Best Free Game Demos You Can Play Right Now

4 August 2025

Let’s be honest — dropping $60 or more on a game without trying it first can feel like a gamble. Sometimes it pays off, and other times… well, you’re left staring at a title screen wondering why you didn’t just wait for that sale. That’s why game demos are such a gift to us gamers. They let us jump in, get a feel for the gameplay, graphics, and vibe before committing to the full experience. The best part? There are a ton of free game demos you can play right now — no strings attached.

Whether you’re a hardcore gamer or just someone looking for something new to spice up your weekend, you won’t want to miss this list. I’ve spent hours digging through Steam, Epic Games Store, PlayStation, Xbox, and even Nintendo Switch to bring you the cream of the crop. So grab your controller — or mouse and keyboard — and let’s dive into the world of the best free game demos available today.

Why Game Demos Are Still Worth Your Time

You might think, “Are demos still a thing in 2024?” Yep, and they’re better than ever. In fact, a good demo can feel like a mini-game in itself. Developers use demos to showcase their best features, introduce you to their world, and hook you in — kind of like a trailer, but interactive. And for us gamers? It’s the perfect way to test-drive games before we commit.

Game demos let you:
- Try before you buy
- Discover hidden gems
- Avoid wasting time and money
- Experience gameplay without pressure

Alright, now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s look at what you can play right now without spending a dime.

1. 🕹 Resident Evil Village Demo

Platform: Steam, PlayStation, Xbox

Capcom absolutely nailed it with Resident Evil Village, and if you’ve been hesitant to take the plunge, the free demo is your ticket to the horror-filled castle of Lady Dimitrescu. You’ll get a taste of intense atmospherics, suspenseful pacing, and crafting mechanics. The demo’s limited time gave players just enough of a tease before pulling them into the full game.

Whether you’re a die-hard Resident Evil fan or just looking to scare yourself silly, this demo delivers.

➡️ Pro Tip: Play it in the dark with headphones for the full spooky effect.

2. 🎯 Lies of P Demo

Platform: Steam, PlayStation, Xbox

Imagine Pinocchio… but reimagined as a soul-crushing action RPG set in a twisted, dark world. That’s Lies of P in a nutshell. This isn’t your Disney fairy tale — it’s more like if Bloodborne and Pinocchio had a very gothic baby.

The demo hands you a fair chunk of the early game, complete with intense boss fights, cryptic lore, and tight combat. If you’ve been craving Souls-like gameplay with a fresh twist, this is the demo for you.

3. 🔫 RoboCop: Rogue City Demo

Platform: Steam

RoboCop is back, and let me tell you — this is pure nostalgia overloaded with modern flair. The demo lets you step into the shiny metal boots of RoboCop as you clean up the streets of a dystopian Detroit. The gunplay is surprisingly satisfying, the cutscenes are well-crafted, and the dialogue? It’s as cheesy and awesome as the original movies.

If you're a fan of FPS games or just love old-school action, this one's a blast.

4. 🧠 Viewfinder Demo

Platform: Steam, PlayStation

Viewfinder is one of those "wait, how does this even work?" games. It’s a mind-bending puzzle adventure where photos reshape the world around you. Simply take pictures and use them to literally change the geometry of your environment.

The demo is short, sweet, and totally addictive. It's like Portal met Instagram and somehow created a beautiful brain teaser.

5. ⚔️ Octopath Traveler II Prologue Demo

Platform: Nintendo Switch, Steam, PlayStation

If you’re into pixel art and deep JRPG mechanics, Octopath Traveler II’s demo is a must-play. It lets you play the first three hours of the game — and your progress carries over if you decide to get the full version (how awesome is that?).

With eight characters to choose from, each with their own unique story, this demo isn’t just a preview — it’s practically a full-on mini-RPG.

6. 🚗 Forza Motorsport Demo

Platform: Xbox, PC

Time to rev your engines! If you’ve got a soft spot for realistic racers, Forza Motorsport’s demo will put your driving skills to the test. With stunning visuals, slick handling, and a few sweet rides to test, it captures the heart of the full racing experience.

Whether you’re just into cars or looking to dive into competitive sim racing, this freebie is worth your time.

7. 👾 Sea of Stars Demo

Platform: Switch, PlayStation, PC

Sea of Stars is a love letter to the classic RPGs of the '90s. Think Chrono Trigger vibes, pixel art charm, and turn-based combat with a bit more oomph. The demo showcases a vibrant world, catchy music, and surprisingly emotional storytelling.

If you’re nostalgic for the golden age of RPGs, this one will hit you right in the feels.

8. 🐉 Dragon Quest Treasures Demo

Platform: Nintendo Switch

Get ready for treasure hunts, monster buddies, and big open areas to explore. Dragon Quest Treasures surprises with its charming gameplay that’s geared toward both kids and grown-ups. The demo gives you a solid look into capturing monsters, exploring islands, and building your treasure hoard.

Also, it’s super chill. Perfect for winding down after a long day.

9. 🗡️ Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty Demo

Platform: PC, PlayStation, Xbox

This one isn’t for the faint of heart. Wo Long is a brutally satisfying action RPG set in a mythical version of China’s Three Kingdoms era. The gameplay is fast, fluid, and full of parrying, dodging, and slashing. The demo includes an entire level and a boss fight.

If you enjoy precise, skill-based combat like Sekiro or Nioh, you’ll absolutely want to test your mettle here.

10. 👶 Planet of Lana Demo

Platform: Steam

Looking for something a little more artsy and relaxing? Planet of Lana is a gorgeous cinematic platformer with a heartwarming story and beautiful visuals. The demo introduces the lovely companionship between Lana and her adorable animal sidekick, Mui.

Don’t let the peaceful art style fool you — there’s genuine mystery and danger here, and you’re going to want to uncover it all.

11. 🧬 System Shock Remake Demo

Platform: Steam

This remake of the classic 1994 sci-fi horror game puts you right back in the middle of a cybernetic nightmare. The demo throws you aboard Citadel Station to face off against rogue AI and mutated horrors in a revamped, immersive environment.

Even if you’ve never played the original, this game gives serious BioShock vibes. It’s atmospheric, creepy, and super polished.

12. 👨‍🚀 The Invincible Demo

Platform: Steam

Based on the novel by Stanisław Lem, The Invincible is a narrative-driven sci-fi game with deep philosophical themes and retro-futuristic designs. The demo focuses on exploration and storytelling more than action, which makes it perfect for gamers who love slow-burning sci-fi tales.

Think Firewatch — but in space. With robots.

Where to Find Game Demos

If you're wondering where to hunt down these little gaming treasures, here are a few spots to check regularly:

- Steam – Has a dedicated demo section and often features them during seasonal sales or festivals.
- Epic Games Store – Browse individual game pages or events.
- Nintendo eShop – Look for demos right on the store listing.
- Xbox Store – Many titles list a “Free Trial” or “Demo” button.
- PlayStation Store – Use the search bar, or check the demos category.

Final Thoughts: Free Demos Are Making a Comeback

Gone are the days when demos felt like heavily gated trailers. Today’s free game demos are meaty, meaningful, and sometimes downright impressive. Whether you want to slay zombies, solve puzzles, or race the fastest cars around the world, there’s something for everyone — all without spending a single cent.

It’s a great time to be a gamer, and trying out demos is the best way to keep things fresh. So, pick a game off this list, give it a whirl, and who knows? You might just discover your next favorite obsession. And hey, even if it’s not your cup of tea, it didn’t cost you a thing. Win-win.

Happy gaming!