View source for Absolum

{{Infobox video game
| title = Absolum
| developer = Guard Crush Games<br/>Supamonks
| image = File:Absolum cover art.jpg
| publisher = [[Dotemu]]
| platforms = {{ubl|[[Nintendo Switch]]|[[PlayStation 4]]|[[PlayStation 5]]|[[Windows]]}}
| director = Cyrille Lagarigue<br/>Maxime Mary
| composer = [[Gareth Coker]]
| engine = 
| genre = [[Beat'em up]], [[roguelike]]
| released = 9 October 2025
| modes = [[Single-player]], [[multiplayer]]
}}

'''''Absolum''''' is a [[beat'em up]] video game with [[roguelike]] elements. Developed by Guard Crush Games and Supamonks and published by [[Dotemu]] for [[Nintendo Switch]], [[PlayStation 4]], [[PlayStation 5]] and [[Windows]].

==Gameplay==
''Absolum'' is a [[side-scrolling]] [[beat'em up]] video game. It features multiple character classes, with each having its own unique combat style and abilities. Karl is a dwarf who fights enemies with his guns and bare fists; Galandra the elf is equipped with a huge sword; Cider is an agile character who wields two daggers which allow them to attack quickly; Brome is a humanoid frog and a wizard who can surf in the air using his scepter.<ref name="pcgdemo">{{cite web|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/games/action/absolum-demo/|title=Absolum isn't just the best demo on Steam, it's one of my favorite things I've played in 2025|first=Evan|last=Lathi|work=[[PC Gamer]]|date=14 June 2025|accessdate=23 August 2025|archive-date=20 August 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250820202159/https://www.pcgamer.com/games/action/absolum-demo/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://hardcoregamer.com/absolum-is-a-roguelite-beatem-up-that-promises-fluid-combat-branching-paths/|title=Absolum is a Roguelite Beat'em Up that Promises Fluid Combat, Branching Paths|first=Ivanir|last=Ignacchitti|date=21 August 2025|accessdate=23 August 2025|work=Hardcore Gamer|archive-date=23 August 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250823091931/https://hardcoregamer.com/absolum-is-a-roguelite-beatem-up-that-promises-fluid-combat-branching-paths/|url-status=live}}</ref> Each character has a basic light and heavy attack.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamereactor.eu/absolum-hands-on-preview-i-cast-fist-1555693/|title=Absolum Hands-On Preview: I cast fist!|first=Alex|last=Hopley|work=Gamereactor|date=9 June 2025|accessdate=23 August 2025|archive-date=26 June 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250626061842/https://www.gamereactor.eu/absolum-hands-on-preview-i-cast-fist-1555693/|url-status=live}}</ref> Consecutive attacks against an enemy will build up [[combo (gaming)|combo]]s and mana for the player character, which can be used to unleash "Arcana", a special attack that can deal significant damage to their opponents. Players can also dodge or sidestep to avoid incoming attacks. Dodging or attacking an opponent just before their hit lands on the player character will deflect it, leaving them in a stunned state.<ref name="RPS">{{cite web|url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/fantasy-beat-em-up-absolom-roguelike-arcade-brawler-announced|title=Fantasy beat 'em up Absolum brings a roguelike's rinse and repeat formula to the arcade brawler|first=Brendan|last=Caldwell|work=[[Rock, Paper, Shotgun]]|date=4 March 2025|accessdate=23 August 2025|archive-date=7 April 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250407012635/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/fantasy-beat-em-up-absolom-roguelike-arcade-brawler-announced|url-status=live}}</ref>

