If you’re a variety gamer like me, you’re always on the lookout for new titles to try. But it’s tough to get a true feel for a game without playing it first, and with video game prices climbing across the board, picking the wrong one can be a costly mistake.
That’s where demos come in. They give you a free sneak peek at the gameplay, helping you decide whether it’s worth the full purchase. With that in mind, here are some of the best free demos on Steam that deliver impressive bang for your buck.
Described by its developers as “martial arts meets music video,“Dead as Discois a rhythm-based beat ‘em up where your punches, kicks, and combos land in sync with the soundtrack.
The demo includes a tutorial, a sample story mission, and an endless wave-based mode to test how long you may survive. There are 11 songs available by default, but the demo also lets you import your own tracks, adding surprising replay value to an already generous demo. And if you’rethe competitive type, there’s even a global and friends leaderboard.
Dead as Discois a stylish, creative concept that stands out on its own, and the fact that its free demo offers this much content makes it an easy recommendation.
2BOTSU
BOTSUpits you against other players in ragdoll, physics-based battlesports. you’re able to play split-screen with up to four friends, or head online to match up against other teams. It gives off seriousFall GuysandParty Animalsvibes, featuring many of the same hectic game modes you’ll find in those titles.
That said,BOTSUisn’t just a copycat. It brings its own flavor tothe genre, and it’s hard to get bored when you’re tossing people into lava or dunking basketballs on their heads. Best of all, you may do it all for free in the demo.
3FUMES
FUMESwill instantly grab the attention of anyMad Maxfans out there. You play as a heavily armed, customizable car roaming the wasteland, battling enemies, completing quests and challenges, and taking on bosses. While you’re free to explore an endless, procedurally-generated world, there’s also a structured story to follow.
The demo wastes no time pulling you in. Within seconds, you’re being chased by enemy vehicles before entering into your first boss fight. Overall, it’s a fast-paced, chaotic ride that calls back to classics likeTwisted MetalandVigilante 8. Even if it doesn’t seem like your usual style,FUMESis unique enough that it’s worth checking out.
4He is Coming
He is Comingis an intriguing mash-up of roguelike, RPG, and auto-battler elements. It features a retro, dark fantasy aesthetic and puts you in control of a lone champion tasked with growing strong enough to defeat the looming threat of the Demon King. Along the way, you’ll battle minions and collect powerful weapons and artifacts to improve your chances.
The demo forHe is Comingmight offer themost potential playtimeof any on this list. Just check the Steam reviews: one user has logged over 170 hours, and several others have clocked in days of playtime on the demo alone. The gameplay loop is highly addictive, and theroguelike mechanicsgive you a compelling reason to keep coming back for another run at the Demon King.
5The First Berserker: Khazan
The First Berserker: Khazanis a Soulslike action RPG with ananime-inspiredart style, putting you in the shoes of General Khazan on a brutal quest for revenge. It’s a game that invites comparisons toElden RingandLies of P, yet it’s flown somewhat under the radar.
With a $60 price tag for the standard edition, hesitation is understandable—especially given how saturated the genre is and how intimidating Soulslikes can be. But what setsThe First Berserker: Khazanapart is its content-packed free demo. You get to explore multiple areas, battle several bosses, and experiment with various weapons, abilities, and skill trees.
It’s replayable, too, so you can dig into different builds and approaches. If you’ve ever been curious about theSoulslike genre—or you’re already a fan but were put off by the price—this demo is a risk-free way to see if it’s for you.
6Shape of Dreams
Another hybrid of a game,Shape of Dreamscombines action-roguelike gameplay with MOBA-style controls and systems. This demo is lauded for how much content it offers; it almost feels like a full game already. There are multiple playable characters, each with distinct playstyles and build possibilities, plus four-player co-op multiplayer included right in the demo.
There are probably better comparisons, but to me, it reminds me of a roguelike lovechild ofPath of ExileandLeague of Legends.
7Resident Evil 7
Resident Evil 7: Biohazardbroke new ground for the franchise, marking the first mainline entry to adopt a first-person perspective. Capcom nailed the execution; it’s still considered one of the best games in the series.
The demo offers less content than most others on this list, giving you about an hour of straightforward gameplay. Butif you can stomach scary gamesand enjoy the classicResident Evilformula, it’s a great, free introduction to one of the franchise’s standout titles.
8Haste
If I had to describeHaste, I’d say it’s likeSonic the Hedgehog—except you play as a human, the levels are procedurally-generated, and there are light roguelike elements. It’s a simple but fun concept,perfect for quick sessionsand that irresistible “just one more run” feeling.
The demo includes a tutorial, a small hub world, a variety of levels and challenges, and a boss fight. Even after completing it, the procedural generation and the drive to ace challenges or improve your speed will keep you coming back. If you’re into high-octane, non-stop, “gotta go fast” action,Hasteis definitely worth a download.
9Factorio
Factorio, the wildly popular automation, base-building, and resource management game, happens to have a pretty solid free demo. It essentially functions as the game’s tutorial, guiding you through a series of missions to help you get a feel for how everything works.
Still, it’s easy to sink double-digit hours into the demo—unless the urge to buy the full game kicks in first. If you do decide to purchase it, you’ll unlockFreeplaymode (the intended way to play), a deeper tech tree, multiplayer support, and access to an extensive modding community.
10Twisted Tower
Twisted Towerwears itsBioShockinfluence on its sleeve, but instead of an underwater dystopia or a city in the sky, this one takes place in an abandoned theme park. The demo drops you just outside the titular tower and lets you experience the first few floors, encountering a handful of enemies, weapons, and characters along the way.
What really makesTwisted Towerworth trying is how bizarre and out-there it feels. Its weirdness sticks with you, leaving you genuinely curious about what else might be hiding inside this unsettling, surreal tower.
