Category: Gaming

  • Lenovo Adds $40+ Award-Winning Games to Free Games Lineup

    Lenovo Adds $40+ Award-Winning Games to Free Games Lineup

    Key Takeaways

    1. Lenovo is offering the game “Shady Part of Me” for free on October 29, 2025, through its Legion Gaming Community.
    2. “Shady Part of Me” is a puzzle-platformer that explores themes of personal development and mental well-being, featuring a unique mechanic between light and shadow worlds.
    3. The game has received mixed reviews, with some players finding its storyline ambiguous and abstract.
    4. Lenovo will also offer “Frostpunk,” a survival city-building game, for free starting November 14, 2025, priced at $29.99.
    5. Both games have received positive ratings on Steam, with “Shady Part of Me” at 90% and “Frostpunk” at 92%.

    Lenovo has offered four complimentary games in September 2025 via its Legion Gaming Community. For October, the focus seems to be on the giveaway of the Legion Go 2, with only one free game announced to go live on October 29, 2025.

    Upcoming Free Game

    The game that’s available for free is Shady Part of Me, a puzzle-platformer that was launched in 2020. The storyline centers on a girl and her shadow, delving into themes like personal development and mental well-being. There is a unique puzzle mechanic that players can engage with.

    Game Mechanics

    In essence, the game features two realms: the light world and the shadow world. Every action taken in the shadow world influences the light world and the other way around. This dynamic adds a fascinating twist to the puzzle-solving experience.

    Despite receiving numerous accolades since its debut, certain elements of this forthcoming free game have been critiqued. For example, some gamers have mentioned that the storyline is somewhat ambiguous and abstract, lacking straightforward explanations. The poetic themes can at times come off as confusing.

    Pricing and Ratings

    Shady Part of Me typically retails for $14.99 when not on sale, supports controllers well (the 8BitDo Ultimate 2C is currently priced at $25.49 on Amazon), is marked as Steam Deck Verified, and boasts a 90% positive rating on Steam. On October 29, 2025, a limited number of Steam keys will be distributed through the Lenovo Legion Gaming Community.

    In addition, Lenovo has revealed the free game that will be available in early November 2025. This title is Frostpunk, a highly praised simulation game from 2018 that has garnered several awards.

    Game Overview

    At its core, Frostpunk is a survival city-building game set in an alternate historical context. Players are tasked with leading the last remaining city, with the primary goal of enduring the harsh cold. The gameplay largely revolves around managing the citizens’ well-being, implementing laws, and making difficult choices to stay alive.

    Though it’s a critically acclaimed game, some players have expressed that the city-building mechanics could use more complexity. Others have commented that the ending of this soon-to-be-free game feels rather rushed.

    Frostpunk is priced at $29.99, holds a 92% positive rating on Steam, and is tagged as Steam Deck Playable. Lenovo will provide a limited number of keys that can be redeemed on Steam on November 14, 2025.

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  • Xbox Consoles and Games No Longer Available at Walmart and Target

    Xbox Consoles and Games No Longer Available at Walmart and Target

    Key Takeaways

    1. Walmart and Target are reportedly shifting away from selling Xbox consoles and games, possibly indicating a broader retail trend.
    2. A Target employee confirmed that the store has stopped selling Xbox games, while Walmart may be following suit.
    3. Xbox products are becoming increasingly difficult to find, with Target’s Xbox section being dismantled and fewer consoles available online.
    4. Neither Walmart nor Target has made official statements about the changes, while Costco has confirmed it will stop selling Xbox products in the U.S. and U.K.
    5. Despite the retail changes, Microsoft plans to continue developing new hardware, though details about future Xbox systems remain unclear.

    Recently, buyers noticed that Walmart has started placing Switch 2 games in the display cases meant for Xbox. According to TheGamer, this might indicate a trend that other retailers, including Target, might follow. Multiple staff members from these stores have revealed they are moving away from selling Xbox consoles and games. This shift comes after a price hike for consoles and Game Pass that received a lot of backlash.

