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
Batman™: Arkham Knight
Batman™: Arkham Knight brings the award-winning Arkham trilogy from Rocksteady Studios to its epic conclusion. Developed exclusively for New-Gen platforms, Batman: Arkham Knight introduces Rocksteady's uniquely designed version of the Batmobile.
Devil May Cry 4 Special Edition
The smash-hit stylish action game DMC4 is back and better than ever, boasting new playable characters and game modes!
Kung Fury: Street Rage - Ultimate Edition
The original epic introduction to the eternal KUNG FURY beat ‘em up saga. New stages, and the Hackademy. Both THE ARCADE STRIKES BACK and the A DAY AT THE BEACH campaign.
AKIBA'S TRIP: Undead ＆ Undressed
In Tokyo’s popular ”Electric Town” district, Akihabara, vampires called “Synthisters” walk among us. You must identify and dispose of them the only way you know how – by engaging them in hand-to-hand combat in order to strip them of their clothes so their bodies melt away in the sunlight.
Guns, Gore & Cannoli
Guns, Gore & Cannoli - An over-the-top, comical and fast-paced action game with hand-drawn graphics set in the Roaring Twenties. An all-you-can-shoot fest where you embody Vinnie, a mobster with a mission in a city controlled by gangsters and plagued by zombies. Featuring up to 4-man local co-op.
Karate Master 2 Knock Down Blow
Karate Master 2 Knock Down Blow is a fighting game that mixes elements of RPG, simulation and arcade, in an explosive combination to relieve the Beat'em up genre!
DYNASTY WARRIORS 8 Empires
DYNASTY WARRIORS 8 Empires is part of the "Empires" series, in which you aim to conquer ancient China using both strategy and the one warrior versus one thousand tactical action the WARRIORS series is known for.
DRAGON BALL XENOVERSE
DRAGON BALL XENOVERSE revisits famous battles from the series through your custom Avatar and other classic characters. New features include the mysterious Toki Toki City, new gameplay mechanics, new animations and many other amazing features!
Magical Battle Festa
TEOS, an agency of holy mages, holds a tournament to find the best magic users in the world to take on a dark threat looming on the horizon. Choose your mage and take to the arena in this fast-paced competitive fighting game that mixes troop formations and fast action.
Guilty Gear X2 #Reload
As humanity endeavored to better themselves, they created the biological marvel known as Gears. Originally intended as the next step of human evolution, they were instead fitted for war and turned against their own creators.
Guacamelee! Super Turbo Championship Edition
The definitive version of the smash hit Metroidvania-style action-platformer, Guacamelee! STCE adds new levels, powers, challenges and refinements to the sprawling, ridiculous, Mexican-inspired adventure of the original Guacamelee! Gold Edition.
Ultra Street Fighter® IV
The world’s greatest fighting game evolves to a whole new level with Ultra Street Fighter IV.
Abyss Odyssey
From indie Chilean developer ACE Team comes a new side-scrolling action adventure game featuring a complex fighting engine in procedurally generated levels that destines its three warriors to battle a different abyss each time! Choose your hero and also learn to possess your enemies in the abyss…
Killer is Dead - Nightmare Edition
Get ready for some seriously stylish action from renowned designer SUDA51. In this exclusive version for PC, players will be slicing, dicing, and shooting as the suave executioner Mondo Zappa. Prepare for the thrill of love and kill in KILLER IS DEAD!
Retro Game Crunch
Retro Game Crunch is a series of 7 games, full of the charm and challenge of the 8-bit generation. Each world feels like an authentic NES classic. A massive genre-spanning collection.
DYNASTY WARRIORS 8: Xtreme Legends Complete Edition
"Dynasty Warriors 8: Xtreme Legends" introduces entirely new levels of fun to the refreshing gameplay vanquishing swarms of enemies with mighty warriors found in "Dynasty Warriors 8."
YAIBA: NINJA GAIDEN Z
Step into a living comic book in this new take on the Ninja Gaiden series. Brandishing his ninja sword and the mecha weapons in his cyber arm, Yaiba slaughters zombies with brutal, over-the-top abandon. Will you slice enemies to pieces, crush them with Yaiba's cyborg arm or just rip off a zombie’s arms to use as nunchucks?
