Steam Next Fest 2024: Games You Should Try

February 9, 2024, 12:05 pm | Read time: 4 minutes

Several times a year, Steam hosts the so-called Next Fest. During this event, players can try out various titles for free–a great opportunity for indie developers to showcase their games. These are the titles you should try out right now.

Valve’s gaming platform Steam is the go-to place for many gamers, especially PC players. Since the release of the Steam Deck, the platform has also become increasingly popular among console players. A major advantage is the sheer number of games available on the platform. Most titles end up there sooner or later, regardless of the studio. However, this often makes it difficult to make a decision, especially since prices in the gaming industry have risen. The Steam Next Fest, which the provider is hosting for the first time in 2024, is a great opportunity to try out various games without commitment. TECHBOOK provides an overview–especially of which games are worth it.

What is the Next Fest on Steam?

In short, the Steam Next Fest is a large game preview event. During this time, Steam users can play more than 1,000 titles for free that have not yet been released, helping them make better purchasing decisions. There are even games available that normally do not have a demo version.

The first Steam Next Fest of 2024 will take place from February 5 to February 12 (each day at 7 p.m.). The games offered are often available for both PC and the Steam Deck. If in doubt, the titles are marked accordingly.

Additionally, the various livestreams are exciting for the community. Those who do not want to test the games themselves can watch the developer streams.

Worthwhile Games at the Steam Next Fest

Since one week is far too little time to test all the games offered, the TECHBOOK editorial team has compiled their highlights.

Stormgate

This real-time strategy game mixes sci-fi with fantasy and tells the story of a war between humanity and alien invaders. The RTS effectively brings this classic setting to life. Thanks to some sophisticated mechanics and modes, the game from Frost Giant Studios was a lot of fun in the short test. By the way, “Stormgate” is primarily developed by veteran Blizzard developers. Perhaps that’s why the “Warcraft” vibes are so strong.

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Copycat

Admittedly, the idea of “Copycat” is not new, but games like “Stray” have already impressively shown how much fun it can be to explore the world as a cat. However, the game world in “Copycat” is far less dark and imaginative. Set in a realistically designed neighborhood, you play as an adopted shelter cat who must defend its new home against the devilish plan of a jealous stray.

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Rotwood

“Rotwood” is an entertaining, fast-paced hack-and-slash game. In addition to the partly familiar, partly innovative mechanics, the graphics are also a lot of fun. Incidentally, the creators of “Don’t Starve” and “Mark of the Ninja” are behind it.

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Small Kingdoms

We also had a lot of fun with the demo of “Small Kingdoms.” Admittedly, you have to have a taste for this type of real-time strategy game. It’s all a bit more leisurely and deliberate than the big names in the genre. But the balance between city-building and combat sequences impressed us in the demo, as did the sometimes very British English.

Terra Memoria

In this beautifully designed game, reminiscent of “Octopath Traveler” in terms of visuals and style, six main characters face an ancient army of hostile robots. To avert the threat and the shortage of magic crystals, the protagonists travel back in time. As a blacksmith, craftsman, wizard, shapeshifter, summoner, or bard, you must face various challenges. It is even possible to build your own village. We are excited and had fun with the demo in any case.

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Other games we enjoyed at the current Steam Next Fest:

Millenia
Homeworld 3
Once Alive
Cursed Crew
Codex Lost
Willow Guard
Yet Another Fantasy Title
Kyua
The Land Past Redemption
Islands Might Fly

Have you discovered other worthwhile games at the Steam Next Fest? Send us an email at redaktion@techbook.de.

This article is a machine translation of the original German version of TECHBOOK and has been reviewed for accuracy and quality by a native speaker. For feedback, please contact us at info@techbook.de.