Best Beat 'Em Up Games to Play in 2025

Sometimes the best way to deal with a mob of enemies is to lace up, step onto the streets, and start throwing punches. That’s the essence of beat 'em up games - classic side-scrolling action where the goal is simple: clear the screen of enemies before they clear you out. Known as “belt scrollers” in Japan, these games became staples of arcades and early consoles with hits like Double Dragon and Final Fight.

Best Beat 'Em Up Games to Play in 2025

Fast forward to 2025, and the genre is still going strong. Beat 'em ups aren’t always the flashiest releases compared to battle royales or massive RPGs, but they’re packed with co-op fun, crunchy combat, and that old-school spirit. Whether you’re playing on PC or Steam Deck, there’s a wide range of options that mix nostalgia with modern flair.

Best Beat 'Em Up Games to Play in 2025

A Retro Revival

Capcom’s Beat 'Em Up Bundle is one of the easiest ways to relive the arcade era. It pulls together classics like Final Fight and Knights of the Round into a single package, complete with online multiplayer. Some of Capcom’s licensed gems are missing, but this collection still nails the feel of those original cabinets, offering pure cooperative chaos.

For something that looks retro but plays with modern twists, Fight’N Rage delivers in spades. It keeps the pixel-art vibe intact while adding mechanics like parries, branching stages, and special moves. The difficulty is no joke, but that’s part of its charm - it’s a tough brawler that rewards mastery and experimentation.

River City’s Modern Era

The Kunio-kun franchise has been around for decades, but River City Girls gave it new life. WayForward’s take introduces Kyoko and Misako, two high schoolers who punch and kick their way through the city to save their boyfriends. With a slick synth-heavy soundtrack, character upgrades, and a playful sense of humor, it’s a refreshing update to the series.

River City Girls 2 builds on that foundation with a larger map, more characters, and expanded combat options. It feels like a natural evolution that adds depth without losing the goofy energy that makes it fun.

Meanwhile, River City Melee Mach!! shifts gears by going all-in on chaotic multiplayer. Instead of a straightforward story, it throws nearly 200 characters into wild team-based matches, complete with power-ups and stage gimmicks. It’s messy, fast, and ideal for quick sessions with friends.

Comics, Cartoons, and Nostalgia

Few games embody the comic book vibe like Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game – Complete Edition. The re-release resurrects the pixel-perfect adaptation of Bryan Lee O’Malley’s series with its killer soundtrack and tight combat. With added modes like Dodgeball and Zombie Hordes, it’s a definitive version that feels right at home in 2025.

On the cartoon side, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge is a dream come true for fans of the heroes in a half shell. It channels the style of the 1980s cartoon, combining colorful visuals with cooperative mayhem. With 16 stages, six-player co-op, and a roster that includes April, Casey, Splinter, and the turtles, it’s a beat 'em up designed to be played with friends.

Modern Spins on a Classic Formula

Sifu pushes the genre forward by blending martial arts cinema with brawler mechanics. Its combat system is built around precision (dodges, parries, and environmental takedowns) making every encounter feel like a scene out of a kung fu film. The unique aging system, where each death makes your character older but stronger, adds a layer of strategy that sets it apart from traditional beat 'em ups.

Then there’s Streets of Rage 4, which brought Sega’s legendary series back after nearly three decades. It feels both modern and authentic, with hand-drawn visuals, combo-heavy combat, and a roster that mixes old favorites with new fighters. It’s a reminder of why Streets of Rage defined the genre in the first place.

Experiments and Hybrids

Treachery in Beatdown City may look like a throwback at first, but it adds a tactical twist. Instead of relying solely on fast-paced button mashing, it layers in menu-driven combos and strategy. Its slower pace won’t be for everyone, but it’s an interesting experiment that blends brawler action with tactical gameplay.

Yakuza’s Street Fights

Sega’s Yakuza series is best known for its sprawling stories and eccentric side missions, but at its core, it’s pure beat 'em up energy. Yakuza 0 is a standout, serving as a prequel that follows Kazuma Kiryu’s rise through Japan’s criminal underworld. Between brutal street fights and absurd mini-games, it balances drama and humor like few others.

Yakuza 6: The Song of Life wraps up Kiryu’s journey with a more streamlined combat system and the same mix of heartfelt narrative and offbeat moments. It may lean a bit easier compared to earlier entries, but it still captures the brawler spirit in its own way.

Final Thoughts

Beat 'em ups may not dominate today’s gaming headlines, but in 2025, the genre is alive and well. From retro bundles like Capcom’s collection to inventive modern takes like Sifu, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re reliving the arcade days, teaming up with friends for a Saturday night brawl, or exploring the streets of Kamurocho in Yakuza, these games prove that the simple joy of a good fight never goes out of style. Here’s the full list of all the games mentioned:

1. Capcom Beat 'Em Up Bundle
2. Fight’N Rage
3. River City Girls
4. River City Girls 2
5. River City Melee Mach!!
6. Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game – Complete Edition
7. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge
8. Sifu
9. Streets of Rage 4
10. Treachery in Beatdown City
11. Yakuza 0
12. Yakuza 6: The Song of Life

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best Best Beat 'Em Up games in 2025?

Some of the most anticipated beat 'em up games in 2025 include Marvel Cosmic Invasion, a co-op game featuring 15 Marvel heroes, Fallen City Brawl, a gritty 90s-style arcade brawler with a modern twist, and Reality Rash, a dimension-hopping adventure inspired by classic games like Jackie Chan Stuntmaster. Other notable titles are Too Good for School, a beat 'em up with light RPG elements, and Breeze, a unique game where you play as a tornado-controlling corgi.

What are the best Best Beat 'Em Up games for PC in 2025?

For PC beat 'em up fans in 2025, popular choices include modern classics like River City Girls 2, Streets of Rage 4, and the critically acclaimed Sifu. You can also look forward to new releases, with Double Dragon Revive launching in October 2025, offering a modern take on the arcade classic, and the Marvel-themed Marvel Cosmic Invasion set to arrive in 2025.

Which new Best Beat 'Em Up games are coming in 2025?

Upcoming beat 'em up games for 2025 include Marvel Cosmic Invasion, a retro-style Marvel brawler, the fantasy beat 'em up with roguelike elements, Absolum, Dicey Crime: Traveler of Time, a nostalgic arcade brawler with a time-travel theme, and Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound. Other titles that are expected but may have upcoming release dates include The Phantom, a hand-drawn fighter with classic arcade combat, and the horror-comedy themed Toxic Crusader.

Which are the No. 1 Best Beat 'Em Up games so far in 2025?

There isn't a definitive "No. 1" best beat 'em up for 2025 yet, as it's still early in the year and many anticipated titles are unreleased. However, some of the most highly anticipated upcoming beat 'em ups for 2025 include Fallen City Brawl, praised for its arcade spirit and strategic depth, Marvel Cosmic Invasion, a co-op brawler with iconic Marvel heroes, and Kyborg, a roguelite with a cyberpunk theme and body modification upgrades.Other notable titles include Spine, which features a unique cinematic action style, and Too Good for School, a 2D brawler with RPG and story-shaping elements.