Absolum just dropped on Steam. It’s a side-scrolling brawler with roguelite structure, but that’s not the full story.
It’s got that roguelite structure (restart runs, build over time, learn the systems) but the real draw is how much it builds on the old-school beat ’em up feel without being stuck in it.
Absolum Game Release Steam Roguelite Beat ‘Em Up
This one comes from Dotemu and Guard Crush, the same folks behind Streets of Rage 4. Their experience shows in the game’s sharp combat and snappy animations. And thanks to Supamonks on visuals, it’s easy on the eyes without going soft. The art hits that rare middle ground: clean but gritty, stylish without being overdone.
They didn’t just slap wizards on a brawler and call it a day. Absolum plays like something new, not just nostalgic.
The Rise and Ruin of Talamh
What about the world? Talamh got wrecked by a magical event no one could stop. Magic went from being respected to hated. People blamed the wizards. That’s when Sun King Azra stepped in, locked down magic use, took over everything, and used his Crimson Order to enslave the survivors. It’s a full-on regime. You’re playing as rebels trying to break it.
Four Heroes With Different Strengths
You pick from four characters. Each one feels different. Not just stat tweaks.
- Galandra is all brute force and necromancy. Big sword, big swings, high risk.
- Karl is the dwarf with a blunderbuss and heavy fists. He’s built for crowd control and getting in close.
- Brome plays the long game. He’s your ranged spellcaster, best at managing space and tempo.
- Cider is the rogue type. Fast, agile, and made for players who want to dodge and dart instead of trade blows.
Combat, Strategy, and Replayability
Every run shifts: paths change, enemies rotate, gear drops vary. The core is melee combat, but there’s plenty of depth: elemental spell combos, counter mechanics, and status effects tied to items. You can’t just mash your way through. Absolum punishes sloppy play, but rewards those who adapt.
Between runs, some upgrades carry over. But the real progress comes from understanding how to survive the next one. Every failure teaches you something
Co-op That Changes the Game
You can play solo, but Absolum shines in co-op. It supports both online and couch play, just know that couch co-op needs controllers. And it’s not just two players doing their own thing. If you’re syncing spells or stacking elemental effects at the right time, you’ll see fights play out very differently. There’s real incentive to coordinate.
A Soundtrack Worth a Separate Purchase
Gareth Coker (Ori, Halo Infinite), Yuka Kitamura (Elden Ring), and Mick Gordon (Doom Eternal) teamed up on the score. It’s a ridiculous lineup, and it pays off. The music doesn’t just sit in the background. It hits during combos, during tense pauses, during boss fights. You can buy the soundtrack as a bundle with the game. And honestly, it’s worth it.
Early Response and Final Thoughts
Absolum dropped on October 9, 2025, and the early feedback’s strong. Steam shows a “Very Positive” rating from over 400 reviews so far, with 92% recommending it.
If you like your brawlers tough, tactical, and replayable, this one’s worth a shot. It’s not a rehash. It’s a smarter, sharper version of a genre that still has a lot left to give.