Feel the Beat: The Ultimate Guide to the Best Rhythm Games on PC (2025)

What are the absolute best rhythm games you can play on PC right now? There’s something uniquely powerful about music, and when you combine that with interactive gameplay, you get an experience that’s truly electrifying. Music has an incredible ability to stir emotions almost instantly, and while games can craft deep feelings over time, music delivers an immediate impact. With that in mind, we’ve compiled a definitive list of the finest rhythm games that will resonate with you long after the final note fades.

Our comprehensive list of top rhythm games spans diverse genres, from charming 2D indie titles with infectious beats to immersive VR experiences where you wield virtual lightsabers. Some games here can even help you learn a real-world instrument, while others let you transform your personal music collection into vibrant gameplay levels. (A quick note: while Tetris Effect is a phenomenal game, we’ve excluded it from this list as rhythm isn’t its primary focus. But seriously, go play Tetris Effect if you haven’t already!)

Here are the best rhythm games on PC in 2025:

Friday Night Funkin’

Friday Night Funkin’ has recently captivated a massive audience. This entirely free browser game puts you in the shoes of Boyfriend, who must win rap battles and singing competitions to impress Girlfriend. With a diverse cast of peculiar, otherworldly adversaries, a charming art style, and genuinely fantastic music, it’s easy to see why so many players have fallen in love with Friday Night Funkin’.

The gameplay is reminiscent of Dance Dance Revolution, but instead of foot pads, you use your arrow keys. You synchronize your presses with arrows scrolling across the screen, and each accurate hit makes Boyfriend sing a note. His unique vocalizations, somewhat like an Animal Crossing character, are surprisingly appealing and truly bring the music to life. As a completely free PC game with no microtransactions, it’s an experience everyone should try at least once.

Patapon 1+2 Replay

Patapon, the beloved rhythm game series that originated on Sony’s PSP, has made a triumphant return after more than a decade, and it’s better than ever. This remastered collection, featuring the first two games, puts you in control of the Patapon—adorable little creatures who must unite on their quest to reach Earthend. Confronting formidable foes, you’ll guide your army from the frontlines using rhythmic button presses to control the Patapon and dismantle enemy defenses.

The remastered versions include helpful accessibility features, such as adjustable difficulty and timing windows, allowing even rhythmically challenged players to enjoy the game. Patapon surprisingly blends rhythm with strategy, challenging you to assemble the perfect Patapon combination to take down specific enemies. Given that these games were originally designed for handheld play, they are an excellent companion for modern handheld gaming PCs like the Steam Deck.

Osu!

Inspired by the legendary Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan series (known as Elite Beat Agents in America and Europe) on the Nintendo DS, Osu! challenges you to tap disappearing notes, represented by circles, in sync with the music. As you advance through the difficulty levels, the number of notes increases dramatically, and the pace can become incredibly fast, especially with years of community-created content.

Osu! is a free-to-play game featuring a vast library of community-charted songs, primarily rooted in Japanese music. While the original Ouendan series used a stylus, Osu! can be played with a mouse or a tablet with a stylus on PC. Most high-level players opt for a stylus due to the extreme speeds of advanced tracks, but it’s not impossible for skilled mouse players to keep up. If you adore Japanese music and are looking for a true test of your rhythm, Osu! is a must-try.

Metal: Hellsinger

Metal: Hellsinger is a groundbreaking entry in the rhythm FPS genre, and arguably the most acclaimed. Step into the infernal realm as The Unknown, a human-demonic hybrid on a relentless quest for vengeance that takes you across the fiery planes of Hell. You command a diverse arsenal of weapons to combat the demonic hordes, but their effectiveness hinges on your ability to time your attacks to the game’s pulse-pounding metal soundtrack.

The soundtrack itself is a unique masterpiece, crafted specifically for Metal: Hellsinger by an array of legendary musicians from celebrated metal bands, including System of a Down, Trivium, and Lamb of God, among others. There are also numerous mods available to expand the game’s musical repertoire, even allowing you to slay demons to unexpected tunes like Sweet Home Alabama. As many reviews attest, this is a hellish soundtrack you’ll never want to end.

