As the Steam summer sale approaches, anticipation builds among the patient PC gaming community. This annual event serves as a prime opportunity for gamers to discover new and innovative indie titles to enrich their collections. Leading up to each major sale, Valve hosts the Next Fest, a showcase where developers can present their projects, gather feedback, and generate excitement ahead of their launches. The Summer 2025 Next Fest is no exception, featuring a plethora of engaging titles, from Hades-inspired adventures to cooperative hack-and-slash experiences. Yet, some of the most captivating offerings are those that may not be immediately visible through the platform’s algorithms.
Having explored numerous demos, I’ve unearthed a selection of standout PC games from this Next Fest that deserve a spot on your wishlist.
Dead as Disco
A groovy beat ’em up to the beat
Brain Jar Games’ Dead as Disco fuses the rhythmic combat of Hi-Fi Rush with the intense beatdowns reminiscent of Sifu. Players take on the role of Charlie Disco, navigating neon-lit city streets on a quest for revenge against former bandmates. Each encounter transforms into a choreographed dance, with punches and kicks perfectly timed to the music, including a demo track featuring a cover of Michael Sembello’s “Maniac.” Embracing the campy charm of its inspirations, Dead as Disco is built on a robust combat system that promises to captivate players. While a release date is yet to be announced, this demo has certainly earned my commitment as a day-one purchase.
Platforms: PC
Voidbreaker
A breakneck FPS with a focus on environmental destruction
For fans of first-person shooters, Voidbreaker by Stubby Games delivers a thrilling experience filled with destruction. Set within a combat simulation controlled by a rogue AI, players must navigate challenges while uncovering a path to escape. The game features stunning sci-fi visuals reminiscent of the developer’s previous title, The Entropy Centre, but with a twist: players can manipulate the environment to defeat foes. By tossing objects and demolishing structures, players can turn the world into a weapon. With various upgrades available throughout the game, including legendary mods that enhance weaponry, Voidbreaker is set to launch on August 20.
Platforms: PC
Morsels
The Binding of Isaac featuring grungy little Pokemon
From Annapurna’s esteemed catalog comes Morsels, a twin-stick shooter roguelike developed by Furcula. In a world where magical cards grant creatures extraordinary powers, players must navigate a landscape ruled by criminals with superior cards. As you discover your own abilities, the game encourages strategic combat through a variety of monster cards, each offering unique skills. With its charming yet gritty aesthetic, Morsels promises an engaging experience for fans of action roguelikes, set to release in 2025.
Platforms: PC, Mac, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch
Dragon March
A sixth generation console’s arcade adventure
Developer Ambystoman’s Dragon March channels the nostalgic aesthetics of GameCube-era games. Players guide Cereal, a mecha-dragon, through intricate levels in a quest to reboot his friends while evading enemies. The gameplay combines speed and strategy, allowing players to adjust their pace to dodge obstacles and avoid game-ending loops. With vibrant cutscenes and graphics reminiscent of classic titles, Dragon March is shaping up to be a delightful addition to the indie landscape, although a release date remains unconfirmed.
Platforms: PC
House of Necrosis
Classic survival horror with a turn-based twist
In a surprising blend of classic Resident Evil and Pokemon Mystery Dungeon, House of Necrosis by Warkus invites players to step into the shoes of a special agent navigating a zombie-infested mansion. The game employs a grid-based system, requiring careful planning and resource management as players descend deeper into the mansion’s horrors. With polished mechanics and a compelling premise, House of Necrosis is set to captivate survival horror fans, though a release date has yet to be revealed.
Platforms: PC, Linux
DuneCrawl
Desert freedom fighting in four-player co-op
Alientrap’s DuneCrawl offers a cooperative hack-and-slash adventure for up to four players. In this game, terracotta warriors threaten your village, and it’s up to you and your friends to reclaim your home by piloting a sentient ship across a vast desert landscape. The gameplay seamlessly blends on-foot combat with exploration, allowing teams to strategize and execute chaotic battles. Set for release in 2025, DuneCrawl promises to be a thrilling experience for cooperative gameplay enthusiasts.
Platforms: PC
Hell Clock
Diablo-esque dark fantasy ARPG rooted in real Brazilian history
Rogue Snail’s Hell Clock reimagines Brazil’s War of Canudos through a dark fantasy lens. Players control Pajeu as he battles military forces and the undead, navigating a world filled with challenges and time constraints. This action RPG incorporates speedrunning elements, with players racing against the clock while unlocking new gear and abilities. With a wealth of content to explore, Hell Clock is set to launch on July 22, appealing to both casual and dedicated action RPG fans.
Platforms: PC
1000 Deaths
Psychedelic 3D spelunking through headspace
Pariah Interactive’s 1000 Deaths presents a surreal platforming experience that explores pivotal moments in life. Players traverse the headspaces of four characters, solving platforming puzzles that alter their narratives. With gameplay reminiscent of Super Mario Galaxy, 1000 Deaths offers a unique blend of exploration and decision-making, promising high replay value as players uncover hidden secrets. The game is set to release on August 7.
Platforms: PC
Passant: A Chess Roguelike
What if Balatro was chess?
In Passant, developer Marc Makes Games reimagines chess with a roguelike twist. Players must possess a solid understanding of chess fundamentals to navigate the game’s unique mechanics, which include earning cash to acquire new pieces and power-ups. The game introduces innovative badges that modify rules and enhance gameplay, providing a fresh take on the classic board game. Passant will be available on August 11, offering a new challenge for chess enthusiasts.
Platforms: PC
Under The Island
One teenager’s tropical island-spanning Zelda adventure
Slime King Games’ Under The Island combines 2D RPG hack-and-slash action with a narrative steeped in teenage angst. Players follow Nia as she navigates a sinking island filled with mysteries and challenges. Drawing inspiration from classic Zelda games, Under The Island invites players to explore a beautifully crafted pixel art world while solving puzzles and uncovering secrets. While the release date remains unannounced, this title is sure to resonate with fans of the genre.
Platforms: PC
