Steam Next Fest is basically gaming’s version of speed dating – except instead of awkward small talk, you get straight to the action.
Hundreds of games line up, each hoping to dazzle you with a killer first impression in the form of a free demo.
And just like in dating, some experiences leave you smitten, some are instantly forgettable, and a few are so bizarre they make you question your life choices.
For developers, this is a one-shot deal. Games only get a single Steam Next Fest appearance, so those demos have to be fine-tuned weapons of mass persuasion.
But here’s the thing: Steam Next Fest is chaotic. With so many demos dropping at once, some absolute bangers inevitably get lost in the shuffle. And that’s where we come in.
While our upcoming issue of NAG Magazine features the ultimate top ten must-play upcoming games showcased during the event, we’ve also compiled a list of promising titles that didn’t get the spotlight they deserved.
Now, let’s fire up that wishlist, stretch those download fingers, and dive into the games that kind of flew under the radar but definitely deserve a play.
Afterblast
Link To Demo
Afterblast is the roguelite FPS that turns gods into target practice, throwing you headfirst into a whirlwind of high-speed destruction and cosmic carnage.
From the moment you pick up the controller, it’s all about fast reflexes, dodging projectiles, and blasting your way through procedurally generated dungeons.
As a warrior fighting to reclaim the Crystal of Eternity, you’ll grow stronger with every death, gaining new weapons, abilities, and a personal vendetta against the gods that once ruled your world.
With randomised weapons and power-ups, no two runs are the same, keeping the action fresh and unpredictable.
The game’s frantic combat feels like a classic arena shooter with a roguelite twist, and the co-op mode is perfect for teaming up with friends to survive the chaos together.
If you’re ready for a challenging, adrenaline-fueled experience, Afterblast is a must-play.
Descenders Next
Link To Demo
Descenders Next is the ultimate adrenaline rush for extreme sports enthusiasts.
Whether shredding icy slopes on a snowboard or tearing up rugged terrain on a mountainboard, this high-speed, physics-driven ride is about pushing your limits.
The massive mountain is packed with wild parks and treacherous trails, offering endless opportunities to prove your skills or rally your friends for a competitive race to the bottom.
With fluid controls, you’re in charge of every flip, carve, and near-miss, mastering combos and tricks as you grind, drop, and soar off cliffs.
With fresh biomes, dynamic tracks, and a banging soundtrack, Descenders Next offers an unpredictable, high-energy ride.
Drop Duchy
Link To Demo
Drop Duchy combines puzzle mechanics, deckbuilding, and real-time strategy into a rogue-lite experience where every move shapes your kingdom.
You’ll strategically place tile pieces to generate resources, build structures, and recruit troops, all while preparing for incoming enemies.
Each piece dropped has a purpose: optimise your kingdom’s growth, fortify your defences, and carefully plan your strategy to outsmart foes.
With over 110 unique cards and three factions, each run offers new challenges and opportunities to refine your tactics.
The game features a branching campaign, where success depends on efficient resource management and the right strategic decisions.
With procedural generation and a deep meta-progression system, Drop Duchy keeps things fresh and exciting, rewarding each playthrough with powerful bonuses and upgrades.
Whether defending your castle or marching toward enemy fortresses, Drop Duchy is a dynamic, ever-evolving battle of wits and strategy.
Empyreal
Link To Demo
Empyreal is an action RPG that takes you on a thrilling journey to uncover the secrets of a mysterious Monolith in an uncharted world.
Built by a long-lost civilisation, the Monolith is alive with ancient automatons and dangerous secrets.
As part of an ill-prepared expedition, you are the last hope to explore its depths and uncover what lies at its core.
Survival depends on mastering a complex combat system, with every encounter demanding skill, precision, and adaptation.
Explore breathtaking environments, forge relationships with memorable characters, and make choices that affect your path and the story’s multiple endings.
With deep customisation, you’ll gather powerful equipment, upgrade your arsenal, and unlock abilities to tailor your playstyle.
Empyreal isn’t just a fight for survival – it’s a quest to uncover humanity’s place in the universe.
Into The Restless Ruins
Link To Demo
Into the Restless Ruins is a roguelike deckbuilder where you don’t just fight through a dungeon – you create it.
You shape the labyrinth each night by placing rooms and pathways, crafting your treacherous battleground.
As you harvest Glimour from the lost souls haunting its halls, the dungeon evolves, and you must strengthen your deck to face the growing darkness and reach The Warden.
Defeat it, and The Maiden may grant your heart’s desire.
Every choice impacts your journey. Strategically place rooms like libraries and campfires to unlock synergies while navigating the eerie, procedurally generated labyrinth filled with echoes of the past.
Delve into a world inspired by Scottish folklore, where witches, faeries, and ancient spirits await.
Expand your deck, uncover rare relics, and adapt to new dangers as each run challenges your survival.
The dungeon is yours to shape, but can you survive the perilous forces that lie within?
