In a remarkable turn of events, Megabonk has emerged as a standout title in the gaming landscape of 2025, captivating players and critics alike. This indie gem takes the foundational mechanics of Vampire Survivors and elevates them into a vibrant 3D experience, marked by its addictive gameplay loop, overwhelming hordes of enemies, and a quirky cast of characters. Despite the stiff competition, including the recent 1.0 launch of the highly anticipated Hades 2, Megabonk has claimed its position as Steam’s leading roguelike and one of the platform’s most-played games overall.
Gameplay Dynamics
For those yet to experience Megabonk, it’s likely that you’ve caught glimpses of it through popular streamers on platforms like Twitch, where it has quickly become a fan favorite. If you find yourself puzzled by how this seemingly rustic game is outpacing a critically acclaimed title like Hades 2, here’s a closer look at what makes Megabonk tick.
In Megabonk, players select from a diverse roster of 20 unlockable characters, each equipped with unique weapons and passive abilities. The gameplay unfolds on expansive, procedurally generated maps where players hunt for chests that yield valuable upgrades. True to the bullet hell genre, weapons fire automatically at relentless waves of enemies, allowing players to focus on strategic movement, upgrade choices, and locating gates that summon formidable bosses—all in pursuit of the ultimate run.
Developed by a solo creator, Megabonk launched to positive reviews just a few weeks ago, but its popularity has surged dramatically in recent days. Over the weekend, the game achieved a peak concurrent player count of 117,000 on Steam, surpassing Hades 2’s record of 112,000 and significantly eclipsing Vampire Survivors’ peak of 77,000. While it’s important to note that both Hades 2 and Vampire Survivors are available on multiple platforms, Megabonk’s exclusive presence on Steam highlights its impressive traction on Valve’s marketplace.
Regularly appearing in the top ten most played games on Steam, Megabonk currently stands above Hades 2 and other heavyweights such as Path of Exile 2, Warframe, and Dead by Daylight. Its blend of engaging gameplay, surreal humor, and an appealing price point of just .99 / £8.50 contributes to its growing fanbase. However, this rapid rise to fame is not without its challenges; developer ‘veninad’ recently announced plans to address leaderboard issues caused by cheating, showcasing their commitment to maintaining a fair gaming environment.
As Megabonk continues to carve out its niche in the indie game scene, it undoubtedly deserves a spot in the collection of breakout titles for 2025. For those already immersed in the game, a Megabonk tier list is available to help navigate the best weapons and items to enhance your gameplay experience.
So, whether you’re already captivated by Megabonk or find yourself drawn to other gaming pursuits, the conversation is alive and well in the PCGamesN Discord server, where players can share their experiences and strategies.
