Lawn Mowing Simulator 2 demo vs full game
The Steam demo (app 4787720) is temporarily down as of 25 Sep 2026 while Skyhook investigates a save-data issue. When listed, it covers the core mowing loop and leaf blower; the full game ($29.99 US) adds the USA career, 11 locations and the explorable HQ.
The short version
The demo is a free, self-contained slice of the mowing loop — including the new leaf blower. The full game is a business sim wrapped around that loop: career mode, an explorable HQ, 11 USA locations and the complete equipment line-up.
| Free demo | Full game | |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | Temporarily delisted 25 Sep 2026 (save-data investigation) | Out now |
| Price | Free when listed | $29.99 US / 24,99€ / £21.99 (no launch discount, 27 Sep 2026) |
| Core mowing gameplay | Yes | Yes |
| Leaf blower (new tool) | Yes — headline demo feature | Yes |
| String trimmers & rake | Subset | Full tool set |
| Career / business management | No | Yes — overhauled career with a 3D HQ |
| Locations | Demo slice | 11 USA locations, suburban to municipal |
| Licensed Kubota / STIGA / SCAG line-up | Partial | Complete launch line-up |
| Character customisation | Basic | Enhanced (store-listed feature) |
| Progress carry-over | Not announced | — |
Where the demo came from
The demo launched June 15, 2026 as part of Steam Next Fest — the first time the leaf-blowing gameplay was playable anywhere (you blow thousands of leaves into a tarp to leave the plot spotless). It was patched through Update 3 before launch.
Patch 1 (25 Sep 2026) says Skyhook took the demo down temporarily while they investigate a save-data issue that may be linked to it, and the 28 Sep update names the actual breakage: demo-linked save files could pre-purchase equipment or black-screen your progress. That fix shipped as Patch 2 on 29 Sep. The store page no longer offers a Download Demo button. Treat it as unavailable until they put it back.
Does demo progress carry over?
Not announced. Nothing on the store page or in the discussions confirms carry-over, and demos in this genre rarely transfer progression anyway. Play the demo to learn the controls, not to get a head start.
Should you wait for reviews?
The demo is not currently downloadable, so it is not a free test of the loop right now. Launch-week Steam reviews were Mixed; as of 7 Oct 2026 the store summary is still Mixed (68 of 156 reviews positive, 44%). That's a snapshot, not a verdict. Skyhook has shipped Patch 2 and the 30 Sep all-platform patch (FAQ). The things the demo couldn't tell you (career pacing, economy balance, contract variety across 11 locations) only exist in the release build.
