Black Myth Wukong is enjoying a historic launch, becoming the most-played single-player title ever released on Steam within 24 hours.

On August 24, Game Science lifted the curtain on its action role-playing game based on Chinese mythological figures and the classic novel “Journey to the West.”

Players step into Sun Wukong’s shoes in the game, commonly known as the Monkey King in pop culture, thanks to several movie and TV adaptations of the novel.  

Black Myth Wukong: All bosses and locations

Now, players can travel across ancient China and fight bosses in an uber-realistic setting of Black Myth Wukong. The game was officially released on August 20, and the Black Myth Wukong player count has already set several records on Steam

Black Myth Wukong player count in August

Black Myth Wukong gameplay
Credit: Game Science

Black Myth Wukong had 2.2 million concurrent players 24 hours after the game’s release in August. That makes it the most-played single-player game on Steam of all time.

Game Science’s ARPG drew 1.4 million live players within hours of its release, rapidly surging to 2 million. It surpassed established titles like Elden Ring, Cyberpunk 2077, PUBG, Counter-Strike 2, and more.

Overall, it is the second most played game of all time, with PUBG still holding the top spot since 2018. That means it’s in the top three categories across all genres. 

Featured image for ONE Esports' article 'All Spirits in Black Myth: Wukong"
Credit: Game Science, ONE Esports
All Spirits in Black Myth: Wukong — become powerful 2024

Still, it’s a notable feat that the Black Myth Wukong player count beat GOTY 2023 winner Elden Ring by a wide margin just a day after release. Cyberpunk 2077 reached an all-time high of 1,054,388 concurrent players, outpacing Elden Ring’s peak of 953,426 players.

That is not all. The game is also Steam’s top seller at the moment, holding the number 1 spot followed by Counter-Strike 2.

Black Myth Wukong massive person
Credit: Game Science

This puts Black Myth Wukong in a strong position to contend for GOTY 2024, given the overwhelmingly positive Steam reviews. Fans love the game’s clean movesets, spells, and picturesque visuals.

PC players can purchase the exciting new title exclusively through Steam or the Epic Games Store at $59.99.

READ MORE: What is the Compatibility Mode in Black Myth: Wukong?