Best Beat 'Em Up Games

Why it's here: The genre's modern high-water mark, and the one I point newcomers to first. Lizardcube's hand-drawn brawler layers a combo-scoring system deep enough to keep chasing S-ranks long after the credits, with solo, online, and four-player couch runs all worth replaying. Reviewers flag a spike in final-boss difficulty and thinner enemy variety in later stages, but the artwork, soundtrack, and unlockable retro roster make this the first beat 'em up to buy on PS5.

Why it's here: Built for the same-couch ritual it celebrates, this is the co-op pick of the list. Up to six players share one screen in a full-color love letter to the 1987 cartoon, and the level and boss design hold up across repeat runs when you are chasing hidden collectibles. Players warn of a multiplayer save bug and a short single run, so treat it as a group night rather than a solo marathon. With friends, nothing here beats it.

Why it's here: The list's one full-3D brawler, and the most demanding thing on it. Sifu's aging system turns every death into a permanent mark, so mastery, not luck, carries you through its kung-fu crowds, and the branching challenges give completionists real reason to return. Reviewers caution that difficulty spikes and the occasional unresponsive input can frustrate casual players. If you want a brawler that rewards study over button-mashing, start here and expect to lose before you win.

Why it's here: The four-player party brawler that still does group nights better than almost anything. The Behemoth's cartoon hack-and-slash runs at a clean 60fps and hangs an addictive weapon-and-character upgrade grind off its simple combat, so there is always one more knight to level. Players note it can feel repetitive solo and that multiplayer still throws the odd bug and Bluetooth-controller crash. Round up three friends and it is an easy recommendation; alone, it thins out fast.

Why it's here: Vanillaware's gorgeous 2D brawler-RPG is the deepest build on this list. Six classes, a loot-and-leveling loop, and hand-painted dungeons turn the beat 'em up into something you replay for gear and mastery, solo or in four-player co-op. It is a PlayStation exclusive, so we have no aggregated Steam sentiment to cite here, but its standing as a genre standout is long-settled. If you want a brawler with RPG hooks to keep completionists busy for dozens of hours, this is it.

Why it's here: The bigger, flashier sequel, and a divisive one. Misako and Kyoko's expanded roster and combo system reward experimentation, and the vibrant city gives explorers plenty to poke at across co-op runs. But players single out a confusing map, backtracking-heavy side quests, and a few poorly tuned bosses that drag the pace. Come for the combat and art and it delivers; if navigation friction wears on you, the first game is the tighter starting point.

Why it's here: The one that started this modern duo, and the cleaner entry point of the two. Kyoko and Misako's hunt to rescue their boyfriends pairs a satisfying combo system with sharp humor and a 16-bit-flavored art style, and co-op keeps it lively. Players do flag repetitive, grindy stretches and some clunky inputs. Play it before the sequel for the tighter story and pacing, then decide whether you want the bigger, messier follow-up.

Why it's here: The best pick here for a solo brawler night. Babyface's one-night crusade is really a showcase for a fluid, weapon-hungry combat system, and the challenge and unlock list give completionists a clear reason to replay each stage for a better run. Reviewers are blunt about the forgettable story and a few frustrating level layouts. Ignore the plot, chase the combos and challenge medals, and it is one of the most satisfying modern brawlers on PS5.

Why it's here: The roguelite reinvention of a genre grandfather, and the most replayable thing on this list. Billy and Jimmy tag-team through a gang-run New York with 20 unlockable fighters and a run-based structure built for repeat play. Players flag online glitches, a short set of levels, and boss difficulty spikes, but the character variety and tag combat keep runs fresh. If endless replay value is what you want from a brawler, this earns its spot.

Why it's here: A cult favorite finally rescued from delisting, and the retro co-op pick when it behaves. The pixel art, Anamanaguchi soundtrack, and four-player brawling capture the comic and film in a way fans adore. The catch is real: players report severe Ubisoft Connect and online issues, plus balance that punishes newcomers. Play it in local co-op with a leveled-up character and it shines; lean on the online mode and your mileage drops sharply.

Why it's here: The single best way to study where the genre came from. Seven arcade classics, from Final Fight to Armored Warriors, arrive with online and local co-op, difficulty tuning, and clean emulation. Players value the nostalgia and variety while noting the roster is smaller than rival collections and a few titles have aged unevenly. For a completionist working backward through beat 'em up history, this bundle is the most efficient, best-preserved place to do it.

Why it's here: A one-developer throwback that out-classics most classics. This 90s-styled brawler hides genuine mechanical depth under its pixel art, with branching paths, a deep unlock store, and an ending gauntlet that gives replay-hungry players plenty to chase. Reviewers warn its difficulty can punish casual play and the roster stays small. If you came up on arcade beat 'em ups and want one that respects that pedigree while rewarding mastery, this is a hidden essential.

Why it's here: The most approachable pick for a first brawler. This urban-fantasy beat 'em up channels 90s arcade energy with comic-book art, responsive combos, and branching routes you can clear solo or in co-op. Players love the style and feel but are honest that a single run lasts only a couple of hours and some dialogue tries too hard. As a short, friendly on-ramp to the genre, it is hard to fault; save the longer, tougher brawlers for once the basics click.

Why it's here: The list's most extreme entry, and its most polarizing. This ultra-violent Soviet-set brawler pairs a standout soundtrack and grimy pixel art with brutal four-player co-op. Players split hard: fans praise the style and intensity, while critics call out repetitive combat, balance problems in solo play, and punishing difficulty spikes. Bring friends and a stomach for the gore and it delivers a nasty thrill; play it alone expecting polish and it may wear thin.