Steam Next Fest June 2026 has begun and will run until June 22. Over 4,000 playable demos are on offer, from action-packed AAA titles to cozy indie gems.
Steam Next Fest June 2026 Runs Until June 22
Most Popular Games
Steam Next Fest June 2026 has officially started, featuring free playable demos for over 4,000 upcoming games and developer livestreams. This edition of Next Fest will end on June 22 at 1:00 P.M. ET / 10:00 A.M. PT, to be followed by Next Fest October.
Action-packed RPGs lead the fest’s download charts. The most downloaded demos from the fest as of writing are Mistfall Hunter, EMPULSE, Echoes of Aincrad, Embers of the Uncrowned, and IRON NEST: Heavy Turret Simulator.
Mistfall Hunter
Mistfall Hunter is a third-person fantasy extraction shooter by Bellring Games, launching on July 29, 2026, for PC via Steam, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. Set in the corrupted world of Gyldenmist, players must choose one of six character classes and enter the fog solo or in a three-player team via online co-op. To secure a safe return to Windrest, players will fight Mist Lords, monsters, and even fellow Gyldhunters.
The demo gives players access to all six character classes and multiple maps, including the new Hallowgrave map and a first look at the Mist Lord boss, Sálmar, the Cursed Moonwane. The Gylden Rush Event will also be available exclusively during the demo. All cosmetic rewards earned during the demo will carry over to the full game.
Serving as the game’s open beta, the demo will be available worldwide for PC and consoles from June 15 to June 22, at 6:00 A.M. ET / 3:00 A.M. PT. Servers are open in China, the United States, Germany, Singapore, and Brazil, with cross-platform multiplayer fully supported for players on the same server.
EMPULSE
EMPULSE is a Titanfall-style 6v6 action shooter from the creators of Splitgate, 1047 Games. This fast-paced FPS is set in the futuristic city of Freehold, where techs and mechs run the streets. Players must outgun and outrun their opponents up buildings and vertical alleys by using advanced gadgets and piloting mechs.
The Next Fest demo will feature daily content drops. June 15 opens the demo with four maps and four game modes. June 16 introduces a new map, followed by a new game mode on June 18. June 19 brings a look at a new game mode available for only 24 hours. Lastly, June 20 will open 4v4 Competitive Practice for players who want to test ranked game rules.
Ranked goes live with Early Access on June 24, 2026, for PC via Steam, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. Progress from the demo will not carry over to Early Access.
Echoes of Aincrad
Echoes of Aincrad is a fantasy action JRPG by Game Studio Inc. and Bandai Namco Entertainment set in the world of Sword Art Online. Players can create a hero and carve out their own story within the realm of Aincrad, a floating castle where beauty and danger blend seamlessly.
The demo gives players access to five full missions and the game’s full range of weapons. Save data from the demo can be carried over to the full game on the same platform but cannot be switched to Death Game mode. Interested players can still access the demo after the game’s full launch on July 10, 2026, for PC via Steam, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
Embers of the Uncrowned
Embers of the Uncrowned is an isometric online multiplayer RPG from NEXON (The First Descendant, Maplestory M), set to launch for PC via Steam. Players take on the role of an illegitimate heir to a fallen noble house fighting to restore their family name, and must team up with companions and battle elven invaders either as a swordsman, axe-wielder, or mage.
The game’s demo will be available until June 22, at 1:00 P.M. ET / 10:00 A.M. PT for all regions, except South Korea, Taiwan, Iran, North Korea, Syria, Cuba, and parts of Ukraine (Crimea and Donbas regions.). Players will be able to experience the game’s combat via all three classes. However, save data from the demo will not be carried over to the full game.
IRON NEST: Heavy Turret Simulator
IRON NEST: Heavy Turret Simulator is a heavy-artillery simulator where players operate a colossal war machine across an active battlefield, monitoring local traffic, planning routes, calculating ballistics, and firing earth-shaking shots.
Developers Nick Nieuwoudt and Dominik Latos describe the game as "dieselpunk." IRON NEST’s official demo launched during Next Fest alongside the confirmation of its August 2026 release window.
Honorable Mentions and Next Fest October
Other standout titles featured in the fest for action RPG fans to celebrate are Mortal Shell 2, 1666: Amsterdam, and Onimusha: Way of the Sword. But Next Fest covers a wide range of genres, with highly anticipated cozy games sharing the spotlight.
over the hill
over the hill is a scenic driving game by Funselektor Labs that puts players behind the wheels of iconic vehicles from the 60s to 80s. The demo will be available until Next Fest ends and will feature the game’s opening area, playable solo or with up to three friends in online multiplayer mode.
Slayblade
Slayblade is a single-player Beyblade-inspired Y2K rougelite where players control a spinning battle-top with upgradable parts. The demo unlocks half of the game and its roster of Blade Parts. Developer Henry’s House has yet to announce a full release date.
Hawthorn
Hawthorn is a sandbox RPG created by former developers from Bethesda, BioWare, and Naughty Dog. Here, players can explore the town of Windermere Valley solo or co-op as a small woodland creature. The game has yet to receive a full release date, but interested players can check out our thoughts on its Early Concept Demo below.
Valve hosts three Next Fest events annually, once in February, June, and October. Since developers can only enter a particular game in one of three festivals, players can expect an entirely new lineup of demos in October. Next Fest October will run from October 19 at 1:00 P.M. ET / 10:00 A.M. PT to October 26 at 1:00 P.M. ET / 10:00 A.M. PT.
Sources:
Steam Next Fest June 2026 Event
Steam Next Fest June 2026 Documentation
Steam Next Fest October 2026 Documentation
