Ratatan stands out as a rhythm roguelike action game on PC, blending the pulse of catchy beats with side-scrolling combat and roguelike progression. Developed as a spiritual successor to Patapon, it invites players into a vibrant world where timing your actions to the music drives the chaos of battles involving massive groups of characters. With its online co-op support for up to four players, the game creates opportunities for shared adventures in a setting full of quirky creatures and rhythmic challenges.
Gameplay
In Ratatan, the core experience revolves around directing a group of characters called Cobuns through rhythm-based commands. You issue orders by inputting sequences in time with the soundtrack, guiding them to attack, move, or retreat during intense side-scrolling battles. The Ratatans themselves can move freely, so positioning them strategically becomes key to surviving encounters with waves of enemies.
Roguelike elements add layers of replayability, as each run involves progressing through worlds, collecting weapons, and unlocking skills. Battles can escalate to include over 100 characters clashing in melee, demanding quick judgment to manage the crowd and rhythm timing. The 2D animation brings personality to every action, making movements feel lively and expressive.
Multiplayer integration allows friends to join in, coordinating rhythms and strategies together. Progression systems let you build up your forces across runs, with boss battles testing your mastery of the beat-driven mechanics.
Game Modes
Ratatan focuses on side-scrolling action infused with rhythm combat, where players tackle roguelike runs through multiple worlds. The primary mode supports online co-op for up to four players, enabling teamwork in directing Cobuns and navigating battles.
Roguelike progression forms the backbone, with runs featuring exploration up to World 5 in the current build, complete with boss encounters that require precise timing. These elements combine into a cohesive experience centered on rhythmic strategy and action.
Story and Setting
The game unfolds on the island of Rataport, a lively place inhabited by Ratatans, animal-like creatures with varied looks and traits. They share a dream of reaching The Everafter to meet The Goddess, embarking on repeated journeys despite setbacks.
This narrative frames the roguelike structure, where failures lead to new attempts, building toward that ultimate goal. The toy-box aesthetic of the island contrasts with the rhythmic intensity of the adventures, creating a heartfelt backdrop for the action.
Is It Worth Playing?
For those who enjoy rhythm games mixed with action and roguelike challenges, Ratatan offers a fresh take that's already earning strong praise in its Early Access phase, launched on September 18, 2025. With Very Positive ratings from over 2,300 reviews, including 91 percent positive from English reviewers, it shows solid appeal among players who appreciate its beat-based combat and co-op features.
Recent feedback remains Very Positive, with 81 percent positive in the last 30 days, highlighting ongoing community involvement through updates and balancing. If you like coordinating with friends in rhythmic battles or building armies in procedurally influenced runs, this game delivers engaging sessions, especially as it heads toward full release with more content planned.
The current build includes core mechanics like multiple worlds and skill unlocks, making it a worthwhile pick for fans of the genre right now, though patience for the complete version could enhance the experience.
