Steam Next Fest is back for June 2025, and with it comes an avalanche of exciting demos just waiting to be explored. This is the perfect opportunity to dive into new experiences before the full releases hit, with plenty of short, fun demos that won’t take up too much of your time. Whether you’re a platformer fan or someone craving intense action, Steam Next Fest has something for everyone.
Here are the demos I loved, and I highly recommend checking them out over the weekend!
Mina the Hollower (Developed by Yacht Club Games) – Release Date: October 31, 2025 – PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
First up, Mina the Hollower is a no-brainer for me. Yacht Club Games has earned my trust after the brilliance of Shovel Knight, and Mina is shaping up to be another must-play title. It blends classic Zelda-like exploration with burrowing mechanics that are a blast to execute. The pixel art is gorgeous, and the game oozes charm. If you’re a fan of platformers, this one’s going to be right up your alley, and it’s already my most anticipated game of the year.
Baby Steps (Developed by Gabe Cuzzillo, Maxi Boch, and Bennett Foddy) – Release Date: September 8, 2025 – PC, PS5
From the minds behind QWOP and Getting Over It comes Baby Steps, a game that has you controlling a 35-year-old man who’s learning to walk. The humor in this one is top-notch, and while the demo only scratches the surface, you can already tell there’s more to the story than just goofy walking mechanics. If you’re into bizarre, funny, and strangely deep experiences, Baby Steps is one to watch.
Bloodthief (Developed by Blargis) – Release Date: TBA – PC
If you loved Ghostrunner and have been looking for something to scratch that same fast-paced, parkour itch, Bloodthief delivers. The demo lets you experiment with its fluid, fast-paced platforming, offering plenty of room to explore alternate paths. The combat is harsh, and the medieval setting feels like a breath of fresh air compared to the usual neon-lit cyberpunk worlds. This game has a lot of potential, and I can’t wait to see how it evolves.
Henry Halfhead (Developed by Lululu Entertainment) – Release Date: TBA – PC and Consoles
If you’re a fan of puzzles, Henry Halfhead is a fun one to try. It introduces an interesting mechanic where you can jump into objects, offering unique puzzle-solving possibilities. The demo is just the beginning, but the potential for deeper challenges is there. It’s a quirky, intriguing game that I’m definitely keeping my eye on.
Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound (Developed by The Game Kitchen) – Release Date: July 31, 2025 – PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Fans of classic action platformers will want to check out Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound. Developed by The Game Kitchen, best known for Blasphemous, this demo is everything I expected. It successfully revives the 2D Ninja Gaiden formula while modernizing the gameplay, making it an exhilarating experience that promises to be a standout when the full release arrives.
Yasuke: A Lost Descendant (Developed by Dallience Studios) – Release Date: TBA – PC
Yasuke: A Lost Descendant is an action-packed game with some flashy combat and parkour mechanics. While the performance issues in the demo were noticeable, the gameplay itself was a lot of fun. If you’re looking for a game to fill the gap left by Devil May Cry 5, Yasuke should be on your radar, despite its rough edges.
Metal Eden (Developed by Reikon Games) – Release Date: Q3 2025 – PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
Metal Eden impressed me with its fast-paced shooting mechanics and fluid movements. It’s got a stylish vibe, and while the demo doesn’t reveal much of the story, the gameplay alone is enough to hook you. This one’s definitely on my radar for its potential to scratch the same itch as Ghostrunner and Bloodthief.
Morsels (Developed by Furcula) – Release Date: 2025 – PC, Xbox Series X/S
Morsels was easily my favorite demo of this Steam Next Fest. The art style is incredibly unique, and the soundtrack is a banger. This creature-collecting roguelite has all the right elements to be a hit, and I can’t wait to dive deeper into its world when the full game is released.
These are my picks from Steam Next Fest 2025. What about you? Which demos are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments!