10 game demos to check out during Steam Next Fest October 2026 that aren't 'vibe-coded slop'
Steam Next Fest is underway once again, with over 8,000 game demos available for you to check out.
The event runs three times a year, featuring demos and livestreams for new and upcoming games which will expand your wishlist.
Contrary to a lot of previous Steam Next Fests, however, many users have pointed out that the game demos being advertised this time around are "vibe-coded clop".
"Can we please get an option to hide AI games," reads a post on Reddit with over 14,000 upvotes, calling the event "AI slop" and full of "vibecoded" games.
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"AI is turning me off all my lifelong hobbies because I just don't have the time nor the energy to comb through all the slop. I hate this," reads a comment underneath the post.
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Steam Next Fest Autumn 2026 game demos to check out
We've gone through Steam Next Fest combing for some of the best games you can check out, and have landed on ten titles we wanted to shout out that are, as far as we know, created by humans.
It's worth pointing out that Steam does not require developers to disclose AI-generated content on the store page, and this is merely a suggestion, so we've taken care to make sure we haven't included anything that features AI-generated assets without disclosing it.
1. Stupid Never Dies
Releasing later this week, Stupid Never Dies is an action roguelite where you play as an undead zombie who is searching for a way to revive his frozen girlfriend. In particular, the art style and themes match those of Suda51, so if you're a massive fan of games like Killer Is Dead or No More Heroes, this is one to check out.
"Turn weak zombie Davy stupid strong, stupid fast in this Blazing Fast Growth action RPG! Devour enemies, steal powers, transform, and brave a deadly dungeon to revive frozen Julia," reads the demo description.
2. Fangtopia
Another game releasing later this month, Fangtopia is a game I've had on my wishlist for a while. It's a spooky-themed strategy puzzle game where you shape hex tiles to build a vast landscape. It's very similar to Dorfromantik, but with that Halloween vibe.
"Sink your teeth into Fangtopia, a cozy and relaxing tile puzzle game where you assemble landscapes to craft a monsterrific paradise for friendly ghouls and ghosts. Try two modes from the final game as you design a carefree, scare-free world of gentle chills."
3. Superpanel
Superpanel is an FPS with retro low-poly-style graphics that is an excellent throwback to games like Stalker and Call of Duty. In it, you play as a soldier who takes on high-stakes missions within dangerous territories. It's available to play either solo or in co-op.
"SUPERPANEL is a hardcore tactical shooter with high lethality for solo players or groups of friends. Customize your gear and squads, take on dangerous missions through urban labyrinths, and fight your way to the heart of Megaslavia. Enemies are both humans and monsters."
4. Queen's Domain
If you're a fan of classic FromSoftware, and I mean King's Field-era FromSoftware, I'd recommend taking a look at Queen's Domain. It's an RPG with retro graphics that plays pretty similarly to those games, and features a really robust art style with a terrific balance of difficulty.
"A retro-fantasy action RPG with brutal combat and traversal-focused exploration. Embark on a quest to find your father who disappeared on the mysterious Isle of Neasied, where sinister forces gather, secrets hide everywhere, and the sleeping Queen has begun to stirā¦"
5. Prospice: Anomalous Logistics
This one took me by surprise, but I was enticed by Prospice's premise of "Mudrunner but scary". For fans of the hauler simulation games or Death Stranding specifically, this demo proved to an excellent spiritual successor that got me excited for the full release.
"Haul cursed cargo across a haunted island, where the terrain can take your life and every road bears the scars of the past."
6. Devoid
Coming soon to Early Access, Devoid has all the shades of games like Dishonored and Thief, giving you a set of superpowers to help you traverse and sneak through a city currently experiencing cursed events. For fans of immersive sims, this one is proving to be a fun one to put on your radar.
"Devoid is an immersive journey into the medieval world of vampires who feed on human souls. You will have to put an end to their power with the help of sword and magic. Use an arsenal of tools and magical abilities on your way to defeat the most ancient evil."
7. Hookeye
If the likes of Dredge and About Fishing aren't enough to fill your 'spooky fishing game' threshold, might we also recommend Hookeye? It's a Lovecraftian game where you catch fish while trying not to succumb to your own madness, all while pursuing the elusive Siren which haunts you.
"It's the end of the line. Resist the madness and use questionable bait to just keep fishing. Sacrifice everything for a bigger catch. It has to be worth it."
8. Spirit Crossing
The makers of Cozy Grove have come out with a new relaxing game for you to check out. Spirit Crossing takes Ghibli inspiration, where you design your home in a cosy town full of magical spirits and otherworldly beings. Playable in multiplayer, you're encouraged to bring a friend or two along and create your special slice of heaven together.
"From the makers of Cozy Grove: Glide through pastel clouds, help lost spirits along the way, and design your own home nestled high on a mountain peak. Befriend strangers around a warm campfire, or share memories while lazily fishing in the sky with a friend. Welcome to your strange new home."
9. Shifu: Traffic Masters
A chaotic driving game if there ever was one, Shifu is a road sim where you control slow vehicles that are hauling large cargo. Balance your truck to prevent the items from spilling out, and make sure you keep the passengers comfortable and happy.
"Drive slow cars fast. Haul cargo that shifts and spills, keep taxi passengers comfortable and chase suspects through the packed streets of 1990s China, all in forgotten workhorse cars with the grip of a shopping cart. Inspired by ā90s games like Midtown Madness and Driver."
10. There Are No Ghosts at the Grand
After being hyped for what feels like forever, There Are No Ghosts at the Grand is planning to be released in December. The demo features a small taste of this supernatural cleaning game, where you try to bring an old hotel back to its former glory while also avoiding attacks by unfriendly ghosts at night. Did we mention it's also a musical?
"Inherit a crumbling English hotel and restore it by dayāwhile battling ghosts by night. With a sardonic cat, a talking power tool, and a twisting supernatural plot, this is a musical mystery unlike any other. Will you be able to hold it together while everything around you falls apart?"
