Indie games have a knack for appearing out of nowhere and taking over Steam, and the latest example is How to Fish, a charming co-op fishing game that has become the platform’s hottest talking point. Released on 20th August by first-time developer Dazed Games, the title wasted no time making waves — selling a staggering 1 million copies in just two days.
A Record-Breaking Debut for Dazed Games
For a debut project, the numbers are nothing short of remarkable. Just three days after launch, Dazed Games announced the million-copy milestone, confirming that How to Fish had officially become one of the fastest-selling indie hits of the year. If you’ve browsed the front page of Steam recently, you’ve almost certainly seen the game plastered across the storefront — a sign of just how quickly word of mouth has spread among players.
Hitting seven-figure sales within 48 hours is a feat that most studios never achieve in a lifetime, let alone with their very first release. It places How to Fish alongside other viral indie sensations that have exploded seemingly overnight in recent years.
What Is How to Fish?
How to Fish is a co-op fishing game built around shared, laid-back experiences. Rather than demanding precision or competition, it invites friends to cast their lines together, unwind, and enjoy the simple pleasures of angling. That low-pressure, social-first design appears to be exactly what players were craving.
Why Has How to Fish Exploded in Popularity?
The Cozy Co-op Boom
The success of How to Fish doesn’t exist in a vacuum. The gaming industry has seen a sustained surge in demand for “cozy” and co-op experiences, from farming sims to chill multiplayer titles. Games like Webfishing, Dave the Diver, and Stardew Valley proved that millions of players want relaxing games they can enjoy with friends — and How to Fish arrives perfectly positioned to satisfy that appetite.
Streamability and Word of Mouth
Another key ingredient is how naturally the game lends itself to streaming and clips. Co-op fishing with friends creates funny, shareable moments, which fuels visibility on Steam, Twitch, and social media. Once a game gains that kind of organic momentum, Steam’s own storefront algorithms amplify it further — creating the snowball effect we’re witnessing now.
What This Means for Indie Developers
The runaway success of How to Fish is yet another reminder that you don’t need a AAA budget to dominate the charts. A focused concept, an accessible price point, and a game designed around playing with friends can outperform even heavily marketed blockbusters. For Dazed Games, this debut has instantly established the studio as one to watch — and players will surely be curious about what it does next.
Want to Try It Yourself?
If How to Fish has caught your attention, there’s never been a better time to grab your rod and join the fun. You can pick up Steam gift cards and game codes at TURGAME.com, making it quick and easy to top up your Steam Wallet and dive into one of the year’s most delightful indie surprises with friends.
One thing is clear: the fishing craze on Steam is real, and How to Fish has reeled in the biggest catch of the season.
Source: Eurogamer