    Target Stops Xbox Sales

    On Reddit, one Target employee mentioned that the store had stopped selling Xbox games altogether. In response, a Walmart worker chimed in on a post from Jawwaad127, suggesting that Walmart is likely doing the same. Various gamers have commented on how, following store renovations, Microsoft’s products have been completely removed.

    Changes in Availability

    Another shopper posted a picture showing Target taking apart its Xbox section. CodeE1985, an electronics manager, confirmed that all Xbox games, consoles, and related accessories will be disappearing soon. The Xbox Series X and S have become hard to find on Target’s website, with fewer locations offering these systems.

    No Official Statements

    Both Walmart and Target have not issued any announcements regarding the changes in Xbox availability. On the other hand, Costco has confirmed that it will no longer sell Xbox systems and games in both the U.S. and the U.K. In Europe, gamers were among the first to notice that stores stopped promoting Xbox products. There are also whispers that Microsoft has decreased the distribution of its items in that area.

    Many fans believe PlayStation and Nintendo will gain an upper hand with less competition. Although sales for Xbox consoles were already declining, there are limited choices compared to the PS5 and Switch 2. Similar to the Xbox price increase, Sony has also disappointed buyers by raising the retail price of the PS5 once more. Now, there is even less incentive to keep the prices of these systems affordable.

    Microsoft’s Future Plans

    Despite these changes, there’s still hope that Microsoft hasn’t completely abandoned hardware. In response to rumors about cancelling a new Xbox console, the company has stated that they are working on more systems. However, it remains unclear whether these new products will be similar to the Xbox Series X or Windows PCs.

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  • MagicX One 35: Compact Retro Gaming Handheld with PS Vita Support

    MagicX One 35: Compact Retro Gaming Handheld with PS Vita Support

    Key Takeaways

    1. MagicX has launched pre-orders for the One 35, their third product of the year, following the Mini Zero 28 and Zero 40.
    2. The One 35 is powered by the MediaTek Helio G85 chipset, offering better performance than previous models with the Allwinner A133P.
    3. It features a 4,300 mAh battery, a 3.5-inch IPS display with 960 x 640 resolution, and includes a Hall effect joystick and dual d-pads.
    4. The promotional price for the One 35 starts at $55 until October 25, with planned price increases thereafter.
    5. Shipping for the One 35 is expected to begin worldwide on November 26.

    MagicX has just started taking pre-orders for the One 35, which is their third product launch this year. Earlier, they released the Mini Zero 28 in January and updated it in May. Following that, they introduced the Zero 40, a device aimed at Nintendo DS fans, which recently got a new translucent green color option currently priced at $94.99 on Amazon.

    Performance Upgrade

    Unlike the previous models that used the Allwinner A133P, the One 35 is powered by the MediaTek Helio G85. This chipset boasts two ARM Cortex-A75 and six Cortex-A55 CPU cores, alongside a Mali-G52 MP2 GPU that is capable of emulating games from the PS Vita. Furthermore, customers can choose configurations with up to 4 GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 64 GB of eMMC 5.1 flash storage.

    Features and Specifications

    All versions of the One 35 come with a substantial 4,300 mAh battery that allows for up to 10 W USB Type-C charging. It has a 3.5-inch IPS display that offers a resolution of 960 x 640 pixels and reaches a peak brightness of 700 nits. Additionally, MagicX has integrated a Hall effect joystick, dual d-pads for Tate emulation, and stereo speakers, all enclosed in a compact 153 x 70 x 19 mm body weighing 189 g.

    Right now, you can grab the One 35 on MagicX’s official website for $55, which includes 3 GB of RAM and 32 GB of storage. This promotional price is only valid until October 25. After that date, the starting price will rise to $59, and then to $63 on November 25. For those wanting a configuration with 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of storage, the cost is $65, increasing to $69 between October 25 and November 25, and finally $73 after that. No matter the price changes, the MagicX One 35 is expected to begin shipping worldwide on November 26.

