The first Steam Next Fest of 2026 is absolutely filled to the rafters with demos for some of the most exciting upcoming indie games. In fact, there are so many fantastic future releases included in Valve's February demo fest, that I've frankly been spoiled for choice. But as the resident wrangler of the Indie Spotlight series here at GamesRadar+, I consider it my duty – nay, my honor – to dive into the event with reckless abandon and try out some new games ahead of release.
Of course, I'm not the only one here that loves the event, and many of my fellow writers have been tucking into demos and rightly shouting about them. So, if you're looking to get stuck into some demo goodness over the weekend for some very promising new indie games, then I'm here to shine a light on the 10 best Steam Next Fest demos you absolutely need to try while they're around. From my own personal picks, to my fellow writers' favorites, now's the time to get Steam open and ready as I take you through the demos worth downloading.
10. Puppy Park
Those yearning for the return of Nintendogs are in luck. While we may still be (not so) patiently waiting for Nintendo to bark up the right tree and bring the beloved dog simulator back, we at least have Puppy Park from developer TM39 to fill the void.
With a demo now live during Steam Next Fest ahead of its expected launch in March, you have the chance to try out becoming the manager of your very own little dog hotel, complete with puppy pampering sessions, walks, and more. If one of our resident Nintendog appreciators, Anna Koselke, is sold, then fellow fans and cozy game enjoyers won't want to miss this one.
9. Windrose
Arrrrr me hearties, a new pirate game is setting sail in the future, and right now you can check out a Steam Next Fest demo before it takes to the seas. I'm talking about the upcoming open-world PvE survival adventure, Windrose, from developer Windrose Crew.
With shades of Sea of Thieves meets Assassin's Creed Black Flag, our staff writer Jordan Gerblick (who often moonlights as a pirate in the world of video games) has plenty of praise for the sizeable demo, which features Ark-like crafting, some supernatural elements, and plenty of swashbuckling action. If you want to be a pirate captain, Windrose awaits.
8. Wanderburg
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GamesRadar+'s very own Austin Wood is an expert when it comes to the best roguelike games, so when he starts joyfully yelling about a new bullet hell roguelike that's hard to stop playing, I know it's well worth paying attention.
Wanderburg from developer Randwerk is, in the words of Austin, like "Vampire Survivors on wheels", and that's because you actually command a castle on said wheels that's yours to customize and upgrade. With a bite-sized sample that lets you steer across a medieval landscape, taking on opposing roaming strongholds, roguelike fans shouldn't skip this one.
7. Forbidden Solitaire
If you're a fan of horror or you're drawn to indies that dial up the retro vibes, then have I got the Steam Next Fest demo recommendation for you. Forbidden Solitaire comes from the same creators behind Home Safety Hotline, with developers who also worked on Shadowhand and Regency Solitaire.
As an FMV survival horror meets card battler, you'll find yourself in 2019, where you're trying to get to the bottom of a mysterious, cryptic 1995 CD-ROM that you picked up at a thrift store. It nails the 90's CD-ROM aesthetic, and this is a great opportunity to get a taste of its unique "card-slashing" horror.
6. Vampire Crawlers
Speaking of Vampire Survivors, the same developer behind the gothic bullet hell roguelike that took the world by storm in recent years is bringing us a new roguelike, and you can try it out right now. Titled Vampire Crawlers, Poncle's upcoming release takes what worked about Survivors and moves into the realms of a card battling deckbuilder.
The result is already very promising, with a first-person dungeon crawling format setting the scene for some card-based action. In fact, it's already sunk its fangs into our games editor, Oscar Taylor-Kent, who simply can't stop playing the demo – and the best kind of recommendation.
5. Denshattack!
Imagine performing slick ollies and grinds like you would on the back of a skateboard, only you're instead pulling off tricks as a literal train across railway tracks throughout a dystopian Japan. Well, that's essentially the premise of Denshattack, another colorful new indie I've had my watchful gaze on for quite some time.
The demo certainly gives you a fast-paced slice of stylish chaos as you flip and multi-track drift as a customizable locomotive - with our very own Dustin Bailey highlighting its distinct Dreamcast vibes. With the first three levels available to try, it's well worth getting on board with this one.
4. Zero Parades
Following up a game like Disco Elysium can't be easy, especially when it received so much critical acclaim. But the studio behind one of the best RPGs in recent times isn't resting on its laurels, because we're about to see a fresh RPG experience with an espionage twist in Zero Parades.
And if you can hardly wait for the next game from ZA/UM, a Steam Next Fest demo is here for you, and it's well worth checking out. As Oscar states, it's already proving to be a worthy successor, with its own uniquely weird and wonderful edge. If you loved Disco Elysium, give this a try.
3. Find Your Words
As soon as I learned about Find Your Words and its heartfelt concept, I was immediately keen to check it out. Created by two dads who took inspiration from their non-speaking kids and their journeys using ACC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication), Find Your Words is an adventure set within the grounds of a summer camp.
The demo gives you the chance to see how you collect symbols for your communication binder to express yourself as you meet other campers, and you can try out a few activities, or enjoy exploring the scenic area. It's already very charming.
2. Alabaster Dawn
As soon as I heard about the inspirations behind Alabaster Dawn, I just knew I needed to give this one a go – and you absolutely should too. From the same developer behind the 2018 2D action RPG CrossCode, Radical Fish Games' Alabaster Dawn draws from the likes of Devil May Cry and Kingdom Hearts for its deep, fast-paced combat, which Austin notes feels "like lightning in your hands".
The top-down RPG and its pixel art style really pops in the updated demo, which is easily a Steam Next Fest highlight – it's definitely wishlist worthy.
1. Inkonbini: One Store. Many Stories
As a big fan of games like Unpacking, Camper Van: Make It Home, and Tiny Bookshop, Inkonbini has been high up on my wishlist ever since it was first announced two years ago. So, naturally when I learned I could finally get my hands on it thanks to its Steam Next Fest demo, I practically ran to my PC.
Offering up the prologue which lets you get a taste of Mokoto's job at a local convenience store in '90s Japan, I'm happy to report that it's only made me more excited for this game to release. Thoughtful, laid-back, and visually beautiful, I can't recommend this demo enough for fans of cozy life / management sims.
Get ready for more Steam events with our guide to all of the Steam Sales for 2026.
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