I know, I know. I said I wasn’t initially planning on writing about Steam Next Fest however, I found a little bit of time to list some of the demos that I spotted that I’m interested in and am hoping to play over the next week or so. This is by no means a definitive list, as there truly are just so many great looking games that are a part of the Steam Next Fest. It is more a selection that I wanted to share and recommend to you, who is reading this very post!
Not sure what Steam Next Fest is? Well, it’s simply a celebration of upcoming games that are coming to Steam. Starting on the 23rd of February 2026 and running through until the 2nd of March 2026, you’ll be able to have a look at numerous livestreams, talk with developers, play various demos and wishlist so many exciting new games!
With so much on offer during this Steam Next Fest, I wanted to showcase some of the upcoming games that took my interest. While there are multiple I’d love to include, here are several that caught my attention!
Collectors Cove
- Developer/Publisher: VoodooDuck
- Genre: Casual, Indie, Simulation
- Release Date: 12th March 2026
A cosy farming adventure set out at sea? Sounds amazing, right?
Hop aboard your own ship and set sail. Make animal friends, grow rare crops, fish, and make cool animal friends while aboard your ship. Customise your ship and your space and uncover secrets as you work your way towards becoming the Named Collector!
If you do check out the Collectors Cove demo, your progress will switch over to the full game upon purchase.
Duck Side of the Moon
- Developer/Publisher: Starbrew Games
- Genre: Casual, Indie, Adventure
- Release Date: Coming Soon
A space filled adventure where you play as a cute duck, restore and upgrade your ship and go on epic adventures? Sign me up!
This upcoming cosy and relaxing game will have you exploring, making friends, collecting materials and crafting a variety of objects while on your quest. There are also some snazzy looking outfits you can obtain too so that you’ll always be the most stylish duck in outer space!
Planet of Lana II
- Developer/Publisher: Wishfully/Thunderful Publishing
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Indie
- Release Date: 5th March 2026
The highly anticipated sequel is nearly here, and this time Lana and Mui need to stand together to help reshape their world. It’s not just about survival this time, it’s about protecting their home and their soul!
Outbound
- Developer/Publisher: Square Glade Games
- Genre: Casual, Indie, Simulation, Sports, Adventure
- Release Date: Q2 2026
Explore the wilderness in this open-world exploration game set in a near future utopian setting. It’s just you and your camper against the world.
Craft your dream camper home using the game’s modular building system, grow a variety of plants and crops to help with meals while on the road, and adopt a fluffy friend who can help you on your journey. That’s not all. You can play solo or get your friends together and travel across stunning biomes in the online co-op mode!
Sledding Game
- Developer/Publisher: The Sledding Corporation
- Genre: Casual, Indie, Adventure
- Release Date: Coming Soon
A game about hanging out with friends and sledding. That’s it. That’s the game!
Hang out with friends, relax and watch the world go by, and take part in the likes of curling, building snowmen, having snowball fights and just pure chaotic vibes. Sledding Game is a game that has no right or wrong way to play, and there is plenty to do both on and off the slopes.
Don’t forget to team up with friends and make use of the game’s proximity voice options, too!
inKONBINI: One Store. Many Stories
- Developer/Publisher: Nagai Industries/Beep Japan Inc
- Genre: Casual, Indie, Simulation and Adventure
- Release Date: Coming Soon
Another upcoming, cosy, slice of life narrative game that features some simulation features but focuses on the everyday moments and the connection between humans.
You play as Makoto Hayakawa, who is spending her summer working in a small town convenience shop. Take on replenishment and shopkeeping tasks, cleaning, organising and ordering stock, and connect with customers to uncover intimate stories from those in this close knit neighbourhood. All of this and more while set in an early 1990s-inspired Japan world.
Lost and Found Co
- Developer/Publisher: Bit Egg Inc./Gamirror Games
- Genre: Casual, Indie
- Release Date: 6th March 2026
A cute, adorable and cosy hidden object adventure game. Featuring an epic journey, quirky characters, and magical and mystical locations. Solve countless puzzles and help your little tiny dragon friend fully regain her powers once again!
As an intern at a magical startup company dedicated to finding lost items, you’ll be putting your skills to the test in Lost and Found Co. Reminiscent of childhood nostalgia, flipping through puzzle books and overall a wholesome game to relax to!
Dodo Duckie
- Developer/Publisher: BornMonkie
- Genre: Casual, Indie, Strategy and Adventure
- Release Date: Coming Soon
Two duck games in one post? You’ve got that right!
You play as a duck who, with the help of Capie the capybara’s cap, this little duckie can switch perspectives between 2D and 3D. With such power, you can use this to explore a variety of puzzles and challenges from new perspectives, uncover hidden secrets and help rescue your little chicken friends!
Dodo can do more than just waddle around. Dodo can splash water, float, glide, flop and more to help you make your way through the various challenges ahead. When in doubt, press Q to quack!
Fishbowl
- Developer/Publisher: imissmyfriends.studio/Wholesome Games
- Genre: RPG, Casual, Indie
- Release Date: April 2026
Fishbowl is an upcoming narrative game where you explore themes of grief, hopes and dreams as well as a heartwarming story about living in isolation and navigating those emotions. Revisit memories and make your way back to the present day through this touching and intimate game.
Play as Alo and experience her daily life as a work from home video editor. Connect with her family, coworkers and friends in a variety of different ways. Tackle daily tasks and activities even in the most lonely of moments, find help from the most unlikely of places and piece together the missing pieces as you sort through your late grandmother’s belongings.
Under Par Golf Architect
- Developer/Publisher: Broken Arms Games/Gambit Digital
- Genre: Simulation, Strategy and Sports
- Release Date: 16th April 2026
You can’t go wrong with a good old golf game!
Under Par Golf Architect allows you to build, design, customise and play across a variety of different courses. Create a variety of different layouts, improve your facilities, play your own courses and become the best golf range in the world. This casual golf simulation game will surely be a hit!
Coffee Talk Tokyo
- Developer/Publisher: Chorus Worldwide/Toge Productions
- Genre: Adventure, Indie, Casual, Simulation
- Release Date: 21st March 2026
The cosy narrative series about making drinks in a late night cafe and getting to know your customers is back. This third instalment of the Coffee Talk series takes us to Tokyo.
In this tiny cafe hidden in the corner of a busy city, many people use it as a way to seek refuge from the busy day-to-day. Listen to their heartfelt stories and help have deep and meaningful conversations about a variety of topics, including second chances, love, loss and identity. All of this is accompanied by a chill lofi soundtrack!
While not really part of Steam Next Fest, I have one more game that has my attention and that I’m aiming to play during this current Steam Next Fest.
Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection
- Developer/Publisher: CAPCOM Co., LTD
- Genre: Adventure, RPG
- Release Date: 13th March 2026
I know the Monster Hunter Stories 3 demo/trial has been out for a while, but I’ve been putting off looking into it until now.
The third instalment of the Monster Hunter Stories series follows Azuria and Vermeil, two different countries both on a path of total destruction. When everyone thought all hope was lost, an egg was discovered. An egg containing Rathalos. Previously thought to be extinct; however, instead of one, there are two Rathalos. Now it is up to the rider and Rathalos to help stop the darkness from taking over and reveal the truth before it’s too late.
These are just some of the many games that you can check out during this current Steam Next Fest! With such a diverse variety of games, it truly is hard to fit all of them into just one list.
Are there any games you are interested in playing during the first Steam Next Fest of 2026? Let me know what they are in the comments below!
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