Beginning earlier this week, the Steam Next Fest has returned, giving players the chance to celebrate a multi-day event where they can try out demos, chat with developers, watch livestreams, and discover some incredible upcoming games. Set to end on 22 June at 10AM Pacific, the Steam Next Fest will make way for the Steam Summer Sale to begin on 25 June, so if you want to make the most out of this limited-time event, you have just 24-hours left to do so.
As mentioned, the Steam Next Fest gives PC gamers the chance to add a lot of new games to their wishlist, as well as gain access to some upcoming games courtesy of free demos. Not only do these demos give you the opportunity to try before you buy, but they also help out developers by allowing them to gauge interest and receive helpful feedback about their upcoming releases.
However, with hundreds of demos to choose from, finding a good game could be a bit like finding a needle in a haystack, but luckily, on the Steam Next Fest page, you can categorize games based on your favorite genres, as well as their popularity, themes and moods, platform, and game type.
That being said, to make things a little easier, let us take a look at a handful of upcoming games that you can now try out for free, beginning with Onimusha: Way of the Sword. Set to launch fully on 25 September, this single-player action-adventure game from Capcom will see you take on the role of an Oni Gauntlet-wielding samurai who must make a stand in Kyoto against the encroaching Genma menace. By taking part in gristly, blood-soaked battles, our samurai must search for a reason to fight and see what fate has in store for him at the end of his path. Onimusha: Way of the Sword is now available to check out courtesy of a free demo.
However, if you are looking for something a bit more relaxing than cutting off limbs, you can try Over the Hill, a stunning exploration game where you can experience Emerald Lake either solo or with friends. As you tackle car issues and road trails, you will have time to stop and take in the views, meet the local wildlife and uncover all areas of the map. Fans of Firewatch will love this little gem.
One that I am personally excited about since it was announced during this week’s Summer Game Fest is 1066: Amsterdam, a narrative experience from one of the creators of the early Assassin’s Creed entries. Spoiler alert, you can definitely see the inspiration. Taking place in 11th century Europe, players will embark on a dark, story-led, action-adventure as Noa, the collector, who can wield witchcraft in order to discover demonic entities hiding behind human faces. The game’s prologue is now available as part of the free demo.
These are just some examples of the demos up for grabs during the remainder of the Steam Game Fest, but do not worry, the demos will live on past the event’s end, but will be a lot harder to find. As such, make sure you add them to your library now!
- Released
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September 25, 2026
- ESRB
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Mature 17+ / Intense Violence, Blood and Gore, Strong Language, Suggestive Themes, In-Game Purchases
- Engine
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RE Engine
- Prequel(s)
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Onimusha 3: Demon Siege
- Franchise
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Onimusha