Best Beat 'em up games on Steam
Unlike generic lists, our strategy game recommendations use a rigorous analysis of Steam user reviews to identify and feature only the best, community-validated beat 'em up games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free beat 'em up games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
Slave Zero X
Slave Zero X is a stylish 2.5D character action game set in the biopunk world of Slave Zero (1999). Run & Slash your way through a dystopian future in this character action game which will resonate with fans of Devil May Cry, Strider, and Guilty Gear.
Black Gunner Wukong
Wukong Survivors" is a TPS + ROGUE game where players control Sun Wukong and his friends, sweeping through all visible enemies and rescuing their captured master.
Project Demigod
Suit up and save the day in Project Demigod, a physics-driven superhero sandbox with limitless possibilities.
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
Two larger-than-life heroes, Ichiban Kasuga and Kazuma Kiryu are brought together by the hand of fate, or perhaps something more sinister… Live it up in Japan and explore all that Hawaii has to offer in an RPG adventure so big it spans the Pacific.
Trinity Fusion
ANOMALY WARP Update Out Now! Take control of your parallel selves and explore dark, Sci-Fi worlds. Slash, bash and shoot your way through this unique rogue-lite metroidvania where the only way to save the multiverse is to end it.
The Last Soldier of the Ming Dynasty
The Japanese pirates have terrorized the Ming Dynasty for generations. You've devoted your life as a soldier to fighting them.And now you are in their turf, alone with your sword; the last soldier in pirate's land in this 3D-action game inspired by traditional Chinese ink painting landscapes.
Furi Demake - The Chain
Fight your way free in this 8-bit-inspired version of Furi's first boss fight against The Chain. Frantic action, nervous controls, a blend of shoot and sword fight reimagined in 90s style. Only 1 boss fight! A gift to Furi’s fans.
Skybreakers
Skybreakers is an action roguelike thriller. Choose from various characters, arm yourself with a vast array of weapons, and create your own unique build by combining artifacts, random talents, abilities, and bonds. Plunge into exhilarating combat and use unique abilities to defeat the evil.
UFO ROBOT GRENDIZER – The Feast of the Wolves
For the first time in video game history, climb aboard Grendizer the Legendary Robot and fight against the forces of evil to defend our planet Earth!
Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name
ERASE YOUR PAST TO PROTECT YOUR FUTURE Once a legendary yakuza, Kazuma Kiryu faked his own death and abandoned his name for the sake of protecting his family. Now, he is thrust into conflict by a mysterious figure attempting to drive him out of hiding.
Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2
Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2 lets you duke it out with the biggest and best fighting character roster yet! Choose your favorite brawlers, master their unique move sets, and use all-new powerful Supers to land the finishing blow with friends or across a unique, roguelike player campaign!
Alien Hominid Invasion
Old friends and bitter enemies await as you invade Earth alongside a Mothership full of alien friends! Blast, beam, and bite your way through an endless swarm of enemies as you and up to three of your fellow hominids cause mayhem with a huge arsenal of weapons, mutations, and acrobatic maneuvers.
Fading Afternoon
Seiji Maruyama is a middle-aged yakuza recently released from prison. Known as "Gozuki" (one of the demon generals from Buddhist mythology) he is the power that his oyabun counts on. But there is one thing his aniki is not taking into account: Maruyama is getting old.
Pocket Bravery
Inspired by classic fighting games from the 90's such as Street Fighter, Fatal Fury and The King of Fighters, 'Pocket Bravery' channels the 'Neo Geo Pocket' aesthetic for a modern fighting game with a retro twist!
Kill The Crows
"Kill The Crows" is a fast-paced top-down arena shooter set in the twisted western world. A gunslinger burning with vengeance steps into the ruins of a forsaken town, ready to face death. Prepare for one-shot, one-kill gunfights using classic revolvers and fanning techniques.
Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise Of The Dragons
The Double Dragon brothers return in this fresh addition to the iconic franchise. With roguelite elements, every playthrough is a chance at new action. Tag in with 2 of 4 starter characters or unlock 12 additional characters, each with their own special moves and playstyles. Online & Local Co-op.
