The Skies Are Calling: 2-Person Indie Hit ‘Solarpunk’ Surpasses 1 Million Steam Wishlists

• The Milestone: Over 1 million Steam users have added the game to their wishlists, a staggering feat for a small team.
• The Vision: A combat-free, “cozy survival” experience focused on sustainability, creativity, and exploration.
• Multiplayer Debut: New trailer confirms 4-player online co-op for the full release.
• Eco-Tech Mechanics: Players must master solar, wind, and hydro power to automate their floating homesteads.

Survival games are often synonymous with stress—starvation meters, night-time raids, and hostile wildlife. However, Cyberwave, a two-person development team based in Darmstadt, Germany, is proving that the world is hungry for a gentler alternative. Their upcoming title, Solarpunk, has officially crossed the 1 million wishlist mark on Steam, signaling a massive shift toward “optimistic” indie gaming.

Building a Sustainable Future in the Clouds

Set in a vibrant world of floating islands, Solarpunk tasks players with building a self-sufficient life in the sky. Unlike traditional survival titles, there is no combat. Instead, the challenge lies in engineering:

• Renewable Energy Grids: Players must construct solar panels, wind turbines, and water wheels to power their bases. Energy must be stored in batteries to keep systems running during different weather cycles.
• Automation via Drones: To allow players more time for exploration, the game features a drone system that can be programmed to gather resources and tend to crops automatically.
• Airship Exploration: The only way to reach new islands and discover rare resources is by building and piloting your own customizable airship.
• Animal Symbiosis: The game emphasizes living with nature. Well-cared-for animals provide unique benefits, such as pigs that forage for rare truffles on their own.

Better Together: 4-Player Co-op Confirmed

The latest gameplay trailer, released via publisher Rokaplay, finally showcases the long-awaited multiplayer functionality. While the game does not support cross-play, up to four players can join a single world to build a massive shared sky-colony.

The developers describe the multiplayer experience as “low-pressure creative sharing.” Every player maintains their own inventory, allowing for a mix of collaborative building projects and independent exploration.

Game Profile: Solarpunk

Try the Demo Now

For those who can’t wait for the full release, a free PC demo is currently available on Steam. It offers a substantial look at the early-game tech tree, allowing you to set up your first power grid and experiment with the modular building system.

Early feedback from over 50 Steam curators has been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the game’s “unhurried” pace and its beautiful, bright aesthetic. If you’re tired of fighting for survival and want to start building for it instead, Solarpunk is a title to watch.

Steam Store Page: Solarpunk on Steam