PlayStation 5 gamers looking for a new local co-op game to play should definitely be sure to check out Absolum, a beat ’em up roguelike that somewhat flew under the radar, but is easily one of the better games to release last year. The PlayStation 5 has all kinds of fantastic local co-op experiences, but few are as addicting as Absolum.
Absolum, developed by Guard Crush Games and Supamonks and published by Dotemu, dropped at the beginning of October for PS5, PS4, PC, and Switch. Like Dotemu’s other hit games, Absolum is a side-scrolling beat ’em up that plays similarly to the genre classics that helped define 80s and 90s gaming. But where Absolum stands out from other games in Dotemu’s library is that instead of being based on an existing license like Streets of Rage or Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Absolum is a completely original IP. Absolum also stands out thanks to its use of roguelike elements, adding an extra layer to the usual beat ’em up proceedings that make it endlessly replayable.
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When PS5 gamers first boot up Absolum, they choose between a dwarf named Karl whose primary weapons are his fists and his gun, and the sword-wielding Galandra. Two more characters are added to Absolum‘s roster as players progress through the game, exploring its various branching paths, encountering unique story moments, and mastering its challenging but fair combat system. Along the way, players unlock temporary upgrades that disappear when they lose all their lives, as well as currency that unlock permanent upgrades and make subsequent runs a little easier, in typical roguelike fashion.
Absolum’s Roguelike Elements Take the Local Co-Op Brawler to the Next Level
A lot of beat ’em ups feel shallow to me and fail to hold my attention for the long haul, but Absolum has had me completely hooked from the beginning. The roguelike structure isn’t for everyone, but for those that vibe with it, it makes games even more difficult to put down. I always feel like doing “one more run” to see if I can complete any side quests, find new areas to explore, or finally beat a boss that is giving me trouble.
Absolum is plenty of fun to play solo, but it really shines as a local co-op game. One of the best co-op games of last year, Absolum lets two players experience the entire game together, start to finish. It’s a little disappointing that local co-op partners seemingly don’t get to unlock trophies, but it’s still a worthwhile experience with a friend.
Absolum‘s story and lore are unobtrusive, with players having the option to learn more about the world and the various NPCs if they so desire. Doing so often leads to new scenarios and discoveries, so I recommend it, but I appreciate how the story doesn’t get in the way of the local co-op action while still being interesting to learn about.
Planning builds, hunting down secrets, and unleashing absolute chaos on the screen as more powerful abilities are stacked make playing Absolum in local co-op an incredibly fun time. My wife and I just recently rolled credits, but there’s still so much more to do before we will truly be done with the game. The Platinum trophy is tough but reasonable, and we’re shooting for 100% completion.
If I had played Absolum last year, it likely would have made my list of the top 10 best games of 2025. I may be a little late to the party, but now that I have been completely absorbed in this beat ’em up fantasy world, I’m making sure to sing its praises and make as many local co-op gamers aware of it as possible. If you are on PS5, PS4, PC, or Switch, Absolum is definitely worth the asking price.
- Released
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October 9, 2025
- ESRB
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Everyone 10+ / Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood, Mild Language, Use of Tobacco
- Developer(s)
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Guard Crush Games, Supamonks, Dotemu
- Publisher(s)
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Dotemu, Gamera Games
- Multiplayer
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Online Co-Op, Local Co-Op
