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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Absolum is a side-scrolling fantasy beat ’em up with roguelite, run-based progression. Its appeal is the combination: brawling and cooperative combat in the moment, with branching routes, rewards, and permanent upgrades giving each attempt a longer arc. It suits players who want a story-led action game that they can replay, rather than a traditional brawler that ends when its campaign is complete.
What kind of game is Absolum?
Set in the fantasy world of Talamh, Absolum casts players as warriors resisting the rule of Sun King Azra. Developer and publisher Dotemu described the game at launch as a modern evolution of the beat ’em up: classic side-scrolling brawling joined to a run-based adventure with branching paths, quests, bosses, unlockable items, and permanent warrior upgrades. Dotemu’s launch announcement also listed Guard Crush Games and Supamonks among the development team; Steam lists Dotemu and Gamirror Games as publishers.
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That blend is the game’s defining trade-off. A conventional beat ’em up typically asks whether its combat and stages stay enjoyable through a campaign. Absolum also asks whether its encounters and route choices remain rewarding across repeated attempts, and whether persistent upgrades make failure feel like progress rather than a dead end.
How the combat and run loop fit together
Fights are the immediate draw
PC Gamer’s review highlights the rhythm of attacks, dodges, and teammate follow-ups, while also discussing the game’s challenge. That framing points to the core appeal for brawler fans: combat is not just a vehicle for moving between roguelite rewards, but the main activity each run asks you to repeat. The enjoyment of the loop depends on whether those fights continue to feel engaging as routes and builds change.
#1 Best Overall
- Introducing Joy-Con, controllers that make new kinds of gaming possible, for use with Nintendo Switch.
- The versatile Joy-Con offer multiple surprising new ways for players to have fun.
- Two Joy-Con can be used independently in each hand, or together as one game controller when attached to the Joy-Con grip.
- They can also attach to the main console for use in handheld mode, or be shared with friends to enjoy two-player action in supported games.
- Each Joy-Con has a full set of buttons and can act as a standalone controller, and each includes an accelerometer and gyro-sensor, making independent left and right motion control possible.
Each run feeds longer-term progression
GamesRadar+ describes players moving through challenging environments, choosing boons that affect attributes and magic, and banking resources that can improve later attempts after a run fails. In practical terms, a run has both immediate and long-term stakes: you are trying to get farther now, while also building toward a stronger future attempt. Branching paths, quests, bosses, and unlocks provide reasons for those attempts to differ.
This structure is a natural fit for players who enjoy replaying action games to discover routes and develop a character. It may be less compelling if you want a one-and-done campaign or dislike the prospect of revisiting encounters after a failed run. The key question is not simply whether the game has upgrades, but whether you enjoy earning them through repeated brawling.
Rank #2
- HD Rumble 2
- Motion controls
- Built-in amiibo functionality*
- Capture Button
- C Button for GameChat**
Is Absolum co-op?
Yes. Absolum supports solo play and two-player co-op. The PlayStation listing specifies one to two players and optional online play; Steam lists single-player and co-op, including online and shared/split-screen co-op. Nintendo lists one-to-two-player local and online play for its Switch 2 edition. Exact multiplayer options depend on platform.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →On PlayStation, the U.S. product listing says PS Plus is required for online play. Do not assume that subscription terms or local-play details are identical on other platforms. The listings covered here do not establish cross-platform multiplayer, so check the current platform pages if playing with someone on different hardware is essential.
Rank #3
- Take your game sessions up a notch with the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
- Handheld Nintendo Switch gaming at a great price
- Comes with charging cable (USB C to USB A)
Platforms, editions, and release dates
The original release arrived on October 9, 2025, for PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5. Nintendo lists a separate Switch 2 edition dated September 17, 2026. Metacritic’s current platform selections also include Xbox Series X|S, but the source set for this review did not include an official Xbox product listing; verify Xbox availability and features in the current store for your region.
| Platform or edition | What the available listing establishes |
|---|---|
| PC (Steam) | Original release date: October 9, 2025. Steam lists single-player, online co-op, and shared/split-screen co-op. |
| Nintendo Switch | Original release date: October 9, 2025. |
| PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 | Original release date: October 9, 2025. The U.S. PlayStation listing specifies one to two players and optional online play. |
| Nintendo Switch 2 edition | Nintendo lists a September 17, 2026 release date, 60 fps, improved resolution, local GameShare, and one-to-two-player local and online play. |
| Xbox Series X|S | Listed among Metacritic’s current platform selections; an official Xbox store listing was not established for this review. |
Nintendo’s stated 60 fps and improved resolution apply to its Switch 2 edition; they should not be read as performance claims for other versions. Nintendo also lists local GameShare for that edition. A physical boxed Switch 2 edition is listed by Silver Lining Interactive as out now. Regional availability, stock, and the exact retailer listing can vary, so confirm those details before buying.
