It’s that time again! It’s back and bigger than ever, and that is Steam Next Fest!
We previously saw the event run back in June, and this time around there are over 8,000 games and demos taking part in the showcase. Yes, 8,000-plus games all in one event. Now, don’t get me wrong, that’s a lot of games, but I wanted to take the time to highlight some of the many that caught my eye this time around.
So, let’s take a look at some of my October Steam Next Fest highlights!
Steam Next Fest Games
Loftia
An upcoming cosy multiplayer game where you can help build to words a bigger, brighter and more sustainable future. Connect with friends, farm, craft, explore, decorate and play to make an impact to last a lifetime.
The demo is live now until 26th October 2026. Upon the game’s early access launch on 3rd November, your demo progress will transfer over so you can take off from where you last logged off!
Spirit Crossing
Make your way through the clouds in Spirit Crossing. Help lost spirits find their way home up on the high mountain peak, befriend strangers by the campfire, share and create memories or fish in the skies with friends.
Spirit Crossing is from the creators behind Cozy Grove and currently has a November 2026 release date.
Come to my party!
A story that follows the main character, Jimin, who dreams of having her first birthday party. However, a simple wish turns into a mixture of social pressure, family expectations and fragile friendships with consequences hitting closer to home more than ever. With every choice carrying weight, where will this coming-of-age story take you?
Wish Upon a Llama
A cute, cosy and adorable RPG and life simulation game for animal lovers! You play as Llama Town’s local and resident rancher and breeder. Raise furry little friends and rebuild a once forgotten bond between animals and the local residents. Alongside that, you’ll be getting to know the residents, building long-lasting friendships and maybe some romantic relationships while on your adventure.
Book Nook
From the team behind Camper Van Make it Home comes Book Nook, a game where you’ll be building a variety of dioramas piece by piece. Create stunning book nooks, and place a variety of furniture and decorations as well as the smaller, finer details in your displays. So sit back, relax and take in the peaceful surroundings and satisfaction you’ll discover in Book Nook.
Littlelands
Releasing on 16th November 2026 is Littlelands, a region full of unusual characters and mysterious, magical landscapes to explore as long as you know where to look. For your character, you’ll be exploring, growing crops, searching for long-lost buried treasure and walking through the land on one epic adventure.
ReShine
Clean away layers of dust, rust and time in ReShine. Experience a relaxing and minimalistic game where you use a variety of tools to watch years of dust and grime vanish before your eyes. No time restrictions, no pressure, just the enjoyment and satisfaction of bringing hidden treasures back to life.
Sandcastle
Take in the sunshine on this tropical shore and quietly build a mighty sandcastle. Build towers and walls, carve moats, and then decorate with a range of beach finds, such as shells, pebbles and driftwood. With gentle tides, calming colours, and a soothing surf, every single sandcastle turns into a relaxing moment by the sea.
Bad Magpie
Separated from your flock, this little magpie with only one wing and an obsession with a shiny fallen star is here to cause chaos. Stick your beak where it certainly shouldn’t be, collect and steal trinkets and live your best magpie life!
Pelikeeper: A Tower Defence Adventure
Defend your fallen stars from the shadows. Create startergies with other unique animal towers, upgrade your lighthouse and community as you make your way through the changing of seasons, all while uncovering the mysteries and memories of the fallen stars.
These are just some of the many, many games that caught my attention during this year’s October Steam Next Fest. I can certainly say there are some real hidden gems if you can spot them between some of the many other games. I truly wish I could share every single game on this list that caught my attention however, who knows how long we would really be here for!
What are some of your standout games from this October’s Steam Next Fest? Let me know in the comments below!
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A cozy tower defence is an interesting idea! Going to check out the demo.