What Is Steam Next Fest?
Steam Next Fest is Valve's recurring showcase where developers release free playable demos before their games officially launch. It runs multiple times a year, and each edition brings hundreds of new demos, developer livestreams, and wishlisting opportunities. The February 2026 edition runs through March 2. Demos are free but time-limited, so download what catches your eye before the window closes.
The Best Steam Next Fest February 2026 Demos
Replaced
If there's one demo dominating headlines this Next Fest, it's Replaced. This 2.5D cyberpunk action-platformer from Sad Cat Studios, published by Thunderful, has been one of the most-anticipated indie releases in years, and the demo confirms the hype is real. Inspired by Limbo and Inside but with a distinctive pixel art aesthetic that pushes the medium forward, Replaced puts you in a retro-futuristic 1980s alternate America where you play as R.E.A.C.H., an AI trapped in a human body. The full game launches April 14, 2026 on PC and Xbox. Check it out here.
The Eternal Life of Goldman
From the studio behind This Is the Police comes something completely different. The Eternal Life of Goldman is a hand-drawn 2D platformer from Weappy Studio, published by THQ Nordic, built entirely on frame-by-frame animation - the kind of painstaking craftsmanship you rarely see anymore. Set across a mythical Archipelago inspired by ancient fables, you arrive on the islands with one mission: kill the Deity. The demo covers the opening 90 minutes of the game, and with a Kevin Penkin soundtrack (No Man's Sky, Tower of God), it's as much an audio experience as a visual one. This one is playable through Steam Next Fest and for a limited time after, so don't sleep on it. Check it out here.
Far Far West
Far Far West is the co-op shooter you didn't know you needed. Published by Fireshine Games and developed by Patattie Games, it drops you into a Wild West where robot cowboys, skeletons, ghost trains, and monsters coexist in chaotic harmony. Up to four players take on PvE missions and bounties in a Helldivers-style loop that's equal parts frantic and hilarious. The demo went live February 19 - before Next Fest even started - and quickly trended on SteamDB. Solo play works fine, but this one really shines with friends. Check it out here.
Esoteric Ebb
Disco Elysium left a hole that nothing has quite filled - until now. Esoteric Ebb, published by Raw Fury, is a CRPG set in the fantasy city of Norvik during its very first election, with a political conspiracy narrative that rewards careful reading and creative thinking. Dice rolls shape your interactions, your character is built from an array of weird skills, and the writing is sharp throughout. It's been called the best Disco-like since Disco Elysium itself by early players. The full game launches March 3, 2026. Check it out here.
1348 Ex Voto
Set in plague-era medieval Italy, 1348 Ex Voto is a story-driven action-adventure from developer Sedleo, published by Dear Villagers. You play as knight Aeta (voiced by Alby Baldwin), accompanied by Bianca (voiced by Jennifer English of Baldur's Gate 3). The combat system draws from Historical European Martial Arts, giving the fighting a grounded, weighty feel that's a refreshing break from standard hack-and-slash. Full performance capture was used throughout. The game launches March 12, 2026. Check it out here.
Outbound
Outbound is a cozy exploration game where your mobile home is your base of operations. You drive it across open wilderness, then hop out on foot to explore on your own terms - third-person behind the wheel, first-person when wandering. It's the kind of chill, no-pressure experience that serves as a palette cleanser between more intense sessions. If you've ever wanted a camping simulator crossed with a road trip game, this is your demo. Check it out here.
Bounce Castle
Bounce Castle from Robot Monkey Brain is a physics-based turn-based strategy RPG - yes, all of those words belong in the same sentence. You bounce attacks around environments to hit enemies, manage a roguelike progression through Forest and Castle regions, and face off against bosses in dedicated chambers. It's weird, it's clever, and it's the kind of game that's genuinely hard to explain until you're 20 minutes in and hooked. Check it out here.
