15 Best Steam Next Fest Game Demos to Try (2023)

Valve has officially launched the inaugural Steam Next Fest 2023 event starting February 6th, marking the first of three scheduled celebrations for upcoming Steam titles throughout the year. This digital festival provides gamers with exclusive access to playable demos of forthcoming releases, effectively revitalizing the cherished demo culture that major publishers have largely abandoned in recent years. With participation from over 100 development studios showcasing their creative projects, we’ve curated the definitive list of 15 essential demos that deserve your immediate attention.

The February 2023 Steam Next Fest officially runs from February 6th through February 13th, concluding at 10 AM PST. Following the established pattern of previous events, this festival enables developers to present their upcoming games through downloadable demos, gathering valuable player feedback during crucial development phases. Meanwhile, Steam users gain access to hundreds of free game trials, effectively resurrecting the nostalgic practice of demo sampling that defined earlier gaming eras. Here’s your comprehensive guide to the most promising demonstrations available during this edition.

Image via Ironmancer

Developer Ironmance returns with an enhanced demo for Dark and Darker, their innovative first-person PvPvE dungeon crawler featuring a progressively constricting gameplay circle. This updated preview introduces substantial new features including a completely redesigned gathering hall, integrated VOIP communication systems, an elaborate Karma mechanic, and numerous other enhancements. The demo showcases significant improvements compared to the December 16 Alpha playtest, making it an essential experience for enthusiasts of extraction shooters like Escape From Tarkov who desire a fantasy Dungeons & Dragons-inspired environment. Pro tip: Master the audio cues to detect approaching players and monsters in the dark corridors.

Image via Red Hook Studios

Following an extended early access period exclusively on Epic Games Store, the highly anticipated sequel to the acclaimed rogue-lite RPG Darkest Dungeon is scheduled to complete its development cycle and debut on Steam May 8th, 2023. While the full release remains months away, Red Hook Studios has released a comprehensive new demo providing players with substantial insight into the final product. The Darkest Dungeon 2 demonstration encompasses the initial hours of gameplay, highlighting the beautifully rendered semi-3D character models, innovative carriage progression system, and the characteristically brutal combat that defines the franchise. This preview is mandatory for series veterans anticipating the Steam launch and newcomers seeking challenging tactical RPG experiences. Common mistake: Don’t underestimate stress management – it’s as crucial as health points.

Image via Frogwares

Ukraine’s Frogwares studio, known for their legal disputes with publisher Nacon over Lovecraftian horror titles, continues their creative output with a ground-up remake of their cult-classic Sherlock Holmes adventure for contemporary systems. The Sherlock Holmes: The Awakened Steam Next Fest demo provides approximately 25 minutes of gameplay exploring the investigative mechanics. This upcoming cosmic horror narrative features the legendary detective and his trusted companion investigating a complex case involving sinister cultists and eldritch supernatural entities. Optimization tip: Take detailed notes during investigations – the game doesn’t hold your hand through the deduction process.

Image via Tripwire Presents

Deceive Inc represents an innovative social deduction experience where participants undertake missions assigned by the eponymous corporation, a dominant private espionage firm controlling the global spy market. Equipped with cutting-edge technological gadgets and the ability to assume any civilian disguise, players must accomplish objectives while competing against rival agents. With the complete game targeting a March 21st release date, the demo provides substantial insight into the upcoming title’s unique mechanics. Advanced strategy: Use environmental interactions to maintain your cover rather than relying solely on disguises.

Image via Shape Shop

Mars First Logistics offers a unique physics-based logistics simulator challenging players to transport awkward cargo across the challenging Martian terrain using customizable vehicles. This demo showcases the game’s sophisticated physics engine and creative vehicle construction system, providing a taste of the complex problem-solving required for interplanetary supply chains. Time estimate: Budget 2-3 hours to master the vehicle building mechanics before attempting major deliveries.

Image via Dear Villagers

Fabledom presents a charming city-building experience set in a storybook fantasy world where players cultivate their magical kingdom amidst fairy tale creatures and enchanting landscapes. The demo illustrates the game’s unique aesthetic approach to the city-building genre, combining traditional management mechanics with whimsical narrative elements. Practical tip: Balance your resource production between practical needs and magical enhancements for optimal kingdom growth.

Image via Thunderful Publishing

Planet of Lana delivers a cinematic puzzle-adventure following a young girl and her loyal companion through a beautifully hand-painted world facing extraordinary threats. The demo highlights the game’s striking visual style and innovative companion-based puzzle mechanics that require coordinated actions between characters. This title promises an emotionally resonant journey through an alien yet familiar landscape. Common mistake: Don’t rush through environments – the solution often requires observing environmental patterns.

image via Gator Shins

Coven offers a distinctive narrative experience exploring witchcraft and sisterhood through interactive storytelling and ritual mechanics. The demo provides insight into the game’s unique approach to magical practices and relationship-building systems, creating an atmospheric adventure unlike conventional gaming experiences. Optimization tip: Pay attention to lunar cycles and seasonal changes for enhanced magical effectiveness.

Image via Fireshine Games

Shadows of Doubt presents a fully simulated sandbox detective experience set in a retro-futuristic city where every citizen has their own life, and every crime has a unique solution. The demo showcases the game’s groundbreaking procedural generation systems that create endless investigative possibilities within a living, breathing urban environment. In-depth mechanics: The game tracks thousands of interconnected variables – follow the paperwork trail for breakthrough evidence.

Image via Rocketcat Games

VOIDTRAIN combines survival mechanics with exploration as players construct and maintain a train traveling through mysterious void dimensions. The demo demonstrates the game’s unique setting and hybrid gameplay that merges base-building, resource management, and interdimensional discovery. Survival strategy: Prioritize oxygen systems and rail maintenance before expanding your train compartments.

Image via HypeTrain Digital

I Am Future presents a cozy post-apocalyptic survival experience where players rebuild civilization on flooded skyscraper rooftops, combining crafting, farming, and exploration in a unique urban environment. The demo illustrates the game’s distinctive vertical world design and relaxed approach to the survival genre. Practical tip: Establish sustainable food sources before focusing on technological advancements.

Image via TinyBuild

Dad by the Sword offers a humorous physics-based combat simulator where players wield unwieldy weapons as an unlikely father-hero defending his family. The demo showcases the game’s comedic approach to medieval combat and the challenges of parenting amidst fantasy adventures. Time estimate: Allow 1-2 hours to master the intentionally awkward combat physics.

Image via Campfire Studio

My Dream Setup provides a creative sandbox for designing and organizing ideal gaming spaces, combining interior design with gaming culture in a unique simulation experience. The demo allows players to experiment with various setup configurations and aesthetic choices for their virtual battlestations. For more gaming setup optimization, check out our Weapons Unlock guide to enhance your gaming experience.

Image via Hooded Horse

No reproduction without permission：Tsp Game Club » 15 Best Steam Next Fest Game Demos to Try (2023) Discover the 15 must-play Steam Next Fest 2023 demos with expert analysis and practical gaming insights