Absolum: What to Know Before Playing on Game Pass

Absolum arrives on Xbox Game Pass on March 25, and if you missed it when it launched last October, you are in for something special. DotEmu, the team behind Streets of Rage 4 and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge, took their beat 'em up expertise and fused it with roguelite progression. The result is one of 2025's best sleeper hits, finally making its way to Xbox.

The Pitch

You are a warrior fighting to free the world of Talamh from the tyranny of Sun King Azra. The fantasy setting feels like a lost arcade cabinet from the 90s, all hand-drawn environments and chunky character sprites that drip with personality. Combat plays like the best of DotEmu's previous work, but every run through the game's stages changes based on your choices and the upgrades you find.

Roguelite elements mean you lose progress when you die, but permanent unlocks carry over between runs. New characters, abilities, and weapon types open up as you play. The loop is addictive in that "one more run" way that the best roguelites nail.

Why Critics Loved It

Game Informer gave it 9/10, calling it "a game I've wanted to play since I was a kid." Inverse also scored it 9/10, praising how the roguelite and beat 'em up genres combine into something that feels fresh rather than forced. Players on Steam rave about the mobility options, noting the game feels far less clunky than most beat 'em ups. You can actually move and dodge and flow through combat rather than getting stuck in slow animation locks.

The soundtrack deserves special mention. DotEmu has a track record of killer music, and Absolum continues that tradition. Expect thumping electronic beats layered over orchestral fantasy themes.

What Makes It Different

Most beat 'em ups are straightforward. Walk right, punch enemies, reach the boss. Absolum keeps that core loop but layers on decision points. Between stages, you pick paths that offer different rewards and challenges. Do you take the harder route for better loot, or play it safe? The roguelite structure means your choices matter because death sends you back to the start.

Character variety also sets it apart. Each playable character has distinct movesets and playstyles. Finding your favorite and mastering their combos is part of the long-term appeal.

How Long Does It Take?

A single successful run takes roughly an hour once you know what you are doing. Getting to that point, learning the enemies, unlocking new characters, and experimenting with builds takes considerably longer. Most players report 15 to 25 hours to see most of what the game offers, though the randomized nature means you can keep playing well beyond that.

Tips Before You Start

Learn the dodge timing early. Absolum rewards aggressive play, but you need to know when to get out. The dodge has invincibility frames. Use them.

Experiment with every character. Your first unlocked character might not be your best fit. Each one plays differently enough that it is worth giving them all a fair shot.

Do not ignore the upgrade paths. Permanent unlocks between runs matter more than the temporary power-ups within a run. Focus on building your overall roster strength.

Co-op changes everything. The game supports local multiplayer, and playing with a friend turns the chaos up significantly. If you have someone to play with, this is how Absolum shines brightest.

Should You Play It?

If you liked Streets of Rage 4 or Shredder's Revenge but wanted more replayability, absolutely. If you enjoy roguelites but want something more immediate and action-focused than deck builders or twin-stick shooters, yes. Absolum sits in a sweet spot between genres, satisfying fans of both.

It launched to less fanfare than it deserved last year. Game Pass is its second chance to find the audience it earned.