Wildcard, a competitive arena-based card game from the team behind Words With Friends, will be available for free during Steam Next Fest from October 13 through 20. The demo provides players with an early chance to experience the game’s mix of 3rd-person combat and strategic deck-building before its Early Access launch on October 21. The Steam page also hosts a new gameplay trailer, showcasing the title’s fast-paced 2v2 battles and hybrid design.
Wildcard Free Steam Next Fest Demo
Wildcard Free Steam Next Fest Demo
The game combines collectible card mechanics with real-time combat, allowing players to summon units, manage resources, and control the battlefield from a third-person perspective. Each Champion has unique abilities, and deck customization plays a critical role in shaping match outcomes.
While Wildcard operates primarily as a web2 game, it leverages a separate web3 platform called Thousands, which supports streaming features and creator-focused rewards without influencing gameplay directly. Ahead of the demo, a livestream hosted by lead designer Brad Weir is scheduled for October 10 at 6 PM EST. The stream is expected to present the build featured in Steam Next Fest and provide a closer look at the new Champion, Lily.
According to official posts, Lily has two stances: one offers ranged healing support, while the other emphasizes melee attacks with poison effects. Her dual role suggests flexibility in both support and offensive strategies. The broadcast may also include details on a free Battle Pass and other potential event rewards, although specifics remain unconfirmed.
Wildcard Free Steam Next Fest Demo
Recent $9 Million Funding Round
Wildcard has steadily expanded its community in 2025. In June, the development team announced a $9 million funding round led by Arbitrum Gaming Ventures and Paradigm, adding to their original $46 million Series A to bring total funding above $50 million. The team has also launched a Community Rewards Program, allowing early supporters to unlock cosmetics and in-game bonuses through quests and challenges.
Rewards earned through this program will be delivered once Early Access goes live on October 21. Community engagement is supported by weekly playtests and feedback sessions through Discord and other channels. By August, Wildcard had already surpassed 50,000 Steam wishlists, reflecting growing interest in the title ahead of its official launch.
Wildcard Free Steam Next Fest Demo
Compete for a $5,000 Prize Pool
Wildcard is preparing for its first major competitive event at DreamHack Atlanta, scheduled from October 31 to November 2. Twelve teams will compete for a $5,000 prize pool, following online qualifiers that began in August. Players who participated in the preseason ladder have earned exclusive in-game skins, while top performers received travel stipends and gift cards. The event represents a key step in the game’s push toward organized esports and competitive play.
Web2, Web3, and Thousands.tv
While the game itself is web2, Wildcard’s affiliated streaming platform, Thousands.tv, provides additional engagement and monetization opportunities for creators. Fans can interact with streams, claim items, and participate in referral systems to earn rewards.
A prediction tool called Meta Oracle allows users to stake credits and forecast in-game events, with rewards distributed in $WC tokens. These features operate independently from gameplay but are designed to support a broader creator-focused economy. Streaming numbers have been strong, with top broadcasts generating over $100,000 in revenue and average shows maintaining high retention rates.
Wildcard Free Steam Next Fest Demo
Final Thoughts
With the Steam Next Fest demo launching on October 13 and Early Access beginning October 21, Wildcard enters its most public phase yet. Players can wishlist the game on Steam and join the official Discord to stay updated. The October 10 livestream is expected to provide additional details on the Battle Pass, new Champion abilities, and potential rewards, marking an important step in the game’s progression toward full release.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When will Wildcard be available to play for free? Wildcard will be free to play during Steam Next Fest from October 13 to October 20.
When does Wildcard launch Early Access? Early Access for Wildcard begins on October 21, immediately following the free demo period.
Who is the new Champion in Wildcard? The upcoming Champion is Lily, who can switch between a ranged healing stance and a melee attack stance with poison effects.
Is Wildcard a web3 game? The core gameplay is web2. However, Wildcard is supported by a separate web3 platform, Thousands.tv, which powers streaming features and creator rewards but does not affect gameplay.
How can players earn rewards before launch? Players can join Wildcard’s Community Rewards Program to complete quests and challenges that unlock cosmetics and bonuses, which will be distributed once Early Access goes live.
Will Wildcard feature esports competitions? Yes, Wildcard is hosting a DreamHack Atlanta tournament from October 31 to November 2, featuring 12 teams competing for a $5,000 prize pool.
Where can players watch Wildcard content? Streams and interactive content are available on Thousands.tv, which includes features such as in-stream item claims and predictive tools for additional rewards.
