Introduction: Unearthing Strategy Gems at Steam Next Fest
The Steam Next Festival is an eagerly awaited event for PC gamers, providing a special chance to preview numerous upcoming games through free, time-limited demos, similar to the exciting days of the 90s and early 2000s. Strategy enthusiasts won’t find the Steam Next Festival any less enticing, as this year’s selection of strategy games is exceptionally strong, showcasing fresh takes on classic genres and entirely novel ideas. With an abundance of fantastic games like Tempest Rising, Broken Arrow, and Burden of Command already released this year, it’s intriguing to see what other developers are working on. This list presents 15 must-see strategy game demos from a variety of offerings, including detailed base-building simulations, deep turn-based strategies, and extensive real-time experiences. While I recommend browsing through other games as well, these are the ones that truly caught my attention.
15 – Ground of Aces
In Ground of Aces, you’ll find an unusual take on the World War II setting. As a commander, it’s your job to run an air base, overseeing everything from building necessary facilities, managing iconic warplanes, to looking after your pilots and crew before sending them off on missions. Design your base layout strategically, fine-tune its operations, and make crucial decisions to ready your forces for the unexpected challenges of wartime. This game offers an engaging experience for enthusiasts of both management and historical strategy genres who are seeking a fresh perspective on World War II. It’s a passionate project that you should definitely give a try.
14 – MORSE
A while back, I recall coming across a couple of games experimenting with a similar idea, but I’m unsure if MORSE has any connection to them. Regardless, during the Steam Next Fest, MORSE was quite distinctive, offering an innovative twist on the tactical roguelike genre. Instead of focusing on strategy, it emphasizes learning coded communication and managing artillery placement to fend off the Kaiser’s Fleet with accurate barrages. Each playthrough introduces distinct puzzles and tactical combat situations, making quick work of decoding messages and adapting to changing dangers crucial for survival.
13 – Kriegsfront Tactics
The graphics of PlayStation 1 captivated my interest, yet what truly pulled me in was the blend of turn-based tactical strategy and a setting based on 1970s Southeast Asia, complete with mechs – Kriegsfront Tactics. One of the highlights during Steam Next Fest, this game immerses players into a conflict where they lead a team of heavily armed mechs in enemy territory. Drawing inspiration from iconic games like Front Mission and XCOM, Kriegsfront Tactics prioritizes intricate mech customization, accurate targeting, strategic positioning, and even incorporates realistic bullet physics. Don’t miss out on trying its demo!
12 – After Inc: Revival
Coming soon to Early Access: From the celebrated creator of Plague Inc., you’ll find After Inc: Revival – a unique mix of strategic simulation, survival city-building, and ‘mini 4X’, offering an exploration of life after triumphing in a game of Plague Inc. featuring a zombie virus. In the aftermath of a global pandemic, humanity teeters on the edge of revival, and it’s your job to guide the renaissance. As a player, you’ll establish new settlements with the ultimate goal of resurrecting mankind, scavenge essential resources amidst a perilous and unforgiving landscape, and mold a budding society. Drawing inspiration from Frostpunk, you’ll also confront ethical dilemmas along the way.
11 – Town to City
The affection I hold for games such as Towns and ISLANDERS isn’t unwarranted. With my life constantly balancing between work and personal endeavors (like those of Firaxis), leisurely games provide me with a few hours to simply unwind and appreciate the gradual formation of pleasing sights. Town to City is aiming to make its mark during Steam Next Fest, being developed by the creators of Station to Station – a game I admire.
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2025-06-13 13:43