Steam Drops Free Demo For Highly Anticipated Puzzle Adventure
Puzzle fans now have a new reason to visit Steam. A free demo for Order of the Sinking Star, the upcoming puzzle adventure from acclaimed indie developer Jonathan Blow, is available now as part of Steam Next Fest. Known for creating puzzle classics such as Braid and The Witness, Blow is preparing to launch his next major project in 2026. While the full game still lacks a release date, players can already get an early look at what the experience has to offer.
Order Of The Sinking Star Offers Hundreds Of Complex Puzzles
The upcoming title promises more than 1,000 handcrafted puzzles spread across multiple interconnected worlds. According to the developers, players will explore a mysterious realm filled with magical environments, unusual machinery, and dangerous creatures.
Throughout the adventure, players travel between four distinct worlds, each introducing its own mechanics, characters, and puzzle systems. As the story progresses, these worlds begin to merge, creating increasingly complex puzzle combinations and unexpected gameplay scenarios. Rather than relying on a single mechanic, the game constantly introduces new ideas. Consequently, players must adapt and learn as different systems interact with one another.
Steam Demo Gives Players An Early Taste
The newly released demo provides what developers describe as a meaningful glimpse into the full experience. Players can explore several puzzle types while learning how the game’s mechanics evolve over time. Many puzzles take place on themed grids where players manipulate objects, overcome obstacles, and uncover hidden solutions. In addition, the game encourages experimentation, rewarding players who carefully observe how different systems connect.
Players will also encounter several playable characters, including a queen, a thief, a wizard, and even a talking boat. Each character contributes to the larger narrative and helps reveal the secrets behind the mysterious Order of the Sinking Star. As players progress, they collect notes and clues that gradually uncover the lore of the world. Therefore, exploration and storytelling play an important role alongside puzzle-solving.
Early Steam Reviews Are Extremely Positive
The demo has already received strong praise from players. At the time of writing, it holds a Very Positive rating on Steam with an impressive 92% approval score. Many players have highlighted the game’s creativity and puzzle design. Some reviewers have even compared the experience favorably to Braid and The Witness, two titles widely regarded as some of the best puzzle games ever made.
One player described every puzzle as a unique surprise, while another stated that the game appears worthy of the decade-long wait since Jonathan Blow’s previous projects. The demo remains available until June 22 as part of Steam Next Fest. Therefore, puzzle enthusiasts interested in trying the game should act quickly before the preview period ends.
Although the demo currently includes some computer-generated narration, the developers have confirmed that the final release will feature fully human-recorded voice acting. With a strong early reception and the pedigree of one of the industry’s most respected puzzle designers behind it, Order of the Sinking Star is already shaping up to be one of 2026’s most anticipated puzzle releases.
