Some of the coolest demos for new upcoming RPGs and Strategy Games You Should Try
The steady release of new playable demos might soon turn these pages into a weekly feature. Just last week, I introduced six new titles with available test builds, and this week, there are even more. While this surge is partly due to the upcoming February Steam Next Fest, it also reflects a growing trend among developers to let players try their games early, gathering feedback that helps shape the final product.
With that in mind, here are ten new RPGs, Strategy and Roguelite games that have recently launched a playable demo—games that, in my opinion, are well worth checking out. At the very least, I know I will.
Solasta 2
- Developer: Tactical Adventures
- Release date: TBA
I couldn’t start this article any other way than by highlighting the exciting arrival of a demo for one of the most anticipated isometric RPGs. Of course, I’m talking about Solasta 2, the sequel to the RPG that made verticality a core gameplay element—and it’s back in full force in this new entry. The demo dropped just a few hours ago, giving players access to a pre-made party of four characters to test out the brand-new and improved UI, the enhanced dialogue system with meaningful choices that impact the story, and the refined combat mechanics.
If you’re a fan of this kind of RPG, you shouldn’t even be reading this—just go download the demo now!
Shadowveil: Legend of The Five Rings
- Developer: Palindrome Interactive
- Release date: March 4, 2025
The developers sent me a key for Shadowveil: Legend of the Five Rings, but unfortunately, I haven’t had the chance to try this intriguing mix of board game, roguelite, and auto-battler yet. The setting is truly fascinating, immersing you in a world of samurai blended with dragons, gods, and other fantastical creatures.
Roguelite-style progression, a combat system where you strategically place your pieces and watch the battle unfold, and a beautifully inspired art style—these are the key features of Shadowveil. The game debuted just a few days ago with a playable demo, and it’s set to launch in early March on PC via Steam.
He is Coming
- Developer: Chronocle
- Release date: 2025
The next one is actually at the top of my personal list for the weekend. It’s called He is Coming, an RPG where a resurrected Demon King’s minions appear every three days, forcing you to adapt your equipment and strategy on the fly to survive. You’ll explore the realm by day to discover and craft items—such as armor, magical weapons, and trinkets—while fending off nightly threats.
Each monstrous boss has unique strengths and weaknesses that challenge you to weigh short-term survival against long-term preparedness, choosing gear that might excel now but leave you exposed later.
Maybe it’s the minimalist retro style, but He is Coming has me completely hooked. It’s expected to launch sometime in 2025, but in the meantime, the demo absolutely deserves your attention.
Promise Mascot Agency
- Developer: Kaizen Game Works Limited
- Release date: 2025
I’m not entirely sure what Promise Mascot Agency really is. What I do know is that it’s developed by a team of industry veterans who have worked on some major titles in the past. It looks like a wild and unexpected mix of action, simulation, and some kind of turn-based combat system—or something along those lines.
An open game world and mascots that are actually powerful beings aiding the player in the fight against evil—it sounds generic on paper, but honestly, I have no idea what to expect from Promise Mascot Agency. And that just makes me even more curious to try it. The full release is expected sometime in 2025.
Chains of Freedom
- Developer: Nordcurrent
- Release date: 2025
We announced it not too long ago, and Chains of Freedom is already ready to be explored, thanks to its demo now available on the Valve store. Its post-apocalyptic Eastern European setting strongly resembles Mutant Year Zero—and to be honest, so does its tactical combat system.
We’re already working on a preview that will drop on the YouTube channel this Sunday. In any case, I think Chains of Freedom is definitely a game worth checking out as soon as possible.
Death Ring: Second Impact
- Developer: Rouge Mecha
- Release date: Q2 2025
Is there anything cooler than giant mechs wielding massive swords, ready to slice enemies to pieces? For me, it’s absolutely awesome. Death Ring: Second Impact puts you in control of one of these stylish war machines, facing off against monstrous creatures in tactical battles. The challenge? Carefully planning your moves to minimize damage to buildings and civilians while taking down your foes.
A robust mecha build system allowing you to mix and match various components for unique, powerful loadouts. For sure a demo to try, while the release of the game is planned for Q2 2025.
Monster Train 2
- Developer: Shiny Shoe
- Release date: TBA
There’s no doubt that Monster Train is one of the most beloved deck-building games of all time. Playing as the forces of hell, you had to defend your train on its journey to the underworld, protecting The Burning Pyre at all costs.
A unique combat system featuring multiple vertical levels to defend returns in this sequel, which seems to build on the same mechanics while introducing new card types. If you loved the first game, you’re almost obligated to give this one a shot. There’s no exact release date for the full build yet, but it’s definitely one to keep an eye on.
Chaos Front
- Developer: Han Zhiyu
- Release date: July 2025
Chaos Front Demo provides a snapshot of the latest turn-based space mecha title in the Chaos Galaxy series, blending inspirations from Super Robot Wars, Romance of the Three Kingdoms, and Advance Wars. In this limited prologue, you’ll assemble a mercenary corps, recruit pilots and captains, buy mechas and spaceships, and navigate the war-torn Centersea Sector.
Whether joining the Committee Army or aligning with revolutionary forces, your tactical choices—like using stealth, deploying space mines, or unleashing artillery—can reshape battle outcomes and guide the fate of entire planets. The larger story sees three great powers vying for control in the aftermath of a fallen empire, driving economic exploitation and sparking rebellions across the galaxy. The full game is expected in July 2025.
Alder Forge 2
- Developer: Zine FALOUTI
- Release date: TBA
For JRPG fans, there’s a new entry in a series that may have flown under the radar for some. Alder Forge, clearly inspired by the Persona series, returns with its second chapter which expands on the story and systems of its predecessor, introducing a party of eight characters—some familiar, some new—to face looming conflict in a post-Cataclysm world.
Set two years after the Orvysian invasion, you’ll command the Fourth Squadron plus additional allies, leveraging dynamic combat boosts, skill fusion, and a refined crafting system. There are no details yet on a potential release date, but it will be launching in Early Access. So, the best thing you can do for now is dive into the demo and see what it has to offer.
Deck of Haunts
- Developer: Mantis
- Release date: TBA
And let’s wrap up this list of playable demos with another title that has me seriously intrigued. It’s called Deck of Haunts and is a roguelite deckbuilding strategy game where you personify a malevolent Haunted House bent on ensnaring brave (or foolhardy) visitors.
By day, you’ll methodically expand and customize your mansion’s layout with traps, ominous rooms, and hidden corridors, protecting the Heart room–the source of your dark power. By night, you’ll lure unsuspecting humans inside, unleashing a deck of ghoulish cards to sow fear and madness, from shifting walls to blood-curdling screams.
As their sanity eroes, you’ll harvest their essence to grow your influence, unlocking more powerful cards, rooms, and targets, inclusing priests and law enforcement prepared to test your terrifying domain. In the past few hours, the demo has been updated with new content and technical improvements. There’s still no word on a release date, so go ahead and try the demo for yourself!
These are my recommendations, and now I’m looking forward to yours! You can send them to me on Twitter, Blue Sky, and our brand-new Reddit community—not to mention our Discord server. Wish you the best. Ciao