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    MagicX One 35: Compact Retro Gaming Handheld with PS Vita SupportMagicX One 35: Compact Retro Gaming Handheld with PS Vita Support

     

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  • Silent Hill 2 Remake Voice Actress Confirms No Born From a Wish DLC

    Silent Hill 2 Remake Voice Actress Confirms No Born From a Wish DLC

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Silent Hill 2 Remake was released on October 8, 2024, and is celebrated for its faithful representation and improved graphics.
    2. Fans are eagerly awaiting the Born From a Wish DLC, which focuses on Maria’s character and connects to the upcoming Return to Silent Hill film.
    3. Salome Gunnarsdottir, the voice of Maria, addressed the DLC situation during her Twitch stream, stating she has no new information and has not recorded anything for it.
    4. The original Born From a Wish DLC was released in 2002 as a promotional tie-in, offering a 30-minute epilogue from Maria’s perspective.
    5. Gunnarsdottir’s comments raise questions about potential pre-production work on the DLC and whether any non-disclosure agreements affect what she can share.

    Bloober Team’s remake of Silent Hill 2 celebrated its first anniversary on October 8, 2025. Fans of the franchise are excitedly waiting for more content, especially the Born From a Wish DLC, which was originally a bonus addition to the 2001 game’s narrative that centered on Maria’s character.

    Release and Reception

    The Silent Hill 2 Remake launched on October 8, 2024, receiving rave reviews for its faithful representation of the iconic horror game, enhanced with improved graphics and a new timeline unveiled through skillful visual storytelling.

    Updates on DLC

    Fans have been eager for news regarding the Born From a Wish DLC, speculated to connect with the forthcoming Return to Silent Hill film. Unfortunately, hopes were somewhat lowered when Salome Gunnarsdottir, the Icelandic actress who voiced Maria and performed motion capture in the remake, spoke out during a Twitch live stream about the situation.

    Salome Gunnarsdottir, who also voiced Mary Sunderland in the game, kicked off her Twitch streaming career on October 10 by playing Silent Hill 2 Remake, paying homage to the game’s anniversary.

    Twitch Stream Highlights

    Her stream quickly drew a large audience of Silent Hill enthusiasts, filling the chat with inquiries about the long-anticipated Born From a Wish DLC. In response to these questions, she addressed the situation candidly, without any prompting from the developers:

    “I’m just going to say—I’m not making any announcements about Born From a Wish. I’ve been waiting for Konami to say something. I even asked Bloober if they would release any info, but we haven’t recorded anything for Born From a Wish. I’m really sorry. I just don’t know anything else. All I can say is that I haven’t recorded any content for it. So, I’m really sorry.”

    The original Born From a Wish DLC was released exclusively for Xbox in 2002 as a promotional tie-in, presenting a roughly 30-minute epilogue that explored Maria’s viewpoint. It included new enemy encounters and locations like Heaven’s Night Club, Baldwin Mansion, and Blue Creek Apartments.

    While Salome Gunnarsdottir’s comments seem to dismiss the possibility of recent or ongoing recording for the DLC, they do leave open questions about any pre-production efforts that may have been done during the main game’s creation, or if there’s an NDA affecting what she can share about the DLC.

    SalomeSomething – Twitch

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  • EA Offers Free Boosters and Battle Pass Rewards for Battlefield 6 Outage

    EA Offers Free Boosters and Battle Pass Rewards for Battlefield 6 Outage

    Key Takeaways

    1. EA apologized to players for launch issues with Battlefield 6 on the EA app, offering compensation for those affected.
    2. A “purchase to play” glitch prevented pre-order customers from accessing the game, requiring them to buy non-existent DLC.
    3. Affected players will receive 12 Hardware and 12 Career 60-minute boosters, along with full access to the current seasonal battle pass.
    4. Players who purchased the premium Phantom Edition will get free access to Season 2’s Battle Pass as additional compensation.
    5. Despite the issues, Battlefield 6 had a strong launch, breaking EA’s Steam records with 747,000 concurrent players shortly after release.