Mitsurugi Kamui Hikae
Take on the role of a warrior maiden forced to hunt down her best friend, who has stolen a sacred demon blade. Immerse yourself in the tale of a deadly feud between two old friends and the demonic sword tearing them apart―told through high-speed action!
Vanguard Princess
Vanguard Princess is a classic 2D fighting game that features an all-female cast each with its own unique fighting style. Choose from ten girls and pair them with a powerful partner to form an unstoppable team. Navigate their journeies in Story Mode or engage in head-to-head battles in Versus Mode.
One Finger Death Punch
Experience cinematic kung-fu battles in the fastest, most intense brawler the indie world has ever seen! With the unique 1:1 response system of One Finger Death Punch, players will feel the immediate feedback of every bone-crunching hit. Pay tribute to the masters using five classic kung-fu styles mixed with additional weapons.
BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger
The first hi-res 2D fighter from the creators of the Guilty Gear series! BlazBlue is a traditional 2D fighter where two characters participate in a duel.
Reaper - Tale of a Pale Swordsman
Enter the world ripe with magic and monsters. Become the Black Swordsman and slay thousands of enemies in an epic action RPG!
Double Dragon: Neon
BRO-TACULAR! Legendary martial artists, Billy and Jimmy Lee return in this creative re-imagining of the classic beat ‘em up, Double Dragon Neon. Fight your way through countless henchmen including Linda and Abobo on your way to rescue the love of your life, Marian!
Aces Wild: Manic Brawling Action!
Aces Wild is a fast-paced, hardcore, aerial beat 'em up!Engage in insane aerial martial arts combat against countless opponents!It utilizes a 'Wild Meter' which increases the power of your attacks butalso makes enemies more aggressive!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 30th 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 72,958 reviews of which 69,772 were positive and 3,186 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 616 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.4
69,772
3,186
616
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 124,938 reviews of which 120,116 were positive and 4,822 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. While seeing 437 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
120,116
4,822
437
players
3. 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 3,139 reviews of which 2,125 were positive and 1,014 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.6 out of 10. While seeing 388 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among beat 'em up games based on player count.
6.6
2,125
1,014
388
players
4. 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 5,507 reviews of which 3,379 were positive and 2,128 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.1 out of 10. With 305 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played beat 'em up games.
6.1
3,379
2,128
305
players
5. 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 21,644 reviews of which 20,222 were positive and 1,422 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. With 274 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played beat 'em up games.
9.1
20,222
1,422
274
players
6. 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 20,352 reviews of which 18,820 were positive and 1,532 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.0 out of 10. With 270 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played beat 'em up games.
9.0
18,820
1,532
270
players
7. 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 rpg game developed by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio and published by SEGA. Released on May 09th 2019 has received 16,457 reviews of which 15,680 were positive and 777 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 237 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played beat 'em up games.
9.3
15,680
777
237
players
8. 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 19,780 reviews of which 18,123 were positive and 1,657 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. With 205 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played beat 'em up games.
9.0
18,123
1,657
205
players
9. Yakuza 5 Remastered
Get ready for a Yakuza experience of unprecedented scale! Follow five characters across five Japanese cities, each trying to achieve their dream. The connections between them bring them together, but the conflict that unfolds is nothing any of them could have predicted. Yakuza 5 Remastered is a action, adventure and beat 'em up game developed by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio and published by SEGA. Released on January 28th 2021 has received 6,220 reviews of which 5,562 were positive and 658 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. With 203 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played beat 'em up games.
8.7
5,562
658
203
players
10. 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 9,547 reviews of which 9,012 were positive and 535 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. With 195 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played beat 'em up games.
9.2
9,012
535
195
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 30th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted beat 'em up games.
1. Punch Club
Train hard, fight crocodiles and find love. Earn your place in the Punch Club ranks, and discover who brutally murdered your father, in this choose your own adventure boxing management tycoon. Punch Club is a management, pixel graphics and time management game developed by Lazy Bear Games and published by tinyBuild. Released on January 08th 2016 has received 14,769 reviews of which 11,899 were positive and 2,870 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. Featuring a massive 90% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for beat 'em up category.
