In today’s gaming landscape, the return of demos is a refreshing trend that has resurrected the excitement of experiencing games firsthand before their official launch. During my childhood, demos were prevalent, but they disappeared for nearly two decades. Watching trailers or reading reviews isn’t always sufficient to gauge the appeal of a game; it’s often the hands-on experience that reveals whether it resonates with you, assuming the demo isn’t misleading, like some have been in the past.
This passion for demos makes events like Steam Next Fest particularly thrilling. It presents an opportunity to explore the latest creations from both established developers and indie teams, allowing players to diversify their gaming wishlists. Even if you decide not to purchase any titles, it’s an enjoyable way to stay informed about industry trends while enjoying free gameplay. The following are the standout demos from the Steam Next Fest in October 2025 that truly caught my attention.
10 Homura Hime
Fiery Character-Action
Creating a compelling character-action game akin to classics like Devil May Cry or Bayonetta requires meticulous gameplay balancing and strong character design. Homura Hime has rekindled my excitement for indie character-action titles. This demo combines traditional gameplay elements with a twist of bullet hell mechanics, allowing players to engage in combat using twin swords while navigating through waves of unblockable projectiles.
Despite some evident asset gaps, particularly in sound, which may delay its release, I believe that with further development, Homura Hime has the potential to become a strong contender in the currently underserved character-action genre.
9 I Hate This Place
Nobody Said Surviving Was Fun
Many games labeled as “survival-horror”often lean more toward “action-horror, ”where survival elements are minimal. I Hate This Place, however, strives for an authentic survival-horror experience by emphasizing looting, crafting, and long-term survival in a treacherous environment. Starting with only a small firearm and a damaged bat, players must scavenge for materials to create effective gear to fend off various monstrous threats.
The inclusion of a dynamic day-night cycle and options for campsite construction and upgrades add layers to the gameplay. Slated for release on November 7, 2025, I Hate This Place promises a gripping outdoor survival adventure.
8 Of Ash And Steel
Grab A Sword And Go To Town
The success of Baldur’s Gate 3 has reaffirmed that a dedicated audience still craves compelling sword and sorcery RPGs. Of Ash and Steel, set to launch on November 6, 2025, offers players the chance to craft their own adventure without relying on conventional quest markers. Instead of hand-holding, this RPG encourages exploration, conversation, and puzzle-solving, allowing for a deeper immersion in its vast, fantastical world.
7 Godbreakers
Turn Their Strength Against Them
The latest Next Fest features a plethora of roguelites, but Godbreakers stands out with its unique multiplayer aspect and striking art style. This fast-paced action roguelite employs an over-the-shoulder third-person perspective, a departure from the traditional top-down or side-scrolling formats. Veterans can tackle various stages, engaging in combat using a dynamic attack combo system, which offers depth and nuance.
With a four-player online co-op mode, Godbreakers invites friends to join the chaos when it launches on October 23, 2025.
6 Anima Gate of Memories: I&II Remaster
Everyone Loves A Gothic Action-RPG
The ongoing trend of remakes and remasters may yield mixed results, but Anima Gate of Memories: I&II Remaster highlights the potential for revitalizing previously overlooked games. This collection brings together both titles from the series, originally released in 2016, into one cohesive experience. Players can dive into classic action RPG gameplay featuring combat, exploration, and significant narrative choices that influence the story.
While combat might be straightforward, it remains engaging as players unlock new abilities throughout their journey. The remaster is expected to land on November 7, 2025, providing an excellent opportunity for both returning fans and newcomers to experience its gothic charm.
5 Constance
An Introspective Vania
A Steam Next Fest wouldn’t be complete without a selection of Metroidvania titles, and Constance delivers a thought-provoking twist. This experimental game allows its protagonist to navigate a visually stunning landscape reflecting her creative struggles, offering players an innovative blend of art and gameplay. Players will traverse a vast, non-linear map while honing their combat and exploration skills.
As Constance immerses herself in her creations, she gains new abilities, but a balance must be maintained, as prolonged immersion can drain her health. Hitting store shelves on November 24, 2025, Constance promises a heartfelt and engaging experience.
4 Skate Story
No One Shreds Like A Demon
While skateboarding games have recently taken the backseat in my gaming rotation, Skate Story aims to reignite my passion for the genre. This title takes players on an exhilarating adventure alongside a glass demon on a quest set against a surreal backdrop. Merging intricate skateboarding mechanics with an imaginative narrative, Skate Story ensures players remain engaged through its blend of trick controls and mission-based gameplay.
Players can explore open environments and navigate obstacles while enjoying a dose of absurd humor scattered throughout. With a release date set for December 8, 2025, Skate Story has the flair to be something memorable.
3 Marvel Cosmic Invasion
Like Your Favorite Old-School Beat ‘Em Ups
Growing up during the height of arcade beat ’em ups, such as X-Men and Turtles in Time, I always look for new titles that recapture that nostalgic magic. Marvel Cosmic Invasion successfully revives that classic vibe, allowing players to choose from 15 beloved Marvel heroes as they face off against Annihilus and his forces. The game provides opportunities to freely switch between two characters, enabling unique combat strategies while tackling challenges in iconic Marvel settings.
Multiplayer capabilities enhance the experience, allowing up to four players to collaborate in local and online co-op. Marvel Cosmic Invasion is set to launch before the end of 2025, promising to deliver an engaging beat ’em up experience.
2 PowerWash Simulator 2
Let’s Get Soapy With It
The original PowerWash Simulator captivated players with its surprisingly satisfying gameplay, transforming the simple act of cleaning into a therapeutic gaming experience. PowerWash Simulator 2 builds upon this foundation, inviting players to tackle grime and restore shine to a variety of objects and environments, either solo or with friends. The sequel introduces layered tasks, new tools, and an engaging home base where players can customize their space between jobs.
With returning elements from the first game, such as the joy of cleaning and interaction with adorable cats, this sequel is poised to offer a delightful gaming escape.
1 Bubsy 4D
The Memes Will Never Die
The revival of the notorious Bubsy franchise is nothing short of puzzling. Despite being a comedic footnote in gaming history, the character continues to resurface, this time in Bubsy 4D, which serves as a clever satire of Bubsy 3D, often hailed as one of the worst 3D platformers ever. The demo showcases improvements, offering responsive platforming mechanics and a more subdued character than in past iterations, alongside humorous new gameplay elements.
While uncertainty looms about whether Bubsy 4D will be a worthwhile release in 2026, the buzz surrounding the demo indicates it might be an obligatory experience for players, promising a blend of nostalgia and curiosity.
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