    Electronic Arts has apologized to players who were affected by the launch issues of Battlefield 6 on the EA app. Those who pre-ordered the game but couldn’t get in are being compensated with 12 Hardware and 12 Career 60-minute boosters, plus complete access to a seasonal battle pass.

    Cause of the Outage

    The problems arose due to a “purchase to play” glitch that prevented players who bought the game from accessing it. Instead, they were asked to purchase non-existent downloadable content (DLC) for both multiplayer and campaign modes. Furthermore, players who had pre-loaded the game were also unable to join the long lines forming on the BF6 servers.

    EA’s Response

    In response to the situation, EA acknowledged the difficulties and shared a message via Battlefield on X, stating, “Today we experienced an outage on the EA app that prevented some of our players who pre-ordered Battlefield 6 from accessing the game, and we know this can be frustraiting, so we wanted to offer an apology… with perks. The fix has been rolled out. But we aren’t done. Anyone on the EA app who was affected will receive 12 Hardware and 12 Career 60-minute boosters, which should be arriving in impacted players’ in-game inbox this weekend.”

    Additional Compensation

    EA isn’t stopping with just 24 XP boosters, as all players who faced issues will also receive full access to the current seasonal battle pass. Moreover, those who bought the premium Phantom Edition, which comes with Battlefield Pro subscription benefits, will also be granted free access to Season 2’s Battle Pass.

    The intention behind this gesture is to compensate players for the significant amount of gameplay time lost during the busy launch period. Many users expressed their annoyance as they attempted to verify files, repair, and reinstall the game, only to encounter the same error messages repeatedly.

    Comments from Battlefield Studios

    Vince Zampella, the lead at Battlefield Studios, also weighed in, calling the situation “honestly embarrasing” and suggesting that affected players might want to consider refunding their purchase of Battlefield 6 on the EA app and then buying it again on Steam.

    Despite these digital license troubles, Battlefield 6 has had a strong start, breaking EA’s previous Steam records just hours after its release on October 10, peaking at 747,000 concurrent players. This number is four times higher than the all-time high for Battlefield 5 and has even surpassed Call of Duty’s previous peak of 491,000.

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  • Sonic the Hedgehog Joins Olympics in Sega’s New IOC Deal

    Sonic the Hedgehog Joins Olympics in Sega’s New IOC Deal

    Key Takeaways

    1. Sega and the International Olympic Committee have a multi-year licensing deal starting October 7, 2025, for Sonic the Hedgehog merchandise featuring the Olympic rings.
    2. Sega has regained the rights to the “Olympic Games” license, with new Sega-themed Olympic products set to launch in 2026.
    3. The partnership aims to combine storytelling and innovation to connect with fans of all ages through Sonic and the Olympics.
    4. This agreement builds on past collaborations, notably the “Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games” series, which began in 2007.
    5. Future games, including “Mario and Sonic at the Winter Olympics” in 2026, are anticipated with confirmation pending from Sega.

    Sega has teamed up with the International Olympic Committee for a multi-year licensing deal, starting from October 7, 2025. This agreement will see the launch of Sonic the Hedgehog merchandise that includes the Olympic rings. Additionally, Sega has regained the rights to the “Olympic Games” license, with a full range of Sega-themed Olympic products set to debut in 2026.

    Exciting Partnership

    Elisabeth Allaman, the Deputy Managing Director of IOC Television and Marketing Services, expressed her enthusiasm about the partnership. She stated that the IOC is excited to join forces with Sega for this new venture, which aims to harness storytelling and innovation to connect with audiences around the world. By merging the iconic Olympic rings with the much-loved character Sonic, they hope to offer fans of every age a chance to enjoy sport and play in fresh and unforgettable ways.

