10 Steam Next Fest demos worth playing in October 2026
Steam Next Fest runs until 26 October, giving PC players free hands-on access to a huge selection of upcoming games. With November approaching, it is a useful chance to find something new before the next major releases arrive.
This edition is especially difficult to navigate: it features more than twice as many demos as last year. The following ten stand out for their distinctive ideas, strong arcade-friendly action or unusual formats.
1. At Fate’s End
Thunder Lotus, the studio behind Spiritfarer, combines two-dimensional action with an emotional family story. Its substantial demo includes a striking duel between two sisters, using stage-combat flair to explore their relationship. It is an early contender for one of 2027’s most promising games.
2. Godzilla: Destroy All Monsters Melee Remastered
This remaster brings the GameCube cult favourite back with refreshed visuals and online play. The original brawler was not especially well reviewed in 2002, but its kaiju-versus-kaiju action remains immediately entertaining. The demo shows why the game has retained a loyal following.
3. El Paso, Elsewhere 2
Strange Scaffold follows its 2023 retro-styled Max Payne homage with a sequel planned for 2027. The demo is somewhat rough, but it previews expanded spaces for diving, stylish slow-motion gunplay and a larger selection of monsters.
4. My Arms Are Longer Now
Toot Games turns an impossibly long, mischievous arm into the centre of a slapstick comedy sandbox. You solve light puzzles while using the snake-like limb to disrupt people and create chaos. Its playful tone should appeal to fans of Thank Goodness You’re Here.
5. Curse of Resthaven
After Lil’ Guardsman, Hilltop Studios takes a darker direction with this narrative roguelike. You must find your missing niece on a cursed island while trapped in a time loop. The demo covers a complete six-day cycle, includes numerous suspects to question and carries progress into the full game, which is scheduled for 29 October.
6. Guns of Eschaton
This visually distinctive first-person Soulslike combines grim fantasy with old-west gunplay. The game was created by Eschatology Entertainment and features the work of late Half-Life 2 art director Viktor Antonov. Its updated demo arrives ahead of an early-December release and adds the Deadeye character archetype.
7. Splatchinko
Splatchinko mixes pachinko, roguelike progression and cosmic horror. Its chaotic boards are set in outer space, among aliens and Lovecraftian entities, with experimental builds to assemble. Players who enjoy the combinations of Balatro and Raccoin may find plenty to explore.
8. Dumpster Gang
This co-operative game casts you and your friends as raccoons on a mission to steal objects and make a mess. The mischievous multiplayer premise has some of the same appeal as Untitled Goose Game, making it a strong pick for a group session.
9. Talaka
Potato Kid’s debut is another roguelike, but its hand-painted presentation gives it a clear identity. The story draws on Afro-Brazilian mythology, making Talaka a distinctive project within Acclaim’s newly revived indie publishing plans.
10. Tearoom of Terror
Sundew Studios combines murder mystery investigation with shop management. After inheriting a tearoom, you must uncover the truth about your murdered aunt by questioning suspects, brewing suitable drinks and choosing matching snacks. The full game is planned for early next year, but the demo suits a spooky-season playthrough.
Why these demos are worth a look
These selections cover fighting games, shooters, co-operative mischief, mystery, roguelikes and experimental arcade-inspired formats. If you enjoy browsing the wider arcade blog, testing games with a joystick or planning a dedicated setup, a compact bartop arcade or a full range of arcade machines can provide a natural home for similarly pick-up-and-play experiences.
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