Palworld Tops Counter-Strike with 1.8M Players, Now Steam’s Second Most Played Game After PUBG

Palworld, a game often described as “Pokemon with guns,” has recently achieved a significant milestone in its popularity on Steam. As of January 2024, Palworld surpassed the all-time peak concurrent player record of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS: GO), reaching 1.83 million peak concurrent players. This achievement positions Palworld as the second most played game on Steam in terms of peak concurrent players.

The number one spot is held by PUBG (PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds), which set a record with 3.2 million peak concurrent players in January 2018. PUBG’s record was achieved when it was a paid game, similar to Palworld.

Despite initial skepticism, Palworld has defied expectations, surpassing four million copies sold within three days of its release. The game combines elements reminiscent of both Pokémon and first-person shooters like Counter-Strike. Palworld’s unique gameplay and features have contributed to its rapidly growing popularity, not just on Steam but also on platforms like Twitch.

The game’s unexpected success is a testament to its unique appeal and the evolving tastes of the gaming community. As Palworld continues to attract players, it remains to be seen how it will maintain its popularity and whether it can challenge PUBG’s record​