R.E.P.O. Takes Steam by Storm with Over 230,000 Players

R.E.P.O., a new cooperative horror game, has reached 230,000 concurrent players on Steam this weekend, securing its place among the platform’s top 5 most played games. This indie title has also claimed the second spot on Steam’s global seller list, sitting just behind Counter-Strike 2.

According to SteamDB, the game has shown impressive growth over the past week:

• March 12: 132,000 players
• March 13: 139,000 players
• March 14: 144,000 players
• March 15: 200,000 players
• March 16: 230,000 players

This is a remarkable jump for a game that peaked at just 7,800 concurrent players on launch day.

What Makes R.E.P.O. Special?

R.E.P.O., which stands for “Retrieve, Extract, and Profit Operation,” launched on February 26, 2025. Developed by Semiwork, this game lets up to six players team up to explore abandoned places filled with monsters.

The gameplay focuses on collecting valuable items while avoiding dangers. What makes it stand out is its physics-based mechanics – players must carefully handle objects like fragile ceramics or heavy pianos, as damaging them reduces their value. This creates both tense and funny moments, especially with the game’s proximity voice chat that allows players to hear each other based on their in-game distance.

As PCGamesN notes, the game features “wacky physics and googly-eyed robot protagonists” that add to the multiplayer experience. The game has outpaced many AAA titles with its affordable $10 price tag (with a launch discount).

Community Response

The game has received an “Overwhelmingly Positive” rating on Steam, with a 96% positive score from over 34,000 user reviews. PC Gamer’s reviewer Elie Gould praised the “physics-infused shenanigans” and the proximity chat that turns screams into visual comedy as characters’ jaws flap wildly during intense moments.

Many critics positioned it as a potential “next big indie hit,” spotlighting its streamer appeal and unique physics mechanics that set it apart from Lethal Company clones.

This positive reception has helped R.E.P.O. overtake established games like GTA 5 Enhanced, Stardew Valley, Apex Legends, and Rainbow Six Siege in player count – games that have consistently drawn large audiences for years.

The Matchmaking Issue

Despite its success, R.E.P.O. launched without a matchmaking system. Unlike similar games in the genre, players can only play solo or with friends they invite directly. This has caused some frustration among players.

The developers at Semiwork explained their decision, stating they wanted to avoid implementing an anti-cheat system. However, according to reports, they’ve acknowledged player feedback and are looking at adding public and private matchmaking with a kick button in the future.

Future Plans

Semiwork has plans to continue supporting the game with updates. They’re developing a new Museum level with parkour opportunities and working on quality-of-life improvements. The team has also promised to add new items, giving players more tools to work with during their missions.

Industry Impact

R.E.P.O.’s success follows a trend of cooperative horror games gaining popularity, similar to titles like Lethal Company, Content Warning, and Phasmophobia. These games combine horror elements with cooperative gameplay and proximity chat, creating a genre that has resonated strongly with players.

Whether R.E.P.O. can maintain this momentum remains to be seen, but its blend of horror, cooperative gameplay, and physics-based interactions has clearly struck a chord with the gaming community.