More than a year after its full release, Sons of the Forest is suddenly back in the spotlight. The game’s player numbers have shot up, making it one of this summer’s biggest surprises on Steam. So, what’s driving all this new attention?
Here’s why Sons of the Forest is climbing the charts again—and why now might be the perfect time to check it out.
From Early Access Hit to Steady Player Base
Sons of the Forest, from Endnight Games, first made waves during its Early Access release in 2023. At its highest point, over 414,257 people were playing at the same time. That’s a huge number for a survival game.
The game officially launched in February 2024. Like many games that start strong, its player numbers dropped off over time. Even so, it kept a steady group of fans, with 7,000 to 20,000 players logging in daily.
It’s worth noting that Sons of the Forest was also one of the most searched games on Google in 2023, showing how much buzz, it created early on.
A Big Sale and Old Content Fuel the Comeback
Two big things explain why so many players are coming back:
A Huge Steam Sale
The main reason for the recent spike is the 66% discount during the Steam Summer Sale. The game dropped from $29.99 to about $10.19 USD (or €9.85 EUR). For many players, this price cut was too good to pass up.
- Player Surge: Thanks to the discount, the player count nearly quadrupled between May and June 2025. It reached a peak of 49,853 players, the highest since October 2024. Some reports say that’s a jump of 457% to 600% compared to May.
- Not Just a Spike: Unlike many games that briefly spike and then fade, Sons of the Forest has kept its new audience. Nightly peaks are still over 40,000 players, showing many people are sticking around.
This kind of boost is similar to what other games experience during big sales. For example, No Man’s Sky recently saw renewed interest after major updates and discounts.
A Solid Game Even Without New Updates
Sons of the Forest hasn’t had big new updates since January 2025. That update added things like rafts, defensive walls, and bug fixes. But even without new content since then, the game remains polished and full of content for newcomers.
Players say it’s one of the best-looking survival games on Steam today. Positive reviews suggest that even on sale, the game delivers plenty of value.
For those who enjoy survival mechanics mixed with horror, it shares some audience overlap with upcoming games like Dune: Awakening, which also focuses on resource management and harsh environments.
Why Players Love Sons of the Forest
So, what keeps people playing?
A Scary and Deep Survival Game
In Sons of the Forest, you’re dropped on a remote island to find a missing billionaire. But the island is far from empty. It’s full of dangerous cannibals, creepy mutants, and changing seasons that keep you on your toes.
- Smart Enemies: Cannibals aren’t mindless. They set traps, attack bases, and coordinate ambushes.
- Seasons and Weather: The island changes with the seasons. Players need to prepare for winter’s cold or sudden storms.
- Better with Friends: While you can play solo, many say the game shines with friends. Up to 7 other players can join you in building bases or fighting off mutants.
There’s also a proper story. Unlike some survival games that go on endlessly, Sons of the Forest has an actual ending, giving players a reason to keep exploring.
Players love the game’s unpredictability. One minute, you’re fighting off a mutant that could become a companion, and the next, you’re sledding down a snowy mountain with friends.
If you enjoy co-op chaos and unexpected moments, you might also like the squad-based madness of Borderlands 4.
A Game Packed with Content
Sons of the Forest offers about 24.5 hours of content if you tackle both the main story and side missions. But the dynamic world, co-op play, and constant surprises keep people coming back for more.
- Reviews: The game holds a solid 87% positive rating on Steam. While some feel it doesn’t completely top its predecessor, most agree it’s a solid and scary survival experience.
Players looking for even more survival experiences might also check out Rematch for another fast-paced gaming option with strong replay value.
Could More Updates Be Coming?
Many fans hope this new wave of players pushes Endnight Games to release fresh updates. Since January, the developers have been pretty quiet, apart from small fixes.
But with so many new players, it wouldn’t be surprising if the studio decides to add more content or improvements in the future.
Should You Play Sons of the Forest Now?
If you’ve been curious about Sons of the Forest, now might be the best time to jump in. The Steam Summer Sale runs until July 10, 2025, giving you a chance to grab it at the lowest price it’s ever been.
- Price: About $10.19 USD (€9.85 EUR) until July 10.
- Platform: PC only (no console version yet).
- Player Base: Over 40,000 people still playing nightly.
- Reviews: Very Positive on Steam, with 87% positive feedback.
- Playtime: Around 24.5 hours for full completion, plus plenty of replay value.
With servers buzzing with activity, lots of positive buzz, and plenty to explore, Sons of the Forest is a great pick for fans of survival horror—or anyone looking for an exciting co-op game this summer.
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