Steam, the leading digital game distributor for PC gamers, has shattered its concurrent user record once again, reaching an unprecedented peak of 40,270,997 players over the weekend. This milestone was achieved during the launch of Monster Hunter Wilds on February 28, 2025, surpassing the previous record of 39.9 million set just a month earlier.
Steam's concurrent user records have been consistently broken nearly every month since May 2024, showcasing a remarkable growth from 35.5 million to 40.2 million users in just over six months. This surge in user numbers is tracked by SteamDB, which many consider a key indicator of the success of Valve's platform.
While the total concurrent users include those with Steam running in the background, the number of active players in games has also reached a new high, increasing from 12.5 million to 12.8 million.
The release of Monster Hunter Wilds played a significant role in this record-breaking event, with the game itself peaking at 1.38 million concurrent players within 24 hours. However, other popular titles like Counter-Strike 2, PUBG, Dota 2, and Marvel Rivals also contributed significantly, with 24-hour peaks of 1.7 million, 819,541, 657,780, and 268,283 users, respectively.
Despite its popularity, Monster Hunter Wilds has received a 'mixed' user review rating on Steam, prompting Capcom to address PC performance issues through official guidance. Additionally, Capcom has teased the upcoming Title Update 1 for Monster Hunter Wilds, which will introduce an endgame social hub.
For those embarking on their Monster Hunter Wilds journey, resources are available to enhance your experience. Check out what the game doesn't explicitly tell you, a comprehensive guide to all 14 weapon types, an ongoing walkthrough, and a multiplayer guide to play with friends. If you participated in the open betas, learn how to transfer your beta character to the full game.
IGN's review of Monster Hunter Wilds awarded it an 8/10, praising the game for refining the series' mechanics and delivering enjoyable combat, though noting a lack of significant challenge.
