Steam Next Fest has returned with an array of exhilarating demos from the world of gaming. From February 5th-12th, gamers can sample the most highly-anticipated releases and experience them firsthand. With a multitude of choices available, it can be difficult to know where to start. Let us help by showcasing the top 10 best Steam Next Fest demos that you don’t want to miss out on.

1. Pacific Drive

The first game on our list is coincidentally the first one I tried out when sampling the new demos. Pacific Drive, from developer Ironwood Studios, is an action survival game that was initially unveiled at the Sony State of Play in September of 2022. Since then, it has generated a lot of anticipation, and now players can get a taste of what to expect. The game immerses you in an alternate world where parts of America have been transformed by supernatural creatures. Your mission is to help those trapped inside this eerie yet captivating world.

The demo offers players a glimpse into the game’s story, allowing them to get a feel for the gameplay elements of Pacific Drive. With a focus on collecting resources and crafting gear to build and customize your car in order to escape, the game’s premise is intriguing. The gameplay experiences resemble those of Outer Wilds, where the element of surprise and the allure of exploration are prominent. Keep an eye out for the release of Pacific Drive on PS5 and Steam on February 22nd, 2024.

2. Lightyear Frontier

Next, we have a multiplayer survival game, Lightyear Frontier, from developer FRAMEBREAK. The game invites players to explore an expansive open world, where they can build, interact with alien creatures, and cultivate a variety of crops, all while enjoying a relaxed environment.

Originally announced in 2021, Lightyear Frontier has undergone consistent updates. The demo provides players with the opportunity to test the mech’s diverse mechanics and traverse the vast open world. Lightyear Frontier is set to enter early access on Xbox consoles and Steam on March 19th, 2024. With the developers laying out a roadmap for the game’s continued development, players can look forward to regular updates.

3. Dungeonborne

Ranking third is the PvEvP fantasy extraction game Dungeonborne from developer Mithril Interactive. Reminiscent of titles like Dark and Darker, Dungeonborne focuses on adventure and treasure hunting. Players will delve into dungeons, face off against monsters and other players, all while collecting valuable loot with the ultimate goal of escaping the dungeon.

One unique aspect of Dungeonborne is the inclusion of competitive 3v3 arena battles, providing players with a multifaceted experience. The demo introduces 7 classes for players to test out, promising hours of exploration and experimentation. While Dungeonborne currently lacks a confirmed release date, interested individuals can stay updated through the official Discord.

4. Pepper Grinder

Shifting to a different genre, we have Pepper Grinder from developer Ahr Ech. This single-player 2D platformer immerses players in a world reminiscent of titles like Rayman Legends and Noita, blending engaging platforming with tactical environmental manipulation.

The demo offers a taste of the game’s initial levels, allowing players to interact with the game’s diverse mechanics, including manipulating earth pockets and customizable sticker collections. Pepper Grinder is expected to release sometime in 2024, and interested individuals can stay updated through the official Discord.

5. Stormgate

For fans of real-time strategy games, the demo for Stormgate from developer Frost Giant Studios is a must-try. Crafted by industry veterans from Starcraft 2 and Warcraft 3, Stormgate promises to deliver a cutting-edge RTS experience. The demo offers a glimpse into the game’s mechanics and features, including 3P Co-op vs. AI mode and competitive 1v1 matches.

Built on Unreal Engine 5, Stormgate aims to provide a dynamic and engaging narrative, utilizing voice acting from celebrity Simu Liu. With plans for a free-to-play release, the game’s development is ongoing. Interested individuals can stay updated through the official Discord.

6. Soulmask

For those drawn to the MMO survival genre, Soulmask by developer CampFire Studio is a game worth exploring. Immerse yourself in the world of Soulmask, where players must navigate a compelling narrative and unlock the potential of mysterious masks.

The demo provides a comprehensive experience, offering players the freedom to explore and discover the game’s intricate systems. With a release scheduled for 2024, interested individuals can stay updated through the official Discord.

7. Ziggy’s Labyrinth

Offering a new take on the classic game, Snake, Ziggy’s Labyrinth from developer Lankyware presents a unique gameplay experience. The demo provides players with the opportunity to explore and experiment with new abilities and level designs.

Attracting players with its distinctive level designs and captivating abilities, Ziggy’s Labyrinth is set to launch in March 2024. Stay updated through the official Discord for more news and content updates.

8. CYGNI: All Guns Blazing

Blasting its way onto the list is CYGNI: All Guns Blazing from developer KeelWorks. Experience the thrill of bullet-hell gameplay as you navigate through visually stunning levels and engaging combat mechanics.

Players can harness the game’s energy system to execute powerful attacks and engage in intense battles. Stay tuned for more updates through the official Discord as the game prepares to launch in the near future.

9. INDIKA

Delve into the world of INDIKA from developer Odd Meter, a third-person story adventure set in an alternate 19th-century Russia. Immerse yourself in an intriguing narrative and embark on a captivating journey through the game’s vibrant and engaging world.

Prepare to join Indika’s tale as it unfolds on Xbox series X/S, PS5, and PC in Q1 2024. Stay tuned for further information through the official Discord.

10. Star Trucker

Embark on a spacefaring adventure with Star Trucker from developer Monster and Monster. Immerse yourself in the ultimate delivery experience as you haul cargo across the galaxy, upgrade your space truck, and explore new frontiers.

Prepare for the launch of Star Trucker in 2024, and stay updated through the official website for the latest space trucking news.

Everything you need to know about Steam Next Fest

Steam Next Fest offers an enticing array of demos and live streams from game developers, providing a unique opportunity to engage and experience upcoming releases firsthand. With a wide variety of showcases available, players are encouraged to explore and discover the diverse range of offerings available during the festival. If your interest has been piqued by these top 10 demos, be sure to delve deeper into the full selection of demos featured. Additionally, individuals considering hardware upgrades can explore our Nvidia RTX 4080 Super summary to aid in preparing for the launch of these exciting games.