Far Far West Rockets Up Steam Charts in Early Access

Far Far West, the innovative cowboy-themed co-op FPS, has achieved a remarkable feat by selling over 1 million units on Steam within just two weeks of its early access release. This accomplishment is all the more impressive given the game's launch amidst high-profile titles such as Subnautica 2, Forza Horizon 6, and Pragmata. As of the last update, Far Far West ranked 18th in Steam's bestsellers list, surpassing popular games like Slay the Spire 2, Battlefield 6, and trailing just behind Crimson Desert.

The game's appeal is further underscored by its peak concurrent player count, which has exceeded 47,000 according to SteamDB, and its overwhelmingly positive review score on Steam. After dedicating over 20 hours to gameplay since its launch, it's clear why the community and critics alike are enamored with Far Far West. The game's polish is surprising for an early access title, feeling nearly complete in terms of features, with the primary drawback being the thinning of content after completing quests and collectibles on each map.

What Drives Far Far West's Success?

Far Far West can be likened to a mashup of Deep Rock Galactic and Helldivers 2, offering a unique blend of multiplayer co-op gameplay set against a vibrant, cowboy-themed backdrop with a twist: players control robot characters. Key to its success are its expansive maps filled with undead skeletons, a plethora of weapons, and an array of magic spells for players to master. The inclusion of roguelite elements, specifically run-specific buffs referred to as "jokers," adds a layer of replayability and unpredictability. Players can combine these buffs in creative ways, sometimes achieving overpowered status or unique abilities like triple jump and dash, enabling rapid map traversal.

"the fact that its missions can be so short — or much longer, if you increase the difficulty and hunt for all the collectibles — enhances its staying power"

Josh Broadwell, Polygon

Community and Critical Reception

The community response to Far Far West has been overwhelmingly positive, with players praising its addictive co-op gameplay and the joy of exploring its vast, procedurally generated maps with friends. Critics have similarly applauded the game, though some have noted the content thinness post-completion of the main quests and collectible hunts. Despite this, the game's ability to balance short, intense missions with the option for longer, more challenging play sessions has been highlighted as a significant strength.

Looking Ahead

Given its current state, Far Far West could easily be mistaken for a fully launched title, awaiting only the seasonal support common in the industry. As it continues to attract new players and retain its current user base, the focus will likely shift to how the developers choose to expand the content offerings to sustain player interest beyond the initial completion of the game's current challenges.

For fans of cooperative FPS games, especially those who enjoy the depth of Deep Rock Galactic and the chaotic fun of Helldivers 2, Far Far West is an absolute must-play in its current form. Its early access status belies a game that is already highly engaging, with a dedicated community and a clear path to becoming one of the leading titles in its genre.

Criticisms and Future Challenges

While Far Far West shines in many aspects, its content runs thin after players complete the quests and collect all the items on each map. This limitation, however, does not overshadow the game's numerous strengths but rather highlights an area where future updates can make a significant impact. Addressing this through additional content or more robust replay incentives will be crucial for long-term success.