Steam’s Next Fest 2022has finally come to an end. But in the aftermath of an 8-day event filled with exclusive streams and demos, there is an abundance of great games on the horizon. From survival horror to beat-em-ups, everyone has a chance to see their favorite genres on display and support the independent developers making them.
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In the past, Steam has hosted seasonal events meant to give fans a chance to connect with developers. 2022’s Next Fest was filled with sneak peek looks, and developer logs provide just that! The event itself may be over, but fans still have plenty of games to check out that are both available now or releasing by the end of the year.
10Hero’s Hour
Gather resources, explore the land, and wage war! Many have been introduced to the autobattler genre thanks to gameslikeLoop Hero. With a combination of strategic base building and real-time combat with sprawling armies, this colorful pixel game is just as all-encompassing as it is cute.
Play against AI or try out local co-op, so friends and couples finishing up a playthrough ofIt Takes Twohave a new addition to add to their gaming backlog. WhetherHero’s Hourwill bring loved ones closer or drive them to battle in real life is at the mercy of RNG.
9Expedition Zero
Combining some of the best features of classic survival horror games —minus the outdated tropes— with modern gameplay elements like first-person combat,Expedition Zerois the type of nightmare fuel to keep one up at night. Publisher tinyBuild is no stranger to frights given their last releasePathologic 2. By the end of March, they may have an even more terrifying game in their catalog.
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Set in Siberia, the protagonist — armed with a gun and nerves of steel — has to survive in the wilderness after an expedition to an abandoned research facility goes horribly wrong. If horror film logic is at play here, there’s bound to beplenty of scaresto make this a game best played with the lights on.
8Coromon
ThePokemonfranchise already has plenty of exciting upcoming news with the announcement ofScarlet & Violet. But in-between thehype and speculation, those wanting to ease their itch for a pet-battling game haveCoromonto look forward to. Collect and train your favorite monsters or use the built-in randomizer and Nuzlocke modes for an additional challenge.
While fans ofPokemon—and similar games— have an immediate reason to be intrigued, those new to the genre have a gateway on PC too. Depending onCoromon’s success, perhaps there will be subsequent entries adding new creatures and regions.
7Otherworld Legends
With manga-style cut scenes and combat reminiscent of arcade classics, thisroguelike beat-em-uphas already had a successful mobile release and is now coming to Steam. Play as over six different characters — all with their unique play styles — and battle through areas based on medieval castles, bamboo forests, and more.
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Otherworld Legends’ quick-paced combat combined with randomized upgrades and procedurally generated dungeons might feel familiar to those whohave playedHades. No playthrough is ever the same, and with online co-op, friends can join in on the action too.
6Grand Mountain Adventure: Wonderlands
Sports games fans haveclassics likeTony Hawk’s Pro Skaterto recall fondly.Grand Mountain Adventure: Wonderlandsmay not have hidden jokes or a punk rock soundtrack, but it does give players the chance to perform speed challenges and tricks on snowy slopes.
SkiFree’s yeti tends to be slept on as one of thebest video game villains of the ‘90s, and while he never appeared in this game’s demo, maybe fans could make some noise. The only thing this peaceful skiing game needs is total carnage.
5Ignited Steel: Mech Tactics
It’s tempting to check out any release with artworkinspired byMetal Gear Solidin its promotional trailer. While it’s worth noting thatIgnited Steel: Mech Tactics’ graphic style is actually a mix of cartoon portraits and pixilated 3D models, paying homage to the mech epitomes that came before it is a nice touch.
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Those wanting strategic turn-based battles or even fans ofGundamor other mecha animelooking for a game full of giant robots wailing on each other have something to check out. With multiple mech types and unique modules to upgrade, each mission has unlimited options for victory.
4TFC: The Fertile Crescent
Real-time strategy games likeAge of Empiresoffer city building and large-scale warfare at the cost ofa steep learning curve. Those seeking a beginner-friendly entry into the genre have a new game on the horizon. With inviting pixel art and an easy-to-learn progression,TFC: The Fertile Crescentmodernizes the Bronze Age.
Send villages off to collect resources, build farms, and train soldiers. But whether facing off against AI or other players online, great cities can’t grow undisturbed. Try out this game to get betteracquainted with the RTS genreor put your skills to the test against others.
3Scarleth
In a cute and cuddly world where everything hurts,Scarlethmanages to remind players that not even bunnies can be trusted. It’s the cow level fromDiabloall over again…not that it even exists. With a sword in hand, battle foes and solve puzzles similar to old schoolZeldagames.
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Gather materials to craft alchemical spells, level up and upgrade gear, and explore the world.Scarlethis great for those familiar with 2DZeldainstallments orElden Ringfanslooking to take a load offwith a more casual-paced RPG.
2Turpedo
Sometimes, the best concepts are simple. IfAmong Uscan turn mini-gamesand group interactions into hours of entertainment, a game centered around blowing up your friends with torpedoes can do the same.Turpedoplayers can try out multiple game modes either with local co-op or against up to three other people online.
Each round gives players a chance to evolve their torpedoes: some picks provide utility and others pure destruction. Those looking toinvite non-gamer friendsfor a night of fun can addTurpedoto their roster.
1Buggos
The1997 classicStarship Trooperspitted soldiers against armies of alien bugs. But what if the creepy crawlers got to tell their side of the story?Buggosmay not have a verbose narrative, but actions often speak louder than words. And while those actions include devouring everything in sight, RTS fans are sure to get flashbacks to Zerg rushes.
While it may not make a list ofone of the hardest RTS games, this game is less focused on one’s micro-macro ability and more on the player’s ability to adapt. The bugs in this game have a mind of their own, and while some evolution paths allow players to influence their actions, those who like to play by the seat of their pants have the perfect strategy game.
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