Summer Game Fest is now behind us, but the fun continues this week with the latest edition of Steam Next Fest. Hundreds of developers released demos of upcoming games on Steam, with platformers and RPGs, shooters, racing sims, and more.
Plenty of other websites and forums already put together lists of demos worth checking out, but I couldn’t find one specifically for demos that perform well on the Steam Deck. So, rather than wait around for one, I decided to make one myself.
Not all of these games perform flawlessly on the Steam Deck, but I was able to get them up and running without much issue on my 256GB LCD Steam Deck. Here are 12 demos I’ll be spending the next week playing through from the comfort of my couch.
Steam Next Fest demos playable on Steam Deck
Aero GPX
- Download demo: Aero GPX
We might never get another F-Zero racing game from Nintendo, so Aero GPX could be the next best thing. This anti-gravity racer has you speeding through intergalactic tracks against 29 other racers. You can use your vehicle’s Slam Attack and Spin Attack to destroy opponents, but make sure that you don’t take too much damage yourself.
Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus
- Download demo: Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus
If you are looking for a side-scrolling Metroidvania with a cute protagonist to tide you over until Hollow Knight: Silksong arrives, Bō: Path of the Teal Lotus deserves your attention. You play as a celestial fox that uses a bō staff to slay enemies and navigate the world. There are abilities to unlock, monsters from Japanese folklore to defeat, and more.
Caravan SandWitch
- Download demo: Caravan Sandwitch
Not every 3D open world needs to be filled with monsters and obstacles. Caravan SandWitch is a narrative-driven exploration game in which you trek across a sci-fi world in your trusty, upgradeable van as you try to find your missing sister.
The Crush House
- Download demo: The Crush House
You are the producer of a 1999 reality dating show. You have to cast the contestants, film every season, and do everything you can to keep the audience glued to their TV screens. And at night, when the cameras are off, you can explore the Crush House to learn its dark secrets.
Demonschool
- Download demo: Demonschool
In this tactics RPG, Faye and her university classmates have to battle humans and demons while keeping up their grades in school, forming relationships, and gaining new abilities. If you’re a fan of the Persona series, this one should be at the top of your list.
Dungeons of Hinterberg
- Download demo: Dungeons of Hinterberg
Dungeons of Hinterberg is a third-person action RPG with elements of Zelda, Super Mario Galaxy, and Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater. Battle monsters while using skills and dodging attacks, snowboard across snowy mountains, and solve puzzles to advance through the world. When the fighting is done, head back to town and forge long-lasting friendships.
Go-Go Town!
- Download demo: Go-Go Town!
Inject Animal Crossing with a bit more of the survival crafting genre, and you’ve got a good idea of what it’s like to play Go-Go Town! Gather resources, build and decorate your town, convince tourists to move in, and terraform the world to your heart’s content. And like in Animal Crossing, your friends can jump in at any time to help out or just explore.
I Am Your Beast
- Download demo: I Am Your Beast
From the creators of El Paso, Elsewhere comes an equally moody and atmospheric first-person shooter that follows a retired secret agent out for revenge. Each level is a mini-sandbox in which you have to kill all the enemies and complete other objectives before time runs out. There are plenty of weapons to use along the way and a fully-voiced campaign.
Just Crow Things
- Download demo: Just Crow Things
There weren’t enough games about animals causing chaos after Untitled Goose Game. Enter: Just Crow Things. You’re a crow. You help out your animal friends. You poop on cars and strangers. You can put a bunch of cute clothes on the crow.
Pinball Spire
- Download demo: Pinball Spire
A first-of-its-kind “pinballvania” that combines pinball with a 2D action adventure and RPG elements. I spent more time playing this demo than any other on this list, and you better believe that Pinball Spire jumped straight to the top of my Steam Wishlist.
The Rise of the Golden Idol
- Download demo: The Rise of the Golden Idol
The sequel to 2022’s smash hit mystery game, The Rise of the Golden Idol introduces 20 brand new cases for you to solve. Inspect evidence, collect clues, and put together the pieces to uncover how all of these gruesome deaths happened in the first place.
Thank Goodness You’re Here!
- Download demo: Thank Goodness You’re Here!
Coal Supper describes their game as “an absurd comedy slapformer set in the bizarre Northern English town of Barnsworth.” You’re a tiny traveling salesman who can only interact with the world by slapping and jumping, and you get yourself into all kinds of trouble.
