# **Uncovering Hidden Treasures: Top Demos to Experience at Steam Next Fest**
Steam Next Fest has returned, providing an incredible array of free game demos for gamers to discover. With more than 2,228 games available for free trials, navigating through them can be daunting. Luckily, we’ve dug through the options to present some of the most thrilling and intriguing demos you can find. No matter if you prefer action-packed shooters, tactical card games, or serene exploration adventures, there’s something tailored for everyone. Here are 11 exceptional demos worth trying before the festival concludes on March 3.
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## **1. Afterblast**
**Developer:** Lumino Games
**Planned Release Date:** April 2025
**Popular Steam Tags:** FPS, Online Co-Op, Action Roguelike, Roguelite
[**Steam Page**](https://store.steampowered.com/app/1338490/AFTERBLAST/)
If you’re a fan of high-octane shooters, *Afterblast* is essential. Fusing aspects of *Returnal*, *Doom*, and *Halo Infinite*, this title promises intense, rapid combat complemented by a grappling hook that enhances mobility. The demo highlights its roguelike features, where randomized items and upgrades ensure each playthrough is distinctive. The game’s smooth movement and gratifying combat secure its place as a highlight in the FPS landscape.
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## **2. Castle V Castle**
**Developer:** Nopopo
**Planned Release Date:** Coming Soon
**Popular Steam Tags:** Card Battler, Roguelite, Card Game, PvE
[**Steam Page**](https://store.steampowered.com/app/3398880/Castle_V_Castle/)
Lovers of strategic card games will appreciate *Castle V Castle*, a contemporary spin on the beloved *Castle Wars*. Players need to balance attack and defense while skillfully managing resources to outlast their adversaries. The game features a sleek black-and-white aesthetic and fast-paced gameplay, making it accessible, while its strategic intricacies promise prolonged enjoyment. The demo teases a captivating experience, although online multiplayer would certainly enhance it.
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## **3. Dragonkin: The Banished**
**Developer:** Eko Software
**Planned Release Date:** March 6, 2025 (Early Access)
**Popular Steam Tags:** Action, Hack and Slash, Adventure, RPG, Loot
[**Steam Page**](https://store.steampowered.com/app/1863430/Dragonkin_The_Banished/)
If you’re yearning for a *Diablo*-like journey, *Dragonkin: The Banished* offers dark, isometric action RPG gameplay. The demo features an array of character classes, each with distinct skills, including fire mages and archers. Although early-game characters might feel a bit too powerful, the complete game is expected to provide a more even challenge. With cinematic cutscenes and engaging combat mechanics, this title is poised to be a significant player in the ARPG field.
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## **4. Glum**
**Developer:** CinderCat Games
**Planned Release Date:** 2025
**Popular Steam Tags:** Adventure, Funny, Singleplayer
[**Steam Page**](https://store.steampowered.com/app/2235550/GLUM/)
*Glum* transforms melee combat from first-person shooters into a core gameplay mechanic. Instead of weapons, you utilize a steel-toed boot to kick foes, objects, and even environmental elements to navigate through levels. The demo reveals inventive methods to use kicking as both an offensive strategy and a means of locomotion, resulting in a distinctive and amusing adventure.
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## **5. Guntouchables**
**Developer:** Game Swing
**Planned Release Date:** To Be Announced
**Popular Steam Tags:** Action Roguelike, Multiplayer, Post-apocalyptic
[**Steam Page**](https://store.steampowered.com/app/2543510/GUNTOUCHABLES/)
Brought to you by Ghost Ship Games (*Deep Rock Galactic*), *Guntouchables* is a frenetic multiplayer shooter that requires players to loot, shoot, and make their escape from mutant-infested zones. The game incorporates diverse weapons and character abilities, ensuring each run feels new. While the demo lacks a tutorial, the fundamental gameplay loop is already captivating and addictive.
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## **6. Hyper Empire**
**Developer:** Fair Weather Studios
**Planned Release Date:** Q1 2025
**Popular Steam Tags:** 4X, Turn-Based Strategy, Auto Battler, Strategy
[**Steam Page**](https://store.steampowered.com/app/3096370/Hyper_Empire/)
Strategy enthusiasts will enjoy *Hyper Empire*, a streamlined 4X space simulation emphasizing resource management. Players must skillfully balance the expansion of their fleets with economic development, all while engaging in automated space conflicts. The demo provides a glimpse into…
