The graveyard shift at a rural 90s gas station is already a vibe, but in Shift at Midnight, it’s a death sentence if you aren’t paying attention. Developed by Bun Muen and published by Kwalee, this co-op detective horror title has just dropped an expanded demo for Steam Next Fest (February 2026), and it is packed with more than just stale coffee and lottery tickets.

Whether you’re a returning “employee” or a fresh recruit, the updated demo introduces significant systems that transform the game from a simple “spot the monster” simulator into a deep, tense management-horror hybrid.

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What’s New on the Menu?

The update isn’t just a polish; it’s a full-scale expansion of your “job responsibilities.” Here are the biggest shifts in gameplay:

• Expanded Jurisdiction: You are no longer tethered to the cash register. You’re now required to head out to the pumps to fill gas tanks and search vehicles. But be careful—the driver might be watching you as closely as you’re watching them.
• The “Vitals” System: Management has finally implemented a Health System. If you make a mistake and let a doppelganger slip through, you’ll need to keep that red bar full to survive the ensuing chaos.
• Inventory & Shop: You finally have pockets! A new Inventory System allows you to carry tools and items, while a randomised in-game shop at your computer terminal lets you buy upgrades to survive the later hours.
• The Infestation: Reaching Night 3 now introduces a new hurdle: rats. While they might seem like a standard sanitation issue, they’re a sign that the store’s atmosphere is decaying alongside your sanity.
• Save File Support: You no longer have to restart your entire shift from scratch. The new “Shift Memory” system lets you save your progress as you survive the night.

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Detective Work 101: Don’t Let Them Leave

The core loop remains as addictive and stressful as ever. You and up to two friends must interrogate customers using a maximum of five questions. You’ll cross-reference their IDs with the computer database and look for “un-human” behaviours.

Pro-Tip: If you suspect a customer is a doppelganger, you are authorized to “execute on-site.” Just make sure you’re right, and for heaven’s sake, clean up the blood before the next customer pulls up.

If a creature manages to leave the store, the game shifts from a detective sim to a survival horror nightmare. You’ll need to barricade doors, set traps, and hide in the shadows until the sun comes up.

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Customization and Community

To keep morale high (or at least pretend to), the update adds hats and store decorations. You can now customise your character and the gas station to your liking. Additionally, the game now features full localisation in 10 languages and support for Ultrawide monitors, making those creepy 90s aesthetics even more immersive.

How to Play

The expanded demo is available now on Steam for the duration of Next Fest. With the full game slated for a Q2 2026 release, this is the perfect time to grab a few friends, hop on proximity chat, and see if you have what it takes to survive until dawn.

Find out more here on Steam – https://shorturl.at/LIZOx

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