    Sonic’s Values

    Shuji Utsumi, who is the President, COO, and Representative Director of Sega Corporation, shared his thoughts on the collaboration. He noted that this partnership reflects the IOC’s dedication to showcasing values such as excellence, unity, and perseverance on the world stage—qualities that Sonic represents through his speed, determination, and resilience. Utsumi also mentioned the unique designs that will combine the recognizable Olympic rings and Sonic, and he is excited to share this initiative with fans globally.

    A Rich History

    This new licensing agreement builds on previous collaborations between the IOC and Sega, particularly the Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games series, which started back in 2007 on the Nintendo Wii and Nintendo DS. Following that were titles like Mario and Sonic at the Winter Games (2009) for the same platforms. Further installments featuring events in London, Sochi, and Rio were released on the Wii U and Nintendo 3DS. The most recent game was launched in 2019 for the Nintendo Switch, along with freemium games for iOS and Android, plus arcade versions in 2020.

    Future Games

    In the past year, a developer who previously worked on Mario and Sonic mentioned that there won’t be any new Mario and Sonic games for the Paris 2024 Olympics. The Olympic Video Game license was then held by nWay Games, which put out “Olympics GO! Paris 2024,” a free-to-play game that includes microtransactions and NFTs.

    Now that Sega has the Olympic Games rights, fans can look forward to Mario and Sonic at the Winter Olympics in 2026, which will take place in Italy, followed by a potential Summer Olympics game in Los Angeles. However, we will need to wait for an official announcement from Sega for confirmation.

    Recent Collaborations

    In addition to this new licensing deal, Sega recently worked with Puma to launch a Capsule Collection featuring three colorways showcasing Sonic, Tails, and Shadow.

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  • Battlefield 6 Maps Still Too Small Despite Beta Promises

    Battlefield 6 Maps Still Too Small Despite Beta Promises

    Key Takeaways

    1. Maps in Battlefield 6 are perceived as cramped, hindering tactical gameplay.
    2. Players express frustration over the overall design, citing a lack of hiding spots and strategic options.
    3. Long-time fans feel Battlefield 6 resembles Call of Duty, leading to mixed reactions among players.
    4. Developers’ promises for larger maps have not materialized, causing disappointment.
    5. Despite initial skepticism, Battlefield 6 has seen a record number of players, but dissatisfaction with map design may drive some to seek alternatives.

    One of the major complaints during the beta tests for Battlefield 6 was the maps feeling cramped. This made the gameplay appear less tactical and more akin to the fast-paced action found in Call of Duty. The developers promised that larger maps would be available in the final game. Sadly, issues regarding the tight spaces have not disappeared even after the release of Battlefield 6.

    Ongoing Discontent with Maps

    Posts on Reddit showcase a variety of frustrations with the maps in Battlefield 6. User Dull-Caterpillar3153 notes that the maps are generally smaller than those in past installments. Although there are some bigger locations to explore, such as Mirak Valley, players still find it hard to organize strategic attacks.

    Design Flaws Not Just Size

    Some issues stem from the design of the maps rather than their overall size. Gamers have pointed out a lack of hiding spots or opportunities to launch attacks without being spotted. As SirWabbitz puts it, “It feels like you are surrounded 24/7 so Goodluck being alive for more than a few seconds.”

    Mixed Reactions from Players

    Many gamers who joined the Battlefield 6 launch might be having fun with the more chaotic gameplay. However, long-time fans of the series are finding it strikingly similar to Call of Duty. Black Ops 7, another title that has been criticized for its unoriginal gameplay, is set to release on November 14th.

    A number of players also feel deceived by the developers’ statements about the maps in Battlefield 6. In an interview with PC Gamer Magazine, Design Director Salim Fasahat reiterated that the maps in the open beta were “intentionally smaller.” Technical Director Christian Buhl mentioned that “logistical reasons” were behind the smaller environments. With more player interactions, it was easier to adjust gunplay and other game mechanics.

