5 Best Beat-Em-Ups From the Past 10 Years, Ranked

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Beat-em-ups are a classic part of gaming, letting players battle through groups of enemies. Games like Alien vs. Predator and Double Dragon were hugely popular and are still fun, though they feel a little old-fashioned now. Luckily, beat-em-ups have made a comeback in recent years, and some new games are even better than the arcade originals.

Released in late 2025, Marvel’s Cosmic Invasion is a noteworthy modern beat-em-up. The game lets you play as a variety of classic Marvel heroes battling Annihilus and his forces from the Negative Zone, along with other well-known villains. Its strong gameplay and unique character abilities make it especially fun with four-player co-op, continuing the evolution of the beat-em-up genre.

5. Absolum (2025)

If you’re looking for a fantastic beat-em-up, check out Absolum. This game for one or two players takes the genre to a new level with challenging waves of enemies in a fantasy setting, all wrapped in a roguelike format. The combat is both satisfying and complex, and each character has special abilities that can be improved with every playthrough. The roguelike progression system keeps Absolum fresh and adds a lot of replay value, something many beat-em-ups don’t offer.

What truly makes Absolum special is how richly detailed and complete its world feels as you play. Every area is full of hidden secrets that encourage you to explore, making it feel like a vast fantasy adventure game rather than a typical beat-em-up. This immersive experience is perfectly complemented by a fantastic soundtrack, creating a unique and visually stunning journey with beautiful art and animation throughout.

4. River City Girls 2 (2022)

I’m really loving how pixel art is making a return in games, and River City Girls 2 nails it! It’s got this amazing, addictive nostalgic feel that reminds me of classic arcade beat-em-ups. You play as these tough girls fighting through city streets against all sorts of punks, and it’s just so much fun. The combat is surprisingly deep, and it’s even better when you team up with friends to pull off crazy combos on anyone who tries to stop you!

This game shares some similarities with Double Dragon, but with a fresh, modern feel. You can choose from six different characters – including two new additions – each offering unique combat styles. As you progress, you can also upgrade your characters with new skills and abilities, adding even more options for defeating enemies. Plus, with both online and four-player local co-op, you and your friends can team up and overcome any challenge together.

3. TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge (2022)

It’s hard to top the classic TMNT: Turtles in Time, but TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge is a strong contender. The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are a natural fit for the beat-em-up style, letting players use their martial arts skills against endless waves of Foot Clan enemies. The game features fantastic pixel art inspired by the original 1987 character designs, and it boasts a surprisingly long story mode. With downloadable content adding even more to play, Shredder’s Revenge may have more levels than any other modern beat-em-up.

This game is popular because it offers a huge roster of playable characters. Beyond the traditional Ninja Turtles – Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael, and Michelangelo – you can also choose to play as favorites like Casey Jones, April, Mondo Gecko, Mona Lisa, and, with all downloadable content, newcomers Usagi and Karai. The game really shines in multiplayer, supporting up to six players for wild, ability-fueled battles. Plus, Survival mode provides endless replayability, letting you and your friends have non-stop fun.

2. Streets Of Rage 4 (2020)

The Streets of Rage series is a classic in the beat-em-up world, so it’s fitting that the new installment is one of the best in the genre. The game features beautiful, hand-drawn graphics and each character has unique and powerful abilities. The music is also exceptional, with energetic electronic tracks that pay homage to the sound of the original games. Streets of Rage 4 takes everything players loved about the previous titles and updates it for a modern audience.

Beloved characters are back with new moves and powers, making for deep and engaging combat in a classic beat-em-up style. Like older games in the genre, Streets of Rage 4 requires practice and skill – simply pressing buttons won’t get you far. You can team up with up to three friends to tackle challenges or compete against each other. A tough Boss Rush mode and challenging gameplay make this game incredibly satisfying once you master its mechanics.

1. Sifu (2023)

Calling Sifu a simple beat-em-up doesn’t do it justice. It elevates the genre to a whole new level, offering a truly unique experience. The game is a deep dive into martial arts, requiring careful timing, focus, and perseverance to succeed. As the only 3D beat-em-up on this list, Sifu puts you in the role of someone seeking revenge, utilizing kung-fu skills and your surroundings to defeat hordes of enemies.

Sifu’s levels are carefully crafted with many different paths to completion. You can use a special amulet to revive after death, but each revival ages your character. Because second chances are rare, mastering perfect timing for blocks, attacks, and combos is essential to defeat enemies in challenging, close-quarters combat. The game is incredibly difficult – a true test of skill, rivaling the notorious difficulty of the Dark Souls series, and potentially even exceeding it.

Okay, so in Sifu, when you… well, when your character dies, you actually get better! You unlock new skills and become more powerful, which is essential because you’re facing some seriously challenging bosses at the end of each area. It’s a lot like classic beat-em-ups where mastering the combat is key. Honestly, it really rewards you for learning the moves and figuring out how to handle different situations – it’s one of the most detailed and satisfying fighting games I’ve ever played.

What’s your favorite beat-em-up game from the past ten years? Share your thoughts in the comments or discuss it with other fans on the ComicBook Forum!

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2026-01-30 19:19