The February 2026 Steam Next Fest has concluded, leaving behind a trail of over 3,000 demos available to PC gamers. Valve has officially released the list of the most-played demos by hours during the festival, with highlights ranging from a long-awaited extraction shooter to a cooperative game starring mischievous gnomes. The event provided a significant opportunity for developers to showcase upcoming titles and gather player feedback, and the results offer a glimpse into the games generating the most buzz within the PC gaming community.
Topping the list is Marathon, the extraction shooter from Bungie—though technically what was available wasn’t a conventional demo, but rather the “Server Slam Test,” also released on consoles during the same period. The test garnered significant attention, peaking at 143,000 concurrent players on the platform, according to data from SteamDB. This strong showing demonstrates considerable anticipation for the full release of Marathon, scheduled for March 5th, and highlights the appeal of the extraction shooter genre.
In second place comes Burglin’ Gnomes, a cooperative game where players control playful gnomes who invade homes to carry out the orders of the Great Gnome. The game allows players to craft equipment and upgrade their base between incursions, making each subsequent mission a little easier. This focus on cooperative gameplay and progression appears to have resonated with players during the Next Fest.
Rounding out the top three, the demo of Windrose captured the community’s interest. It’s a pirate-themed PvE survival adventure. The developers have asked fans for patience, as an approximate launch date is not yet available.
Top 10 Most Played Demos at Steam Next Fest
- Marathon
- Burglin’ Gnomes
- Windrose
- Vampire Crawlers: The Turbo Wildcard from Vampire Survivors
- Far Far West
- Outbound
- Wanderburg
- John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando
- Fate Trigger
- Hozy
Beyond the Top Three
The remaining titles in the top ten demonstrate the diversity of games attracting attention during the festival. Vampire Crawlers: The Turbo Wildcard from Vampire Survivors, a spin-off from the popular Vampire Survivors, secured the fourth spot. Far Far West, Outbound, Wanderburg, John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando, Fate Trigger, and Hozy all followed, showcasing a range of genres and gameplay styles. The success of these demos highlights the value of Steam Next Fest as a platform for indie developers and emerging titles to gain visibility.
The Significance of Server Slam Tests
The prominence of Marathon’s “Server Slam Test” in the rankings is particularly noteworthy. Whereas not a traditional demo, the open preview allowed a large number of players to experience the game firsthand. Bungie offered rewards for participation and viewership during the Server Slam, including tiered gear packages and cosmetic Twitch Drops, incentivizing engagement. Bungie also made the Server Slam accessible without requiring PlayStation Plus or Xbox Game Pass subscriptions, and included it as part of Xbox’s Free Play Days and Steam Next Fest, further expanding its reach.
The success of the Server Slam format suggests a potential trend for developers looking to generate hype and gather feedback before launch. It provides a more immersive and engaging experience than traditional demos, allowing players to experience the game in a live environment. This approach can be particularly effective for multiplayer-focused titles like Marathon, where server stability and player interaction are crucial.
Looking ahead, players can anticipate the full launch of Marathon on March 5th, along with the release of Season 1 content. Developers of the other featured titles will likely leverage the feedback and momentum gained during Steam Next Fest to refine their games and prepare for their respective launches. The event serves as a valuable indicator of upcoming trends and player preferences in the PC gaming landscape.
What games from Steam Next Fest caught your eye? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and be sure to spread the word about these exciting upcoming titles.
