Blade of Wiz, Ashes of the Singularity II, and more: Steam Next Fest demos you can’t miss

PC gamers can explore new worlds early at Steam Next Fest, running until March 2. The digital event offers free demos of latest game releases, letting players try gameplay, mechanics, and stories before launch. Unlike regular sales, it focuses on discovery, interaction with developers, and feedback that shapes final releases.

From massive battlefields to roguelite adventures and cozy village kitchens, the festival showcases the creativity of the gaming world. Hundreds of demos across strategy, action, adventure, and simulation allow players to test ideas while helping developers refine mechanics through real-world feedback, a key part of modern game development.

Epic strategy on a massive scale

One of the highlights of this year’s event is Ashes of the Singularity II, a real-time strategy sequel from Oxide Games and Stardock Entertainment. Players step into a near-future conflict where humanity, AI Substrate, and the Post-Human Coalition battle across continent-sized maps. The demo offers a taste of large-scale strategy, emphasizing careful planning over fast reflexes.

Key features include Strategic Zoom, which allows players to shift from an orbital view to frontline action, providing a comprehensive look at troop movements. The environment dynamically reacts to combat: structures crumble, terrain shifts, and every decision leaves a lasting mark on the battlefield. Campaign missions, multiplayer modes, and instant action options highlight different aspects of strategy, encouraging experimentation and skill-based thinking.

Intense roguelite action

For players seeking a more personal, character-driven experience, Blade of Wiz delivers a dark, action-packed roguelite journey. Developed by Cube of Cube and published by Anotherindie, the game centers on Sera, a knight tethered to a spectral black cat.

Players control Sera’s swordplay while commanding her feline companion to unleash magical abilities, creating a dual-soul combat system that blends responsiveness with strategy.
The demo offers one level for experimentation with over 20 weapons, 50 crests, six elemental systems, and more than 100 blessings. Roguelite progression ensures that defeat is an opportunity for growth, unlocking upgrades and new strategies for subsequent runs. The game’s vibrant anime-inspired pixel art brings both combat and story to life, with comic panels illustrating Sera’s evolving bond with her cat companion.

Exploring unique worlds beyond combat

Steam Next Fest also showcases games that focus on creativity and world-building beyond traditional combat.

Culinary adventures in Beastro

Beastro, developed and published by Timberline Studio, is a cozy cooking simulation where players step into the role of Panko, a chef in the peaceful village of Palo Pori.

Players gather ingredients, cook meals, and customize their restaurant while supporting adventurers who rely on their dishes for strength and morale. Cooking becomes a strategic element, linking nourishment to the broader story of village survival.

Community and early access impact

Steam Next Fest isn’t just about trying new games, it’s a space for collaboration. Developers can interact with players through forums and live streams, answering questions and receiving feedback that helps refine their games. This early access fosters engagement, ensures smoother launches, and connects gamers with the people behind the projects, reflecting the evolving standards of game development.

A preview of gaming’s future

From the strategic complexity of Ashes of the Singularity II to the emotionally charged journey of Blade of Wiz and the heartwarming simulation of Beastro, Steam Next Fest offers a glimpse into the future of gaming. The event demonstrates that upcoming releases can span massive tactical battles, intricate character-driven stories, and creative simulations.

For both developers and players, this week celebrates imagination, experimentation, and community, giving a preview of some of the latest game releases that could define the industry in the months to come.