’t procrastinate too much. Treat it like a gaming buffet and sample as much as you like!
No Beefy PC? Here Are 3 Budget Gaming PC Options
One great thing about Next Fest is that most indie demos aren’t very demanding – your average PC or laptop can usually run them just fine. But if you’ve noticed your older rig struggling with some of the flashier demos (or you’re thinking ahead to bigger upcoming games), it might be a good time to consider an upgrade. You don’t need to spend a fortune to get a solid budget gaming PC that will run indie titles and modern games smoothly. Here are three Horizon pre-built gaming PCs (available in the UK) that offer excellent value and performance for the price – perfect for enjoying Next Fest demos and beyond:
Horizon Ryzen 5 RTX 3050 Pre-built Gaming PC
