If you like your Metroidvanias hand-animated, story-driven, and dripping in high fantasy vibes, you might want to clear some hard drive space. Fallen Tear: The Ascension has just dropped a brand-new demo on PC via Steam, giving players an early taste ahead of Steam Next Fest.
Developed by Winter Crew and published by CMD Studios, this new demo arrives right on time for Steam Next Fest, which runs from Monday, February 23 through Monday, March 2, 2026.
A Fresh Slice of Raoah to Explore
As per the press release, the new demo drops players into a never-before-seen area of Raoah. You’ll be slashing, dodging, and parrying your way through danger as Hira, while getting a feel for the game’s slick combat and fluid movement.
Along the way, you’ll meet new NPCs and start forging bonds with additional allies. These aren’t just for story flavour either. Through the ally assist-focused Fated Bonds system, your companions lend their abilities to both combat and traversal, opening up new ways to explore and fight.
High Fantasy, Shifting Worlds, and Big Gods
Fallen Tear: The Ascension is set in the high fantasy land of Raoah, a world where everyday life carries on beneath the looming presence of god-like beings. Expect a journey through lush forests, arid deserts, and lively villages, all brought to life with hand-animated detail.
Hira himself is a plucky monster hunter with a mysterious past, one that places him directly in the path of towering gods. As he moves through the world, Raoah’s expansive map reacts to his actions, shifting and transforming over time.
Tougher Bosses and a New Challenge Mode
The demo also highlights updates to the Temple of Oras, an evolving hub where players can catch their breath between expeditions. Boss encounters have been reworked too, with improved behaviour and attack patterns designed to keep you on your toes.
For those looking to prove their skills, there’s also a new boss challenge mode. It’s very much a “show us what you’ve got” addition, and a nice tease of what the full game plans to throw at players.
Available Now on Steam
The Steam Next Fest demo for Fallen Tear: The Ascension is available right now on PC via Steam. If this one’s already on your radar, it’s well worth a download ahead of the festival.
And yes, if you’re curating a “Best of Steam Next Fest” list, this might be one to keep an eye on.