Sons of the Forest is back in the spotlight. Over a year after its full launch, the open-world survival horror game from Endnight Games has seen a staggering 457% increase in player count this July compared to just two months ago in May. The sudden resurgence isn’t random—it’s the result of two major events that coincided perfectly: a massive content update and a deep discount during the 2025 Steam Summer Sale.
From Hype to Milestone: A Timeline
Originally released in early access in 2023, Sons of the Forest quickly became a survival gaming phenomenon, reaching over 400,000 concurrent players during its peak launch window. It officially launched in February 2024, maintaining a healthy, if smaller, player base of around 10,000 to 20,000 loyal fans afterward.
Now, nearly 16 months post-launch, the game is reaching new heights once again. On June 29, 2025, it hit 49,000 concurrent players, its highest count this year and just shy of its October 2024 peak of 53,000.
Why the Sudden Surge?
There are two clear reasons for this explosive return:
🧭 1. Major Gameplay Update
Endnight Games recently rolled out a massive patch introducing new enemies, balance improvements, AI behavior enhancements, and long-requested fixes. These changes have breathed new life into the experience, attracting both returning veterans and curious newcomers.
💸 2. Steam Summer Sale 2025
Perhaps even more influential was the hefty discount applied during the 2025 Steam Summer Sale, where the game was available for as little as $10. This pricing strategy lowered the entry barrier and drew in thousands of new players eager to explore Site 2 for the first time.
Sons of the Forest: Still a Survival Hit
Even before this surge, Sons of the Forest had cemented its legacy. It was one of the most searched games on Google in 2023, thanks to its eerie atmosphere, deep crafting mechanics, and unique AI companions. And now, with consistent post-launch support and an active community, it’s proving it has real staying power.
If Endnight Games keeps the momentum going—with more content, continued optimization, or even co-op expansions—Sons of the Forest may still hit new records in the near future.
The recent Sons of the Forest player count surge is a textbook example of how strong updates and smart pricing can breathe new life into a game. Whether you’re a returning survivor or a curious newcomer, now is the perfect time to dive into one of the most atmospheric survival horror titles on Steam.