Steam’s Next Fest 2022 has 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.
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.
10 Hero's Hour
- Release date: March 1st, 2022
- Steam link
Gather resources, explore the land, and wage war! Many have been introduced to the autobattler genre thanks to games like Loop 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 of It Takes Two have a new addition to add to their gaming backlog. Whether Hero’s Hour will bring loved ones closer or drive them to battle in real life is at the mercy of RNG.
9 Expedition Zero
- Release date: March 24th, 2022
- Steam link
Combining some of the best features of classic survival horror games — minus the outdated tropes — with modern gameplay elements like first-person combat, Expedition Zero is the type of nightmare fuel to keep one up at night. Publisher tinyBuild is no stranger to frights given their last release Pathologic 2. By the end of March, they may have an even more terrifying game in their catalog.
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 be plenty of scares to make this a game best played with the lights on.
8 Coromon
- Release date: March 31st, 2022
- Steam link
The Pokemon franchise already has plenty of exciting upcoming news with the announcement of Scarlet & Violet. But in-between the hype and speculation, those wanting to ease their itch for a pet-battling game have Coromon to look forward to. Collect and train your favorite monsters or use the built-in randomizer and Nuzlocke modes for an additional challenge.
While fans of Pokemon — and similar games — have an immediate reason to be intrigued, those new to the genre have a gateway on PC too. Depending on Coromon’s success, perhaps there will be subsequent entries adding new creatures and regions.
7 Otherworld Legends
- Release date: April 28th, 2022
- Steam link
With manga-style cut scenes and combat reminiscent of arcade classics, this roguelike beat-em-up has 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.
Otherworld Legends’ quick-paced combat combined with randomized upgrades and procedurally generated dungeons might feel familiar to those who have played Hades. No playthrough is ever the same, and with online co-op, friends can join in on the action too.
6 Grand Mountain Adventure: Wonderlands
- Release date: March 10th, 2022
- Steam link
Sports games fans have classics like Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater to recall fondly. Grand Mountain Adventure: Wonderlands may 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 the best 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.
5 Ignited Steel: Mech Tactics
- Release date: March 9th, 2022
- Steam link
It’s tempting to check out any release with artwork inspired by Metal Gear Solid in its promotional trailer. While it’s worth noting that Ignited 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.
Those wanting strategic turn-based battles or even fans of Gundam or other mecha anime looking 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.
4 TFC: The Fertile Crescent
- Release date: March 29th, 2022
- Steam link
Real-time strategy games like Age of Empires offer city building and large-scale warfare at the cost of a 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 Crescent modernizes 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 better acquainted with the RTS genre or put your skills to the test against others.
3 Scarleth
- Release date: April 22nd, 2022
- Steam link
In a cute and cuddly world where everything hurts, Scarleth manages to remind players that not even bunnies can be trusted. It’s the cow level from Diablo all over again… not that it even exists. With a sword in hand, battle foes and solve puzzles similar to old school Zelda games.
Gather materials to craft alchemical spells, level up and upgrade gear, and explore the world. Scarleth is great for those familiar with 2D Zelda installments or Elden Ring fans looking to take a load off with a more casual-paced RPG.
2 Turpedo
- Release date: March 23rd, 2022
- Steam link
Sometimes, the best concepts are simple. If Among Us can turn mini-games and group interactions into hours of entertainment, a game centered around blowing up your friends with torpedoes can do the same. Turpedo players 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 to invite non-gamer friends for a night of fun can add Turpedo to their roster.
1 Buggos
- Release date: March 17th, 2022
- Steam link
The 1997 classic Starship Troopers pitted soldiers against armies of alien bugs. But what if the creepy crawlers got to tell their side of the story? Buggos may 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 of one 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.