Slay the Spire has once again captured the attention of gamers, achieving a remarkable milestone in its nearly seven-year journey. The acclaimed deckbuilding game recently reached an all-time high for concurrent players on Steam, as reported by SteamDB. This surge is particularly noteworthy, as it eclipsed its previous peak from early access in 2018, which stood at just over 33,000 players. This holiday season, the player count soared past 57,000, settling now at around 35,000—still a significant improvement over its former record.
Factors Behind the Surge
Several factors likely contributed to this resurgence in popularity. Notably, the 2025 winter sale offered Slay the Spire at an unprecedented low price of .49. While SteamDB only tracks sales history for the past two years, this price point is remarkable, making it an irresistible purchase for many gamers eager to maximize their holiday spending.
Additionally, anticipation for Slay the Spire 2 has heightened interest in the original game. Having been recognized as the “most wanted” title at this year’s PC Gaming Show, it’s only natural that both new players and returning fans would want to immerse themselves in the original experience as they await the sequel. Furthermore, the popularity of the Slay the Spire board game, which boasts an impressive user rating of 8.7/10 on BoardGameGeek, may have introduced new enthusiasts to the digital version.
At its core, Slay the Spire remains a timeless classic, praised for its innovative gameplay. As noted by PC Gamer’s Evan Lahti, the game is a “genre-bending achievement” that allows players to explore “absolutely broken combos.” This enduring appeal ensures that it continues to resonate with players, old and new alike, as they prepare for the next chapter in the Slay the Spire saga.
For those looking to join the growing community, Slay the Spire is currently available for the enticing price of .49 on Steam.