Paperhead
Paperhead is a boomer shooter set in a world made entirely of cardboard, paper, and arts-and-crafts materials - and it goes surprisingly hard. The visual style brings to mind The Binding of Isaac, the violence is gloriously over the top, and the pencil-based environmental manipulation mechanic adds a creative layer to otherwise straightforward shooting. If you like your shooters with a side of craft supplies, this is a must-try. Check it out here.
Pass the Fear
Pass the Fear from PlayMud Studio is a roguelite bullet-hell with deckbuilding elements baked directly into combat. Four playable characters, 30 weapons, 170+ relics, and 22 Tarot cards give the runs serious variety. A co-op beta is also available if you want to tear through waves of enemies with a friend. The depth here is real - this isn't just another Slay the Spire clone, it has its own identity. Check it out here.
Tides of Blazefall
Tides of Blazefall from Awaken Realms is a maritime RPG set in the Forlorn Sea of Evershade - a dark, fractured world left behind after a cataclysmic event called the Blazefall shattered the sun itself. You play as an amnesiac captain exploring a seamless open world by sea, with card-based tactical combat shaped by your narrative choices. The writing team is led by Krzysztof Piskorski, and the demo alone packs 30+ pages of text and 8,000+ words. For fans of narrative-heavy RPGs, this is the sleeper hit of Next Fest. Check it out here.
Raccoin
What if Balatro was an arcade coin pusher? That's Raccoin in a sentence. Developed by Doraccoon and published by Playstack, this roguelike deckbuilder replaces cards with coins dropped into a coin pusher machine - chain reactions, special items, 6 playable characters, 150+ coins, and 150+ collectible items make every run feel different. It launches March 31, 2026, and it's already generating serious buzz as one of the most original mechanics to hit Next Fest in a while. Check it out here.
Wild Blue Skies
The Star Fox spiritual successor nobody knew was in development. Wild Blue Skies is an on-rails shooter from Chuhai Labs, helmed by Giles Goddard, a Nintendo veteran who worked on the original Star Fox and 1080 Snowboarding. Featuring anthropomorphic animal pilots including ace pilot Bowie Stray, the game channels the energy of the SNES classics with modern execution. It's coming to PC and Xbox Series X/S in 2026, and the demo is an immediate nostalgia trip for anyone who grew up doing barrel rolls. Check it out here.
Denshattack!
Denshattack! is Jet Set Radio if it took place on trains. Developed by Undercoders and published by Fireshine Games, it's a trick-based movement game where rail-grinding, combat, and style all intersect. Spring 2026 release for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. The demo gives you a taste of the kinetic energy that makes this one stand out - and once you nail a combo off a grind rail, you won't want to stop. Check it out here.
Scott Pilgrim EX
Scott Pilgrim EX is back, and Tribute Games - the studio behind TMNT: Shredder's Revenge - is the team bringing it to life. This is a brand new beat 'em up featuring seven playable characters from across the Scott Pilgrim franchise, an original story by creator Bryan Lee O'Malley, and music by Anamanaguchi. The demo gives you access to four characters: Scott, Ramona, Lucas Lee, and Roxy Richter, across the first two quests. It supports 1-4 player co-op and launches March 3, 2026. The vibes are immaculate. Check it out here.
Cursed Words
Cursed Words blends word game mechanics with roguelike progression in a way that genuinely shouldn't work but absolutely does. Spell words to cast spells, unlock upgrades between runs, and push deeper into increasingly cursed territory. It's the kind of game that makes you feel clever while also punishing you for getting too comfortable - a perfect demo for when you want something different from the usual action fare. Check it out here.
Echo Generation 2
Cococucumber's Echo Generation 2 picks up where the award-winning original left off, this time putting you in control of Sister M as she escapes the FST organization in a sci-fi setting dripping with personality. The tactical turn-based combat now uses a deckbuilding system with 100+ cards, adding new layers of strategy to an already strong foundation. Coming to Xbox, PC, and Game Pass in 2026 - this one is a no-brainer for fans of the original and newcomers alike. Check it out here.