The Ninja Saviors: Return of the Warriors
Alluring audio! Pixel art perfection! Beat-em up beauty! Discover how hard a 32,000kg ninja hits with The Ninja Saviours!
Gravity Circuit
Gravity Circuit is a flashy action packed 2D platformer in the spirit of console classics. Follow Kai, a lone operative war hero who harnesses the mysterious powers of the Gravity Circuit, on an adventure in a futuristic world inhabited by sentient robots.
Shaolin vs Wutang 2
The sequel to Shaolin vs Wutang! Shaolin vs Wutang 2 is a INDIE love letter to Martial Arts and classic Kung Fu films. Made for casual game fans not intended for Hardcore Fighting Game players.
Troublemaker
Grab a backpack, boxing tape, and focus on what high school is all about: Beating the ever loving crap out of one another! Troublemaker blends favorite action-adventure-beat-'em-up elements from the strongest traditions in the genre.
Clash: Artifacts of Chaos
Hunted by mercenaries of an enemy with untold power, the fighter Pseudo and the creature under his protection begin a perilous quest to the edges of strange lands.
Like a Dragon: Ishin!
Don the clothes and weaponry of the elite to become the samurai of legend, Sakamoto Ryoma. Draw your blade and join the revolution in this heated historical adventure.Most played beat 'em up games on Steam
Take a look at the top beat 'em up games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of April 15th 2025.
1. Yakuza 0
SEGA’s legendary Japanese series finally comes to PC. Fight like hell through Tokyo and Osaka as junior yakuza Kiryu and Majima. Take a front row seat to 1980s life in Japan in an experience unlike anything else in video gaming, with uncapped framerates and 4K resolutions. A legend is born. Yakuza 0 is a story rich, action and beat 'em up game developed by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio and published by SEGA. Released on August 01st 2018 has received 72,708 reviews of which 69,524 were positive and 3,184 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played beat 'em up game, thanks to its 1,280 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.4
69,524
3,184
1,280
players
2. Castle Crashers®
Hack, slash, and smash your way to victory in this award winning 2D arcade adventure from The Behemoth! Castle Crashers® is a 2d, online co-op and co-op game developed and published by The Behemoth. Released on September 26th 2012 has received 124,696 reviews of which 119,881 were positive and 4,815 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. While seeing 777 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among beat 'em up games based on player count.
9.5
119,881
4,815
777
players
3. Sifu
Sifu is a realistic third-person brawler with tight Kung Fu combat mechanics and cinematic martial arts action embarking you on a path for revenge. Sifu is a action, martial arts and difficult game developed by Sloclap and published by Sloclap and Kepler Interactive. Released on March 28th 2023 has received 20,184 reviews of which 18,665 were positive and 1,519 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.0 out of 10. While seeing 641 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among beat 'em up games based on player count.
9.0
18,665
1,519
641
players
4. Judgment
Fight for the truth and uncover the twisted crime running deep beneath the surface of Tokyo. In this legal thriller , the balance between justice and mercy teeters on the edge. Judgment is a action, adventure and beat 'em up game developed by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio and published by SEGA. Released on September 14th 2022 has received 9,477 reviews of which 8,949 were positive and 528 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. With 557 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played beat 'em up games.
9.2
8,949
528
557
players
5. Lost Judgment
When a police officer discloses the murder of the student teacher who bullied his son to suicide, the twisted secrets of a Yokohama, high school bleed out. Nothing, in this case, is black and white. Lost Judgment is a action, adventure and beat 'em up game developed by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio and published by SEGA. Released on September 14th 2022 has received 7,390 reviews of which 6,989 were positive and 401 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. With 508 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played beat 'em up games.
9.2
6,989
401
508
players
6. Yakuza Kiwami
SEGA’s critically-acclaimed entry that started a legend. Become Kazuma Kiryu, an up-and-coming yakuza who takes the fall for the murder of a crime boss, only to emerge from prison ten years later to a changed world. Remastered from the ground up, now in 4K and uncapped framerates on PC. Yakuza Kiwami is a action, story rich and adventure game developed by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio and published by SEGA. Released on February 19th 2019 has received 21,522 reviews of which 20,103 were positive and 1,419 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. With 451 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played beat 'em up games.
