A Surprise Hit on Steam
In the crowded world of fishing games, a simply named title called How to Fish has unexpectedly reeled in a massive audience. According to Dazed Games via Steam, the game sold over one million copies within its first two days of release. Polygon reports that the game currently sits on Steam's Top Sellers list, while Kotaku notes that it has surpassed 127,000 concurrent players, with a 24-hour peak of over 370,000, steadily rising since its launch on August 20.
Gameplay and Quirks
How to Fish is described by Polygon as a "relaxing fishing game" where players catch and sell fish to upgrade a boat and return home. However, the game quickly reveals its chaotic twist: instead of simply reeling in catches, players engage in fisticuffs with sea creatures, using a wide arsenal of weapons ranging from brass knuckles to SMGs and dynamite. Kotaku's hands-on experience paints a vivid picture: players start on a tiny island with clams and a vendor selling junk, requiring the purchase of a crab fishing rod and a beer can for bait to lure a "freakishly huge" Spider Crab. That crab, as Kotaku's author discovered, kills players in a couple of claw swipes, even when armed with brass knuckles.
The game's economy is as quirky as its combat—a knife sells for $45, clams are worth $1, crabs $2, rare shrimp $4, and a beer can costs $12. Players must carefully manage their inventory; as Kotaku's author learned, drinking a beer can results in also consuming the can, forcing a restart. As players progress, they can travel to islands with progressively harder catches, eventually unlocking guns, trick shots for money, and even gambling with fake money. A creature's value increases with a killscore multiplier based on impressive trickshots, adding a layer of skill to the carnage.
Reception and Pricing
How to Fish has earned overwhelmingly positive user reviews on Steam, with nearly 12,000 reviews and a "Very Positive" label, according to Polygon. The game is currently on sale for $4.95 during its launch week, with the price reverting to $7.99 on August 28. Player comments, as highlighted by Kotaku, frequently cite the cheap price tag relative to the fun as a major draw. The game is a one-off campaign finishable in a couple of hours, unlike endless games like Peak, which may contribute to its accessible appeal.
A Growing Trend
The game's success is part of a broader trend in so-called "friendslop" games—titles that are affordable, quick to jump into, and provide hours of fun among friends, often with unusual themes and a lack of self-seriousness. Polygon notes that How to Fish follows this pattern, and it is not alone; the game Yapyap is another friendslop title that has broken into Steam's Top Sellers. Dazed Games has also rolled out two patches to address bugs and balance changes, ensuring the experience remains enjoyable for the growing player base.