Best Rhythm Games to Play in 2025

There’s something about rhythm games that feels timeless. Music can hit you instantly, and when you combine that with interactivity, it creates a style of game that’s tough to put down. PC players have a huge advantage here, too: whether it’s a VR headset, a dance pad, or just a keyboard, rhythm games adapt to all kinds of setups.

In 2025, the PC rhythm game library is stacked. Some games let you import your own music, others double as real instrument trainers, and plenty lean into pure arcade chaos. If you’re looking for your next rhythm fix, here are the best rhythm games worth playing right now.

Best Rhythm Games to Play in 2025

Friday Night Funkin’

What started as a free browser game has exploded into one of the most talked-about rhythm titles on PC. Friday Night Funkin’ puts you in the role of Boyfriend, rapping and singing against a roster of strange opponents to win over Girlfriend. Its arrow-key gameplay is easy to pick up, but the music and quirky art style keep it fresh. The best part? It’s still completely free, with no microtransactions in sight.

Osu!

Osu! is a rhythm game with a competitive streak. Based on the Nintendo DS classic Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan, it tasks you with tapping or clicking disappearing notes in sync with fast-paced tracks. The community charts most of the music, which means there’s a massive library of Japanese songs to play. It’s simple in concept, but once you see how fast the high-level players move, you’ll understand why it’s still a favorite among rhythm fans.

Metal: Hellsinger

Mixing an FPS with rhythm mechanics sounds strange, but Metal: Hellsinger makes it work. You play as The Unknown, blasting demons in sync with a metal soundtrack that features big-name vocalists from bands like System of a Down and Trivium. Every shot you take has to land on the beat, and when it clicks, the game feels as intense as the music itself.

Trombone Champ

If you’ve ever wondered what Guitar Hero would feel like with a trombone, Trombone Champ is your answer. It doesn’t aim for realism, but it nails comedy. Even when you’re hitting every note, it sounds a little messy - and that’s part of the fun. With a mix of classical pieces, folk tunes, and meme-worthy moments, it’s a rhythm game that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

Beat Saber

No list of PC rhythm games is complete without Beat Saber. Armed with a pair of VR lightsabers, you slice through blocks in sync with the beat. It’s simple, it’s physical, and it’s addictive. The PC version is the best way to play thanks to mod support, which lets you import custom songs. If you’ve got a VR headset, this is essential.

Thumper

Thumper describes itself as “rhythm violence,” and that sums it up well. You control a beetle racing down a track, slamming into turns and barriers at blistering speeds while the soundtrack pounds in the background. It’s intense, sometimes unsettling, but always satisfying - especially with headphones or in VR.

Crypt of the NecroDancer

This one takes the roguelike formula and puts it to music. In Crypt of the NecroDancer, every move you make has to match the beat, while enemies follow their own patterns. The result is a dungeon crawler that feels like a dance-off with skeletons and slimes. You can even play it with a dance pad if you want a serious workout.

Lumines: Remastered

Originally a PSP puzzle game, Lumines found new life on PC with Lumines: Remastered. You drop blocks onto the board, but the music drives the pace, clearing clusters in time with a beat line. Clearing rows doesn’t just score points - it layers into the soundtrack, turning every session into a mix of puzzle-solving and music-making.

Sayonara Wild Hearts

Part rhythm game, part pop album, Sayonara Wild Hearts is a stylish ride through surreal stages, motorbike duels, and dance battles. Each of its 23 levels syncs perfectly with an original pop track, making it feel more like an interactive record than a traditional rhythm game.

Audiosurf 2

Few rhythm games offer the level of customization that Audiosurf 2 does. By importing your own songs, the game generates tracks that match the tempo and mood of the music. You race along these rollercoaster-like courses, collecting points while dodging obstacles. It’s a great way to replay your favorite songs with a new twist.

Rocksmith 2014 Remastered

Unlike most rhythm games, Rocksmith is designed to teach. By plugging in a real guitar or bass, you can learn to play hundreds of songs at your own pace. It’s not as immediate as something like Friday Night Funkin’, but it’s a great tool for anyone serious about picking up an instrument while still keeping the game-like progression loop.

Rhythm Doctor

At first glance, Rhythm Doctor seems overly simple - hit the spacebar on the seventh beat of every bar. But the game throws constant distractions at you, from screen glitches to blank screens, forcing you to rely on rhythm instead of visuals. It’s clever, challenging, and a great example of how far you can take a one-button game.

Rez Infinite

Rez Infinite takes the cult-classic Rez and upgrades it for PC and VR. It’s a rail shooter where every shot you take becomes part of the music, creating a layered, evolving soundtrack. The visuals are abstract and hypnotic, and the whole experience aims to blend sound and action into something close to synesthesia.

BPM: Bullets Per Minute

Think of BPM as Doom if every shot had to match the drumbeat. This roguelike shooter requires you to fire, reload, and dodge in time with the music. The boss fights add extra challenge with attack patterns you’ll need to learn and counter in rhythm. It’s tough, but when you’re in sync, it feels fantastic.

