Steam Next Fest June 2026 delivers thousands of free demos this week

Steam Next Fest June 2026 is now live, giving PC gamers seven days to try nearly 5,000 free demos from upcoming games before the Steam Summer Sale begins on June 25. Running until June 22, the event serves as a chance for players to test unreleased titles and decide which games deserve a spot on their wishlist before seasonal discounts arrive.

One of the most anticipated games featured this year is Among Us Story: On Guard, a single-player narrative spin-off from Innersloth. The demo arrives as part of the franchise’s eighth anniversary celebrations and marks the first standalone solo game set in the Among Us universe. Players take on the role of Guard, a security officer who must clear their name and uncover an Impostor after a murder occurs during a training simulation.

The game transforms the series’ social deduction formula into a story-driven investigation with multiple outcomes and three possible endings. Although no release date has been announced, the title is planned for PC, Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo Switch 2.

Another notable addition is EMPULSE, a new multiplayer shooter from 1047 Games, the studio behind Splitgate. The game focuses heavily on movement, featuring mechanics such as wall-running, grappling hooks, and other mobility tools inspired by fast-paced arena shooters. EMPULSE also includes powerful mechs that appear as contested objectives during matches, forcing teams to battle for control and gain a significant advantage. The game is set to enter Steam Early Access on June 24, just two days after Next Fest concludes.

This year's June event is the largest Steam Next Fest to date. While the February 2026 edition featured more than 3,500 demos, this latest showcase includes approximately 4,931 playable demos, based on pre-event registration figures. Most demos will be removed when the event concludes on June 22, just three days before the Summer Sale starts and runs through July 9.

Several other newly announced projects are also making their public debut through playable demos. With thousands of demos available across every major genre, Steam Next Fest remains one of the best opportunities for players to discover upcoming games before release. The event runs until June 22, giving gamers a full week to explore new titles before attention shifts to the Steam Summer Sale on June 25.

As always, if you’re looking to get the most value from your gaming budget, be sure to browse our dedicated deals hub for the latest offers.