Steam Next Fest is an event celebrating upcoming games coming in 2026 or early 2027. After it launched, Steam surprised everyone by releasing thousands of game demos, where players get a chance to try them all out. So, after playing countless game demos and doom-scrolling every post recommending games from the Steam Next Fest event, I've rounded up the best games you can try at the 2026 Steam Next Fest event.
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20
A flawed strategy
Meta is flawed
A flawed strategy is an interesting strategy game. While the gameplay is addictive, what caught my attention was the market system, where the in-game value of cards is considered meta and overused. This allows you to spam underdog cards, while meta abusers suffer from calling their overpowered cards. This is an interesting original concept that will be tested after the release of the game, 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 game after that you're trying to save people. As you progress through the game, you unlock more powerful cards and decks, and you can upgrade cards to gain more stats and effects. Empire in decay is set to release on July 24, 2026.
18
Dust Front RTS
Gray Alert 2
Dust Front RTS The game takes inspiration from classic RTS games, e.g Red Alert 2. There are many similarities; If you have played Red Alert 2 before, you will know what to do in this game. Apart from 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 do to get it ready for full release, which makes sense considering it doesn't have a release date.
17
Escape the empty diver Abyss
Escape the empty diver Abyss A PvE extraction action RPG. You play alone or with other players to explore and loot the ruined city. While there are many things to do in the demo, the main objective is to recover lost artifacts and extract them safely. Escape the empty diver Abyss It is set to release in 2026, but a specific release date has not been announced.
16
We are living
Post-apocalyptic survival game
We are living is a survival game in a post apocalyptic world. You need to scavenge resources, build bases and recruit people to survive. The game successfully creates an eerie atmosphere that puts you in an apocalyptic mood, where you really feel alone.
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However, since it's still an early build, nothing exciting is happening, and you really feel that isolation. Hopefully, that will be fixed in later updates. We are living It is set to release in the first few months of 2027.
15
Engine failure
Engine failure It has a lot going for it, but it also has some unfortunate drawbacks. The idea of the game is unique, as you load into a moving giant megatrain and have to craft and loot inside. Mixing the extraction mode with all of that adds to the pressure on your time on the train. For now, although the game is trying to do a lot of 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. Engine failure It is set to release in 2026, but a specific release date has not been announced.
14
Arcane eats
I call Aloo into attack position
Arcane eats is a roguelike deckbuilder game that pits you against the toughest opponents you can think of: customers! In this game, you build a deck of ingredient cards and recruit a kitchen team. You can modify cards and add effects to make them more useful during gameplay. The gameplay is addictive, because there are so many decks that you can build and what you can do with your cards. Arcane eats It is set to release in 2026, but a specific release date has not been announced.
13
up the hill
Avoid mud and take photos
up the hill is a co-op game that pits your car against the environment. From the first few minutes, the game gives you several buttons to press for every situation the car encounters. It should be enough for you and your friends to navigate and explore the world up the hill While avoiding any obstacles. up the hill It is set to release in 2026, but a specific release date has not been announced.
Freestyle Football 2 Arcade Mini-Football is a fun, miniature game that matches up to four teammates against five other online players. The game has some original ideas for creating your own identity, such as creating roles associated with the characters you choose. Each character feels different and has its own unique style of gameplay. Freestyle Football 2 It is set to release in 2026, but a specific release date has not been announced.
11
Impulse
The closest you can get to Titanfall 3
Impulse is a fast-paced 6v6 first-person shooter. Within a few minutes, you can immediately see how much inspiration you have Impulse Taken from titles such as Titanfall 2. The game's combat relies heavily on speed, allowing you to run almost anywhere, even into walls. Impulse It is set to release on June 24, 2026.