9.1
20,103
1,419
451
players
7. Rotwood
The world has been thrown into chaos, and it's up to you and your friends to battle the corrupted beasts of the Rotwood. Upgrade your gear, choose your preferred weapon, and hone your skills to defend your safe haven. Rotwood is a early access, hack and slash and dungeon crawler game developed and published by Klei Entertainment. Released on April 24th 2024 has received 7,454 reviews of which 5,624 were positive and 1,830 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. With 441 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played beat 'em up games.
7.4
5,624
1,830
441
players
8. Yakuza Kiwami 2
Kazuma Kiryu, the Dragon of Dojima, must face the ambitious Ryuji Goda, the Dragon of Kansai, in an all-out war between two rival yakuza clans. An extreme recreation of one of Yakuza’s most beloved entries, now in stunning 4K and unlocked framerates. There can be only one dragon. Yakuza Kiwami 2 is a action, story rich and beat 'em up game developed by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio and published by SEGA. Released on May 09th 2019 has received 16,365 reviews of which 15,590 were positive and 775 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 409 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played beat 'em up games.
9.3
15,590
775
409
players
9. Metal Slug: Awakening
Metal Slug: Awakening continues the classic gameplay loved by fans, with exciting new features like World Adventure, 3-player Team-up, and Roguelike challenges. Join forces with your friends online to take on powerful bosses anytime, anywhere! Metal Slug: Awakening is a shoot 'em up, 2d platformer and arcade game developed by Tencent and published by HaoPlay Limited. Released on July 19th 2024 has received 3,113 reviews of which 2,106 were positive and 1,007 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.6 out of 10. With 407 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played beat 'em up games.
6.6
2,106
1,007
407
players
10. ONE PIECE: PIRATE WARRIORS 4
ONE PIECE: PIRATE WARRIORS 4 is the latest evolution of PIRATE WARRIORS action! Based on the concept of "experiencing a real ONE PIECE battlefield," buildings will come crashing down during the action and attacks will throw up smoke and dust, placing you in the thick of the ONE PIECE world! ONE PIECE: PIRATE WARRIORS 4 is a anime, hack and slash and beat 'em up game developed by Koei Tecmo and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment. Released on March 26th 2020 has received 19,723 reviews of which 18,068 were positive and 1,655 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. With 347 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played beat 'em up games.
9.0
18,068
1,655
347
players
Best deals on beat 'em up games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of beat 'em up games available on Steam right now, updated on April 15th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted beat 'em up games.
1. Bravery and Greed
Bravery and Greed is a beat 'em up, roguelite, dungeon brawler for up to four players. Choose from four classic fantasy classes, engage in a deep robust combat system, and play a variety of co-operative and competitive game modes with friends via local, online or both. Get rich, or die trying! Bravery and Greed is a multiplayer, rogue-lite and hack and slash game developed by Rekka Games and published by Team17. Released on November 15th 2022 has received 864 reviews of which 665 were positive and 199 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.3 out of 10. Featuring a massive 95% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for beat 'em up category.
7.3
665
199
-95%
20.00€
1.00€
2. Zombie Vikings
From the creators of indie smash hit Stick It to The Man! comes a new one to four-player co-op stab-you-in-the-gut-a-thon. Embark on a dead funny adventure with the Zombie Vikings. A putrid posse sent on a mission through the most epic of worlds to retrieve Odin’s lost eye. Zombie Vikings is a action, adventure and local co-op game developed and published by Zoink Games. Released on December 07th 2015 has received 397 reviews of which 313 were positive and 84 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 92% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in beat 'em up games.
7.4
313
84
-92%
11.99€
0.95€
3. Cobra Kai: The Karate Kid Saga Continues
Choose a side, master your moves, and embrace your destiny in an epic beat 'em up adventure inspired by the hit show. Take control of 8 playable characters with deep movesets, combos, progression, real-time character swaps, ultimate attacks, and much more! Cobra Kai: The Karate Kid Saga Continues is a beat 'em up, martial arts and 2d fighter game developed by Flux Games and published by GameMill Entertainment. Released on January 05th 2021 has received 562 reviews of which 463 were positive and 99 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 90% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in beat 'em up games.
