Steam Next Fest: what, when, and how to join

Steam Next Fest is the ultimate celebration of upcoming Steam games! It’s your chance to try out demos, watch livestreams from developers, and wishlist your favourite titles - all before they’re officially released. Here’s everything you need to know about Steam Next Fest, plus some tips to make the most of it.

Steam Next Fest, also known as Steam Next Festival, is a week-long event dedicated to upcoming games. During this celebration, you can:

• Try out demos for unreleased games.
• Watch livestreams hosted by developers.
• Wishlist your favourites to stay updated on future releases.
  
  

Steam Next Fest is perfect for experiencing the next big titles before they officially launch. It’s your chance to be among the first to dive into some of the gaming world’s most anticipated releases.

When is Steam Next Fest in 2025?

The first Steam Next Fest of 2025 will take place from 24 February to 3 March. The second will run from 9 to 16 June.

There are many other Steam Sales throughout the year. The next big Steam Sale will be the Steam Spring Sale, which is scheduled to take place from 13 to 20 March.

How does Steam Next Fest work?

Participating in Steam Next Fest is easy and completely free if you have a Steam account. Here’s how:

1. Visit the Steam Next Fest page on Steam.
2. Browse through available demos and recommendations based on your preferences.
3. Watch livestreams to learn more about upcoming titles.
4. Add your favourite games or demos to your wishlist to stay updated.
   
   

5 tips for Steam Next Fest

Want to get the most out of Steam Next Fest? Follow these tips to maximize your experience:

1. Turn on notifications:

The first step to not missing out on new game demos is by knowing when the new Steam Next Fest will be hosted. Head over to your Steam email preferences and check the box for Steam Next Fest notifications. By enabling notifications, you’ll always be informed ahead of time, giving you the chance to download and play demos for the full duration of the event.

2. Finding the best demo for you

With thousands of demos available, finding the right one can feel overwhelming. Start with the "For You" tab on the Steam Next Fest page, which offers recommendations based on games you previously played. You can also filter demos by genre, theme, or number of players supported to narrow down your options. If you’re curious about popular picks, sort by player count to see what other players are trying.

3. Don’t forget to wishlist

Make sure to add your Next Fest favourites to your Steam wishlist! This ensures you’ll be notified about future updates, additional playtests, release dates, and even potential sales. Simply click the blue star icon next to the game or demo to add it.

4. Get more insights

If you want to learn more about a demo you played, we recommend checking out the livestream section for in-depth developer discussions. Many developers share insights about upcoming features, release timelines, and behind-the-scenes development details. Missed a livestream? Don’t worry, most are available to watch later.

5. Prepare for release with a full Steam Wallet

Found a demo you can’t wait to play on release day? Prepare by topping up your Steam Wallet with Steam Gift Cards. This way, you’ll be ready to pre-order or purchase the full game as soon as it launches. Simply pick up one of our gift cards, instantly top up your Steam Wallet, and you’re ready for day one!

Still have some questions about Steam Next Fest? Check out the FAQs below or contact or customer service. We’re always happy to help!