The game also features elements commonly found in [[roguelike]] games. At the beginning of each run, the player character can equip themselves with "Rituals", which are passive abilities and bonuses that alter their attacks. As players clear combat encounters, they will unlock more Rituals for use in combat, though all Rituals equipped will be lost if the player character is killed in combat.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/gaming/absolum-is-awesome-and-i-cant-wait-to-play-it-on-october-9-180037272.html|title=Absolum is awesome and I can't wait to play it on October 9|first=Igor|last=Bonifacic|work=[[Engadget]]|date=20 August 2025|accessdate=23 August 2025|archive-date=29 August 2025|archive-url=https://archive.today/20250829162138/https://www.engadget.com/gaming/absolum-is-awesome-and-i-cant-wait-to-play-it-on-october-9-180037272.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nintendolife.com/previews/hands-on-absolum-dead-cells-meets-streets-of-rage-4-in-an-effortlessly-stylish-rogue-em-up|title=Hands On: Absolum - Dead Cells Meets Streets Of Rage 4 In An Effortlessly Stylish 'Rogue 'Em Up|first=Ollie|last=Reynolds|work=Nintendo Life|date=5 March 2025|accessdate=23 August 2025|archive-date=4 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250304164824/https://www.nintendolife.com/previews/hands-on-absolum-dead-cells-meets-streets-of-rage-4-in-an-effortlessly-stylish-rogue-em-up|url-status=live}}</ref> Level layout and the Rituals players found in a level is randomized. Defeated players will return to a realm where they can recover their health and shop for new upgrades or permanent unlocks before they go for their next run. Defeating a [[boss character|boss]] may unlock "Inspirations", which are active combat skills.<ref name="pcgdemo"/> The game also features elements found in [[role-playing]] video games, such as [[side quest]]s and diverging paths.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vg247.com/absolum-preview-dotemu-2025|title=If Absolum, from the devs behind Streets of Rage 4, is a sign of where beat-’em-ups are headed, I’m excited for the future of the genre|first=Connor|last=Maker|work=[[VG 247]]|date=4 March 2025|accessdate=23 August 2025}}</ref> The game also supports two-player [[Cooperative video game|cooperative multiplayer]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/games/roguelike/they-let-me-play-as-a-radical-frog-wizard-in-a-roguelike-fusion-of-golden-axe-and-capcoms-classic-d-and-d-brawlers-and-suddenly-its-october-launch-is-even-more-exciting/|title=They let me play as a radical frog wizard in a roguelike fusion of Golden Axe and Capcom's classic D&D brawlers, and suddenly its October launch is even more exciting|first=Dustin|last=Bailey|work=[[GamesRadar]]|date=20 August 2025|accessdate=23 August 2025|archive-date=19 August 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250819185221/https://www.gamesradar.com/games/roguelike/they-let-me-play-as-a-radical-frog-wizard-in-a-roguelike-fusion-of-golden-axe-and-capcoms-classic-d-and-d-brawlers-and-suddenly-its-october-launch-is-even-more-exciting/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Plot==
