Whether you have a huge backlog or a sudden desire for novelty, you will be served. Steam multiplies free downloads upstream of the Steam Next Fest, planned October 13 to 20and the platform is already full of demos to discover without spending a penny. Among them, several titles stand out for their originality, their atmosphere or their game mechanics.
We start with TIDES OF TOMORROWa post-apocalyptic narrative RPG planned for 2026. You play a tidewalker, an amnesiac being in a world overwhelmed by a big deluge. “You wake up without any memory in a civilization which has almost been destroyed by a great deluge”. The game introduces an innovative asynchronous multiplayer concept: you follow the decisions of another player – friend, streamer or unknown – and explore the consequences of his choices. Each session thus offers you a different perspective on the world.
A Marvel, an XCOM, and … a sleigh that speaks
On the side of superheroes, Marvel Cosmic Invasion feast lovers of pixel art and nerve action. This retro beat’em up in front of waves of enemies by embodying one of the Nine Marvel heroes playable. The artistic direction, the animations and the rhythm of the game have already earned him “very positive” criticisms on the platform.
In a more tactical register, Threat From the Overhype studio places you at the head of a squad fighting against an extraterrestrial threat. Management of troops, deployment of mechs, planning of missions … The game clearly evokes Xcom’s codes, but with a more modern and accessible approach.
Finally, it is absolutely necessary to quote Sledding Gametrue UFO of the current catalog. This small independent game invites you to hit hills in a sleigh while chatting with your friends thanks to the local cat. The atmosphere is sweet and winter. “You can make figures to earn points and take advantage of additional activities such as snowballs, darts, curling and grilled sees”. Just that.
Why it’s a good time to rush into these demos
This wave of demos is directly linked to the approach of Steam Next Fest, a biannual event designed to highlight the independent games and future outings. Fall edition starts October 13 And already promises several hundred free test titles.
But no need to wait for the official date: Valve has already opened the valves. Better yet, current demos are not limited in duration or access. Just connect to Steam to start downloading, trying, and maybe discover your future favorite game.