Steam's free demo event is on, and there's a lot to try

With a busy November right around the corner, Steam Next Fest arrives this week as a delightful appetizer. From now through Oct. 26, PC players can try free demos for tons of upcoming games coming to Steam. It’s a great way to pass some time before the GTA 6 and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time double-header by trying a unique smattering of games that could become your next indie obsession.

This week’s celebration is a little harder to navigate than usual, though. According to reports, there are more than twice as many demos featured in this fall’s edition compared to last year, with the rise of generative AI-filled games making it tougher to find true gold in the mountains. If you find it all a little intimidating, here’s a handful of demos we recommend checking out first.

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If you’re trying to find 2027’s potential Game of the Year among a sea of demos, you should go straight to At Fate’s End. The latest game from Spiritfarer developer Thunder Lotus is shaping up to be a unique fusion of 2D action game and narrative-driven family drama. You can get a taste of that in its lengthy demo, which features a stellar battle where two sisters work through their issues in a stage combat-like fight.

There are plenty of brand-new games to try during Next Fest, but one of the most exciting demos out there is for a remaster.

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