There’s something truly special about witnessing a small, creative game capture the public’s imagination and grow a massive following. Think of Balatro or even the early days of Hollow Knight, before Team Cherry became a household name. Now, with many anticipating blockbuster releases like Silksong, a new challenger has emerged: Megabonk. This exciting indie roguelike boldly combines the intense horde survival mechanics of Vampire Survivors with the expansive 3D environments reminiscent of Risk of Rain 2. Instead of shying away from a crowded release schedule, Megabonk charged in headfirst, and it’s clearly paying off.
Described by its creator, Vedinad, as “Vampire Survivors on steroids,” Megabonk takes the beloved horde survival concept and expands it into dynamic 3D worlds, feeling much like a spiritual cousin to Risk of Rain 2. This brilliant fusion of two highly-regarded roguelikes results in an utterly delightful experience, elevated by Megabonk’s unique and quirky art style. With characters like a skateboarding skeleton and a sunglasses-wearing monkey, the game’s charm is infectious from the moment you see it.
A captivating trailer showcases Megabonk’s frantic gameplay and distinctive visual flair, giving players a taste of the action.
Beyond its wonderfully bizarre character designs, Megabonk truly shines with its incredibly fast-paced action. Players can zip across the varied environments with impressive speed, reminiscent of classic arena shooters, as they decimate endless waves of enemies. The game features a robust roster of 20 unique characters and over 70 distinct items, allowing for a vast array of powerful build synergies that promise countless hours of discovery and replayability.
What makes Megabonk’s success even more remarkable is that its developer, Vedinad, was advised against launching it when they did. “Everyone has been warning me not to launch my game today, because it launches in the middle of other massive games,” Vedinad shared around the release date. And indeed, the gaming calendar was packed with highly anticipated titles like Hollow Knight Silksong, Borderlands 4, Dying Light: The Beast, and Hades 2. But Vedinad was undeterred, boldly declaring, “I don’t care – boom! Megabonk is out right now.”
This audacious move proved to be a stroke of genius. While initial growth was steady, positive word-of-mouth quickly propelled Megabonk into the spotlight. At the time of this writing, the game has achieved a peak concurrent player count of over 18,000 active users on Steam, a number that continues to climb. Its user reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with 96% of players recommending it. One enthusiastic player simply stated, “10/10, would bonk again,” while another praised its value, saying, “After playing nearly 16 hours, I can say I’ve gotten my money’s worth. The game is fun, bouncy, and when things pop off, it’s very satisfying.”
In-game screenshots reveal a vibrant world where a knight battles a colossal tree-beast, hinting at the diverse challenges and encounters within Megabonk.
Megabonk is currently available on Steam, offering a compelling experience for its price. Keep an eye out for potential discounts to grab your copy and join the bonking action!
For more fantastic hidden gems, be sure to explore our curated lists of the best indie games and top free Steam games, offering plenty of exciting options without breaking the bank.
Have you embarked on your own Megabonk adventure? Share your experiences, best runs, and favorite builds with fellow players in the community!