5 Most Exciting June 2026 Steam Next Fest Demos You Don’t Want to Miss

by

Steam Next Fest is back for the summer, offering thousands of free game demos! From June 15th to June 22nd, players can try out demos of upcoming games spanning all genres. This year’s festival has an especially large selection, which can be a bit overwhelming. With only a week to play them, you’ll have to carefully choose which games to check out.

Steam Next Fest in June 2026 is shaping up to be the largest one ever, with thousands of games available to try! It’s impossible to play them all, but I spent hours testing demos and found five you definitely shouldn’t skip. Here are my top recommendations for Steam Next Fest next month.

5) Mistfall Hunter

Genre: Dark Action RPG

Okay, so this game is last on my list only because I have a feeling most of you already know about it – it was the most played demo at Steam Next Fest! But seriously, Mistfall Hunter deserves all the hype. If you’re into dark fantasy RPGs or extraction games (or both!), you absolutely need to check out the demo and see if this unique blend of genres clicks with you. I’ve been really impressed so far!

With the complete game launching on July 29th, Steam Next Fest is the perfect chance to try out Mistfall Hunter. It’s a Souls-like game that combines third-person PvPvE gameplay, RPG elements, and feels like a fantasy take on a competitive shooter – and that’s a good thing! Download the demo now to practice your skills and get a jump on other players.

4) Dragon Shelter

Genre: Farming/Management Sim

If you enjoy farming games, or even have a passing interest in dragons, you should definitely try Dragon Shelter. It’s a charming new farming sim with a unique dragon element! The demo lets you experience the core gameplay – you start with a neglected farm in a struggling village – but that’s just the beginning. The villagers are facing hard times, and it’s up to you to help them turn things around.

This game breathes new life into the farming simulator genre, offering a charming and engaging experience. A unique addition is your dragon companion, who isn’t just a friend but also a helpful assistant – even in the kitchen! It’s a promising and refreshing take on a beloved cozy game, and the recent Steam Next Fest demo was so enjoyable I didn’t want it to end. Dragon Shelter launches on September 24th, and trying the demo is a fantastic way to decide if it’s a game you’ll want to add to your wishlist.

3) Vampire: The Masquerade: Oaths & Ashes

Genre: Visual Novel

Oaths & Ashes is a promising new game set in the World of Darkness universe. It uses a visual novel style, which really emphasizes strong storytelling and meaningful choices – something that games like Vampire: The Masquerade excel at. The demo offers a great introduction, providing over two hours of gameplay through the complete prologue.

The prologue demo for Oaths & Ashes lets you experience the game’s writing style and see how your decisions shape the story, especially regarding the delicate Masquerade. If you’re interested in the upcoming Vampire: The Masquerade video game, this demo is a great way to get a feel for its visual novel approach. The full game is expected to launch later this year, so you won’t have to wait long to find out what happens next.

2) Wilderings: The Lost Spring

Genre: Creature-Collecting Roguelite

I was immediately interested in Wilderings when I heard it described as a creature-collecting roguelite, and the recent Steam Next Fest demo didn’t disappoint. The game has beautiful, charming visuals paired with surprisingly deep combat. As expected from a roguelike, it’s challenging – be prepared to fail often at first! (I definitely experienced that firsthand.)

This game takes place in a sprawling world plagued by corruption, and you’ll work with animal companions to restore it. It shares similarities with Kena: Bridge of Spirits in terms of its open world and combat, but it stands out thanks to its unique card-based roguelike elements and detailed world. The demo offers a taste of the gameplay, showing how you’ll unlock abilities and explore the environment. It’s a promising game, and I’m excited to see where it goes. Currently, there’s no confirmed release date for Wilderings, but hopefully, we’ll learn more soon.

1) Moonlight Peaks

Genre: Life Sim

Okay, so this farming sim with a spooky twist has been at the top of my wishlist for ages! And finally, the Steam Next Fest demo is out, letting me really dive into what it’s all about. I got to start building my vampire farmer and try things like fishing and making flower arrangements – super fun mini-games. Honestly, if you’re as hyped for Moonlight Peaks as I am, you can rest easy knowing this demo proves the full game is going to be amazing. It’s totally worth waiting for!

The full version of Moonlight Peaks comes out on July 7th! Now’s a perfect time to try the demo and make sure it’s exactly what you’re looking for. The demo is quite extensive, giving you a good feel for the complete game – and it’s adorable! It has spooky elements, but nothing too scary.

Read More

2026-06-18 00:14