Afterbeat (Project Arrhythmia)

Steam pricePrice
$14.99
Players
2 - 4
Release
October 8, 2026
Session GoalsGoals
Platforms
Genres
Developer

How co-op works

Local co-op lets two players share the screen as nanobots, coordinating dodges through bullet-hell patterns timed to the music's rhythm and structure.

About this game

Afterbeat (Project Arrhythmia) combines rhythm-driven bullet-hell action with geometric hazards that pulse and fire in sync with each track. Players control a small nanobot navigating hostile environments where every visual element, from cascading shapes to rotating barriers, follows the beat. The local co-op mode invites a second player to join on the same screen, adding collaborative survival to the precision dodging.

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Gameplay revolves around reading attack patterns, anticipating musical cues, and reacting to waves of projectiles that escalate in complexity. Each level introduces new geometric threats timed to a different soundtrack, demanding sharp reflexes and spatial awareness. Co-op sessions require both players to stay alive while managing shared screen space and communicating split-second movements.

Steam Workshop support opens the door to community-created levels, offering endless variety beyond the base campaign. Full controller support and customizable difficulty settings let teams tailor the challenge, while the rhythm-focused structure encourages replays to master timing and improve coordination. Afterbeat rewards patience and practice with satisfying flow-state moments when movement and music align perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does local co-op work in Afterbeat?

A second player can join on the same screen to dodge bullet patterns together. Both players control their own nanobot and must stay alive while sharing screen space, so coordinating movements and calling out incoming hazards becomes essential as patterns grow more complex.

Do we need good rhythm game skills or bullet-hell experience?

The game blends both rhythm and bullet-hell mechanics-attack patterns sync to the music, so reading visual cues and anticipating beats helps a lot. Customizable difficulty settings let you start easier and work up as you build reflexes and learn to move with the soundtrack.

Can we play community-made levels in co-op?

Yes. Steam Workshop support means you can download and play community-created levels, so co-op sessions aren't limited to the base campaign. This opens up a huge variety of custom tracks and bullet patterns to tackle together.

Is online co-op supported, or only local?

The game supports local shared/split-screen co-op natively. You can also use Steam Remote Play Together to stream the session to a friend online, though the listing focuses primarily on couch co-op.