Five Steam demos out now to get ahead of Monday’s Next Fest

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Kicks off on Monday is Steam’s inaugural Next Fest for the year 2025. Developers of upcoming titles will unveil free-to-play trial versions, offering a sneak peek at what’s in store. On Monday, expect the platform to be bustling with an array of demos to explore. However, to avoid feeling overwhelmed when it begins, some games have already made their demo available beforehand, which you can check out over the weekend. Hence, by the time Monday rolls around, you’ll be well-prepared!

Five indie games that have demos out ahead of Monday’s Steam Next Fest

Steam’s three annual events called Next Fests, happening in February, June, and October, are exclusive showcases for upcoming video games. Developers have the option to join these week-long events by registering and making their demo available at least during that particular week.

Each game is restricted to participating in only one Next Fest, ensuring that similar demos don’t dominate the calendar three times a year. Many developers use the Next Fest closest to their release date as a platform to offer players a sneak peek of the game and generate excitement ahead of its launch. However, some games announced today may still be far from release, so we can’t predict if they will become available soon. It’s typical for hundreds of demos to be made accessible during a Next Fest, so here are a few demos currently available to help you get an early start.

Shotgun Cop Man

Hailing from DeadToast Entertainment, creators of My Friend Pedro, comes another game that blends action-packed gunplay with a platformer format. This title, Shotgun Cop Man, is absolutely outlandish in every sense. The title alone is self-explanatory, and the eccentric character designs only add to the absurdity. In this game, you embody none other than Shotgun Cop Man, who has been tasked with a seemingly straightforward mission: venture to hell and apprehend Satan. Sounds simple enough, right? But don’t let the simplicity of the premise fool you. Use your guns strategically to navigate through 2D challenges, dodging bullets from demons and other hazards along the way.

It’s likely not a shock that Devolver Digital is involved in publishing this title; they were behind DeadToast’s previous game and are renowned for their quirky humor. Known for supporting numerous outstanding indie games, such as Neva, The Plucky Squire (last year), Cult of the Lamb, Death’s Door, and Enter the Gungeon, this new game seems poised to be a part of that unique collection of strange yet entertaining indies based on my brief demo playthrough.

Castle v Castle

Instead of focusing on weapons and explosions, give Castle v Castle a try – an innovative new game developed by Nopopo, published by Future Friends Games (Gourdlets, Europa) and Outersloth (One Btn Bosses, Clickolding), the publishing arm of Among Us creators Innersloth. In this game, you’ll construct your own castle and wage war against others using a deck of cards. Each card could represent anything from basic attacks to more intricate or enchanting abilities.

Experience the captivating straightforwardness of the game, as if it were a tangible card game similar to Jenga. However, unlike its real-world counterpart, the digital version offers swift action and incorporates elements such as colossal robots and reflective mirrors, which could present challenges in a traditional table setting. Construct a deck of strategic cards to safeguard your fortress while toppling your opponents’ strongholds in this turn-based rogue-lite. A demo is currently accessible for you to explore.

Monster Train 2

The long-awaited follow-up to the blockbuster Monster Train has arrived, or at least a demo of it. Once again, Shiny Shoe Studios is behind its development, this time with a fresh partner, Big Fan Games. Given that the original game garnered “overwhelmingly positive” feedback on Steam, boasting 96% positive from over 18,000 reviews, it’s no surprise that a sequel is here. Monster Train 2 retains the same vertical turn-based deck-building mechanics, but introduces two new factions: angels and demons.

It’s been recently announced that Monster Train 2 is in the works and they’ve also unveiled a demo. Given this, it seems unlikely that Monster Train 2 will be participating heavily in Steam’s Next Fest, considering the success of its predecessor. If Monster Train 2 doesn’t launch until 2026, at least fans can enjoy the demo while waiting for the full release.

Aethermancer

Hailing from Moi Rai Games, creators of Monster Sanctuary, and Offbrand Games, developers of Rivals of Aether 2, comes a fresh take on creature-collecting rogue-lites: Aethermancer. In this game, players engage in strategic turn-based combat, controlling a trio of stunningly animated creatures, each with unique skills and powers. Journey into the void to save the world, but if you falter, fear not – another chance awaits you with new abilities and insights.

1) Gather the spirits of the monsters for use at designated points.

2) Enhance the teamwork among your three monsters by improving their levels, selecting skills and gear that complement their abilities or improve upon their weaknesses.

3) This demo has been accessible for a few days now, offering you plenty of time to explore it over the weekend. The developer has announced on social media that they will be hosting a speed run tournament starting from Monday, so use this period to hone your skills in preparation.

Tall Trails

If you’re looking for a game that’s not about combat and doesn’t involve weapons like guns or swords, then ‘Tall Trails’, developed by Brady Soglin, might be just what you need. In this game, you control a small golem on a quest to discover its purpose. Navigate through procedurally generated islands, leveraging different items to propel yourself into the air. Utilize rocks for a power boost or use a hot pepper to transform your boot into an impromptu jetpack. As an invincible clay golem, your main tasks are exploration and self-discovery.

Tall Trails is relaxed, playful, and carefree. It offers a main narrative for those who prefer one, but it also allows you the freedom to roam and explore as you please. The most enjoyable aspect of the demo involves uncovering new items and figuring out their functions, such as diving underwater to find a starfish or plucking every petal from a sunflower. If you’re looking for a laid-back demonstration to unwind between other games, Tall Trails could be the perfect choice.

Over the coming weekend, Steam’s Next Fest offers numerous demos to explore. Luckily, you’re here now, giving you an early advantage this weekend. Don’t forget to add games you like to your wishlist, as it greatly benefits these independent developers. I hope you have a fantastic weekend filled with terrific demos for enjoyable company. Excitedly anticipate even more demos on Monday!

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2025-02-22 05:02