NeonGarten
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Step into a neon-lit world where every decision shapes your future. NeonGarten is a turn-based cyberpunk city-builder that blends minimalist design with deep strategy.
Inspired by games like Islanders and Luck Be a Landlord, it offers a blend of city planning and tactical decisions, challenging you to grow your digital garden into a bustling metropolis – or a crumbling ruin.
Each playthrough is different, thanks to procedural generation. You’ll need to think strategically, optimise your layout, and decide when to take risks or play it safe.
Will you cautiously expand your city or gamble on high-stakes upgrades for greater rewards? Every choice impacts your city’s prosperity or downfall.
With its sleek retro-futuristic aesthetic and endless replayability, NeonGarten is a must-play for lovers of strategy, urban design, and cyberpunk worlds.
Will your city rise to dominance or flicker into obscurity? The future is in your hands.
Ninja Brigade feat. Jonah Weingarten
Link To Demo
Get ready for Ninja Brigade feat. Jonah Weingarten, an upcoming pixel art metroidvania that’ll pull you into a supernatural world of demons and yokai.
After an ordinary night out, musician Jonah Weingarten gets sucked into an arcade game, and now he must fight his way through feudal Japan’s demonic-infested landscapes to return home.
With a unique twist, Jonah can harness the corrupted demonic energy, unlocking powerful oni abilities while maintaining his ninja agility. The game offers fast-paced combat, acrobatic moves, and intricate battles against bizarre bosses that test your reflexes and strategy.
Each victory grants new abilities, making you feel more powerful as you progress. Ninja Brigade feat. Jonah Weingarten combines retro pixel art with an engaging plot and intense action.
Pao Pao
Link To Demo
If you love co-op chaos, cute animals, and a dash of culinary madness, Pao Pao is the game you didn’t know you needed.
Imagine Overcooked meets Kitchen Nightmares, with adorable critters running the show.
Manage a restaurant constantly on the edge of disaster, fishing for ingredients, completing frantic orders, and watching your tiny eatery grow into a culinary empire.
Whether playing solo or with friends, every moment is a whirlwind of fun, from prepping meals to battling kitchen fires.
Set in a vibrant semi-open world, you’ll explore quirky streets, tackle mini-games, and take on wacky NPC quests to level up your business.
Customise your chef (or animal-inspired character) to fit your unique style and dive into a day-night cycle where you balance cooking with fishing or simply relaxing.
With mini-games in every task, Pao Pao is the ultimate blend of culinary chaos and heartwarming fun. Ready to cook up a storm?
PUBG: Blindspot
Link To Demo
If you’re looking for a fast-paced, tactical shooting experience, PUBG: Blindspot brings everything you love about military combat into a top-down, 5v5, real-time action package.
This isn’t just about aiming and shooting – it’s about strategy, precision, and team coordination.
Engage in explosive gunfights using a wide array of real-world weapons, from sniper rifles to grenade launchers, all while mastering the art of quick reactions and tactical thinking.
The game introduces a unique twist with real-time line-of-sight sharing, letting you and your squad coordinate seamlessly.
Attack by breaching defences, hacking into the enemy’s Crypt, or defending against oncoming assaults with barricades and traps.
Close-quarters combat is intense, fast, and often a race against time. Add specialised gadgets, a roster of unique characters, and plenty of tactical depth. PUBG: Blindspot is an adrenaline-pumping shooter where teamwork and strategy reign supreme.
The Knightling
Link To Demo
In The Knightling, you’re not the seasoned warrior you’ve always dreamed of being.
Instead, you’re an eager young knight-in-training armed with nothing but a legendary shield and tasked with finding your missing mentor, Sir Lionstone.
This open-world action RPG lets you step into the shoes of an underdog with a big heart and an even bigger shield as you explore dangerous lands, fend off enemies, and uncover the mysteries of your shield’s power – all while trying not to trip over your own feet.
Without a sword or magical powers, your journey is all about defence, with the legendary shield acting as your primary weapon.
Not only can it block and parry attacks, but it also lets you unleash powerful counterattacks and combos.
Get ready for an adventure full of secrets and foes as you work your way up from knightling to the hero the kingdom needs.
And just like that, another Steam Next Fest has come and almost gone, leaving behind a wishlist overflowing with indie treasures and a serious case of demo withdrawal.
These games might have stolen the show for us. Still, they’re just the tip of the iceberg regarding the sheer creativity and passion displayed during the event.
Missed out? No worries – many of these demos are still hanging around (for now), and full releases are just on the horizon.
So keep your wishlist stacked, your controllers charged, and your hype levels dialled up to eleven because if Steam Next Fest has proven anything, it’s that indie gaming’s future is looking brighter than a CRT monitor on max contrast.
Want the complete breakdown of our absolute favourite upcoming games? Be sure to grab the April issue of NAG Magazine. Trust us – you won’t want to miss it.