Use your favourite features in-game with our Desktop AppSteam Next Fest is an event where players can try demos of new and upcoming games. The event lasted from June 15th to June 22nd, and during this time, millions of Steam users tried out a variety of games. In a recent post by Steam, they listed the top 50 most played demos of the event, and in this article, cover the top 10 downloaded and played demos during the Steam Next Fest.
For more Steam Next Fest content, check out our cozy game picks and hidden gems.
In BOMBANANA, you play with 2 other friends, and your job is to defuse the bomb. Created by Lefto Studio, 3 monkeys are crammed into a minivan, and each of you is missing one of your core senses. One cannot see anything, the second cannot hear anything, and the third cannot speak. Between the 3 of you, you have to defuse the bomb.
The game is set to release in August 2026, and it is a great casual game to play with friends. If you enjoy team-based puzzle games, then this could be the game for you.
IRON NEST: Heavy Turret Simulator takes you inside a heavy turret, and your task is to dominate the battlefield. In this game, you need to take map measurements based on the information and coordinates given to you, and train your weapons on the enemy. Created by Nick Nieuwoudt and Dominik Latos, IRON NEST takes you directly to the frontline- or at least close to it.
This game is a military action game and is relatively realistic compared to some other military games on the market right now. It is set to be released in August this year.
Echoes of Aincrad is a beautiful game developed by Game Studio Inc. The graphics are truly wonderful, but what about the game? You step into Aincrad, where you will create your character, pick up and choose your gear, and then fight enemies with your partner. You level up and unlock special abilities as you progress through the levels.
It is an Anime RPG similar to Sword Art Online, so if you’re interested in that game, we recommend picking this one up in July 2026.
Created by Bellring Games, Mistfall Hunter is a dark fantasy game where you can team up with your friends or play alone. You will explore the map and battle a ton of baddies. You combine skills, upgrade your talents and your gear to become stronger and stronger. One mistake can get you killed, so mastering the sword, arrow, or any weapon is crucial in Mistfall Hunter.
Mistfall Hunter is a third-person PvPvE extraction ARPG blending bleak dark fantasy aesthetics with intense action, and if you like the sound of that, you will not have to wait long, as it is out in July 2026.
Over the Hill is a beautifully developed and scenic game. In Over the Hill, you pick an off-road vehicle and explore the beautiful landscapes alone or with 3 friends. Together, you can journey through dense forests, winding trails, and rugged mountain terrain. Created by Funselektor Labs Inc. and Strelka Games, this game is the next best thing if you cannot afford to hire a car and travel with your mates.
If you like exploration games and driving, then Over the Hill could be a good game to pick up soon. Sadly, there is no official release date yet, but it will be out sometime this year.
EMPULSE is an upcoming, action-packed, fast-paced 6v6 shooter. It takes all the things from other popular shooters: wall jumps, grappling, holojumps and more. The game is similar to Titanfall, with mechs and a fast-paced style. But it is also like some of the older Call of Duty games. If you miss that sort of game type, then EMPULSE might be for you.
EMPULSE is set to enter early access in late June 2026, and it will be interesting to see how popular the game is.
Dust Front is a classic RTS set on a dark, dingy, wartorn map. You gather resources, create units and start building key structures and a base to defend you from the enemy. Once you’ve got a big enough army, it's your time to shine. Like other RTSs, your strategy will evolve over time.
Unfortunately, rtsDimon, the developers do not have an official release date at this time, but the demo is really good and gives you a small taste of what to expect from the game.
The Mound: Omen of Cthulhu is set inside a cursed and hostile jungle. Nowhere is safe, and danger is around every corner. You can play this game with up to 3 friends, and together you try to find treasure and explore the map. The graphics, especially on the monsters, are very nice, and if you are a big fan of the Lovecraftian genre of games, then this game could be for you.
The game is set to be released in July 2026, so there isn’t long to wait if you want to try out this game.
XenoFeels is a unique game set in space. You play as a customs/border guard, and your job is to protect the planet from terrorists who want to bypass you. Created by KotaMota Games, XenoFeels, this game forces you to focus and not play on autopilot. The sneaky aliens will try anything and everything to bring in prohibited items. Could there be errors in the documents? Something hidden in the car? Who knows.
Sadly, there is no exact release date for XenoFeels yet, but it will be out sometime this year. I love the concept of this game, so I will definitely be picking it up when it is out.
The 10th most popular game in Steam’s Next Fest is Embers of the Uncrowned. This dark fantasy MMORPG, created and developed by NEXON, is a fast-paced game where combat is around every corner, and features brutal, gory visuals. You embark on a mission to save House Harborwell from Elven invasion with the help of your loyal companions. Each class is unique, offering a different playstyle for each run.
There is no official release date for Embers of the Uncrowned yet, but keep an ear out for upcoming news about the game.
