Why Demon Tides Is Trending
Demon Tides launched February 19, 2026 to immediate buzz from the 3D platformer community. Developed by Fabraz — the team behind the beloved Slime-San — the game represents the studio's boldest project yet: a fully open ocean world where expressive movement and gear upgrades combine for a platform-adventure unlike anything else in the genre this year.
Community discussions around "is Demon Tides like A Hat in Time?" and "Demon Tides vs other 3D platformers 2026" took off in February, putting the game on the radar of platformer fans hunting for their next obsession. Its anime-influenced art style and ambitious open-world scope also earned early love from content creators.
Key Stats
Trending in the Steam 3D Platformer category with 371 concurrent players and +188/wk followers gained this week.
Should You Play Demon Tides?
If you've been asking "should I play Demon Tides?" — the answer is a strong yes for fans of expressive 3D platformers. Fabraz takes their proven 2D platforming expertise and launches it into three dimensions with impressive confidence. The open ocean setting is genuinely refreshing: instead of the usual grassy kingdoms or neon cities, you're racing across vast waters, hopping between island locales, and uncovering a richly layered story about a kingdom's dark secrets.
Movement is the star. Your move-set isn't fixed — you upgrade gear and unlock new traversal options as you progress, meaning the way you navigate the world evolves meaningfully throughout the game. The anime-influenced visual style is vibrant and expressive, giving the game a distinct personality that sets it apart from other indie platformers of 2026.
If you bounced off more linear 3D platformers or wanted something with the scope of an open-world adventure combined with the tight movement design of a dedicated platformer, Demon Tides sits in that exact sweet spot.
Pros & Considerations
✅ Reasons to Play
- Expressive, customisable movement system that evolves meaningfully as you progress
- Unique open ocean setting with dozens of diverse island locales to explore
- Vibrant anime art style and a studio with a proven track record (Slime-San)
❌ Things to Consider
- Open-world structure may feel overwhelming for players wanting linear guidance
- Niche genre — 3D platformers have a dedicated but smaller audience than action RPGs
- Price TBD at launch — check Steam page for current pricing
What the Community Is Saying
you can just turn into a little guy. at any time. there's a little guy button. you can press it whenever you want. it turns you into a little guy.
Demon Tides is an absolute dream for players who crave deep movement systems, customization, and unabashed freedom. I liked Fabraz's previous game Demon Turf, but I LOVED this game. Certain staples like the placeable checkpoints, spin, and Mario 64 like base movement kit return,…
I don't think I'd ever see a platformer with Wind Waker traversal but here we are. On its way to matching the personality of Hat in Time. There's a paralyzing amount of choice in the movesets that will intimidate most who are not used to platformers but once you put in around 30…
Game is awesome. Everything about this sequel is just better than the first game. Just one thing to keep in mind is that, If you ever do Mints challenge room, you will lose your golden gear parts youve collected thus far and all your checkpoints on the current level/island will…
I want to preface by stating I have received preview access to Demon Tides. I have been playing the game for the past week, and let me tell you - it is a BLAST! The vibrant world, the fluidity of its 3D platforming, the addictive nature of finding and exploring new islands… it…
Demon Tides is very flawed in too many ways for me to really recommend the game. The way the characters are feel way too off and the humor isn't very funny and makes me want to skip every cutscene. Getting around in a very large empty world isn't very fun. The platforming is…
Should You Play Demon Tides?
Demon Tides holds overwhelmingly positive reviews on Steam with a 97% positive rating, one of the most celebrated games in its genre on Steam. It attracts 371 players at its recent 24-hour peak, showing strong player retention for a 3D Platformer title. The combination of strong developer support and passionate community has kept it highly rated over time.
Demon Tides is mid-range priced at $19.99 on Steam, developed by Fabraz. Platformer fans who enjoy precise movement, creative level design, and rewarding challenges will appreciate what Demon Tides brings to the genre. It captures the classic feel of the best platformers.
Should You Play Demon Tides?
Demon Tides holds overwhelmingly positive reviews on Steam with a 97% positive rating, one of the most celebrated games in its genre on Steam. It attracts 371 players at its recent 24-hour peak, showing strong player retention for a game title. The combination of strong developer support and passionate community has kept it highly rated over time.
Demon Tides is mid-range priced at $19.99 on Steam, developed by Fabraz. Players who enjoy the game genre and want something currently trending on Steam will find Demon Tides worth checking out.
Is Demon Tides Worth Playing in 2026?
Is Demon Tides worth playing in 2026?
Absolutely — Demon Tides is a standout 3D platformer that delivers expressive, skill-based movement across stunning open ocean environments. Fabraz, the team behind Slime-San, has crafted one of the freshest platformers of 2026. If you love games like A Hat in Time or Pseudoregalia, this is essential.
Who made Demon Tides?
Demon Tides is developed and published by Fabraz, the indie studio known for Slime-San and Planet of Lana. The team has a strong track record for creative, polished indie games with expressive movement systems.
What kind of game is Demon Tides?
Demon Tides is an open-world 3D platformer set across open oceans and diverse island locales. Players race, explore, upgrade their gear, and modify their movement abilities across dozens of environments while uncovering a kingdom's dark secrets.
How does Demon Tides compare to other 3D platformers?
Demon Tides distinguishes itself through its maritime open-world setting and deeply customisable movement set. Unlike linear 3D platformers, the ocean exploration grants true freedom, while the gear upgrade system lets players tailor their playstyle significantly.
Is it free to play?
No, Demon Tides costs $19.99 on Steam. It is not a free-to-play game, though Steam sales occasionally offer discounts.
How many people play Demon Tides?
Demon Tides has reached 371 players at its 24-hour peak. Player counts vary with updates and sales — check SteamDB for live data.