A beloved Let’s Play classic makes its comeback on Steam after 16 years, amassing 750,000 wishlists.

The internet landscape in 2010 was quite different. Generative AI was still in its infancy, memes were everywhere, and “Let’s Plays” dominated YouTube. Among the free browser games, Happy Wheels captured the spotlight, becoming a sensation thanks to its popularity with prominent YouTubers. It seemed like everyone was giving it a go. Fast forward sixteen years, and Happy Wheels has made a comeback with its launch on Steam.

The game’s rise to fame in the past decade can be attributed to well-known Let’s Players frequently showcasing it. Its appeal was undeniable: being free and browser-based meant anyone could jump in without spending a cent or downloading anything. The gameplay was both silly and unique, challenging players to navigate obstacles and reach the finish line, often resulting in hilariously gory failures. However, like many internet trends, the excitement eventually faded, leaving the game to drift into obscurity, as creator Jim Bonacci described it, “floating on an isolated island in space.”

In a bid to breathe new life into Happy Wheels, Bonacci released it on the Steam Store. Within just two weeks, it amassed an impressive 750,000 wishlists. The indie developer expressed his surprise in the game’s launch announcement, admitting, “I realistically was thinking maybe 5k at best.” While the response was unexpected, he was thrilled to see that interest in the game still existed.

Players are returning to Happy Wheels either for a nostalgic trip down memory lane or to experience it for the first time. It stands as a piece of internet history. Now, just a week after its Steam launch and sixteen years since its original browser debut, Happy Wheels boasts 94% positive reviews from over 3,000 players around the globe.

Happy Wheels remains available for free on totaljerkface.com, as well as on the App Store and Google Play. Alternatively, players can grab it on Steam for $4.99, where they can enjoy an ad-free experience, track their playtime, view stats, unlock up to 80 achievements, and download levels for offline play.

Punching and no-scoping fish has never been more popular!