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We searched for the next best Steam Deck games in the ongoing Next Fest event; here’s what we found

Free demos are a blessing for Steam Deck users
Last Updated on October 17, 2024
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Steam Deck users are always on the lookout for exciting new games to enjoy. The ongoing Steam Next Fest is the perfect event for discovering upcoming titles through demos, giving players a chance to try them out before their official release. One problem is that an official Steam Deck verification label hasn’t been attached to them yet – so we took a closer look at what people are saying online.

According to feedback from Reddit users, many of these demos run smoothly on the Steam Deck, and we’ll be going over a few of them that caught our attention. We’ve picked out five games to feature; let’s jump straight in.


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Bloodshed

Bloodshed
Source: Steam

Bloodshed is an FPS game where players face off against hordes of enemies in brutal, fast-paced battles. Basically, you have to fight against a Cult whose members are trying to resurrect an ancient deity. Your goal will be to spoil their plan, and this will require fighting different types of enemies. You get the luxury to choose from a ‘diverse roster of playable characters,’ and each one will have different abilities that can assist you in combat. On top of that, the game also offers a vast collection of weapons, which you can also upgrade as you progress through the game.

Bullets and Brains

Bullets and Brains
Source: Steam

If you’re a fan of top-down shooters and killing zombies, then you’ll definitely love Bullets and Brains. This game throws you into a post-apocalyptic world where you have to fight against hordes of zombies. You’ll need to navigate through abandoned buildings, sewers, snowy mountains, forests, and much more to progress. While the demo only lets you choose from two characters, the full game will offer several more. On top of that, you can also team up with your friends thanks to the co-op mode. As you kill enemies, you’ll collect ‘brains,’ which you can use to level up and upgrade your abilities.

Jotunnslayer: Hordes of Hel

Jotunnslayer
Source: Steam

Jotunnslayer: Hordes of Hel is a fast-paced roguelike game where you battle mythological creatures in a visually stunning world. The game throws you into a world inspired by Norse Mythology, and you can choose from a diverse roster of Heroes. Each Hero has its own set of unique skills, abilities, and weapons, so you’ll need to choose the one that suits your playstyle the best. As you progress through the game, the enemies will keep getting tougher, but you’ll also level up and improve your character. You’ll also fight different bosses who will not go down without a tough fit. Overall, the game looks pretty fun, and you might love it if you’re a fan of the Diablo series.

Rivals of Aether II

Rivals of Aether II
Source: Steam

If you enjoyed playing Rivals of Aether, then you’ll definitely love its sequel. Rivals of Aether II, a Smash Bros-like platform fighter, promises to take things to the next level with 3D visuals, new mechanics, improved online support, and much more. While the game offers a decent roster featuring new and old characters, the developers also plan to add additional playable characters for free through future updates. Each character will have unique mechanics and skills. Aside from that, players can either fight against AI-controlled enemies or their friends in different modes, including 1v1, 2v2, and free-for-all.

The Precinct

The Precinct
Source: Steam

The Precinct is a crime simulation game where you take on the role of a police officer, Nick Cordell Jr, patrolling a city filled with crime. While your main goal will be to solve the mystery of your father’s murder, you’ll also need to handle different car chases, robberies, and other crimes on the side. You can explore Averno City on foot, in a squad car, or in a helicopter. But you won’t be alone in this, as you’ll be able to call in squad cars, roadblocks, spike strips, and more.

How long does Next Fest last?

Steam Next Fest is a great opportunity for you to find the next game for your Steam Deck. The event ends on October 21, so be sure to try the demos before then. If you enjoy a demo, you can easily add it to your wishlist to get notified when the full game is released.

One of the great things about demos is that they’re absolutely free and often small in size. Without the trust factor of a ‘Steam Deck Verified’ badge to rely on just yet, quickly downloading and testing out a few demos is the next best thing (and gives you some hands-on experience).

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