This free RPG taster is a fantasy nerd's dream with major Stardew Valley energy

Steam Next Fest will soon draw to a close, but there’s still time to fall in love with a cozy RPG that’s earned itself a place on my wishlist.

Dragon’s Brew has all the pixel-art, slice-of-life charm of indie hit Stardew Valley, but here, you’re tasked with running a tabletop cafe in what is surely every fantasy nerd’s dream come true.

Developed by Radic Creative, Dragon’s Brew is actually set to arrive very soon with a PC launch locked in for November 18, so yes, it’s going head-to-head with Grand Theft Auto VI.

I hope that doesn’t harm the game’s prospects. I suppose it’s not exactly appealing to the same crowd.

As you’ve likely gathered, you can sample the game ahead of its launch thanks to a demo which is part of the Steam Next Fest line-up, although it is seemingly sticking around after the event wraps up.

Dragon’s Brew is set within the charming town of Pebblebrook.

Running your tabletop game cafe includes baking and brewing to fulfil your customers’ refreshment orders, while also making sure that you have plenty of games on offer.

In between shifts, you’ll need to constantly craft and overhaul your menu, expanding the range of games you have available too.

As you’ve likely gathered, the better your profits, the more you can expand your nerdy empire. It’s just as charming and satisfying as it sounds.

You can theme your cafe after your favourite kind of tabletop game

Isolated Games Publishing, IndieArk

There are over 100 board games for players to unlock and while you can’t play them yourself, it is important to consider which you put out for your customers to enjoy on any given day.

That’s because each game has its own effects and bonuses, plus you can pair them with menu items to unlock synergies that enhance your profits.

You cozy gamers will still get to partake in classic activities like farming and gardening. After all, where else do you think you’re going to get the cafe’s produce?

Players will have their own little garden, but so too will you be able to frequent a local market.

It’s up to you how you decorate the cafe. You can even theme your cafe after a certain board game genre if you want to go all-in on a specific vibe.

When you’re not beavering away in the cafe, it’s your chance to explore Pebblebrook.

Meet the town’s locals and uncover Pebblebrook’s many secrets. There are community events on offer as well as various seasonal events.

Plus, from time to time, you may get takeaway and delivery orders to fulfil.

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You’ll get a taste of much of this within Dragon’s Brew’s demo.

Although the demo has been highlighted as a part of Steam Next Fest, it’s sticking around beyond the event's closure on Monday, October 26.

That means that you should be free to sample Dragon’s Brew right up until launch day. The demo covers the first six in-game days.

If GTA VI just isn’t for you, perhaps this charming little RPG will prove a worthy alternative when it launches in full next month.