Absolum is set in the fantasy world of Talamh, which is ruled by the tyrannical Sun King Azra and his army of zealots known as the "Crimson Order". In response, the sorceress Uchawi leads a resistance group composed of four warriors: Galandra, an elven swordswoman; Karl, a dwarven fighter; Cider, a mysterious assassin with mechanical limbs; and Brome, an anthropomorphic frog with magic powers. The warriors fight Azra's forces all the way to his stronghold and defeat him. However, it is revealed that Azra's main objective was to contain and control a powerful interdimensional being known as "Absolum" that could destroy the entire Talamh, and that Uchawi was Azra's wife, pregnant with his child. After Uchawi gives birth, the warriors return to Azra's palace and defeat Absolum, who is taken away by three otherworldly creatures.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/absolum-is-a-fantasy-roguelike-beat-em-up-that-looks-great-and-plays-even-better/1100-6529843/|title=Absolum Is A Fantasy Roguelike Beat-'Em-Up That Looks Great And Plays Even Better|first=Steve|last=Watts|work=[[GameSpot]]|date=4 March 2025|accessdate=23 August 2025|archive-date=8 April 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250408225238/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/absolum-is-a-fantasy-roguelike-beat-em-up-that-looks-great-and-plays-even-better/1100-6529843/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Development==
The game was developed by Guard Crush Games, one of the co-developers of ''[[Streets of Rage 4]]''. It was also the first original [[intellectual property]] by [[Dotemu]], which had previously published several beat'em up games under the license of other publishers.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/rs-gaming/absolum-preview-streets-of-rage-dotemu-1235278050/|title=‘Streets of Rage 4′ Makers’ New Game Is a Divine Fantasy Beat ‘Em Up|first=Christopher|last=Cruz|work=[[Rolling Stone]]|date=4 March 2025|accessdate=23 August 2025|archive-date=5 May 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250505150654/https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/rs-gaming/absolum-preview-streets-of-rage-dotemu-1235278050/|url-status=live}}</ref> Both studios were interested in creating a new video game instead of reviving another dormant franchises, and seek to introduce the beat'em up genre to a new audience. As a result, Guard Crush Games added roguelike elements into the game, after briefly experimenting with it in ''Mr. X Nightmare'', a [[downloadable content]] pack for ''Streets of Rage 4''. The team cited ''[[Golden Axe]]'', ''[[Dead Cells]]'' and ''[[Dungeons & Dragons: Shadow over Mystara]]'' as their sources of inspiration.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/absolum-roguelike-interview-dotemu-guard-crush/|title=The brains behind Streets of Rage 4 are ready to reinvent a classic genre|first=Giovanni|last=Colantonio|work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]|date=19 August 2025|accessdate=23 August 2025|archive-date=22 August 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250822180827/https://www.polygon.com/absolum-roguelike-interview-dotemu-guard-crush/|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Absolum'' is also the first video game project for Supamonks, the French studio which crafted the game's art and animation.<ref name="RPS"/>

