Five Free Demos, Five Very Different Games
Who doesn’t love free games? Steam Next Fest gives you a ton of free demos to choose from, and these are my top five picks for October 19–26, 2026. From tactical action and rhythm racing to rock bands and co-op horror, here are five worth checking out.
These are my personal Editor’s Picks for Fix Gaming Channel—not an official Steam ranking. The demos are free; the full games are separate releases.
Want to see some gameplay first? Watch the official MR. RECORDS Music Level Editor trailer.
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1. RANGER COMMANDO — My #1 Pick
An ’80s-inspired isometric tactical shooter by solo developer Dirk Boer. Take on randomly generated missions, rescue hostages, eliminate targets, and choose between stealth and all-out action. The emphasis is on quick, replayable sessions. We spoke with the developer in our RANGER COMMANDO interview.
Free demo: Play RANGER COMMANDO on Steam
2. MR. RECORDS — Make Your Own Music Levels
George opens the record shop he always dreamed of running, with each record taking him into a rhythm-platforming world. The updated demo adds a Music Level Editor, including support for personal music on PC. Read our report on the new editor. We also have a meeting booked with the developers at gamescom asia.
Free demo: Play MR. RECORDS on Steam
3. Pulse Drive — Race to the Beat
An arcade rhythm racer from Nemi where tapping inputs to the beat makes your hover vehicle faster. The demo has 10 campaign tracks, bonus content, and leaderboards. There’s more behind the project in our interview with Simen “Nemi” Stroek.
Free demo: Play Pulse Drive on Steam
4. ROCKBEASTS — Keep the Band Together
A narrative rock-band management RPG by LICHTHUND, set in an alternative 1990s America. Book gigs, manage money and egos, build setlists, and play rhythm-based concerts. Every choice affects your band’s rise—or its breakup.
Free demo: Play ROCKBEASTS on Steam
5. Wake — One Sees, the Other Hears
A horror adventure from Oddly Games for solo play or two-player online co-op. In co-op, one player sees through light while the other uses sound to reveal their surroundings. Solve puzzles by combining those different perspectives, but be careful: the noise that helps you navigate can also reveal your position to danger. Headphones are recommended.
Free demo: Play Wake on Steam
Those are my five picks. Which demo are you playing? Browse even more free demos on the official Steam Next Fest page.
Written by Ronny Fiksdahl, Founder & Editor-in-Chief of Fix Gaming Channel.
Send interview pitches, corrections, tips, or developer stories to contact@fixgamingchannel.com.
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