10 Must-Try Demos at October’s Steam Next Fest

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⚡ Quick Summary

• Steam Next Fest runs from October 13 to October 20, 2025, showcasing 3,276 demos for upcoming games.
• This list highlights 10 standout demos across genres, from indie quirks to AAA adventures.
• Recommended for players who want to explore new titles without filtering by genre—just dive in and experiment.
• All information is sourced from Kotaku.

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📝 Top 10 Steam Next Fest Demos (October 2025)

1. Tingus Goose

• Developer: SweatyChair
• Release: Q4 2025
• Demo Concept: A surreal clicker game where players help baby-creatures called Tingus meet and grow by interacting with a goose emerging from a woman’s belly.
• Why It Stands Out: Unique art and absurd humor make it a wildly memorable experience.

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2. PowerWash Simulator 2

• Developer: FuturLab
• Release: October 23, 2025
• Demo Concept: Cleaner and smoother sequel to the original PowerWash Simulator with improved controls.
• Why It Stands Out: Relaxing yet addictive gameplay, perfect for fans of methodical satisfaction.

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3. Slots And Daggers

• Developer: Friedemann
• Release: October 24, 2025
• Demo Concept: A roguelite slot-machine battle game, blending strategy and randomness. Players fight monsters by stopping slot reels and can upgrade attacks and defenses.
• Why It Stands Out: Combines roguelite mechanics with gambling strategy in an elegant, addictive package.

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4. Mosaic of the Strange

• Developer: Mark Ffrench
• Release: November 7, 2025
• Demo Concept: Large-scale Fill-a-Pix logic puzzles integrated with point-and-click adventure elements.
• Why It Stands Out: Absorbing and visually artistic, perfect for puzzle lovers seeking a unique, immersive experience.

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5. Painkiller

• Developer: Anshar Studios
• Release: October 21, 2025
• Demo Concept: Reimagining of the classic 2004 FPS with fast-paced, gory combat and co-op options.
• Why It Stands Out: Brings back the speed and intensity of classic 3D Realms shooters.

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6. Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era

• Developer: Unfrozen
• Release: 2026
• Demo Concept: Turn-based strategy game continuing the HOMM legacy, focusing on town building, army management, and mythological warfare.
• Why It Stands Out: Appeals to longtime fans by faithfully recreating HOMM 3 vibes.

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7. Kingdom of Night

• Developer: Friends of Safety
• Release: Q4 2025
• Demo Concept: RPG and point-and-click adventure hybrid set in 1980s Arizona with magic, demons, and spellcasting.
• Why It Stands Out: Strong storytelling and character-driven choices affect gameplay, offering co-op play.

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8. Servant of the Lake

• Developer: Rusty Lake
• Release: 2026
• Demo Concept: Part of the long-running macabre Rusty Lake series, exploring the Vanderboom family’s past.
• Why It Stands Out: A Lynchian, story-rich experience rewarding for longtime fans of the series.

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9. Reanimal

• Developer: Tarsier Studios
• Release: TBA
• Demo Concept: Atmospheric horror adventure where players guide a sack-headed boy to rescue a mask-wearing girl.
• Why It Stands Out: Slow-burning demo with tense, horror-driven narrative.

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10. Marvel Cosmic Invasion

• Developer: Tribute Games
• Release: 2025
• Demo Concept: Side-scrolling beat ’em up with Marvel heroes, offering combo attacks and interactive environments.
• Why It Stands Out: Colorful, arcade-style action reminiscent of classic '80s cabinets updated for modern audiences.

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🧠 How to Make the Most of Steam Next Fest

• Explore without limits: Don’t filter strictly by genre; some of the best demos are unexpected.
• Try something new: Indie games often offer unique mechanics and creativity you won’t see in AAA titles.
• Interact with developers: Many demos include dev blogs, Q&A, and feedback options.
• Save favorites: With thousands of demos, marking the ones you enjoy ensures you can return later.

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TL;DR

• Steam Next Fest runs October 13–20, 2025, showcasing thousands of demos.
• 10 highlighted demos: Tingus Goose, PowerWash Simulator 2, Slots And Daggers, Mosaic of the Strange, Painkiller, Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era, Kingdom of Night, Servant of the Lake, Reanimal, and Marvel Cosmic Invasion.
• Perfect for players looking to experiment across genres, from indie gems to polished AAA experiences.

Note: All information in this article is according to Kotaku.