Top 10 Early Access Games with Impressive Player Counts

Although I typically refrain from engaging with Early Access games, opting to wait for a polished final product, it’s clear that this approach has played a pivotal role in the success of numerous titles.

Having spent countless hours immersed in the early iterations of games like ULTRAKILL and Dead Cells, I can personally attest to the high quality of these unfinished products. Their current levels of refinement can largely be attributed to invaluable community feedback during their developmental phases.

When developers foster positive interactions with their player base, it’s not surprising that certain titles navigate the Early Access phase successfully. This trend is reflected in the following ten standout games currently in Early Access, each boasting impressive concurrent player counts. The player statistics were gathered when this article was composed.

10 Grounded 2

Concurrent Players: 8, 107

It’s astonishing to see how Obsidian has ventured into the realm of multiplayer survival games with Grounded, and even more remarkable is the success that has led to a sequel, Grounded 2.

This new entry not only grips players within a few weeks of its launch but also inherits the affection and success of its predecessor. The sequel promises bigger biomes, more creatures, and expanded narratives, surpassing expectations for an Early Access title.

Grounded 2 captures everything fans loved about the first installment and integrates a depth of development usually not found in its class. I foresee it becoming a significant hit, converting even more players into loyal fans.

9 Enshrouded

Concurrent Players: 10, 067

Enshrouded Player Standing Off Cliff with Sunrise

Enshrouded exemplifies the trend of open-world survival games spending considerable time in Early Access, positioning itself as a contender in this ever-popular genre.

While its richly detailed universe may lead to a slightly guided experience, it is evident that this game provides a plethora of content that is both engaging and immersive.From combat mechanics to the exploration of its vast world, Enshrouded excels even in areas traditionally overlooked.

If you enjoy rich and complex gameplay, be prepared for an overwhelming yet thrilling gaming experience that guarantees hours of entertainment even before its completion.

8 Path of Exile II

Concurrent Players: 10, 139

The moment I delved into Path of Exile, I was struck by the expansive possibilities within its immersive world. With the release of Path of Exile II, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that Grinding Gear Games has not only maintained but enhanced that essence.

Sequels must tread the line of meeting high expectations, and this installment appears poised to surpass the legacy of its predecessor, an already revered RPG.With countless customization options, the gameplay is designed to offer a lifetime of exploration.

Serving as a spiritual successor to Diablo, Path of Exile II is visually stunning. While I harbor concerns about its reliance on seasonal content, I believe the developers have crafted a product that deserves our trust.

7 Schedule I

Concurrent Players: 17, 091

Schedule 1 Chemist Working in a Mixing Station

With less than a year since its Early Access launch and an impressive 98% positive rating from nearly 150, 000 Steam reviews, Schedule I has emerged as a remarkable phenomenon.

Despite my initial reservations, the community hype drew me in, and I found the game to offer enjoyable sessions with friends. The premise of managing a ‘pharmaceutical’ empire adds a unique twist, making it a humorous experience.

While Schedule I may lack polish in certain aspects, its solid core concept ensures it remains entertaining. However, this reliance on concept may pose challenges for its long-term sustainability.

6 Phasmophobia

Concurrent Players: 18, 191

The multiplayer aspect of many titles on this list has significantly contributed to their successful Early Access phases, as seen with Phasmophobia.

In recent years, few horror games have received as much acclaim without being blockbuster releases, making it no surprise that Phasmophobia ranks among the highest-rated indie games on the platform.

With continuous updates introducing new ghosts, equipment, and immersive features like voice recognition, Kinetic Games has effectively utilized this period to enhance their creation.

5 ARK: Survival Ascended

Concurrent Players: 19, 958

Players Fighting a Yuty in ARK: Survival Ascended

In the wake of the immense success of ARK: Survival Evolved, Studio Wildcard has faced their share of controversies, ranging from AI-led marketing to criticism surrounding the use of Unreal Engine 5 in ARK: Survival Ascended.

Despite these challenges, the game remains a top contender in the Early Access category on Steam, although feedback has often been overwhelmingly negative regarding various aspects including monetization and technical performance.

Many in the community hold onto hope for reinstating the magic of the original game, yet ARK: Survival Ascended seems to rely heavily on the nostalgia of its predecessor to hold interest.

4 Valheim

Concurrent Players: 23, 778

Valheim Player Looking Across Ocean with Campfire

It’s now been four years since Valheim revolutionized the gaming landscape, still maintaining its status as one of the decade’s most successful multiplayer titles despite being in Early Access.

Setting itself apart in the fiercely competitive open-world survival genre and steeped in Norse mythology, Valheim captivates players, compelling them to dedicate hundreds of hours without complaint.

The game’s rich atmosphere and seamless gameplay systems create a compelling co-op experience, balancing complexity with accessibility, and all from a team of just a few developers who crafted a vast universe.Valheim is designed to be an adventure of discovery, inviting players to experience existence anew under Odin’s watchful gaze.

3 Project Zomboid

Concurrent Players: 24, 337

Best Open-World Horror Games Project Zomboid

The fact that Project Zomboid stands as one of the best post-apocalyptic video games in indie development is remarkable.

This game immerses players in an unforgiving desolate world where survival feels like a miraculous feat. It transcends mere survival mechanics, becoming a benchmark for the entire zombie genre.

While it may share traits with others regarding content and multiplayer engagement, Project Zomboid’s difficulty and unique gameplay mechanics contribute to its unforgettable impact.

2 REPORTS

Concurrent Players: 24, 384

Stepping away from the trend of expansive open-world survival games, R. E.P. O. offers a compact cooperative horror experience that revives the joy of multiplayer gaming.

While the game is still in Early Access and lacks a high level of polish, its fundamental premise of gathering friends in a haunted house leads to hilarious gameplay sessions.

R. E.P. O.encapsulates the essence of gaming as a recreational activity. Although it may not be a game to which you devote countless hours, it’s the perfect title to share with friends after a long day.

1 Deadlock

Concurrent Players: 55, 563

The Lane Shop Beside a Guardian in Deadlock

To my surprise, Deadlock emerged as the Early Access game boasting the highest concurrent player count, a testament to its captivating gameplay.

Despite modest promotion and still operating in closed beta, the title’s impressive performance suggests it’s set to become a powerhouse.

Early reviews speak highly of Deadlock, showcasing tremendous improvement since its inception, outstripping the developer’s previous ventures into multiplayer gaming like Dota Underlords and Artifact.

Originating from the creators of Team Fortress 2 and DOTA 2, it’s easy to see why Deadlock is becoming a phenomenon. Imagine how high this player count could soar were it available to the general public—Valve’s track record speaks for itself.

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