Pistol Whip

Pistol Whip mixes VR shooting with rhythm gameplay. You move automatically through neon-lit stages, taking down enemies to the beat. It feels like starring in an action movie that happens to be set to a pounding soundtrack, and once you get into the groove, your shots start to feel like part of the music itself.

Taiko no Tatsujin: The Drum Master

Taiko no Tatsujin brings the classic Japanese drumming arcade game to PC. It’s easy to learn (red and blue notes represent drum hits) but tough to master at higher speeds. The soundtrack ranges from anime openings to game themes, and it works especially well in local multiplayer. A drum controller adds to the fun, but a regular controller works just fine.

Synth Riders

Often compared to Beat Saber, Synth Riders takes a different approach by making you move more like you’re dancing. Instead of slashing blocks, you match colored notes with your hands while dodging walls and obstacles. It’s one of the better VR rhythm games for a full-body workout, though its base song list is lighter on big-name artists.

Hi-Fi Rush

Part action brawler, part rhythm game, Hi-Fi Rush follows Chai, a character who gains rhythm-based abilities after a cybernetic upgrade. Combat flows to the music, with combos hitting harder when timed to the beat. With licensed tracks and a playful art style, it feels like a Saturday morning cartoon crossed with a rhythm game.

Paradiddle

For something more practical, Paradiddle is a VR drumming simulator that can actually teach you how to play. With lessons and over 50 instruments to try, it doubles as both a game and a practice tool. If you’re curious about drumming but don’t have space or equipment, this is a surprisingly good alternative.

Robobeat

Robobeat is a roguelike rhythm shooter where every move you make (from wall-running to shooting) has to stay on the beat. Levels are procedurally generated, so no two runs are the same, and you can even upload your own tracks to customize the experience. With its fast movement and upbeat soundtrack, it’s one of the more unique rhythm shooters out there.

Geometry Dash

Geometry Dash has been around for a while, but it’s still one of the best one-button rhythm games on PC. You guide a square through deadly levels, jumping in time with the music. It sounds simple, but the difficulty ramps up quickly, and the level editor means there are thousands of community creations to play.

One Btn Bosses

One Btn Bosses takes minimalism seriously. You control a spaceship orbiting bosses, changing direction with a single button. The longer you hold, the faster you attack. With 50 levels, a roguelike mode, and a synth-wave soundtrack, it’s proof that even the simplest ideas can make for compelling rhythm gameplay.

Final Thoughts

The rhythm genre on PC in 2025 is more varied than ever. If you want a free, pick-up-and-play experience, Friday Night Funkin’ and Osu! are great starting points. For VR players, Beat Saber, Pistol Whip, and Synth Riders remain must-haves. And if you’re serious about learning an instrument, Rocksmith and Paradiddle offer something educational. No matter what your taste in music or style of play, there’s a rhythm game on PC that will hit the right note. Here’s the full list of games mentioned:

1. Friday Night Funkin’
2. Osu!
3. Metal: Hellsinger
4. Trombone Champ
5. Beat Saber
6. Thumper
7. Crypt of the NecroDancer
8. Lumines: Remastered
9. Sayonara Wild Hearts
10. Audiosurf 2
11. Rocksmith 2014 Remastered
12. Rhythm Doctor
13. Rez Infinite
14. BPM: Bullets Per Minute
15. Pistol Whip
16. Taiko no Tatsujin: The Drum Master
17. Synth Riders
18. Hi-Fi Rush
19. Paradiddle
20. Robobeat
21. Geometry Dash
22. One Btn Bosses

Frequently Asked Questions 

What are the best Rhythm games in 2025?

The best rhythm games in 2025 include the highly anticipated Unbeatable, which blends rhythm gameplay with an open-world exploration and story, and Rift of the Necrodancer, a rhythm-based dungeon crawler. Other notable 2025 titles to watch for are Everhood 2, KILL THE MUSIC, and Tempopo from Steam Next Fest, along with VR titles like Audio Trip and Song Beater.

What are the best Rhythm games for PC in 2025?

The best rhythm games for PC in 2025 include popular, established titles like Beat Saber, Hi-Fi Rush, Osu!, and Metal: Hellsinger, as well as upcoming highly-anticipated games such as Unbeatable and Ratatan. The top rhythm games offer diverse experiences, from VR action to rhythm-based RPGs, catering to different tastes in music and gameplay.

Which new Rhythm games are coming in 2025?

Several new rhythm and music games are coming in 2025, including the highly anticipated rhythm adventure game Unbeatable, the rhythm RPG Bat to the Beat, and KILL THE MUSIC. Other previews include Circular Fever, Synthwave Tunnel, and Tempopo. Although announced in early 2025, a new installment in the beloved rhythm series, Rhythm Heaven: Groove, has been delayed to 2026, not 2025.

Which are the No. 1 Rhythm games so far in 2025?

There isn't a single "No. 1" rhythm game for 2025, as popularity and rankings vary significantly by platform and individual preferences. However, successful titles from early 2025 and ongoing favorites include Geometry Dash on Steam, the upcoming Rift of the NecroDancer, and popular mobile titles like BanG Dream!Girls Band Party!. Games like Metal: Hellsinger on PlayStation are also highly regarded for their unique heavy metal rhythm-action gameplay.