Steam Next Fest kicked off two days ago and will run until October 20. The event is centered around upcoming game releases and demos. Anyone who loves testing new games before they release should be all over Next Fest – the event is also a great time to test upcoming games on the Steam Deck. The event kicked off two days ago and will run until October 20. You can explore hundreds of upcoming games and download their free demos, so we’ve picked out a few that caught our attention.

Best Next Fest games to try on the Steam Deck

It should go without saying that a demo is not the full game, but it gives you a section to play so you can see what the gameplay feels like before deciding if you want to buy it later. It is a simple way to discover new games without spending any money.

Many of these demos work well on the handheld, so you can try them easily. To help you out, we picked some of the best Steam Next Fest games to try on Steam Deck. These demos run well, feel great to play, and give you a good preview of what to expect from the full game.

SpongeBob SquarePants: Titans of the Tide

SpongeBob SquarePants: Titans of the Tide is a fun platform adventure with a spooky theme. A fight between King Neptune and the Flying Dutchman has turned Bikini Bottom into a ghost town, and SpongeBob and Patrick must save it. You can switch between the two characters anytime and use their different skills to solve puzzles and defeat enemies. The story is fully voiced by the original cast, and you also get to explore well-known places from the cartoon.

Kingdom of Night

Kingdom of Night is an 80s-style action RPG set in the small town of Miami, Arizona, where demons have taken over after a cult accidentally summons an ancient evil. You play as John, a teenager who sets out to save his kidnapped neighbor and fight back against the demonic invasion. The game features an open map, so you can explore the town freely, meet different characters, and face demon bosses in any order you like. 

Painkiller

Painkiller is a fast-paced action shooter where you fight endless waves of demons in brutal, first-person combat. A reimagining of the classic franchise, the game is set in Purgatory, where you play as a fallen warrior given one last chance at redemption. To win, you must stop the fallen angel Azazel and his demonic army before they invade Earth. The game features both solo and co-op play for up to three players, with intense battles, big boss fights, and a mix of new and classic weapons.

Skate Story

Skate Story is a skateboarding adventure set in the Underworld. You play as a fragile glass demon who must skate to the Moon to earn freedom from the Devil. The game mixes emotional storytelling with smooth skating, letting you ollie, grind, and kickflip through different landscapes filled with ash, broken roads, and wandering souls. As you travel through nine layers of the Underworld, you face demons, meet strange characters, and slowly grow from a beginner into a skilled skater.

Big Hops

Big Hops is a colorful 3D platformer where you play as Hop, a small frog trying to find his way back home after being kidnapped by a strange spirit named Diss. The game focuses on fun movement and creative exploration. You can run, jump, wall-run, slide, climb, and even swing using Hop's long froggy tongue. You can also collect items, upgrade your backpack, and meet animal friends along the way.

Oceaneers

Oceaneers is a survival and colony-building game set in a world covered by water. You manage a small group of survivors living on floating islands, where food and resources are always running low. Your goal is to grow your colony by scavenging debris, farming, crafting tools, and exploring the open ocean. You can send survivors on raft expeditions, discover new biomes, and uncover old technology called Float-Tech that helps you rebuild and survive.

BIRDCAGE

BIRDCAGE is a fast-paced arcade shooter that mixes classic shoot 'em up action with sword combat. You pilot the HALCYON, a gunship equipped with powerful weapons, including a wide shot, focus shot, and a unique energy sword that lets you cut through bullets and enemies. Store Mode sees you fight across six stages filled with bosses and intense battles as you try to stop a powerful weapon called the WORLD-EGG.

About the Author

Abdul Haddi

Abdul is a tech writer and Editor for PC Guide, specializing in all things tech, gaming, and hardware.