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Steam Next Fest is back in swing! Let’s take a look at some of the 2024 Steam Next Fest demos worth checking out. Steam Next Fest is an online festival hosted by Valve where upcoming games get highlighted through livestreams and playable demos. This event is a golden opportunity for gamers to try out new titles and get a taste of what’s coming next in the world of gaming.
Here are a few selections for you to check out, in no particular order:
2024 Steam Deck Next Fest demos you can try now
Cat Quest III
The Cat Quest series has become a cult classic, and the third installment looks to polish and expand on its winning formula. Set in the pirate-themed Purribean, Cat Quest III lets you play as a swashbuckling purrivateer alongside a trusty spirit companion. The game promises an engaging open-world action RPG experience with plenty of humor and charm. I think fans of the previous games will likely find this new adventure a delightful continuation of the series.
Demonschool
Demonschool boasts a killer art style and seems like a throwback to the original Persona games. This new-style tactics RPG involves defeating enemies in both human and demon worlds while navigating university life on a mysterious island. The game features a rewindable planning phase for creating combos, a light horror narrative, and relationship-building with 15 characters. It has the makings of a sleeper hit, combining strategy with a compelling story.
Dungeon Clawler
Dungeon Clawler mixes deck-building with a claw machine mechanic, creating a unique and fun gameplay experience. As you fight through the dungeon to reclaim your lost rabbit paw, you’ll enjoy a blend of rogue-like mechanics and strategic planning. The art style is quirky and engaging, making this demo a standout.
Dungeons of Hinterberg
Dungeons of Hinterberg looks like a Zelda set in the Alps, complete with snowboarding elements. You play as Luisa, a burnt-out law trainee escaping her corporate life to conquer dungeons in the Austrian Alps. With a mix of combat, puzzle-solving, and exploration, this game offers a unique adventure. The demo promises a blend of action and relaxation, with activities ranging from ziplining through forests to having coffee by the lake, all while fighting off monsters with sword and magic skills. It’s an intriguing mix that has me hooked from the start.
Enotria: The Last Song
Enotria: The Last Song is a Soulslike game set in a bright, sun-lit world inspired by Italian folklore. The bright setting contrasts beautifully with the genre’s typical dark aesthetic. With over 100 different enemies and a rich unique narrative, I feel like this game could offer a fresh take on the Soulslike genre.
Fields of Mistria
For fans of Stardew Valley and Harvest Moon, Fields of Mistria is a must-play. This farm sim leans heavily into fantasy elements, offering a charming and magical experience. Set in an idyllic village recovering from an earthquake, you’ll restore the town and explore the land’s newfound magic. The demo showcases the game’s potential for cozy, rewarding gameplay.
Goblin Cleanup
Goblin Cleanup has a fun, tongue-in-cheek premise that involves you play as a goblin tasked with preparing a dungeon for the next adventurer. It’s a humorous take on dungeon management, allowing for both cooperative and competitive play with up to three friends. The charm of this game lies in its unique concept and playful execution.
Once Human
Once Human is one of the most anticipated showcases of Steam Next Fest, and I can’t recommend it enough. This multiplayer open-world survival game is set in a strange, post-apocalyptic future where you and your friends fight monstrous enemies, uncover secret plots, and build your own territory. The demo highlights the game’s vast world and cooperative gameplay, making it a must-try for fans of survival games.
Tiny Glade
Tiny Glade is the perfect relaxing building game to unwind with after a long day. This free-form building game lets you create castles and dioramas without management or combat. The gridless building chemistry allows for creativity and stress-free construction. It’s a delightful and calming experience that stands out amidst more intense offerings.
2024 Steam Next Fest runs until June 17, 2024
