Local Co-Op PS5 Game is an Absolute Must-Play

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If you’re a PlayStation 5 owner and love playing local co-op games with friends, you absolutely need to check out Absolum. It’s a beat ’em up roguelike that didn’t get a ton of attention, but honestly, it’s one of the best games that came out last year. The PS5 has a lot of great local co-op options, but Absolum is seriously addictive – I can’t put it down!

Guard Crush Games and Supamonks’ new game, Absolum, launched in early October on PS5, PS4, PC, and Switch, published by Dotemu. It’s a side-scrolling beat ’em up in the style of classic games from the 80s and 90s, much like other popular Dotemu titles. However, Absolum is unique because it features an entirely original story and characters, unlike games based on existing franchises like Streets of Rage or Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Adding to its appeal, Absolum incorporates roguelike elements, making each playthrough different and increasing replay value.

When players start Absolum on PlayStation 5, they can choose to play as either Karl, a dwarf who fights with his fists and a gun, or Galandra, who prefers a sword. As you play through the game’s different paths and experience its story, you’ll unlock two additional characters. Absolum features challenging but rewarding combat, and like many roguelikes, you’ll find temporary power-ups that are lost when you die, and a currency to unlock lasting improvements to help with future attempts.

Absolum’s Roguelike Elements Take the Local Co-Op Brawler to the Next Level

Image via Dotemu

Many beat ’em up games don’t grab me for very long, but Absolum instantly hooked me. Its roguelike design isn’t for everyone, but if you enjoy that style, it makes the game incredibly addictive. I constantly find myself wanting to play “just one more run” to finish side quests, discover new locations, or overcome a challenging boss.

Image via Dotemu

Absolum is enjoyable to play by yourself, but it’s truly great when played with a friend locally. It’s one of the best co-op games from last year, allowing two players to play through the whole game together. While it’s a bit of a shame that players in co-op mode can’t earn trophies, it’s still a lot of fun to experience with someone else.

The story and background details in Absolum are subtle – you can explore them if you’re curious, but they don’t interrupt the core gameplay. Digging deeper often unlocks new content and secrets, which I recommend, but it’s great that the story doesn’t force itself on you while still being engaging.

Playing Absolum with a friend in local co-op is a blast! You spend time strategizing, discovering hidden secrets, and creating awesome, over-the-top moments as you unlock stronger abilities. My wife and I just finished the main story, but we’re still aiming for full completion and the Platinum trophy, which is challenging but achievable. There’s a lot more to explore and do!

Image via Dotemu

I seriously regret not playing Absolum sooner! Had I discovered it last year, it definitely would have been in my top 10 games of 2025. I’m a little late to the fun, but now that I’m totally hooked on this awesome beat ’em up fantasy world, I’m telling everyone I know who loves local co-op to check it out. If you’re on PS5, PS4, PC, or Switch, trust me, Absolum is absolutely worth the money.

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2026-01-13 21:14