Dotemu officially revealed the game in March 2025.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/streets-of-rage-4-team-unveils-fantasy-brawler-rogue-em-up-absolum|title=Streets of Rage 4 team unveils fantasy brawler "rogue 'em up" Absolum|first=Matt|last=Wales|work=[[Eurogamer]]|date=5 March 2025|accessdate=23 August 2025|archive-date=7 April 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250407043428/https://www.eurogamer.net/streets-of-rage-4-team-unveils-fantasy-brawler-rogue-em-up-absolum|url-status=live}}</ref> It was released on 9 October 2025 for [[Nintendo Switch]], [[PlayStation 4]], [[PlayStation 5]] and [[Windows]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/absolum-looks-great-in-release-date-trailer-but-more-importantly-theres-a-frog-wizard/1100-6534083/|title=Absolum Looks Great In Release Date Trailer, But More Importantly There's A Frog Wizard|first=Steve|last=Watts|work=[[GameSpot]]|date=19 August  2025|accessdate=23 August 2025|archive-date=19 August 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250819185016/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/absolum-looks-great-in-release-date-trailer-but-more-importantly-theres-a-frog-wizard/1100-6534083/|url-status=live}}</ref> Silver Lining Interactive will distribute a physical edition for the game for the PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch versions.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2025/05/absolum-physical-editions-announced-for-ps5-switch|title=Absolum physical editions announced for PS5, Switch|first=Sal|last=Romano|work=Gematsu|date=29 May 2025|accessdate=23 August 2025|archive-date=16 July 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250716194801/https://www.gematsu.com/2025/05/absolum-physical-editions-announced-for-ps5-switch|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Reception==
{{Video game reviews
| MC = (NS) 90/100<ref name="MCNS">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/absolum/critic-reviews/?platform=nintendo-switch |title=Absolum for Nintendo Switch Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=15 February 2026}}</ref><br>(PC) 87/100<ref name="MCPC">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/absolum/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=Absolum for PC Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=9 October 2025}}</ref><br>(PS5) 87/100<ref name="MCPS5">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/absolum/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-5 |title=Absolum for PlayStation 5 Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=9 October 2025}}</ref>
| Destruct = 9/10<ref>{{cite web |last=Duwe |first=Scott |date=9 October 2025 |url=https://www.destructoid.com/reviews/absolum-review/ |title=Absolum review – A magically nostalgic beat ’em up roguelike for the ages |website=[[Destructoid]] |accessdate=9 October 2025}}</ref>
| Fam = 9/10, 9/10, 8/10, 10/10<ref name="famitsu">{{cite web|last=Romano|first=Sal|date=29 October 2025|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2025/10/famitsu-review-scores-issue-1921|title=''Famitsu'' Review Scores: Issue 1921|website=Gematsu|access-date=29 October 2025}}</ref>
| GI = 9/10<ref>{{cite web |last=Miller |first=Matt |date=9 October 2025 |url=https://gameinformer.com/review/absolum/the-sweet-spot |title=Absolum Review - The Sweet Spot |website=[[Game Informer]] |accessdate=9 October 2025}}</ref>
| GSpot = 9/10<ref>{{cite web |last=Watts |first=Steve |date=9 October 2025 |url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/absolum-review-a-sleeper-hit/1900-6418419/ |title=Absolum Review - A Sleeper Hit |website=[[GameSpot]] |accessdate=9 October 2025}}</ref>
| GRadar = 4/5<ref>{{cite web |last=Schilling |first=Chris |date=9 October 2025 |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/games/roguelike/absolum-review/ |title=Absolum review: "Classic beat 'em up systems pair beautifully with a run-based structure in this fleet-footed, wonderfully varied Hades-like" |website=[[GamesRadar]] |accessdate=9 October 2025}}</ref>
| HCG = 4.5/5<ref>{{cite web |last=Ignacchitti |first=Ivanir |date=9 October 2025 |url=https://hardcoregamer.com/review-absolum/ |title=Absolum Review: A Stunning 2D Beat 'em Up with Roguelite Elements |website=Hardcore Gamer |accessdate=9 October 2025}}</ref>
| IGN = 7/10<ref>{{cite web |last=Borger |first=Will |date=9 October 2025 |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/absolum-review |title=Absolum Review |website=[[IGN]] |accessdate=9 October 2025}}</ref>
| NLife = 9/10<ref>{{cite web |last=Massey |first=Tom |date=9 October 2025 |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/nintendo-switch/absolum |title=Absolum Review (Switch) |website=[[Nintendo Life]] |accessdate=9 October 2025}}</ref>
| NWR = 8.5/10<ref>{{cite web |last=Rudek |first=Jordan |date=9 October 2025 |url=https://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/72837/absolum-switch-review |title=Absolum (Switch) Review |website=Nintendo World Report |accessdate=9 October 2025}}</ref>
| PCGUS = 83/100<ref>{{cite web |last=Lahti |first=Evan |date=9 October 2025 |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/games/action/absolum-review/ |title=Absolum review: Finally, a beat 'em up with depth |website=[[PC Gamer]] |accessdate=9 October 2025}}</ref>
| PSQ = 8/10<ref>{{cite web |last=Ramsey |first=Robert |date=9 October 2025 |url=https://www.pushsquare.com/reviews/ps5/absolum |title=Absolum Review (PS5) |website=[[Push Square]] |accessdate=9 October 2025}}</ref>
| RPGFan = 82/100<ref>{{cite web |last=Williams |first=Jerry |date=9 October 2025 |url=https://www.rpgfan.com/review/absolum/ |title=Absolum Review |website=RPGFan |accessdate=9 October 2025}}</ref>
| SN = 9/10<ref>{{cite web |last=Tan |first=Nick |date=9 October 2025 |url=https://www.shacknews.com/article/146270/absolum-review-score |title=Absolum review: Punching above its weight |website=[[Shacknews]] |accessdate=9 October 2025}}</ref>
}}

