Some games arrive quietly. Others land with the kind of momentum that’s hard to ignore. Absolum now joins Xbox and Game Pass after its earlier debut elsewhere, and it’s the kind of release that immediately stands out, not just for what it is, but for how easy it is to jump in and try it for yourself.
For Game Pass subscribers especially, this is one of those moments where curiosity pays off. A full fantasy brawler with roguelite depth, ready to download and dive into without hesitation.
At A Glance
- Game: Absolum
- Developer: Dotemu
- Publisher: Dotemu
- Price: £20.99
- Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, PC, Play Anywhere
- Game Pass: Yes
- Game Type: Beat ‘Em Up / Roguelite
A Beat ‘Em Up With Something More To It
At first glance, Absolum feels like a love letter to classic side-scrolling brawlers. There’s that familiar rhythm of moving forward, clearing enemies, and chaining together satisfying combos.
But it doesn’t take long to realise there’s more going on beneath the surface. This isn’t just about repeating levels or mastering a single path. Absolum introduces roguelite elements that reshape each run, adding unpredictability and giving you reasons to keep coming back.
Paths branch, encounters shift, and each attempt feels just a little different from the last. It’s a structure that keeps things fresh without losing that core arcade energy.
A World Shaped By Magic And Conflict
The story unfolds across the fractured land of Talamh, a world left reeling after a magical catastrophe. With magic feared and controlled, the rise of Sun King Azra and his Crimson Order sets the stage for rebellion.
And don’t think that you will be stepping into this world alone. A small group of characters take centre stage, each bringing their own fighting style and personality.
Galandra’s heavy, deliberate strikes contrast with Karl’s close-range power, while others introduce more agile or magic-focused approaches. That variety feeds directly into how the game plays, giving you options in how you approach each run.
Combat That Rewards Timing And Creativity
Where Absolum really finds its footing is in combat. It’s fast, responsive, and built around more than just button mashing.
You’ll be chaining together attacks, weaving in spells, and using counters to stay one step ahead. Timing matters, positioning matters, and knowing when to push forward or hold back can make all the difference.
There’s also a strong sense of escalation. As runs progress, enemies become more demanding, forcing you to adapt and rethink your approach on the fly.
Built For Replayability
The roguelite structure ties everything together, encouraging experimentation and rewarding persistence.
Unlocks, upgrades, and new paths gradually open up more possibilities. Whether you’re chasing a better run or simply exploring new routes, there’s always a reason to go again.
Co-op adds another layer too, letting you team up either locally or online. Working together to chain attacks and manage the chaos makes for a different kind of experience altogether.
A Perfect Fit For Game Pass
While Absolum is available through the Xbox Store for £20.99, its arrival on Game Pass is where things really click. This is exactly the kind of game that benefits from being easily accessible, something you can jump into on a whim and quickly get hooked on.
It also means there’s very little barrier to entry. If you’ve got a subscription, you can experience everything it has to offer without needing to think twice.
With its mix of tight combat, replayable structure, and a world that feels worth exploring, this is one that’s easy to recommend, especially on Game Pass and Xbox, with Play Anywhere support. Sometimes the best discoveries are the ones you weren’t necessarily planning to make… and Absolum feels like it could be one of those.
And of course, if you prefer to play on Steam, PlayStation or Switch, you can do so.
Stay tuned for our full review.
