Industry analysts note a steady trend: for five consecutive years, January or February has brought an unexpected co-op hit to Steam. According to forecasts, 2026 will be no exception. The main contender is the sci-fi survival simulator StarRupture, which launches in early access today, January 6.
History confirms this pattern: Valheim was a hit in 2021, Palworld in 2024, and last year's leader was REPO. StarRupture has every chance to replicate this success.
The game is developed by Creepy Jar (creators of Green Hell), and the gameplay combines base building, monster defense, and complex production automation. Meanwhile, the price of only $20 (with a launch discount) creates a low entry barrier.
Whether the game becomes a new hit will become clear in the coming days by its peak online numbers.