Steam Next Fest has officially swung open its doors. It is, as always, a delight to get a cheeky peek at the upcoming heavy hitters before they hit the market properly. With a deluge of new titles flooding the platform, picking your next obsession can feel like a chore. That is why this [Game Recs] highlights five promising titles that have already climbed the wishlist charts following their demo releases.

'Over The Hill' is an off-road driving simulation due in 2026. You will be tasked with navigating a variety of terrains from behind the wheel. While it often feels like a relaxing, meditative experience, it is not without its teeth; you will encounter treacherous weather, steep inclines, and waterlogged paths that demand a bit of grit to conquer. Overcoming these hurdles rewards you with parts for vehicle customisation, blending that satisfying sense of progression with the simple joy of setting up camp and resting by a bonfire.

'Hawthorn' is a sandbox RPG currently being crafted by veterans from the likes of Bethesda, BioWare, and Naughty Dog. It is already turning heads for its premise: instead of humans, you play as forest critters like mice and owls. The gameplay loop revolves around scavenging, rebuilding your settlement, and surviving the changing seasons. Whether you are farming, fishing, or building relationships with eccentric NPCs, the game also offers a cooperative multiplayer mode to help you and your mates build a village together.

'Deep Dish Dungeon' is a retro-styled dungeon crawler slated for an Autumn 2026 release. It is a three-player co-op affair where you scavenge and craft gear to survive the depths. The hook? It borrows a page from the culinary delights of 'Dungeon Meshi', requiring you to cook ingredients gathered within the dungeon for stat buffs. While early demos were criticised for a rather simplistic cooking system, this Next Fest version introduces a ingredient spoilage mechanic and fresh recipes to add some much-needed depth.

'IRON NEST: Heavy Turret Simulator' does exactly what it says on the tin: you operate colossal weaponry to turn enemies into scrap. Set in an alternate history inspired by the 1920s Spanish Civil War, the game demands manual control over everything from radio interception to calculating ballistic trajectories and firing angles. It is a delightfully meticulous affair, boasting 30 types of ammo and 20 special abilities that allow for some seriously custom build crafting.

'We Were Here Tomorrow' serves as the fifth instalment in the cooperative escape room series. This time, the setting is 'Norsec', a retro-futuristic facility. Much like its predecessors, the core loop relies on two players stuck in separate rooms, communicating via walkie-talkies to solve puzzles. The twist here is that each character now possesses unique abilities, forcing you to coordinate more closely than ever before. It is not just about talking; it is about knowing exactly when to play your part.