''Absolum'' received "generally favorable" reviews, according to [[review aggregator]] website [[Metacritic]].<ref name="MCNS"/><ref name="MCPC"/><ref name="MCPS5"/>

In Japan, four critics from ''[[Famitsu]]'' gave the game a total score of 36 out of 40, with one critic awarding the game a perfect 10.<ref name="famitsu"/>

===Sales===
Over 200,000 copies of the game had been sold during the game's launch week.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2025/10/the-awesome-absolum-smashes-through-200000-sales-in-its-first-week|title=The Awesome Absolum Smashes Through 200,000 Sales in Its First Week|first=Robert|last=Ramsey|work=[[Push Square]]|date=21 October 2025|accessdate=25 October 2025}}</ref>

===Accolades===
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders"
|-
! scope="col" | Year
! scope="col" | Award
! scope="col" | Category
! scope="col" | Result
! scope="col" class="unsortable" | {{Refh}}
|-
| 2025
| [[The Game Awards 2025]]
| Best Independent Game
| {{nom}}
| align="center" |<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Game Awards Nominations 2025: ‘Clair Obscur: Expedition 33’ Becomes Most-Nominated Game Ever With 12 Nods |url=https://variety.com/2025/gaming/news/game-awards-nominations-2025-list-1236583686/ |last=Maas |first=Jennifer |date=2025-11-17 |access-date=2025-11-17 |website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref>
|-
| rowspan="3"|2026
| [[29th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards]]
|[[D.I.C.E. Award for Action Game of the Year|Action Game of the Year]]
|{{nom}}
| align="center" |<ref>{{Cite web |last=Robinson |first=Andy |date=2026-01-08 |title=Clair Obscur, Ghost of Yōtei, Arc Raiders, and Dispatch top DICE Awards nominees |url=https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/clair-obscur-ghost-of-yotei-arc-raiders-and-dispatch-top-dice-awards-nominees/ |access-date=2026-01-08 |website=VGC |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.interactive.org/contact/29th_annual_dice_awards_winners_revealed.asp|title=29th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards Winners Revealed|website=[[Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences|AIAS]]|date=February 12, 2026|accessdate=February 12, 2026}}</ref>
|-
| 26th [[Game Developers Choice Awards]]
| Best Visual Art
| {{pending}}
| align="center" | <ref>{{cite web|url=https://gdconf.com/article/clair-obscur-expedition-33-leads-with-eight-nominations-at-2026-game-developers-choice-awards/|title='Clair Obscur: Expedition 33' Leads with 8 Nominations at GDCA 2026|first=Beth|last=Elderkin|work=[[Game Developers Conference|GDC]]|date=January 15, 2026|accessdate=January 15, 2026}}</ref>
|-
| [[22nd British Academy Games Awards]]
| [[British Academy Games Award for New Intellectual Property|New Intellectual Property]]
| {{longlisted}}
| align="center" | <ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2025/gaming/news/bafta-game-longlist-indiana-jones-ghost-yotei-split-fiction-1236604921/|title=‘Indiana Jones and the Great Circle,’ ‘Ghost of Yōtei’ and ‘Split Fiction’ Among Best Game Contenders in 2026 BAFTA Games Awards Longlist|first=Andrew|last=McGowen|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|date=December 9, 2025|accessdate=December 10, 2025}}</ref>
|}

{{clear}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* {{official website|https://www.dotemu.com/games/absolum/}}

[[Category:2025 video games]]
[[Category:Beat 'em ups]]
[[Category:Dotemu games]]
[[Category:Dark fantasy video games]]
[[Category:Fantasy video games]]
[[Category:Guard Crush Games games]]
[[Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games]]
[[Category:Nintendo Switch games]]
[[Category:PlayStation 4 games]]
[[Category:PlayStation 5 games]]
[[Category:Roguelike video games]]
[[Category:Side-scrolling beat 'em ups]]
[[Category:Video games developed in France]]
[[Category:Video games featuring female protagonists]]
[[Category:Windows games]]

{{Wikipedia attribution|original_title=Absolum|access_date=2026-02-24}}