Image via Innerfire Studios and SOEDESCO
There are sadly few things we can truly try before we buy in life. Thankfully, video game demos are becoming all the more common. These free previews help players get a feel for upcoming or even fully released games before paying full price. Often, demos include a general look at the game’s introduction or early gameplay loop. This lets you truly make sure a game is going to be a good fit before you shell out for the full thing. In the case of unreleased games, it can also help build hype and show off what’s to come.
I’ll admit, I don’t always love a demo. But I do play them pretty often, particularly if there’s a game I’m excited for that has a free demo on offer. After all, it’s a way to sample the wares early and make sure your hype is really justified. Right now, several of the cozy games we’re looking forward to here at Bonus Action have free demos up on Steam and, in some cases, other platforms as well. So if you’re trying to fill your cozy gaming wishlist for the near future, here are 4 exciting cozy game demos to try.
Table of Contents
Monsterest
Release Date: To be announced
Demo Platform(s): PC via Steam
I played an even earlier demo build of Monsterest a year or so ago, and I’ve been eagerly looking forward to this one ever since. Monsterest is a pixel art innkeeping sim with a twist. You’re running an inn for monsters. Think life sim with a side of building and management, with a heavy helping of adorable monsters. The game has amassed over 70K wishlists already, and I am one of them. The free demo on Steam keeps getting updated over time to show off the game in progress, including building, taking care of guests, and more.
Sushi On Wheels
Release Date: Q4 2026
Demo Platform(s): PC via Steam
If there’s one thing I love, it’s a cooking sim. Add a tiny caravan to said cooking sim, and I’m a goner. Sushi On Wheels is an upcoming game where you play as a cat opening their very own sushi truck in Japan. You’ll customize your food truck, travel the map, and of course, serve up sushi to your customers. The free Steam demo just released a few days ago, and it lets you try your hand at sushi making and more. Personally, I’m planning to sink some time into this one ASAP.
Graveyard Keeper 2
Release Date: September 22nd
Demo Platform(s): PC via Steam, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch
This is the highly anticipated sequel to Graveyard Keeper, a management sim with a spooky twist. Though the whole “running a graveyard” and tower defense elements might take the cozy out of it for some, we still think it qualifies. After all, it’s a sandbox life sim with farming elements, even if it’s also got some zombies in the mix. This one comes out very soon, but you can still check out the free demo on Steam, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch to see if it’s a fit for you.
Farming Camp
Release Date: September 24th
Demo Platform(s): PC via Steam, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch
As its name suggests, this upcoming game puts a twist on the farming sim element. You’re at summer camp, with the goal of being the very best farmer this summer. It’s got a bit of a visual novel feel, with plenty of farming and mini-games as you navigate the story. It’s set to release later this week for PC and consoles, and your free demo progress carries over. So basically, this is both a free trial and a chance to start your Farming Camp journey early.
Looking for more cozy gaming roundups? Check out our list of upcoming cozy game releases for fall 2026!
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