Begone Beast stands out as a spooky top-down action game blending hack-and-slash combat with cooperative elements for up to four players. Set in the seemingly quiet town of Pennybrook, this PC title throws you into chaotic runs against nightmarish creatures, emphasizing teamwork, procedural generation, and replayable adventures. As an Early Access release in development, it promises ongoing updates to expand its horror-action formula.
Gameplay
In Begone Beast, you control one of several playable kids, each equipped with unique weapons and abilities, as you battle through procedurally generated levels filled with hordes of enemies. The core loop revolves around hacking and slashing demons while collecting snacks that grant temporary powers, such as enhanced attacks or cooperative boosts. A system called the Dynamic AI Director, or DAD, adjusts monster spawns and obstacles in real time based on your team's composition, decisions, and playstyle, keeping each session unpredictable. Paired with the Map Outline Maker, known as MOM, it creates varied environments that ensure no two runs feel identical. Combat focuses on expressive melee actions against massive groups of foes, elite monsters, and culminating boss fights against enormous BEASTS that grow stronger with each defeat.
Progression ties into unlocking new upgrades, characters, and abilities through repeated playthroughs. You mix and match weapons, skills, and items to craft custom builds, encouraging experimentation in both solo and group settings. The game highlights survival against overwhelming odds, with mechanics that reward coordination, like shared abilities activated by teamwork.
Game Modes
Begone Beast supports single-player mode for those tackling the horrors alone, but it shines in cooperative play. You can team up with up to three friends in online co-op or couch co-op, working together on compact campaigns that build to intense finales. Features like shared-screen and remote play options make it accessible for group sessions, whether local or remote. The procedural nature means every mode delivers replayable experiences across two main environment types, with plans for more additions during Early Access.
Key Features and Updates
The game launches with four or more playable characters, each bringing distinct attacks and personalities to the mix. Environments include sprawling procedural areas teeming with hazards, while enemies range from basic hordes to over a dozen special elites and two major BEASTS that summon reinforcements. Developers have outlined a roadmap for Early Access, including regular balance patches every few weeks and larger content drops every couple of months to introduce new monsters, heroes, and locations. Although delayed from its initial 2025 target, the team continues to share progress updates, aiming for at least a year in Early Access before full release.
Is It Worth Playing?
With its focus on cooperative hack-and-slash action in a spooky setting, Begone Beast appeals to players who enjoy games like Hades or Dead Cells but with a multiplayer twist and horror vibes. The procedural elements and dynamic AI offer high replay value, making it a solid pick for groups seeking quick, adrenaline-fueled sessions. Since the game remains unreleased as of March 2026, following a delay from its planned February 2025 Early Access launch, potential players should watch for official release announcements and initial feedback. If you thrive on team-based survival challenges with creative builds, it could be a worthwhile addition once available, especially with the promised ongoing support.