Rank #4
- 【PROGRAMMABLE FUNCTION for SWITCH CONTROLLER】: The switch controller with 2 back programming buttons, there are two modes, which are single programming or multi-programming. M1/M2= A+B+Y+L+ZL+R+ZR+D-pad, then you can use other fingers to operate more comfortably and centered. Switch controllers with the programmable buttons helping to minimize button abuse and stick clicking it can last more than several years with heavy use.
- 【ONE-BUTTON WAKE-UP SWITCH CONSOLE】: The switch wireless controller is used for the first time, you need to press the "Y + HOME" button to connect. Then next time just simply presses the "HOME" button of the pro switch controller to wake up your device. It's very convenient for you to start the game. (NOTE: DOES NOT SUPPORT WAKE-UP SWITCH 2 AND AUDIO FUNCTIONS)
- 【VIBRATE FUNCTION & GYRO SENSOR】: The controller for switch have dual vibration motors with 3-level precise vibration: weak, medium and strong that provide you excellent vibration feedback to enhance the game immersion. With the 6-axis gyro sensor, this controller can detect the inclination of the controller and make a quick response, give you more fun while playing motion sensing games
- 【ERGONOMIC DESIGN & TURBO FUNCTION】: The pro controller switch remote's ergonomic and non-slip design that allows you to control the game stably and don’t have to worry about the sweat in your hands. The wireless switch controller can be set to auto TURBO or manual TURBO mode. There are 3 adjustable speeds: 5 shots/s, 12 shots/s or 20 shots/s. You also can customize the TURBO button, A/B/X/Y/L/ZL/R/ZR all buttons can be set to TURBO, which make it easier to win an arcade or action game
- 【SCREENSHOT & HIGH-PERFORMANCE BATTERY】: The switch pro controller wireless’s continuous screenshoting function help you more enjoyable to play games. The switch pro controller for controllers with 600 MAH large capacity rechargeable battery, but it just need 2-3 hours to charge fully. Switch controllers pro can run for 10-15 hours, make sure you can enjoy games longer without interruption. (Warm Tips: Left Stick has been upgraded, please purchase with confidence.)
Accessibility and practical buying considerations
The U.S. PlayStation listing names adjustable difficulty and offline pausing among its accessibility features. These are useful options for players who want to tune challenge or pause when playing offline; consult the relevant storefront for the full, platform-specific feature list.
Dotemu stated a launch price of $24.99 on October 9, 2025. That was the price at launch, not a guarantee of today’s price: regional pricing, discounts, edition differences, and retailer stock may vary. Compare the live listings for your platform, and check whether you want a digital copy or the boxed Switch 2 edition.
What critics and players say
At the time captured, Metacritic showed an 87 PC Metascore from 51 positive, one mixed, and zero negative critic reviews, and an 89 Switch Metascore from 11 positive reviews. These are platform-specific snapshots; both scores and review counts can change. PC Gamer’s discussion emphasizes combat rhythm, co-op, and challenge, while GamesRadar+ focuses on the run structure and progression.
Steam’s displayed recent English-language user-review snapshot was Very Positive, with 93% positive across 4,731 reviews. That is a changing user-review measure, not a critic score. Steam user sentiment and Metacritic’s critic aggregation represent different groups and methods, so they should not be treated as interchangeable verdicts.
Quick Recap
Who should play Absolum?
- Try it if you enjoy side-scrolling brawlers, action games with repeated runs, or two-player co-op and want those elements in an original fantasy setting.
- Think twice if you want a short, strictly linear campaign, prefer not to repeat encounters, or need confirmed cross-platform co-op before choosing a platform.
- Choose your edition by preferred hardware and storefront, local versus online co-op needs, subscription requirements for online play, Switch 2 features, and whether you want digital or physical ownership.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
