Tactical Roguelike Auto-Battler Xenopurge Hits Steam Next Fest

Get ready to deploy, because publisher Firesquid and developer Traptics have officially launched the Xenopurge demo ahead of Steam Next Fest—and it’s not pulling any punches. If you’ve ever wanted to lead a squad of space-grunt badasses into a grim sci-fi hellscape filled with overwhelming odds and zero guarantees, your time has come.

In Xenopurge, you’re the operations officer for M.A.C.E. (Mercer’s Advanced Combat Enterprises), watching everything unfold from the relative safety of a command ship orbiting the action. Your squad? Not so lucky. These autonomous soldiers are boots-on-the-ground and will search, shoot, and survive on their own unless you override them with direct commands. Think XCOM meets FTL with a splash of Aliens and a lot more permadeath.

This new Steam Next Fest demo gives you control of the Sentinel Strike Unit, a well-rounded squad built for flexible engagement. You’ll issue commands through a keyboard-first interface that feels delightfully retro—mechanical keyboard warriors, rejoice—and micromanage missions like Search & Destroy, Intel Hunts, VIP Rescues, and more across a condensed seven-mission campaign that includes a boss fight. Expect to get stomped at least once. Probably more.

Demo Features:

• One Playable Squad: Sentinel Strike Unit — balanced and deadly

• Up to Four Squad Members: Each with distinct combat styles

• Mission Variety: VIP rescue, Search & Destroy, Intel Hunt, Asset Recovery

• Seven-Stage Mini-Campaign: Complete with a brutal boss showdown

• Weapons & Gear: Equip your squad with ranged and melee tools of destruction

• Combat Logic Routines: Customize each soldier’s behavior with 10 AI presets

• Gritty Presentation: Fully voice-acted with a dark sci-fi aesthetic

• Tactical UI: Optimized for keyboard control (but mouse works too, if you must)

If you’re into punishing roguelikes, deep tactics, and sci-fi squad-based mayhem, Xenopurge is worth locking onto your radar. The full game doesn’t have a release date just yet, but this demo is live now through Steam Next Fest and beyond.

Lock and load—this galaxy won’t purge itself.

Pro Tip: Use headphones for the full motion tracker anxiety effect.