7.8
463
99
-90%
19.99€
1.99€
4. Megabyte Punch
Megabyte Punch is a fighting/beat ‘em up game in which you build your own fighter! As you travel through different environments, you battle other creatures to get their parts. Parts have their own powers and bonuses, like gun arms for a shoot ability or powerful hips for a devastating pelvic thrust attack. Megabyte Punch is a adventure, local multiplayer and platformer game developed and published by Team Reptile. Released on October 15th 2013 has received 1,104 reviews of which 991 were positive and 113 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 88% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for beat 'em up games.
8.5
991
113
-88%
13.83€
1.66€
5. Troublemaker
Grab a backpack, boxing tape, and focus on what high school is all about: Beating the ever loving crap out of one another! Troublemaker blends favorite action-adventure-beat-'em-up elements from the strongest traditions in the genre. Troublemaker is a adventure, beat 'em up and action rpg game developed by Gamecom Team and published by indie.io. Released on March 31st 2023 has received 960 reviews of which 849 were positive and 111 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 87% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for beat 'em up games.
8.4
849
111
-87%
18.46€
2.40€
6. Going Under
Going Under is a satirical dungeon crawler about exploring the cursed ruins of failed tech startups. As an unpaid intern in the dystopian city of Neo-Cascadia, you’ll wield office junk as weaponry as you make your way through the offbeat procedural dungeons beneath your company campus. Going Under is a action roguelike, dungeon crawler and beat 'em up game developed by Aggro Crab and published by Team17 Digital. Released on September 24th 2020 has received 3,678 reviews of which 3,342 were positive and 336 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 86% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for beat 'em up games.
8.7
3,342
336
-86%
19.57€
2.74€
7. Unruly Heroes
LET'S KUNG FU THEM ALL! Play solo or co-op and take control of four unlikely heroes that battle a diverse lineup of enemies, show off your Kung-Fu skills and journey west across stunning different environments in order to hunt for the scattered remnants of the Sacred Scroll. Unruly Heroes is a action-adventure, beat 'em up and action game developed and published by Magic Design Studios. Released on January 23rd 2019 has received 935 reviews of which 707 were positive and 228 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 86% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for beat 'em up games.
7.2
707
228
-86%
20.43€
2.86€
8. Final Exam
Jump into the frenzied action and the whacky humor of a pure 2.5D side-scroller! While they were going to their old high school for what was supposed to be the party of their life, four long-time friends end up in a ghost town full of monstrous creatures. Final Exam is a action, indie and co-op game developed by Mighty Rocket Studio and published by Focus Entertainment. Released on November 05th 2013 has received 1,238 reviews of which 1,043 were positive and 195 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 85% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for beat 'em up games.
8.0
1,043
195
-85%
4.99€
0.74€
9. Mr. Shifty
Teleport, shift through bullets, and master lightning-fast takedowns in an all new kind of action game from tinyBuild and Team Shifty! Mr. Shifty is a action, indie and adventure game developed by Team Shifty and published by tinyBuild. Released on April 13th 2017 has received 1,678 reviews of which 1,479 were positive and 199 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 84% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for beat 'em up games.
8.4
1,479
199
-84%
14.88€
2.38€
10. Capcom Beat 'Em Up Bundle
Relive the glory days of cooperative arcade games with the Capcom Beat 'Em Up Bundle! This comprehensive collection includes seven classic titles, each with various multiplayer options and online capabilities! Capcom Beat 'Em Up Bundle is a beat 'em up, arcade and action game developed and published by CAPCOM Co. and Ltd.. Released on October 10th 2018 has received 1,311 reviews of which 1,147 were positive and 164 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 84% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for beat 'em up games.
8.3
1,147
164
-84%
19.88€
3.18€
Free beat 'em up games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play beat 'em up games you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on April 15th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play beat 'em up games.
