The best Steam Next Fest demos to play for free right now
Steam Next Fest, Valve’s showcase event that occurs three times annually, is a discovery platform where players can try free demos of games in development before their official releases. The event features a diverse selection of titles, ranging from major AAA releases to indie gems that might otherwise struggle to gain visibility in the crowded gaming market.
The June 2026 iteration of Steam Next Fest includes numerous standout demos. Polygon has curated a list of recommended titles from the event, with Valor Mortis emerging as a notable highlight. This first-person soulslike was initially announced during Gamescom Opening Night Live in 2025. In Valor Mortis, players take on the role of a soldier in Napoleon’s army and engage in combat against former allies who have been transformed into undead creatures.
Polygon indicates that its team has sampled a significant portion of the available demos to compile their recommendations, suggesting there is substantial content to explore during the event. This curation approach helps readers narrow down their options from the extensive catalog available during Steam Next Fest. The event demonstrates its value as a discovery mechanism for gamers seeking new titles and underscores its importance for the gaming industry, particularly for independent developers seeking exposure.