Wax Heads
Wax Heads from Patattie Games, published by Curve Games, is a cozy-punk record shop simulator where music recommendation is the core gameplay loop. With 80+ in-game records, 60+ hand-drawn characters, and 30+ original songs to discover, you're essentially curating culture through your shop. It launches May 5, 2026 on Steam, Xbox, PS5, and Switch. If you've ever had a friend with perfect taste in music, this is the game they'd design. Check it out here.
Deadliest Pigeon
The name says everything. Deadliest Pigeon from Rusty Rex is a side-scrolling action shooter where you play as a pigeon armed with guns, grenades, and a grappling hook - seeking revenge on a world that wronged you. The physics-based combat is gloriously chaotic, and the sheer absurdity of the premise is matched by tight, satisfying gameplay. Sometimes you just need to be a heavily armed bird. Check it out here.
Armatus
Closing out the list is Armatus, a third-person action roguelite from Counterplay Games - the studio behind Godfall. If Returnal's fast-paced, loop-based structure appeals to you but you want something with a different aesthetic, Armatus is worth your attention. The combat is fluid, the progression feels meaningful, and the demo gives you enough of a taste to know whether the full game belongs on your wishlist. Check it out here.
Don't Miss These Demos Before Next Fest Ends
Steam Next Fest runs through March 2, 2026. Most demos will be pulled when the event ends, so now's the time to download and try what catches your eye.
Want to track everything you've played, build your wishlist, and discover more games across all platforms? GAMES.GG connects your Steam, PlayStation, Xbox, and Epic accounts in one place - making it easier to stay on top of new releases, track your backlog, and never miss another Next Fest again. Sign up today!
Steam Next Fest February 2026 | Frequently Asked Questions
When does Steam Next Fest February 2026 end?
Steam Next Fest February 2026 ends on March 2, 2026. All demos are free to download during the event window, but most are removed once it closes. A handful of developers leave their demos up afterward - like The Eternal Life of Goldman - but don't count on it.
Are Steam Next Fest demos free?
Yes, all Steam Next Fest demos are completely free to download and play. You just need a Steam account. No purchase required.
How many demos are in Steam Next Fest February 2026?
Steam Next Fest typically features hundreds of demos across every genre. The 19 games listed above are the standouts worth prioritizing, but there are hundreds more available on the Steam Next Fest page, filterable by genre, tag, and popularity.
Do Steam Next Fest demos expire?
Most do. Once Next Fest ends on March 2, the majority of demos are removed from Steam. A few developers choose to keep their demos live permanently or for a limited time after - but don't assume that's the case. Download what interests you now.
What is the best Steam Next Fest February 2026 demo?
If we had to pick one: Replaced. It's been one of the most-anticipated indie games in years and the demo delivers on every level. Close runners-up are Scott Pilgrim EX (launching March 3), Esoteric Ebb for CRPG fans, and Raccoin for anyone who loved Balatro.
When is the next Steam Next Fest after February 2026?
Valve typically runs Steam Next Fest four to six times per year. After February 2026, the next edition is expected around June 2026. Exact dates are announced on the Steam store page a few weeks in advance.
Can I wishlist games during Steam Next Fest?
Yes, and you should. Wishlisting games during Next Fest helps developers significantly - Steam uses wishlist data for recommendations and rankings. If you play a demo and like what you see, hit wishlist before you close the store page.
Which Steam Next Fest February 2026 games are also coming to consoles?
Several are confirmed for console releases: Scott Pilgrim EX (multiplatform, March 3), Denshattack! (PS5, Xbox, PC - Spring 2026), Wax Heads (Steam, Xbox, PS5, Switch - May 5), Wild Blue Skies (PC and Xbox Series X/S), and Echo Generation 2 (Xbox and Game Pass). Check each game's store page for the latest platform details.