Top 10 Game Demos to Explore at Steam

We all know about annual Steam Next Fest and its goodies. So we’ve compiled a list of ten standout demos that deserve your attention. Share your favorite finds in the comments below, and let us know if you’d like to see more recommendations like these!

Yes, Your Grace: Snowfall

A strategic RPG about tough decisions and resource management in a medieval kingdom. As the king, you’ll face daily dilemmas: peasants seeking protection, diplomats demanding concessions, and your family vying for your attention. Every choice has consequences, as your treasury isn’t infinite.

In Yes, Your Grace: Snowfall, your decisions shape the narrative. Fail to pay your agents, and they won’t assist when needed. Support one faction, and you risk alienating another. The demo introduces creative mechanics for combining items and resources to unlock new solutions. With its pixel art style, atmospheric soundtrack, and engaging gameplay, the demo offers a smooth introduction even for newcomers to the series.

Am I Nima

A psychological horror puzzle game where you play as Nima, a girl who wakes up tied to a chair in a basement with no memory of how she got there. Her own mother interrogates her, questioning whether she’s truly Nima. To escape, you must piece together fragmented memories and convince her of your identity.

The gameplay revolves around exploring your surroundings and learning new concepts—both tangible and abstract—that can be combined to form new associations. For example, pairing "age" with "time" might lead to "death", while "fear" and "hunger" could result in "starvation". These combinations affect dialogue choices and outcomes, making every decision impactful.

Twisted Tower

A horror shooter inspired by BioShock, Five Nights at Freddy’s, and Squid Game. Twisted Tower immerses you in a deadly circus-themed game show set in the 1920s. Playing as Tiny, a boy desperate to impress his crush, you navigate a tower filled with traps, puzzles, and eerie animatronics under the watchful eye of Mr. Twister, a deranged toy maker.

Each floor presents new challenges, from giant spiders to murderous stuffed animals and morphing walls. Meanwhile, masked spectators place bets on your survival. Developed by Thomas Brush (known for Pinstripe and Neversong), this demo showcases his signature blend of unsettling visuals and captivating storytelling.

Aethermancer

Imagine a game that combines the creature-collecting aspect of Pokemon with rogue-like elements – that’s Aethermancer. In this game, you explore ever-changing ruins, tame creatures, and lead them into tactical battles.

The game features a unique progression system where certain upgrades persist even after defeat, making each subsequent run easier. While the combat is turn-based, it incorporates innovative mechanics: monsters have a fatigue meter, and buffs function similarly to godly boons in Hades.

The strongest asset is undoubtedly its style. The beautiful pixel art and creative monster designs stand out even in this crowded genre. Although the current content volume is modest, if the development team fully realizes their vision, Aethermancer could become a breakout hit in its niche.

Post Trauma

A classic survival horror experience that doesn't hold your hand, Post Trauma pays homage to old-school horror games like Silent Hill and Resident Evil. The game utilizes fixed camera angles to enhance atmosphere and features puzzles that require genuine thinking.

The protagonist, Roman – a conductor by profession – experiences a panic attack in his sleep and awakens in a nightmarish hospital setting. The corridors are wrapped in fleshy growths, mannequins stalk from the shadows, and an unknown multi-limbed horror lurks around every corner. Roman's only means of self-defense is a crowbar, and his only hope for salvation comes from a mysterious female voice.

Post Trauma has had a long development journey, starting back in 2022 and experiencing two delays. Currently, the Red Soul team is putting final touches before its scheduled March 2025 release. If classic-style horror games are your cup of tea, the demo is definitely worth trying.

Solarpunk

A serene sky-farming survival game set on floating islands. Build bases, grow plants, craft gadgets, and explore the world aboard an airship powered by renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and water. Unlike traditional survival games, Solarpunk emphasizes relaxation and sustainability over harsh struggles.

While the pace is meditative, challenges remain: manage hunger, thirst, and energy reserves while avoiding storms between islands. Automation tools like robots and sprinklers streamline farming, allowing you to focus on exploration and creativity.

Solasta II

A tactical RPG reminiscent of Dungeons & Dragons, where you lead a party of four heroes against ancient evil. Set in the vibrant world of Naëcos, you’ll investigate corruption spreading through the land. Combat relies on dice rolls, adding classic tabletop flair to battles played on grid-based maps.

The demo highlights dungeon crawling, character interactions, and branching quests influenced by player actions. Dialogue sequences feature dynamic exchanges among party members, enhancing immersion. While environmental interactivity is limited, Solasta II shines with its polished mechanics and engaging narrative design.

Koira

An adventure game about friendship and survival, told entirely through music and visuals. You control a forest spirit protecting a stray puppy from hunters, starvation, and winter’s harshness. Together, you solve musical puzzles, explore picturesque landscapes, and bond through playful moments.

Emotions are conveyed through animations, soundtracks, and a unique musical language—the dog communicates via accordion, while the protagonist uses a flute. Inspired by Studio Ghibli aesthetics, Koira captivates with its minimalist art style and heartfelt story.

Worship

A dark cult-management roguelike blending strategy and ritualistic gameplay. As the leader of a cult, you aim to awaken an ancient god and bring about the apocalypse. Convert NPCs into fanatics using bloody symbols, expand your influence, and fend off adversaries like inquisitors and priests.

Gameplay alternates between exploration phases—where you recruit followers and complete tasks—and intense Faith Trials against bosses. Between runs, upgrade altars and unlock new powers to strengthen your cult. Despite its grim theme, Worship stands out with its striking visuals and deep mechanics.

Is This Seat Taken?

A clever puzzle game centered around seating arrangements. Whether it’s a taxi ride or a crowded bus, your goal is to satisfy passengers’ preferences without causing conflicts. Some want window seats, others demand quiet neighbors, and a few refuse to sit near loud music lovers.

Starting simple, the challenges escalate as environments grow larger and passenger demands become increasingly complex. Later levels include theaters and nightclubs, testing your problem-solving skills in diverse scenarios. With its charming concept and brain-teasing puzzles, Is This Seat Taken? is a delightful addition to the festival lineup.

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