Palia’s Steam Player has recently experienced a significant surge in player numbers, more than doubling its average concurrent users on Steam. Although the free-to-play fantasy life simulation has been available for over a year, the launch of the Elderwood Expansion appears to have drawn many returning players back to the game across PC and other platforms.
Developed by Singularity 6, Palia offers a rich fantasy life experience reminiscent of popular simulation titles like Stardew Valley. Players can engage in activities such as farming, mining, collecting critters, and more. The game also features a variety of NPCs, creating a vibrant and immersive world. Regular updates have added new content, with the recent Elderwood Expansion being the most substantial so far. Since Palia is an online multiplayer game, maintaining an active player base is crucial for its continued success.
On Steam, this renewed interest is clear: SteamDB reports that on May 13, Palia hit a new all-time peak of 17,508 concurrent players. This jump aligns closely with the expansion’s release, which is likely the main factor behind the spike. Even days after the launch, the game’s daily peak remains well above its April 2025 average of 4,161, with a recent 24-hour peak of 14,553 players. Beyond Steam, Palia is also available on consoles and the Epic Games Store, where it may have seen similar growth, contributing to the game’s rising popularity.
Palia’s Steam Player Statistics
It’s no surprise that the Elderwood Expansion has sparked a major boost in Palia’s popularity. Singularity 6 has called it the game’s “biggest update to date.” The patch notes reveal a wealth of new content, including a brand-new Adventure Zone, fresh Artifacts and Relics, and additional decor options for players to customize their spaces. The expansion also introduces a new Villager, along with numerous other additions.
This surge in players is great news for the Palia community, signaling a healthy and active online environment. While the Elderwood Expansion will keep players engaged for some time, it remains to be seen if the developers can sustain this momentum in the months ahead. Notably, Palia recently launched on Xbox Series X/S and PS5 on May 13, opening the door for even more gamers to join. With crossplay support, this expanded audience could help maintain a strong player base moving forward.