7.9
11,899
2,870
-90%
10.20€
1.02€
2. Battletoads
• Over-the-top combat with combos and hard-hitting morph attacks • Wild, varied gameplay sequences for all types of gamers • Hand-drawn animation feels like playing a cartoon • Drop-in couch co-op for three players Battletoads is a action, adventure and co-op game developed by Dlala Studios and published by Microsoft Studios and Rare Ltd. Released on August 20th 2020 has received 2,079 reviews of which 1,423 were positive and 656 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.7 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 90% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in beat 'em up games.
6.7
1,423
656
-90%
19.99€
1.99€
3. 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 965 reviews of which 854 were positive and 111 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 87% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in beat 'em up games.
8.4
854
111
-87%
18.46€
2.40€
4. 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 3,689 reviews of which 3,351 were positive and 338 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 86% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for beat 'em up games.
8.7
3,351
338
-86%
19.57€
2.74€
5. 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. Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise Of The Dragons is a beat 'em up, local co-op and side scroller game developed by Secret Base and published by Maximum Entertainment and Joystick. Released on July 27th 2023 has received 1,060 reviews of which 904 were positive and 156 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 85% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for beat 'em up games.
8.1
904
156
-85%
25.07€
3.76€
6. Road Redemption
Road Redemption lets you lead a biker gang on an epic journey across the country in this driving combat road rage adventure. Huge campaign, dozens of weapons, full 4-player co-op splitscreen and online multiplayer. Road Redemption is a vehicular combat, racing and beat 'em up game developed by Redemption Road and Pixel Dash Studios and published by Tripwire Presents. Released on October 04th 2017 has received 12,646 reviews of which 10,404 were positive and 2,242 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 85% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for beat 'em up games.
8.0
10,404
2,242
-85%
16.79€
2.51€
7. 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 1,680 reviews of which 1,480 were positive and 200 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 84% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for beat 'em up games.
8.4
1,480
200
-84%
14.88€
2.38€
8. 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 1,313 reviews of which 1,148 were positive and 165 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 84% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for beat 'em up games.
8.3
1,148
165
-84%
19.88€
3.18€
9. One Finger Death Punch 2
The world's fastest brawler is back. Experience cinematic kung-fu in the most epic stickman fighter ever made. Staying true to the original, you play with only two buttons. Every press matters, do not button mash! One Finger Death Punch 2 is a action, indie and beat 'em up game developed and published by Silver Dollar Games. Released on April 15th 2019 has received 4,402 reviews of which 4,240 were positive and 162 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 83% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for beat 'em up games.
9.3
4,240
162
-83%
6.47€
1.10€
10. Zeno Clash 2
Ghat's story is far from over: Zeno Clash 2 picks up where the deliciously brazen first game left off. After 4 years of waiting, the sequel to the surreal first-person brawler brings more variety in combat and levels, and even more bizarre storytelling into the beguiling world of Zenozoik. Zeno Clash 2 is a action, indie and surreal game developed by ACE Team and published by SEGA. Released on April 30th 2013 has received 1,368 reviews of which 1,067 were positive and 301 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 80% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for beat 'em up games.
7.5
1,067
301
-80%
14.99€
2.99€
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 30th 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 3,139 reviews of which 2,125 were positive and 1,014 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.6 out of 10. With 388 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
2,125
1,014
388
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 5,507 reviews of which 3,379 were positive and 2,128 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 305, this beat 'em up game has secured the #2 spot in the ranking of free beat 'em up games on Steam.
6.1
3,379
2,128
305
players
3. 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 2,604 reviews of which 2,255 were positive and 349 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played free beat 'em up games on Steam.
8.3
2,255
349
7
players
4. 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 1,858 reviews of which 1,802 were positive and 56 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played free beat 'em up games on Steam.
9.2
1,802
56
4
players
5. 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 #5 spot among the most played free beat 'em up games on Steam.
7.6
537
137
3
players
6. 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 810 reviews of which 761 were positive and 49 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free beat 'em up games on Steam.
8.8
761
49
7. 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 399 reviews of which 345 were positive and 54 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free beat 'em up games on Steam.
8.1
345
54
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 453 reviews of which 361 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
361
92