    Despite some skepticism from dedicated Battlefield fans, the latest game has started off impressively. Over 747,000 players have logged in at the same time, surpassing records set by previous Call of Duty or Battlefield games. Still, if players can’t adapt to the new changes, they might look for alternatives.

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  • Battlefield 6 Achieves 80 FPS on $200 GPU from 2019

    Battlefield 6 Achieves 80 FPS on $200 GPU from 2019

    Key Takeaways

    1. Battlefield 6 is well-optimized, running on older hardware like the 5600G with 45 FPS.
    2. The game performs well on budget GPUs, achieving 50-60 FPS at 1080p on low settings with a GTX 1650 Super.
    3. Limited upscaling features like FSR and XeSS did not significantly improve performance and sometimes caused frame-time spikes.
    4. A resolution scale of 60% with anti-aliasing off maintained a stable 60 FPS, despite high VRAM usage.
    5. Battlefield 6 offers a good balance of quality and performance, making it highly adaptable for budget hardware.

    Battlefield 6 appears to be a well-optimized game up to this point. As previously mentioned, it can even function on older processors like the 5600G, which has Vega 7 integrated graphics, achieving a playable frame rate of 45 FPS. In our review of Battlefield 6’s open beta, we observed that the game performed surprisingly well and seemed to improve upon its predecessor, Battlefield 2042.

    Impressive Performance on Budget Hardware

    The YouTube channel RandomGaminginHD put the new Battlefield to the test using an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 Super with only 4 GB of GDDR6 VRAM, and the results were unexpected. This budget GPU from 2019, when combined with an Intel Core i5-12400F, managed to achieve between 50 and 60 FPS at 1080p on the lowest settings, even though it was nearly maxing out its limited VRAM. To avoid stuttering, the YouTuber removed high-resolution textures and lowered visual settings to ensure smooth gameplay.

    Limited Upscaling Features

    They also experimented with FSR and XeSS, but these options didn’t provide significant performance gains. In fact, in some scenarios, these features even led to frame-time spikes because of VRAM limitations. When they set the resolution to 50 percent while maintaining the native resolution at 1080p and turning off TAA, they noticed the game ran quite smoothly, achieving around 70–80 FPS, though the visuals became pixelated due to the reduced resolution.

    Balancing Quality and Performance

    According to the channel’s findings, the game looked notably better when the resolution scale was adjusted to 60 percent with anti-aliasing turned off. Even at this scale, Battlefield 6 used more than the 4 GB of VRAM provided by the card, yet it managed to keep a mostly stable frame rate of 60 FPS. However, during intense combat or heavy particle effects, the frame rate occasionally dropped to the mid-40s.

    RandomGaminginHD concluded that Battlefield 6 is certainly playable on the GTX 1650 Super if users are okay with sacrificing some visual quality for smoother performance. Few contemporary games offer such adaptability on budget hardware, confirming that Battlefield 6 is among the most optimized PC releases in recent years.

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  • Anbernic RG DS: Affordable Dual-Screen Handheld Under $100

    Anbernic RG DS: Affordable Dual-Screen Handheld Under $100

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Anbernic RG DS is confirmed as a real product, despite initial skepticism about its authenticity.
    2. The device is expected to retail for under $100, with a release anticipated in the coming weeks.
    3. The RG DS features dual displays, two joysticks, a directional pad, and multiple action buttons.
    4. The latest video showcases the device in various colors, including blue, white, and a see-through case.
    5. Specific technical details, such as the internal SoC and screen specifications, have not been revealed yet.

    Over a month ago, we shared news regarding the Anbernic RG DS. Around the same time, a video featuring this handheld device appeared, but there was some discussion about whether the video was real. One YouTuber even claimed, without proof, that it was just AI-generated nonsense. Now, we have confirmation: the Anbernic RG DS is indeed a real product, and while the initial video may have been made using AI, it has been verified by Anbernic. The company has now put out a new video that highlights the Anbernic RG DS once more.