Trombone Champ

Let’s be clear upfront: Trombone Champ will not teach you how to play the actual trombone. What it *will* provide is endless comedic value as you hilariously attempt to perform rootin’-tootin’ trombone covers of revered classical pieces, folk melodies, and more. It features all the usual elements you’d expect from a rhythm game, like combo streaks and high scores, but the undeniable truth is that even when you hit a perfect streak, it will sound both wonderfully terrible and side-splittingly funny. Ever wondered what the hardest Guitar Hero song would sound like flawlessly played on a trombone? Now’s your chance to find out.

While Trombone Champ includes 20 built-in tracks, its Freeplay Mode is where the game truly shines. Thankfully, you won’t need to buy a plastic trombone controller like in Guitar Hero – simply move your mouse back and forth to mimic a trombone slide and match the song’s pitch. It’s an incredibly accessible rhythm game, and the better you play, the more ‘toots’ you earn. These ‘toots’ serve as currency to unlock cosmetics and, believe it or not, actual lore, providing a compelling reason to keep playing long after the initial novelty of being a Trombone Champ wears off.

Beat Saber

Beat Saber has revolutionized VR gaming, attracting countless new players to the technology. The concept is elegantly simple: using two distinctively colored lightsabers (yes, just like in Star Wars), you slash at blocks of corresponding colors in the direction indicated by the game. This makes you feel like a Jedi master in full flow, even if you might look a little silly to anyone observing in the room.

The game’s original soundtrack is fantastic, but the PC version offers a significant advantage: it supports custom song importing. This means you can bring in iconic tracks like ‘Duel of the Fates’ if you’re so inclined – and why wouldn’t you?

Thumper

Thumper boldly declares itself a “rhythm violence” game, and while that might sound aggressive, it perfectly encapsulates the game’s intense experience. The soundtrack is a masterclass of percussion, thunderous bass drops, and unsettling sound effects that create an almost terrifying atmosphere. Yet, it’s far from oppressive; guiding your tiny beetle protagonist along tracks at dizzying speeds is incredibly exhilarating, though playing it in VR can amplify the unsettling feeling even further.

No matter how you choose to play, Thumper delivers the rhythm game equivalent of a roller coaster ride you’ll never want to end. Just be sure to wear headphones for the full, immersive effect.

Crypt of the Necrodancer

A top-down roguelike game might seem like an unconventional choice for rhythm-based mechanics, but developer Brace Yourself Games struck gold with Crypt of the Necrodancer.

Every action you take in this dungeon crawler – from movement to attacks – must be performed in perfect sync with the music’s beat. Different enemies even follow their own distinct rhythms. It takes some time to fully grasp, but for an extra challenge, you can even play the entire game using a dance pad if you’re looking to truly break a sweat.

Lumines: Remastered

Tetsuya Mizuguchi’s first entry on this list, Lumines, initially debuted on the PSP before being remastered for PC in 2018. Playing almost like a musical Tetris, players must align shapes composed of varying colored blocks. When these blocks form a cluster, they are cleared by a “Time Line” that sweeps across the screen in sync with the musical accompaniment. The rows you successfully clear also add new layers to the game’s exquisite soundtrack, which is a reward in itself.

Lumines: Remastered is a rare gem among puzzlers, managing to be strangely relaxing, utterly frantic, and genuinely euphoric all at once—especially as blocks stack up and you desperately scramble to keep pace.

Sayonara Wild Hearts

Ever wished you could experience an entire pop album as an arcade game? Sayonara Wild Hearts makes that dream a reality, pitting players against colossal wolves, sending them on high-speed motorcycle rides, and immersing them in dance battles—all to the groove of an incredible custom-written pop soundtrack.

Some elements of Sayonara Wild Hearts aren’t strictly rhythm-based, but that’s precisely what makes the game so brilliant. You’re constantly surprised as you navigate through 23 distinct levels, each featuring a different, infectious song that compels you to move and groove.

Audiosurf 2

Have you ever played a rhythm game and found yourself wishing you could play with your favorite songs? If so, Audiosurf 2 might be precisely what you’re looking for.

