Introduction Of Steam
Steam’s calling it “Next Fest,” but let’s be honest—this feels more like a full-on Next Feast. With hundreds of demos flooding the platform for a limited time, June 2025’s edition is serving up a buffet of gaming experiences—from nostalgic platformers to slick roguelikes, story-rich indies, and genre mashups you didn’t know you needed. Whether you’re scouting your next obsession or just demo-surfing for the thrill of discovery, there’s a lot to sink your teeth into.
Table of Contents
Steam Next Fest is live now and runs through June 16, so this is your moment to jump in. We’ve handpicked 25 of the most promising, quirky, or straight-up addictive demos worth checking out right now. And don’t worry—if you think we missed a gem, drop your own recommendations in the comments.
After the fest wraps, don’t forget the Steam Summer Sale is right around the corner (June 26 – July 10), so pace yourself—and maybe hide your wallet.
🎮 25 Must-Play Demos from Steam Next Fest – June 2025
1. Baby Steps
A walking simulator that fully commits. Guide Nate, a down-on-his-luck “failson,” through physics-based movement and self-discovery in a bizarre world filled with awkward charm.
2. Hell is Us
Explore a haunting, war-torn land where you’re left to your own instincts. Atmospheric exploration meets brutal combat against monstrous entities born from raw emotion.
3. Ratatan
A spiritual sequel to Patapon, blending rhythm-based command gameplay with roguelike progression, adorable art, and an electric soundtrack.
4. Monument Valley 3
The iconic puzzle series returns, now coming to PC. Twist gravity, bend perception, and unravel beautifully crafted spatial puzzles when it launches July 22.
5. Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound
A side-scrolling revival of the legendary franchise. Blasphemous devs add modern flair to Ryu Hayabusa’s old-school action with brutal precision.
6. Ironhive
A deckbuilding strategy survival game where you must lead your colony through collapse. Resource management, harsh decisions, and post-apocalyptic vibes included.
7. Gimmiko
Demons from the subconscious? Check. Roguelite chaos? Check. This stylish action game is bursting with weirdness and retro flair.
8. No, I’m Not a Human
Imagine Papers, Please meets Eraserhead. This eerie narrative thriller has you trapped at home, fending off doppelgängers in a decaying world.
9. Bloodthief
An adrenaline-fueled vampiric dungeon-runner. Chain kills, absorb enemies’ blood, and keep momentum high as you slice through fast-paced, combo-heavy levels.
10. The Drifter
A gritty point-and-click inspired by Stephen King and ‘70s grindhouse. Solve a dark mystery as a drifter who returns from the dead… sort of.
11. Rushing Beat X: Return of Brawl Brothers
Classic beat-’em-up energy, now with co-op and auto-combos. Great for button-mashing throwdowns with a friend.
12. Truxton Extreme
The legendary shmup returns with modern visuals and relentless bullet-hell intensity. A must-try for arcade diehards.
13. Morbid Metal
Hack-and-slash combat with a morphing twist. Swap between characters on the fly and master fluid roguelite action.
14. Eat the Rich
A biting satirical game show where billionaires fight for survival. Betray your fellow contestants and claw your way to the top in chaotic mini-games.
15. Into the Grid
A visually slick deckbuilder where you battle corporate overlords inside a digital realm. Customize your card loadout and hack your way to justice.
16. Absolum
Roguelite beat-’em-up meets ‘90s cartoon aesthetic. Stylish and fast-paced, with a rich world and memorable art direction.
17. Nested Lands
A punishing survival sim where community-building is key. Updated for Next Fest with new QoL features, and even more ways to suffer (with friends).
18. Coffee Talk Tokyo
Return to the heartwarming world of cozy conversations over coffee—this time, in Tokyo. Serve drinks and listen to stories from humans and yokai alike.
19. Overhours
Tower defense meets office satire. Fend off soul-devouring monsters while navigating the worst job ever. Think: Office Space meets Doom.
20. MotionRec
A mind-bending puzzle platformer where progress depends on recording and replaying your own movements. Prepare for “aha!” moments galore.
21. Kulo Niku Bowl Up
Take over your grandma’s meatball shop, fend off culinary rivals, and serve chaotic cuisine in this cooking-action hybrid with personality.
22. Undusted
Same demo concept as above (possible dev error in listing)—a challenging restaurant sim that’s all about reclaiming family legacy and out-cooking the competition.
23. Egging On
A literal egg-venture. Roll your fragile egg-self across deadly terrain and pray you don’t crack under pressure.
24. Xenopurge
Command from the safety of the control room while your team clears out a Xeno-infested facility. Tactical, tense, and full of brutal decisions.
25. Mina the Hollower
From the creators of Shovel Knight, this gothic action-adventure oozes Game Boy Color nostalgia with whip-based combat, burrowing mechanics, and slick retro charm.
🎁 Bonus Tip: Wishlist Early and Often
Many of these games don’t have hard release dates yet—but wishlisting helps devs, and it keeps your gaming calendar organized. Win-win.
⏰ Don’t Wait Too Long
Steam Next Fest ends June 16, and demos often disappear once it’s over. Dive in, explore broadly, and enjoy a week where discovery is the whole point.
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