Monster Hunter: World has experienced a significant resurgence, reaching its highest concurrent player count in over 3 years. According to SteamDB, the game peaked at 131,964 players on January 1, making it the 12th most played game on New Year’s Day. This surge in popularity comes as a surprise for a game released in 2018.

The revival of Monster Hunter: World can be attributed to several factors. The announcement of its direct follow-up, Monster Hunter Wilds, at The Game Awards on December 7, has contributed to a steady increase in player numbers. Additionally, the game is currently on sale on Steam, with a price tag of less than $10 until January 4, and its expansion, Iceborne, available for just under $15. These attractive price points have likely enticed both new and returning players to dive back into the game.

Interestingly, while the newest entry in the series, Monster Hunter Rise, is also available for less than $15, it has not experienced the same resurgence as Monster Hunter: World. With a relatively modest increase in player numbers, the attention remains focused on the latter, given its more immersive gameplay and the anticipation surrounding Monster Hunter Wilds, which appears to be a sequel to Monster Hunter: World.

For many players, revisiting Monster Hunter: World has been a delightful experience, especially in co-op mode. The game continues to captivate audiences with its engaging gameplay, evident from the sustained interest over the years. As fans eagerly await the release of Monster Hunter Wilds in 2025, it seems that Monster Hunter: World will continue to be a popular choice for gaming enthusiasts.