Steam’s October Next Fest is right around the corner, giving players another chance to explore hundreds of unreleased games before they officially launch. It runs from October 13 to October 20, 2025, starting at 10:00 AM PDT (that’s October 14, 1:00 AM PHT) and ending at the same time a week later. For anyone curious about what the indie scene has in store, this is one of the best times to dive in.
What Steam Next Fest Offers
Next Fest is more than a digital sale. It’s a week-long showcase where players can download free demos of upcoming titles, tune in to developer livestreams, and build out their wishlists. Demos remain the centerpiece, giving studios of all sizes a direct way to connect with players. Valve has also made live broadcasts more visible in recent years, so it’s easy to stumble into Q&A sessions or gameplay showcases while browsing.
Why Steam Next Fest October 2025 Matters
Each edition of Next Fest has its own character. October often highlights mystery and horror, which fit the season, alongside cozy adventures and strategy games that balance the lineup. This year, players can already look forward to confirmed demos such as Sheepherds! — a cooperative dog-herding adventure — and Project Freefall, an action platformer with a free demo live ahead of the Fest. Together with the hundreds of other titles that will appear on the official Steam Next Fest hub, the mix creates one of the most varied showcases of the year, giving players a week to explore very different moods and genres.
How This Month Fits the Steam Calendar
October is busy for PC players. Steam’s Autumn Sale wrapped up on October 6, leaving the middle of the month open for discovery. The Steam Scream 4 Halloween Sale follows later, from October 27 to November 3, so Next Fest becomes its own highlight for the season. Together, these events keep momentum going throughout the month without overlapping each other.
Looking Ahead
For players, the approach is simple: browse the event page, try what catches your eye, and wishlist the games you want to follow. For developers, the stakes are higher. Wishlists collected during Next Fest often determine how visible a game will be when it officially launches. With so many games appearing side by side, the Fest can be a turning point.
Steam Next Fest October 2025 promises hundreds of demos across every genre, livestreams that bring players closer to developers, and a flood of discovery that keeps the indie scene vibrant. Whether you’re into atmospheric horror, relaxing life sims, or deep tactical strategy, this week-long event is worth circling on the calendar.
FAQ
It runs from October 13 to October 20, 2025, starting at 10:00 AM PDT.
October’s Fest is timed right before Halloween, which often brings a wave of spooky and atmospheric demos alongside cozy adventures and strategy games. Some developers have already confirmed their participation, including Sheepherds! with a free demo and Project Freefall, which released its demo ahead of the Fest
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