Steam Next Fest is an event to celebrate upcoming games coming in 2026 or early 2027. Once it started, Steam surprised everyone by dropping thousands of game demos, where players get a chance to try them all. So, after playing countless game demos and doom-scrolling every post that recommends games from the Steam Next Fest event, I collected the best games you can try in the 2026 Steam Next Fest event.
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20
Flawed Tactics
Meta is Flawed
Flawed Tactics is an interesting strategy game. While the gameplay is addictive, what caught my attention was the market system it has, where the in-game price of cards considered meta and overused increases. This allows you to spam the underdog cards, while the meta abusers suffer to summon their overpowered cards. It’s an interesting original concept that will be tested after the game’s release, which is set for June 23, 2026.
19
Empire in Decay
Roguelike Deckbuilder Chess Game
Empire in Decay is a deckbuilder game that combines chess and roguelike elements into one concept. You start the game by starting a rebellion, and every match after that has you trying to protect the people. As you progress in the game, you unlock more powerful cards and decks, and you can even upgrade the cards you have to gain more stats and effects. Empire in Decay is set to release on July 24, 2026.
18
Dust Front RTS
Grey Alert 2
Dust Front RTS is a game that takes inspiration from classic RTS games, like Red Alert 2. There are so many similarities; if you played Red Alert 2 before, you’ll know what to do in this game. Other than the RTS element, the game takes an interesting approach, where the battlefield is lifeless, even in color. Despite the interesting concept, the game still has a lot of work to become ready for full release, which makes sense, considering it doesn’t have a release date yet.
17
Void Diver Escape from the Abyss
Void Diver Escape from the Abyss is a PvE extraction action RPG. You play alone or with other players to explore and loot a city in ruins. While there are many things to do in the demo, the main purpose is to recover lost artifacts and extract them safely. Void Diver Escape from the Abyss is set to release in 2026, but a specific release date has not been announced.
16
As One We Survive
Post-apocalyptic Survival Game
As One We Survive is a survival game in a post-apocalyptic world. You need to scavenge resources, build a base, and recruit people to survive. The game successfully creates an eerie atmosphere that puts you in an apocalyptic mood, where you truly feel alone.
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However, since it’s still an early build, nothing engaging is going on, and you really feel that loneliness. Hopefully, that will be fixed in later updates. As One We Survive is set to release in the first few months of 2027.
15
Enginefall
Enginefall has many things going for it, but it also has some unfortunate setbacks. The game’s idea is unique, as you load into a moving colossal megatrain and have to craft and loot inside it. Having the extraction genre mixed with all of that increases pressure during your time on the train. For now, although the game is trying to do many things on the train, it doesn’t have a compelling reason to be on the train itself. Hopefully, the devs will fix the issues and complete their original, unique idea. Enginefall is set to release in 2026, but a specific release date has not been announced.
14
Arcane Eats
I Summon Potato in Attack Position
Arcane Eats is a roguelike deckbuilder game that puts you against the most tedious opponents you can think of: customers! In this game, you build a deck of ingredient cards and recruit a kitchen crew. You can modify the cards and add effects to them to make them more useful during gameplay. The gameplay is addictive, as there are tons of decks you can build and things you can do with your cards. Arcane Eats is set to release in 2026, but a specific release date has not been announced.
13
Over The Hill
Survive the Mud and Take Photos
Over the Hill is a co-op game that puts your car against the environment. From the first few minutes, the game gives you many buttons to press for every situation the car faces. That should be enough for you and your friends to navigate and explore the world of Over the Hill while avoiding any setbacks. Over the Hill is set to release in 2026, but a specific release date has not been announced.
FreeStyle Football 2 is a fun, small game that matches you with four teammates against five other online players to play an arcade mini-football. The game has some original ideas to create its own identity, like creating roles attached to the characters you choose. Each character feels different and has its own unique style of gameplay. FreeStyle Football 2 is set to release in 2026, but a specific release date has not been announced.
11
Empulse
Closest You Can Get to Titanfall 3
Empulse is a fast-paced 6v6 first-person shooter. Within a few minutes, you can immediately notice how much inspiration Empulse took from titles like Titanfall 2. The game’s combat relies heavily on fast movement, allowing you to run almost anywhere, even on walls. Empulse is set to release on June 24, 2026.