1. Metal Slug: Awakening
Metal Slug: Awakening continues the classic gameplay loved by fans, with exciting new features like World Adventure, 3-player Team-up, and Roguelike challenges. Join forces with your friends online to take on powerful bosses anytime, anywhere! Metal Slug: Awakening is a shoot 'em up, 2d platformer and arcade game developed by Tencent and published by HaoPlay Limited. Released on July 19th 2024 has received 3,113 reviews of which 2,106 were positive and 1,007 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.6 out of 10. With 407 active players enjoying it for free, this strategy game has reached the #1 spot among the top free beat 'em up games on Steam.
6.6
2,106
1,007
407
players
2. Dungeon Fighter Online
Get ready for the ultimate brawl! Dungeon Fighter Online is a classic beat-em up 2D action game with an epic storyline and RPG elements! Choose from 17 diverse classes, and unravel ancient mysteries as you punch, slash, shoot, or summon your way to victory! Dungeon Fighter Online is a free to play, anime and rpg game developed and published by Neople. Released on August 09th 2016 has received 5,488 reviews of which 3,369 were positive and 2,119 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.1 out of 10. Thanks to its free to play tag and a daily player base of 331, this beat 'em up game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free beat 'em up games on Steam.
6.1
3,369
2,119
331
players
3. Arisen Force: Life Devotee
Enjoy a free-to-play, stylish action combat experience as you explore a chapter storylines from Journey to the West. Arisen Force: Life Devotee is a action, action rpg and beat 'em up game developed and published by Lemport. Released on November 24th 2024 has received 1,800 reviews of which 1,744 were positive and 56 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played free beat 'em up games on Steam.
9.2
1,744
56
31
players
4. Holo X Break
Fight your way through endless waves of holoX's minions! Gear up with all sorts of equipment and items in this action packed beat-em-up to reach the 5 bosses of hololive's "holoX", and put a stop to their plans! Holo X Break is a action, beat 'em up and pixel graphics game developed by KayAnimate and published by holo Indie. Released on March 29th 2024 has received 2,600 reviews of which 2,250 were positive and 350 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played free beat 'em up games on Steam.
8.3
2,250
350
8
players
5. KIBORG: Arena
Fight for cash and glory in a prison planet’s Coliseum in this free prologue to KIBORG, the fast-paced action rogue-lite with brutal, cybernetic-enhanced combat. KIBORG: Arena is a action roguelike, hack and slash and beat 'em up game developed and published by Sobaka Studio. Released on August 13th 2024 has received 398 reviews of which 344 were positive and 54 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free beat 'em up games on Steam.
8.0
344
54
3
players
6. Rumble Club
Punch your friends for free! Battle solo or squad up in clumsy chaos across an ever-changing slate of game modes with up to 20 players. Rumble Club is a co-op, multiplayer and battle royale game developed and published by Lightfox Games and Inc.. Released on April 23rd 2024 has received 674 reviews of which 537 were positive and 137 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free beat 'em up games on Steam.
7.6
537
137
3
players
7. Fights in Tight Spaces (Prologue)
Play the first mission of Fights in Tight Spaces for free! A stylish blend of deck-building, turn-based tactics, and thrilling fight sequences in action-movie settings. Learn to balance your hand, momentum, and positioning to overcome the odds to defeat your adversaries. Full game OUT NOW. Fights in Tight Spaces (Prologue) is a deckbuilding, strategy and turn-based tactics game developed by Ground Shatter and published by Raw Fury. Released on December 14th 2020 has received 809 reviews of which 761 were positive and 48 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free beat 'em up games on Steam.
8.8
761
48
8. Metamorphos
Take on the role of the temple’s guardian, awakened to cleanse the temple from an evil force corrupting it. Fight and dodge your way through a series of corrupted denizens, wildlife, and guardians to confront Nafaset, the Defiler, and restore the blessed oases. Metamorphos is a hack and slash, souls-like and beat 'em up game developed by Spicy Dice Studios and published by DigiPen Institute of Technology. Released on May 08th 2021 has received 451 reviews of which 359 were positive and 92 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free beat 'em up games on Steam.
7.5
359
92