how to find playtest games on steam

3 min read 07-02-2025

Finding hidden gems and participating in the development process is exciting. Steam offers a fantastic opportunity to do just that through its playtesting programs. But navigating the platform to find these playtest games can be tricky. This guide will show you how to locate and join Steam playtests, giving you a sneak peek at upcoming titles.

Understanding Steam Playtests

Steam playtests offer a chance to experience games in their early stages of development. Developers use this opportunity to gather feedback, identify bugs, and refine gameplay before the official release. Participating in a playtest means you'll be playing an unfinished game, likely with bugs and incomplete features. However, you get to shape the final product and be among the first to experience it.

What to Expect in a Playtest

Unfinished Gameplay: Expect bugs, glitches, and incomplete features. This is part of the process.
Limited Content: Playtests usually offer a smaller portion of the full game.
Feedback Opportunities: Developers actively seek player feedback through surveys, forums, or in-game tools.
No Guarantee of Completion: Some playtests may conclude without a full game release.
Potential for Change: What you playtest may significantly differ from the final release.

How to Find Steam Playtests

There's no single dedicated "Playtests" section on Steam. Finding them requires a little digging. Here are the most effective methods:

1. Following Developers and Publishers

Many developers announce playtests on their social media (Twitter, Facebook, Discord). Following developers you're interested in is a great way to learn about upcoming playtests.

Subscribe to Newsletters: Many studios offer email newsletters highlighting upcoming news, including playtest opportunities.
Join Discord Servers: Many game developers have dedicated Discord servers where they announce playtests and engage with the community.

2. Utilizing Steam's Search Function

While not perfect, using relevant keywords in Steam's search bar can help you find playtests. Try searching for:

"Playtest": This is the most straightforward approach.
"Early Access": Many playtests are released under Early Access.
"Demo": Some developers offer demos which sometimes serve as playtests.
Specific Genres: Combine "playtest" or "early access" with specific game genres you enjoy (e.g., "RPG playtest," "strategy early access").

3. Browsing Steam's "Coming Soon" and "Early Access" Sections

The "Coming Soon" section showcases games nearing release. Some of these might have playtests available. Similarly, the "Early Access" section often contains games still in development, some of which are actively seeking playtesters. Regularly checking these sections is beneficial.

4. Leveraging Steam Curator Groups

Steam Curator groups are communities dedicated to specific game genres or styles. Many curators focus on early access titles and playtests, providing recommendations and news.

5. Utilizing Third-Party Websites and Forums

Websites and forums dedicated to gaming news often announce upcoming playtests. Regularly checking these resources can help you discover opportunities.

Participating in a Steam Playtest

Once you've found a playtest you'd like to join, the process is usually straightforward. You'll typically need a Steam account. The developer will provide instructions on how to sign up. This often involves:

Requesting Access: Some playtests require you to request access through a form on the game's store page.
Key Redemption: In other cases, you'll receive a unique key to activate the playtest version.
Joining a Beta: Sometimes a playtest is integrated as a beta branch of the game.

Tips for Successful Playtesting

Be Patient: Playtests are typically unstable. Expect bugs and crashes.
Provide Constructive Feedback: Your input is valuable to developers.
Respect the NDA (if applicable): Some playtests have Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs). Follow the rules.
Back Up Your Saves Regularly: Game saves might be lost during updates.

By following these tips and strategies, you can significantly increase your chances of finding and enjoying engaging Steam playtests. Remember, it's a great way to experience games in their infancy and help shape their future. Happy playtesting!