Follow us on Google News

Get the latest updates directly in your Google News feed

If I had traveled back a year and told my past self that a game likePalworld, which is referred to as ‘Pokemon with guns,’ dominated the gaming landscape, I don’t think I would’ve believed myself. Lucky for us, the present reality has been providing enough proof to showcasePalworld’s popularity among the masses.

Palworld shows no signs of slowing down its momentum

Pocketpair’s hit has not only defied expectations but has also smashed an age-old record on Steam. It overtookCounter Strike 2to secure its position as the #1 game on the platform with the highest hours played over the last 30 days. The game’s triumph has turned it into a sensation within the community, leaving both enthusiasts and skeptics in awe.

Palworld Surpasses Counter Strike 2 as Steam’s Most-Played Game

Palworldhas recently eclipsed the longstanding record held byCS2on Valve’s platform, becoming the #1 game with the most hours played over 30 days. According toSteam charts, over the last 30 days, it has accumulated 573 million hours played, compared toCS2,which is sitting at 518 million hours.

“New content will come, and it’s going to be awesome”: Palworld Developer Promises the World to Impatient Players Waiting for Palworld DLC

While the game’s community on Reddit celebrated the achievement, some commenters explained why the numbers could be so high:

It’s a very very very misleading metric in this case. There are lots that are 24/7 servers. Most games have a 15-, 30-, or 60-minute AFK disconnect to lessen impact on servers. Palworld does not. I am approaching 600 hours according to Steam and have not played even 1/4 of that.

“New content will come, and it’s going to be awesome”: Palworld Developer Promises the World to Impatient Players Waiting for Palworld DLC

The commenter, an analyst by profession, offered some insight into what the actual statistics could be:

Hours played is a good metric for SOME games, but this game is probably one of the worst games to use as a metric. By ACTUAL hours played I would guess likely about 10% or less. Fun fact, the most played game by hours in the world by a wide margin is actually League of Legends, and it’s not even close.

Palworld is quickly outgrowing the Pokemon comparisons to make a name for itself

In the game, players can spend time at their base and make their Pals perform tasks like mining and farming. As such, a common tactic is to assign your Pals tasks to do and leave the game on in the background.

This could be the reason for the game’s chart-breaking hours played achievement.

Palworld Glitch Is a Mixture of Genius and Game-Changing

The Booming Popularity of ‘Pokemon with Guns’

While the game’s hours-played metric is probably inaccurate, it still has plenty of achievements and accolades to its name.

Palworld Glitch Is a Mixture of Genius and Game-Changing

The gamesold over eight million units on Steamand recorded seven million players on Xbox. It is said to be the biggest third-party launch on Xbox Game Pass ever and was the most-played game at the time, with three million daily active users.

It combines elements of simulation, strategy, and monster catching, allowing players to build and manage their world. The world’s creatures, called Pals, provide companionship and can be used as tools for various tasks, including manual labor and combat. Players thrust into this world must balance resource management, creature care, and strategic decision-making to thrive.

[REDACTED] Review (PS5) – Innovation Caught the Escape Pod Faster Than We Did

Have you given the game a shot? What do you think about it? Let us know in the comments below!

Vibha Hegde

Critic/Gaming Writer

Articles Published :594

Vibha is an avid gamer that has been writing about video games for several years. When they’re not complaining about the lack of a Bloodborne sequel or brushing up on the Yokoverse lore, Vibha is busy watching 3-hour video essays on horror games they’re too scared to play themselves.

More from Vibha Hegde

[REDACTED] Review (PS5) – Innovation Caught the Escape Pod Faster Than We Did

Dragon Age: The Veilguard – How to Romance Neve Gallus?

Dragon Age: The Veilguard – How to Recruit Davrin?

Every Fallout Season 2 Detail Revealed at Gamescom 2025

Switch 2 Scores Another Huge Win, as Indiana Jones The Order of Giants Lands September 4

Sekiro: No Defeat Might Outshine the Elden Ring Movie as FromSoft’s Next Big Adaptation

Everything You Can Unlock In The New Final Final Fantasy 14 X Monster Hunter Wilds Crossover

Gen V Season 2: How Many Episodes Are in the Prime Video Series?

5 Addictive Discord Games That Will Hook Your Whole Squad

counter-strike 2PalworldPocketpairSteam