Chained Beasts is an action co-op gladiator roguelike developed for the PlayStation 5 and other platforms. Players take on the role of chained gladiators who must fight through brutal arena encounters while tethered to up to three teammates. The core loop revolves around surviving daily battles, managing accumulating injuries, and progressing through roguelike runs that emphasize coordination and creative use of the environment.
Gameplay
Combat focuses on close-quarters hacking and slashing combined with environmental hazards. Fighters can hurl objects like urns at opponents or slam chained foes into spikes and snake pits. Weapons can be thrown for ranged attacks, though players must retrieve or find replacements quickly. The chaining system adds a layer of physical restriction where mismatched movement risks tangling the group around pillars or dragging allies into danger. Successful synchronization allows the team to trip enemies or use the shared chain as a weapon.
Injuries accumulate across runs and alter movement or perception. A limp slows one character while a missing eye narrows vision, and hallucinations can cause erratic attacks. Healing potions provide relief but introduce new side effects that may require intervention from a surgeon between fights. Experience gained in the arena unlocks skills, equipment purchases, and new character options with distinct starting abilities. The crowd's favor can also shift in the player's direction during extended survival, offering temporary advantages.
Game Modes
The game centers on roguelike runs structured around sequential days of arena combat. Each run begins with basic equipment and builds through upgrades chosen between battles. Single-player sessions allow solo attempts at the full experience, while co-op supports up to four participants in shared sessions that demand constant communication to avoid chain-related mishaps. Progression carries forward through persistent unlocks such as additional characters and permanent skill options, encouraging repeated attempts with varied team compositions.
Progression and Challenges
Runs advance through distinct arena chapters that introduce new enemy types and environmental layouts. Early stages focus on basic coordination in familiar settings, while later sections stack more complex hazards and larger enemy groups. Boss encounters appear at key points and feature heavily armed opponents with unique attack patterns that test both individual skill and group positioning. Money earned from victories funds better weapons and armor, while crowd approval and skill acquisition provide alternative paths to survival.
Is It Worth Playing?
Chained Beasts targets players who enjoy co-op roguelikes built around physical teamwork and improvisation rather than standard loot-driven progression. The chaining mechanic creates memorable moments of both frustration and triumph that set it apart from typical arena fighters. With a full release scheduled for October 15, 2026, and a demo already available for testing the core systems, interested players can evaluate the coordination demands firsthand before committing. Those who value tight group synergy and punishing injury management will find the most satisfaction here, while solo players may appreciate the option to tackle runs alone with the same depth of systems. The upcoming launch on PlayStation 5 alongside other platforms positions it as an accessible entry for fans of the genre seeking a fresh twist on gladiatorial combat.