Regardless of the chosen track, you’re propelled along a futuristic highway at an incredible speed, tasked with collecting as many pickups as possible while deftly avoiding obstacles. While the core concept isn’t entirely new, Audiosurf 2’s standout feature is its ability to import your own songs, transforming them into a vibrant, note-filled road. Just try not to get *too* lost in the music – you still have plenty of obstacles to dodge in this exhilarating racing game.

Rocksmith 2014 Remastered

The somewhat awkwardly named Rocksmith 2014 Remastered is a refreshed version of the original Rocksmith 2014, which itself was a sequel to the first Rocksmith. Still following along? Title aside, Rocksmith 2014 Remastered is a rare breed: it’s both incredibly fun and genuinely educational, allowing players to plug in their own real guitars and basses to learn how to play a vast array of songs.

While Rocksmith may not offer the immediate pick-up-and-play accessibility of most rhythm games, you’d be hard-pressed to find another music game with its level of depth and scalability. Once you’ve mastered the in-game content, you can choose from over a thousand fully licensed tracks as DLC (we highly recommend ‘Cherub Rock’ by The Smashing Pumpkins!), ensuring the game can entertain you for as long as your blistered fingers can endure.

Rhythm Doctor

Easily one of the most unique rhythm games on this list, Rhythm Doctor tasks players with administering medication to patients by, remarkably, hitting the space bar on the seventh beat of every bar, repeatedly, amidst a barrage of audiovisual distractions.

Billing itself as “the hardest one-button rhythm game you’ll ever play,” Rhythm Doctor playfully subverts your expectations in clever and innovative ways. It forces you to block out all external noise and focus solely on the rhythm. As you successfully treat patients, your screen might glitch, or artificial lag might be introduced. Even more challenging, your screen might go completely blank, compelling you to count the beat entirely in your head. For this one, you might want to consider investing in a metronome!

Rez Infinite

Remember 2001? Not the film, but the year? That’s when Rez first launched on the original PlayStation, captivating players with its distinctive and often breathtaking wireframe visuals in an on-rails shooter/rhythm game hybrid. Two decades later, PC players can finally dive into the expanded Rez Infinite, another masterful rhythm game expertly guided by Tetsuya Mizuguchi.

Every action in Rez Infinite impacts the soundscape, and the vibrations experienced when playing with a gamepad intensify the feeling of synesthesia. Rez Infinite aims to blur the lines between the senses, and it’s astonishing how close it gets to achieving such an ambitious goal. Yes, it’s abstract and a touch pretentious, but it’s also profoundly beautiful from beginning to end. It also comes highly recommended for fans of on-rails shooters like Star Fox.

BPM: Bullets Per Minute

BPM secures its place on this rhythm games list purely for its incredibly fresh take on the genre. Instead of merely tapping buttons to a beat or letting synesthesia wash over you, BPM seamlessly integrates music and melody into a retro-style FPS roguelike. Here, you’ll blast demons to smithereens, all while headbanging to the tune of wailing guitars.

Among BPM’s many strengths are its challenging boss fights, which demand a significant step up in skill. You’ll need to learn intricate attack patterns and execute evasive maneuvers perfectly in time with the pounding soundtrack.

Pistol Whip

Pistol Whip brilliantly merges first-person shooting with an intense soundtrack, making you feel like the star of your own action movie. Each pulse-pounding song features a meticulously handcrafted level, teeming with gun-wielding enemies. The stage continuously moves throughout the duration of the song, allowing you to concentrate entirely on eliminating foes.

Mastering a song requires not only dodging incoming bullets but also taking down every enemy on the stage. Once you find your rhythm, your shots will feel like a drumbeat, accentuating key musical notes. Pistol Whip delivers a distinct yet familiar experience that is sure to delight any rhythm game enthusiast.

Taiko no Tatsujin: The Drum Master

Don’t let Taiko no Tatsujin’s seemingly simple appearance fool you; this game is incredibly easy to pick up but remarkably difficult to master. You truly need to be a drum master to conquer the challenging songs in this rhythm game. Taiko no Tatsujin: The Drum Master boasts one of the most eclectic soundtracks you’ll encounter in a rhythm game, ranging from energetic anime openings to iconic video game tracks like ‘Megalovania’ from Undertale.

