Last updated: March 12, 2026
Why POOLS Is Trending Right Now
POOLS defies traditional trending metrics with 0 active players in the last 24 hours, yet maintains a remarkable 96% positive review score from 3,092 players. The game's explosion of passionate reviews—highlighting its unique atmospheric horror—positions it as a cult classic that peaked early but left a lasting impression on those who played it.
POOLS stands apart from traditional horror through its non-violent approach, relying purely on liminal space atmosphere and environmental storytelling rather than jump scares or combat. It's built for players seeking meditative horror—those willing to walk through unsettling environments for deep psychological unease rather than action-driven thrills.
Key Stats
Trending in the Steam Shooter category with 136 concurrent players and Trending on Steam this week.
What the Community Is Saying
Players are captivated by its unsettling yet strangely relaxing atmosphere and horror approach that avoids combat entirely, praising the immersive backrooms-inspired architecture. The primary criticism targets performance issues, with reports of frame rate drops caused by loading entire level geometries at once.
Usually walking simulators bore me out, but this just invoked a feeling of horror I haven't felt before. Just.. endless walking through what feels like a childhood dream. A giant water park. It's so weird and its great! BUY IT
its good but it seems like in each chapter every room in the entire level is loaded at all times for some reason??? thats really bad for performance reasons
This is an extremely relaxing game that I enjoyed a lot more than expected. It makes you want to take screenshots of every weird thing you find while walking around. Whether you're looking for a tool to stimulate deep thought or just getting ready to sleep, it's honestly perfect.
Pretty cool game, haven't played much yet. Mostly played on my MacBook, but it looks and runs pretty well on both my computer and Mac.
Excellent, compelling, creepy and gorgeous.
Maybe I missed some secret commentary or something but I completed the game in about an hour and... it's just walking through a few rooms? I don't think psychological horror is the right description for this game. It's literally walking through a simple maze of white tiles and here and there are like 6 statues of people crying. I think I'm missing something???
Should You Play It? Pros & Cons
✅ Reasons to Play
- 96% positive review score from 3,092 players—exceptionally high user satisfaction
- Unique horror approach without combat—pure atmospheric immersion and environmental design
- Budget-friendly at $4.89 with solid performance on both PC and Mac
- Functions as both meditative walking simulator and psychological horror depending on player mindset
❌ Things to Consider
- Zero active players in last 24 hours—no community engagement or multiplayer functionality
- Performance issues reported: entire level geometry loaded simultaneously causing frame rate drops
- Linear structure with limited replay value—single-player experience with defined endpoints
Should You Play Pools?
Pools holds overwhelmingly positive reviews on Steam with a 96% positive rating, one of the most celebrated games in its genre on Steam. It attracts 136 players at its recent 24-hour peak, showing strong player retention for a Shooter title. The combination of strong developer support and passionate community has kept it highly rated over time.
Pools is very affordable at $4.89 on Steam, developed by Tensori. Shooter fans who want tight gunplay and competitive depth will find this worth their time. Whether playing solo or with friends, Pools offers solid replayability in the shooter genre.
Should You Play Pools?
Pools holds overwhelmingly positive reviews on Steam with a 96% positive rating, one of the most celebrated games in its genre on Steam. It attracts 136 players at its recent 24-hour peak, showing strong player retention for a game title. The combination of strong developer support and passionate community has kept it highly rated over time.
Pools is very affordable at $4.89 on Steam, developed by Tensori. Players who enjoy the game genre and want something currently trending on Steam will find Pools worth checking out.
Common Questions About POOLS
Is POOLS worth buying in 2026?
Yes, if you appreciate atmospheric horror and meditative walking simulators. The 96% review score and $4.89 price make it a low-risk investment for a genuinely unique experience. Just know it's single-player only with zero current community activity.
How many players does POOLS have?
POOLS had 0 players in the last 24 hours with a 0% seven-day trend. The game's active playerbase has moved on since its April 2024 release, though the 3,092 positive reviews confirm players found meaningful value during their playthroughs.
Is POOLS multiplayer or co-op?
POOLS is single-player only. There is no multiplayer, co-op, PvP, or crossplay—it's a solo walking simulator designed for individual immersion in its unsettling liminal environments.
How long does it take to beat POOLS?
Estimated 2-4 hours for the main story, with potential for 5-6 hours if exploring every area. As a linear walking simulator, there's no procedural or endless content—it's a story-driven experience with defined chapters and endpoints.
Is it free to play?
No, Pools costs $136 on Steam. It is not a free-to-play game, though Steam sales occasionally offer discounts.
How many people play Pools?
Pools has reached 136 concurrent players at its 24-hour peak. Player counts fluctuate with updates, sales, and new content — check SteamDB for the latest live data.
