Mina The Hollower to Shinobi: Best free game demos you can play right now
With subscription services like Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus offering a vast library of games, it's easy to forget about the bitesize demos available on stores for upcoming titles.
While they perhaps aren't quite as common as they used to be, demos are the perfect way to see whether a game is worth your cash and attention – especially if you're on the fence about a particular title or genre.
It might be the relatively dry summer slate, or some good fortune in the air, but there have been an abundance of great demos released over the past month. So, if you're in the market to try something new, here's some of the best free tasters up for grabs.
The studio behind Shovel Knight returns with another retro-inspired throwback, albeit this time a love letter to the Game Boy Colour era. Mina The Hollower was already one of 2025's most anticipated titles, but this demo will show you why. Aside from the sumptuous visuals, the standout is the movement itself – with Mina possessing a very satisfying dig mechanic to bury under walls and catapult to far away platforms.
Unlike its clear Zelda inspirations, the combat is surprisingly tough too. If you're interested, the demo is available now on Nintendo Switch but only until August 21, 2025. The full game launches across PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC as well on October 31.
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This role-player from Square Enix might look reminiscent of Octopath Traveler, Bravely Default, and Live A Live with its HD-2D style, but gameplay wise it has a stronger action focus with real-time battles. As such, it's perhaps the most accessible of all – that is, if you can stomach location names like 'Philabieldia' and 'Kingdom Of Huther'.
While save data from the demo will not carry over to the final version, it's nevertheless worth checking out if you've been put off by the turn-based nature of the aforementioned titles. The Adventures Of Elliot is slated to launch in 2026 on Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S and PC. However, the demo is only available on Nintendo Switch 2.
Ahead of its launch in September, this sci-fi action adventure takes cues from Zelda with its emphasis on unguided exploration. We played it earlier this year, and while we weren't sold on every aspect, it's still a fascinating and ambitious title which could click with those who have a particular affinity with Bloodborne or The Elder Scrolls.
The limited-time demo is available across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC until August 28, ahead of the game's full launch on September 4, 2025.
The return of Ninja Gaiden and Shinobi in the same year may have been an odd coincidence, but based on their quality so far, it's even more surprising how well they're both shaping up. This Shinobi reboot is from the creators behind Streets Of Rage 4, another successful rejuvenation of an old IP.
Based on the demo, this might be even better. It's slick, flashy, and unlike Ninja Gaiden Ragebound, the levels have elements of Metroidvania-style exploration. The demo is available across PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, ahead of its launch on August 29, 2025.
If you have some spare time, why not try a mech tactical role-player series which began in 1991? Super Robot Wars has accrued a hardcore fan base over the years for its amalgamation of mechs from different anime shows, and it might just find a new audience with this next entry. More Trending
The demo, which spans the entirety of the first chapter, is available across Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5, ahead of the game's launch on August 28, 2025. Your progress can also be carried over to the final game.
An open beta might not technically qualify as a demo in the traditional sense, but few betas have been as popular as Battlefield 6. If you missed out on last weekend's debut, you can try the second beta across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC from Thursday, August 14 at 9am BST to Sunday, August 18 at 9am BST.
The second beta will include all the same maps and modes as before, with some new additions. These include one new map called Empire State, and two new modes in Rush (a staple of the series) and Squad Deathmatch.
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