Steam Next Fest is an event to celebrate upcoming games coming in 2026 or early 2027. Once it started, Steam surprised everyone by releasing thousands of game demos, where players get a chance to try them all. So after playing countless game demos and doom-scrolling every post recommending games from the Steam Next Fest event, I rounded up the best games to try in the 2026 Steam Next Fest event.
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20
Wrong tactics
Meta is defective
Wrong tactics is an interesting strategy game. Although the game is addictive, what caught my attention was the market system it has, where the in-game price of cards that are considered meta and overused increases. This allows you to spam the underdog cards, while the meta addicts suffer from summoning 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 decline
Roguelike Deckbuilder chess game
Empire in decline is a deckbuilder game that combines chess and roguelike elements into one concept. You start the game starting a rebellion, and every game after that you try to protect the people. As you progress through the game, you unlock more powerful cards and decks, and you can even upgrade the cards you have for more stats and effects. Empire in decline will be released on July 24, 2026.
18
Dam Front RTS
Gray Alert 2
Dam Front RTS is a game that draws inspiration from classic RTS games, such as Red Alert 2. There are so many similarities; if you played Red Alert 2 before, you know what to do in this game. Besides the RTS element, the game has 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 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. Although 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 will be released in 2026, but no specific release date has 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 have 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 really feel alone.
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But since it's still an early build, nothing engaging happens, and you really feel that loneliness. Hopefully it will be fixed in later updates. As one we survive will be released in the first months of 2027.
15
Engine failure
Engine failure has many things going for it, but it also has some unfortunate setbacks. The idea of the game is unique, as you load into a moving colossal mega train and have to craft and loot inside it. Having the extraction genre mixed in with all of this adds to the pressure during your time on the train. Because now, while the game tries to do a lot of things on the train, it doesn't have a compelling reason to be on the train itself. Hopefully, the developers will fix the problems and complete their original, unique idea. Engine failure will be released in 2026, but no specific release date has been announced.
14
Arcane Eats
I summon potatoes in attack position
Arcane Eats is a rogue-like deck building game that pits you against the most boring opponents imaginable: customers! In this game, you build a deck of ingredient cards and recruit a kitchen team. You can modify the cards and add effects to them to make them more useful during gameplay. The game is addictive, as there are tons of decks you can build and things you can do with your cards. Arcane Eats will be released in 2026, but no specific release date has been announced.
13
Over the Hill
Survive the mud and take photos
Over the hill is a cooperative game that pits 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 setbacks. Over the hill will be released in 2026, but no specific release date has been announced.
FreeStyle Football 2 is a fun little game that matches you with four teammates against five other online players to play an arcade mini soccer game. The game has some original ideas for creating its own identity, such as creating roles linked to the characters you choose. Each character feels different and has their own unique play style. FreeStyle Football 2 will be released in 2026, but no specific release date has been announced.
11
Impulse
The closest you can get is Titanfall 3
Impulse is a fast-paced 6v6 first-person shooter. Within minutes you can immediately notice how much inspiration Impulse took from titles such as Titanfall 2. The game's combat relies heavily on quick movement, allowing you to run almost anywhere, even on walls. Impulse released on June 24, 2026.
