The Beat ‘Em Up genre has been making a comeback over the past few years. With bangers like previously released titles such as Streets of Rage 4 and TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge leading the charge, it’s clear there’s still plenty of life left in the side-scrolling brawler scene. Whether it’s solo chaos or teaming up with friends to clear the screen of bad guys, these games have reminded us why throwing hands will never go out of style.
And if 2025’s early lineup is anything to go by, we’re only getting started. This year is stacked with a mix of revivals, fresh IPs, and stylish spin-offs—each one trying to put its stamp on the genre. From fantasy and cyberpunk to cosmic superhero throwdowns, there’s no shortage of variety. So, if you’re itching for combo chains, couch co-op, or just a good old-fashioned ass kicking (I can say that, right?), here are the upcoming beat ’em ups you’ll want on your radar.
Check out what is on the horizon in 2025, and yes, it’s plenty to get excited for!
Absolum
If you loved Streets of Rage 4 (and you should have), then you’ll want to keep your eye on Absolum. The folks at Guard Crush Games and Dotemu are at it again, along with Supamonk’s superb animation skills, and throwing us into a gritty fantasy world ruled by a tyrannical sun god. The twist? It’s got roguelike elements, RPG-style progression, and multiple character classes to mess around with. This is one of those games that hits that sweet spot between tight combat and satisfying progression. According to the devs, every run will feel different, which adds to the replayability of the game, and the hand-drawn visuals sweeten the deal. Don’t sleep on this one.
Absolum’s release date is TBA, but it will be released for the PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
Marvel Cosmic Invasion
Geez, Dotemu and Tribute Games are teaming up again, and that can only mean one thing—get ready for another potential hit. Marvel Cosmic Invasion is shaping up to be the spiritual follow-up to TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge, but this time we’re going full Marvel. Confirmed characters so far include Spider-Man, Wolverine, Captain America, and Venom, and that’s just a slice of the 15-character roster.
You’ll be tossing punches and powers across intergalactic battlegrounds, with four-player drop-in/drop-out co-op both locally and online—and yes, it’s full crossplay. The whole vibe screams Saturday morning cartoon chaos, but with the polish and precision you’d expect from this dev duo. If you’re into comic book brawling or just want to throw down with your favorite heroes, this one’s a no-brainer.
Marvel Cosmic Invasion is set to be released on PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch, and PC in 2025.
Spine
Wait? What’s this? Guns? Spine is not your traditional side-scrolling brawler, but that’s why it earns a spot on this list. Think of it like Sifu—but with guns or gun-fu as it’s called, set in a cyberpunk dystopia. Sure, you’re not just punching people, you’re pulling off fully choreographed fight scenes that look like something out of a John Wick fever dream. And who doesn’t like John Wick… well, except for the people he’s putting holes in.
The developers behind Spine, Nekki, are going for that for big cinematic energy, blending melee and ranged combat in real time. It’s over-the-top, full of style, and dripping with attitude. I don’t even care if it bends the genre—Spine is looking pretty damned fun.
Spine is being developed for the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Steam), with no current release date as of yet.
Ra Ra Boom
We’ve been watching Ra Ra Boom ever since we caught wind of the game ahead of PAX East 2024. Don’t let the bright visuals and cartoony vibe fool you. This game goes hard. Developed by Gylee Games, it’s a lane-based 2D beat ’em up that features four cybernetically enhanced girls who aren’t just there to look cool—they’re straight-up badasses. You’re saving the planet from rogue AI, and the action feels smooth, stylish, and punchy. With its vibrant comic book art style and fast-paced brawling, Ra Ra Boom deserves a serious spot in your rotation. This is also a couch-coop affair, so you’ll need some friends to take the fight to the baddies.
We also have a short interview with the CEO of the team developing Ra Ra Boom, be sure to check that out.
Ra Ra Boom is set to launch in Summer 2025 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC (Steam/Epic). Games Store.
That’s it for now!
Beat ’em ups don’t always get the mainstream love that other games get, and that’s fine. We know the genre’s still alive and swinging, and 2025 is proof. Whether you’re into pixel art throwdowns, fantasy rebellion, or stylish future-fights with bullet-time flair, this year’s got something for everyone who loves a good old-fashioned scrap. Let’s get to brawling. And this isn’t counting the other beat ’em ups that I didn’t mention, or the ones that have been announced but still need more time in the oven before we know what they’re really about.
Beat ’em ups are back, again!
