Indie.io, the independent publishing platform behind fan-favorite strategy RPGs like Dark Deity, Symphony of War, and indie hits like Coromon and Lunar Lux, is thrilled to present seven upcoming titles at Steam Next Fest, running from February 23 - March 3, 2025.
From tactical RPGs and deckbuilding roguelikes to large-scale medieval battles and sci-fi strategy, this handpicked collection is perfect for players who love deep strategy, careful planning, and rewarding challenges. Play these exclusive demos now and wishlist your next favorite indie strategy game!
Explore indie.io's Full Next Fest Lineup
From tactical RPGs and deckbuilding roguelikes to large-scale medieval battles and sci-fi strategy, this handpicked collection is perfect for players who love deep strategy, careful planning, and rewarding challenges. Play these exclusive demos now and wishlist your next favorite indie strategy game!
Explore indie.io's Full Next Fest Lineup
The next chapter in the Dark Deity saga is here- play the demo now!
This turn-based tactical RPG returns players to the war-torn continent of Verroa, where they must command a group of heroes in a desperate battle against the expanding Asverellian Empire. Featuring a fully voiced main story, 24 unique class tiers, deep character customization, and a branching narrative with meaningful choices, Dark Deity 2 builds on everything fans loved in the original while pushing tactical RPG combat to new heights.
The Steam Next Fest demo offers an extensive first look at the game, featuring the first four chapters of the campaign, a chance to explore any of the 24 class tiers across two unique classes, and a pivotal route-splitting decision that will alter your journey.
More Must-Play Strategy & Roguelike Demos at Next Fest:
Kaamos: Puzzle Roguelike [Tactical Puzzle Roguelike]
Master the grid and uncover the darkness—play the demo now!
This innovative blend of strategy and puzzle-solving challenges players to think several moves ahead.A bite-sized turn-based puzzle roguelike where battles unfold by matching tiles on a looping grid of shifting rows and columns. Build your character and deck by looting equipment from defeated foes, then adapt to an ever-changing battlefield. Set in a dark medieval world where the Sun has never risen, Kaamos blends strategic gameplay with atmospheric pixel-art visuals, reminiscent of gaming’s early pioneers.
Void Scout [Turn-Based Combat, Sci-Fi Roguelike]
Survival is never guaranteed—play the debut demo now!
Get ready for a high-stakes tactical roguelike where every decision, strategy, and encounter could be your last. Set in procedurally generated space stations, you’ll navigate shifting corridors where every shadow hides danger. Face sci-fi horrors in turn-based combat, react to a dynamic tension system that evolves based on your playstyle, and adapt to ever-changing threats. Superior tactics—not min-maxing—will determine your fate. With persistent progression, deadly enemies, and quick 15 minute intense missions, Void Scout delivers tense, tactical gameplay in bite-sized, high-impact runs. Do you have what it takes to stand tall against the horrors of the multiverse?
Voidsayer [Dark Monster-Taming JRPG]
The void whispers and only the strongest will survive its call—play the demo now!
A dark monster-taming JRPG where survival depends on capturing, training, and evolving over 100 unique creatures. With deep turn-based combat, an advanced stat system and procedurally generated levels full of surprises, every expedition is a test of strategy and adaptation. Strengthen your monsters, upgrade your settlement, and prepare for powerful, game-changing boss fights.
Grimstar: Crystals are the New Oil! [Classic Single-Player RTS]
Exploitation is survival in this corporate-driven war for resources—play the demo now!
Experience a classic single-player RTS where efficiency is everything. As Earth's energy crisis deepens, humanity turns to Grimstar, a distant planet rich in a rare energy resource. Command armies, harvest resources, and wage war against alien forces—all while uncovering the truth behind your brother’s mysterious death.
Rogue Worlds [ Action Roguelite Platformer]
Adapt or perish in an ever-changing labyrinth—Wishlist Now!
Dash, blast, grapple, and charm your way through this fast-paced roguelite platformer where creativity is your greatest weapon. Escape flooding poison, defeat towering bosses, and master environmental interactions to outsmart powerful guardians. Between runs, unlock starting gear, character perks, and recruit rescued allies. Every expedition is different—how will you survive?
Crusader Knights: Templars [Grand Strategy, RTS, City-Building]
Lead your order and rewrite history—Wishlist Now!
Crusader Knights: Templars is a grand medieval strategy game, blending real-time battles, city-building, and open-ended sandbox gameplay. Lead a knightly order through war-torn lands, managing resources, forging alliances, and commanding armies in large-scale battles. Will you be a beacon of faith or fall to the chaos of war?
Lead your order and rewrite history—Wishlist Now!
Crusader Knights: Templars is a grand medieval strategy game, blending real-time battles, city-building, and open-ended sandbox gameplay. Lead a knightly order through war-torn lands, managing resources, forging alliances, and commanding armies in large-scale battles. Will you be a beacon of faith or fall to the chaos of war?
Steam Next Fest runs from February 23 - March 3 – Play these demos before time runs out!
These seven strategy-driven indie games are just the beginning. Stay tuned— we’ll reveal even more must-play Next Fest demos, featuring sci-fi, horror, and intense action survival games.
Find your next indie favorite—join us at Next Fest!
ABOUT INDIE.IO
indie.io is home to over 100 of the world’s best independent video games and developers. Our platform was built with a singular vision: to provide support to independent developers where it was most needed and set the standard for gaming promotion.
indie.io is home to over 100 of the world’s best independent video games and developers. Our platform was built with a singular vision: to provide support to independent developers where it was most needed and set the standard for gaming promotion.