It’s that magical time of year again. No, not Halloween just yet, but something just as exciting for PC gamers: the Steam Next Fest is live! From now until October 20, Steam is hosting a massive celebration of upcoming games, featuring hundreds of free demos, developer livestreams, and a chance to get a first look at the future of PC gaming. It’s a digital playground, and you’re invited.
The sheer number of demos can be overwhelming, so it’s easy to miss out on some hidden gems. We’ve been digging through the treasure trove to bring you a list of must-play demos that are generating some serious buzz. Whether you’re into terrifying horror, charming indies, or action-packed adventures, there’s something here for you.
Our Must-Play Demos for Steam Next Fest October 2025
With so many titles to choose from, knowing where to start can be tough. Here are a few standouts that have caught our eye and are well worth your download time.
- REANIMAL: From Tarsier Studios, the original creators of Little Nightmares, comes a new co-op horror adventure. REANIMAL tells the story of two orphaned siblings navigating a hellish island, and the demo showcases the game’s tense atmosphere and unique shared-camera co-op mechanic. It’s creepy, beautiful, and best played with a friend you trust.
- Pathologic 3: The cult-classic series known for its oppressive atmosphere and punishing difficulty is back. This psychological thriller puts you in the shoes of a doctor trying to save a plague-ridden town in just 12 days. The new demo features unique content and is the perfect, soul-crushing introduction to one of gaming’s most unique experiences.
- Goodnight Universe: From the creators of the innovative narrative game Before Your Eyes, this Tribeca Fest award-winner uses your webcam to track your eye movements. You play as a telepathic infant, manipulating the world with your gaze. It’s a truly unique concept that you have to see to believe.
- Sleep Awake: Get ready for a Halloween fright with this new title from Blumhouse Games. A first-person horror game about surviving extreme sleep deprivation, it features surreal visuals and an eerie soundscape crafted by Robin Finck of Nine Inch Nails. It’s pure nightmare fuel.
- Ambrosia Sky: Ever wanted to power wash alien fungus off a derelict spaceship? This game, described as “Metroid Prime meets Super Mario Sunshine,” lets you do just that. The demo shows off a stylish and satisfying gameplay loop that has been getting a ton of praise.
- Godbreakers: If you’re looking for a great co-op action game, look no further. This hack-and-slash roguelike lets you absorb the powers of defeated enemies, Kirby-style. With up to four-player co-op, it’s shaping up to be a chaotic good time.
Tips for Tackling the Fest
Feeling overwhelmed? Here’s a quick strategy to make the most of the event:
- Use the Filters: The Next Fest page on Steam lets you filter by genre. Find your favorite and start there.
- Watch the Streams: Many developers are hosting live streams. It’s a great way to see the game in action and hear directly from the creators.
- Wishlist Everything: Find a demo you love? Wishlist it! It’s the best way to support the developers and get notified when the full game is released.
- Don’t Wait: Many of these demos will disappear forever when the fest ends on October 20. If something looks interesting, download it now.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Steam Next Fest?
- It’s a week-long online event hosted by Steam where you can play hundreds of free demos for upcoming PC games, watch developer livestreams, and chat with the teams making the games.
- When is the October 2025 edition?
- The event runs from Monday, October 13, to Monday, October 20, 2025.
- Are the demos really free?
- Yes, every demo available during Steam Next Fest is completely free to download and play.
- Will the demos be available after the event?
- It depends on the developer. Many demos are exclusive to the event and will be removed after October 20, so it’s best to play them while you can.
- How do I access the demos?
- Just head to the Steam store and click on the Steam Next Fest banner. From there, you can browse and download any demos that catch your eye.
- Is this event just for PC games?
- Yes, Steam Next Fest is exclusive to the Steam platform and features upcoming games for PC.
Conclusion
The Steam Next Fest is one of the best parts of being a PC gamer. It’s a fantastic opportunity to discover your next favorite game, find a hidden indie gem, and see what the future of gaming looks like. The variety on display this October is incredible, offering a little something for everyone. So clear your schedule, free up some hard drive space, and dive in. You’ve only got until October 20 to explore everything the fest has to offer. Happy gaming!