    Pricing and Release Details

    What might be even more thrilling than the video itself are the details in the video’s title and description. Anbernic mentions that the device will be available for less than $100, although they have not disclosed a specific price yet. The same goes for the release date, but we believe it will hit the market in the coming weeks instead of months.

    Design and Features

    The latest video from Anbernic displays the RG DS from various perspectives and in different colors, such as blue, white, and a see-through case. This model features dual displays, two joysticks, a directional pad, and several action buttons. However, details about the internal SoC or the specifications of the two screens remain under wraps. A user on Reddit has made an attempt to estimate the size of the device based on the images, which seems fairly precise by using the USB-C port as a reference point.

    Anbernic (YouTube)

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  • Megabonk Breaks Hades 2 Record, Becomes Steam’s Indie Hit

    Megabonk Breaks Hades 2 Record, Becomes Steam’s Indie Hit

    Key Takeaways

    1. Sales Success: Megabonk has sold around 1.3 million copies, becoming a hit due to its engaging progression loop and variety of content.

    2. Player Count Soars: Megabonk peaked at 117,336 concurrent players, surpassing Hades 2’s record, and consistently ranks among Steam’s top ten most-played games.

    3. Platform Competition: Despite being exclusive to Steam, Megabonk averages 100,000 daily players, outperforming Hades 2, which saw a drop in player count.

    4. Unique Appeal: Megabonk’s quirky characters and fun gameplay attract players, but it offers less content compared to Hades 2’s complex storytelling and features.

    5. Future Updates: Developer Vedinad plans to release new content, including multiplayer features, which may further enhance player engagement in the coming year.

    The indie roguelike landscape in 2025 is packed with fierce rivalry. Out of the blue, solo developer Vedinad launched a reverse bullet hell sensation called Megabonk, just as Hades 2 was set to release.

    Sales Success

    Megabonk has reportedly sold around 1.3 million copies, transforming this pixelated and rustic 3D shooter into a sudden hit. The game’s progression loop, filled with various weapons, tomes, items, and unlockables, keeps players engaged and wanting more.

    Player Count Soars

    The strong early reception of Megabonk quickly turned viral, with a peak of 117,336 concurrent players on October 5, surpassing Hades 2’s record of 112,947 from September 28 on Steam.

    In comparison, the indie title that shaped the reverse bullet hell genre, Vampire Survivors, had a peak of 77,061 concurrent players 3.7 years ago. Additionally, Megabonk has consistently ranked among Steam’s top ten most-played games over the last week, outpacing Hades 2, Path of Exile 2, Warframe, and Dead by Daylight.

    Platform Competition

    Even though Hades 2 is available on more platforms, while Megabonk remains exclusive to Steam, the numbers clearly indicate Valve’s preference for this indie success story.

    Currently, Megabonk sees an average of 100,000 players daily on Steam, while Hades 2 had an average of 80,000 players from October 2 to October 5, dropping to 55,000 players later in that timeframe.

    Megabonk holds 23,000 reviews on Steam, boasting a 92% rating, while Hades II is still one of the highest-rated games on Steam with a 93% score from 81,000 reviews.

    Unique Appeal

    The virality of this 3D reverse bullet hell indie game aligns with a remarkable year for indie titles making waves on Steam charts. However, it’s not entirely fair to pit Hades 2’s rich storytelling and complex roguelike features against Megabonk’s quirky characters and fun gameplay.

    Although Megabonk offers an extensive array of characters, items, and abilities, it’s still in its early stages, currently featuring just two maps: Forest and Desert, each with three difficulty settings.

    Vedinad has assured fans that new content updates are on the horizon, including multiplayer features, which will surely enhance the game’s engagement in the next year.

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