The first Steam Next Fest of 2025 is set to commence, heralding an exciting period for PC gamers around the globe. This event serves as a prime opportunity for users to curate their wish lists while developers showcase their upcoming titles. It fosters a vibrant environment where players can connect, share experiences, and explore new gaming communities, all while eagerly anticipating fresh release dates and engaging demos.
With a plethora of new games on the horizon, navigating Steam Next Fest can feel a bit daunting. Players might consider downloading numerous demos to ensure their wish lists are comprehensive ahead of the next major Steam Sale. Alternatively, if your schedule is packed this month, you may want to keep track of specific dates and times. Regardless of your approach, we’re here to guide you through the process.
<h2 class="article-bodysection” id=”section-what-is-steam-next-fest”>What is Steam Next Fest?
Steam Next Fest is a week-long celebration dedicated to upcoming games, allowing players to download thrilling new demos and watch live streams from developers. During this event, Steam users can enhance their wish lists and engage with communities that support the games they discover. This recurring event will take place three times throughout 2025, conveniently scheduled just before the Steam Spring, Summer, and Winter sales. By the time discounts roll around, players will have a clear idea of which titles they wish to acquire.
<h2 class="article-bodysection” id=”section-when-is-steam-next-fest”>When is Steam Next Fest?
The next Steam Next Fest begins on Monday, February 24 at 10 AM PST / 6 PM GMT and concludes on March 3 at 10 AM PST / 6 PM GMT. This gives participants a full week to explore and play the new demos featured in the event. To join in on the fun, a free Steam account is required, so be sure to register before February 24 if you plan on diving into multiple demos this year. If you happen to miss this event, fret not; Steam Next Fest will return periodically throughout the year, offering ample opportunities to try out new titles.
- February 24 – March 3, 2025
- June 9 – June 16, 2025
- October 13 – October 20, 2025
<h2 class="article-bodysection” id=”section-are-demos-free-during-steam-next-fest”>Are demos free during Steam Next Fest?
Fortunately, all demos available during Steam Next Fest are free of charge. Simply log into your Steam account and click the green “download” button on the game’s store page to begin exploring. There are no restrictions on the number of demos you can play, and you are free to replay them as often as you wish without encountering any paywalls. However, keep in mind that while the demos are complimentary, the full games will likely come at a cost upon their official release.
<h2 class="article-bodysection” id=”section-is-steam-next-fest-a-sale”>Is Steam Next Fest a sale?
While Steam Next Fest is not classified as a sale, it often coincides with discounts on various titles. The primary focus of the event is to allow developers to showcase their upcoming games, giving players a chance to witness their progress and potentially add new titles to their wish lists. Any discounts that may appear during this time are typically unrelated to the event itself, as developers aim to attract more users to their Steam Store pages. The next major Steam sale, the Spring-Summer sale, is scheduled to begin on March 13, 2025, so if discounts are what you seek, be sure to mark your calendar.
For more titles, explore our list of the best PC games ever made, or check out our ranking of the best laptop games of all time.
