Images: Chief Rebel, Red Soul Games, Far Seas
Here are five of the best indie game demos you should try in February 2025's Steam Next Fest.
The first Steam Next Fest of the year is finally here! Running until 3 March at 10:00 AM PDT / 4 March at 2:00 AM SGT, Steam Next Fest is a week-long celebration packed with hundreds of free playable demos, developer livestreams, and chats for upcoming, early access, and newly released games.
With so many demos to sift through, we’ve singled out five standout indie titles that should definitely be on your Steam wishlist.
FELLOWSHIP (TBA)
Have you ever played an MMO and thought: 'I wish there was a game that was just dungeons'? That’s exactly what Fellowship delivers. Described by its developers at Chief Rebel (a team of veterans from Blizzard, DICE, and Arrowhead) as a Multiplayer Online Dungeon Adventure (MODA), this game is all about teaming up for thrilling dungeon runs.
It plays like a PvE MOBA, with teams of six—two tanks, two DPS, and two healers—taking on waves of enemies before facing off against dungeon bosses. There’s also Stronghold, a hub town where players can rest, trade, and train, much like in an MMO. But once you enter a dungeon, you’ll find MOBA-like lanes and objective-based challenges replacing the typical base destruction.
From what the demo offers so far, Fellowship demands solid teamwork, and later dungeons seem poised to require serious coordination—perfect for fans of classic MMO dungeon crawling with a fresh twist.
Squirreled Away (TBA)
Some people dream of escaping to a new life—others dream of becoming a squirrel. Squirreled Away by Far Seas lets you do just that, stepping into the paws of a tiny creature determined to make a home in an urban park.
Climb towering trees, scavenge for supplies, and craft tools to shape your perfect treetop hideaway. The world isn’t without its dangers, as territorial dogs and other park dwellers add an element of challenge, but the game maintains a relaxing flow. It’s a perfect balance between peaceful exploration and light survival mechanics, making it an ideal pick for anyone looking to unwind while still having a goal to work toward.
Post Trauma (TBA)
A psychological survival horror experience with a modern twist, Post Trauma by Red Soul Games follows Roman (voiced by Togo Igawa), a train conductor who wakes up trapped in a surreal nightmare after a severe panic attack. With grotesque creatures lurking in the shadows and reality itself seeming to warp around him, Roman must uncover the truth of his surroundings while fighting (or avoiding) unspeakable horrors.
This game wears its love for classic horror on its sleeve proudly, with a fixed-camera perspective reminiscent of Silent Hill and environmental storytelling that builds tension masterfully. The creature designs alone are nightmare fuel, and puzzle-solving plays a key role in the journey. If you love horror games that keep you on edge while making you think, this is one to check out.
Doloc Town (TBA)
Who knew a sidescrolling Stardew Valley-style game set in a post-apocalyptic world could be this charming? Doloc Town, by RedSaw Games Studio, is exactly that, and it blends farm simulation with survival elements in a beautifully crafted pixel-art world.
Instead of battling endless waves of enemies, your goal is to gather resources, plant crops, and rebuild amidst the ruins. Combat does exist, but rather than a top-down RPG approach, the game opts for a classic platformer feel, with simple yet satisfying action sequences. Doloc Town is shaping up to be an unexpected comfort game, blending exploration, farming, and light combat into a compelling post-apocalyptic adventure.
Nitro Gen Omega (TBA 2025)
If you're the type of person who likes action, machines, and colourful chaos, this could be your cup of tea. A high-intensity turn-based tactical RPG, Nitro Gen Omega by DESTINYbit puts players in command of a mech crew, with each pilot controlling a crucial system. The driver makes manoeuvres, the gunner executes attacks, the engineer handles the coolant, and the operator deploys defensive measures.
Combat unfolds in a dynamic timeline system where precise planning is essential. Battles are unpredictable—pilots can suffer injuries and drops in morale, and they can even refuse orders under extreme stress. Managing the crew effectively can mean the difference between victory and disaster.
With so many indie gems showcased in Steam Next Fest, these five demos stand out as a few of the most promising among them. Whether you’re looking for dungeon-crawling action, psychological horror, or a cosy crafting adventure, there’s something for every kind of player. If any of these caught your eye, now’s the perfect time to give them a go before Next Fest wraps up.
