Black Myth: Wukong Smashes Steam Records, Becoming Second Most-Played Game Ever

In a stunning display of gaming prowess, Black Myth: Wukong has rocketed to the top of Steam’s charts, shattering records and leaving industry giants in its wake.

This action RPG, inspired by the Chinese classic “Journey to the West,” has captivated players worldwide, securing its place as the second most-played game in Steam’s history.

A Monkey King’s Triumphs

Within 24 hours of its release, Black Myth: Wukong achieved an eye-popping 2,223,179 concurrent players.

This feat not only dwarfs recent hits like Elden Ring and Cyberpunk 2077 but also narrowly edges out the previous second-place holder, Palworld. Only PUBG: Battlegrounds maintains a higher peak, with over 3 million players.

Breaking Down the Numbers

• 88% of players hail from China
• The U.S. accounts for 3% of the player base
• Surpassed Elden Ring’s peak (just below 1 million) in mere hours
• Eclipsed Cyberpunk 2077’s record (just over 1 million)

From Underdog to Top Dog

What makes this achievement particularly remarkable is Black Myth: Wukong’s origins. Developed by Game Science, an indie studio, this title marks China’s first foray into “AAA” game development.

The game’s success highlights the growing influence of the Chinese gaming market and the global appeal of culturally rich narratives.

A Genre-Defying Phenomenon

Black Myth: Wukong isn’t just another action RPG. It’s a bold fusion of Chinese mythology and Dark Souls-esque gameplay. This unique blend has struck a chord with players, proving that innovative game design can triumph over established franchises.

What’s Next for the Monkey King?

As Black Myth: Wukong continues its ascent, many wonder if it will overtake PUBG’s seemingly unassailable record. Regardless, the game has already cemented its place in gaming history, showcasing the potential of emerging markets in the global gaming landscape.

Available now on PlayStation 5 and PC, Black Myth: Wukong is more than just a game – it’s a cultural phenomenon rewriting gaming success rules.