Taiko no Tatsujin: The Drum Master offers a fantastic single-player experience, but it truly shines when played cooperatively with a local partner. Whether you’re playing songs together or battling for the highest score, this game becomes incredibly exciting when matched with someone of similar skill. While you can play with a standard controller, investing in a drum controller is highly recommended, as some of the harder songs demand complex fills that are best executed with dedicated hardware.

Synth Riders

While many Beat Saber clones exist, Synth Riders stands out as one of the few VR rhythm games that genuinely differentiates itself in a crowded market. The core idea is straightforward: use your colored hands to match the colored balls that appear on screen. However, unlike Beat Saber, Synth Riders actively encourages movement, compelling you to dodge incoming walls and other projectiles. We consistently found our heart rate to be higher playing Synth Riders compared to Beat Saber, though your personal experience may vary depending on your level of effort.

Synth Riders offers 74 songs in its main set list; however, this might be its weakest aspect, as the primary tracklist doesn’t feature well-known bands or groups. Unfortunately, such content is reserved for DLC, leaving acts like Muse, Gorillaz, and Bruno Mars out of the core game. Whether you’re seeking a fun new game or a way to burn some extra calories, Synth Riders is definitely worth considering.

Hi-Fi Rush

A brilliant genre mashup of a third-person brawler and a rhythm game, Hi-Fi Rush tells the story of Chai, an ordinary guy who, after receiving a cybernetic implant, can literally feel the music of the world. Of course, this also draws unwanted attention from a malevolent corporation hell-bent on destroying him and any trace of his existence, but you’ll get to that part.

The combat will feel familiar to anyone who’s ever dabbled in a brawler, but Hi-Fi Rush elevates it further by blasting iconic songs and having the entire world move to the beat. You’ll harness the rhythm of this music to enhance your attacks and unleash various combos, striking foes in perfect time with whatever track is playing. It’s truly fantastic, and since it’s available on Game Pass, there’s really no excuse not to try it.

Paradiddle

When visionary scientists were developing virtual reality headsets, they likely envisioned experiences like Paradiddle—a game with the incredible potential to teach people how to play the drums. While there’s no true substitute for the real thing, if you only have a VR headset, Paradiddle can take your drumming skills further than you might imagine.

The game features numerous lessons, guiding you from basic techniques to advanced drumming. You can also choose from over 50 percussive instruments to get a feel for various drum kits. Furthermore, Paradiddle can serve as a valuable learning tool even if you eventually purchase an electric drum kit, providing a Guitar Hero-like interface to help you learn songs. It’s a fantastic stepping stone for aspiring drummers.

Robobeat

In this roguelike rhythm shooter, you embody Max, a bounty hunter on a mission to take down the eccentric robot showman known as Frazzer. Frazzer, however, has set up a series of deadly traps that you must skillfully evade on the battlefield. To further complicate matters, each level is procedurally generated, ensuring you never know what environmental challenges await.

Robobeat’s fast-paced mobility options are what make it such a thrill to play; you’ll be wall-running, bunny-hopping, and leaping to the rhythm of the beat. The game offers various in-game playlists, but you also have the flexibility to upload your own soundtracks for a truly personalized experience. With a wealth of songs and weapons to unlock, you’ll easily find yourself immersed for hours in Robobeat.

Geometry Dash

Inspired by the indie classic, The Impossible Game, Geometry Dash is a deceptively simple one-button game that challenges you to navigate treacherous paths filled with traps and hazards. Geometry Dash elevates this concept further with levels featuring diverse music, extensive character customization options, and a level creator boasting thousands of user-made stages. This is the kind of game you might pick up for five minutes, only to find an hour has vanished as you meticulously inch your way through each demanding level.

One Btn Bosses

Never underestimate the power of pushing a single gaming mechanic to its absolute limit. One Btn Bosses is compelling proof that an entire game can be built around one simple idea. Your objective is to defeat bosses while orbiting them in your spaceship. Your sole button press swaps your direction of movement, and the longer you maintain a single direction, the faster you shoot and move. Progress through the campaign as Ace, an unpaid assistant desperately seeking a paycheck.

Accompanied by a captivating synth-wave soundtrack, the game features 50 bullet hell levels, and you can also delve into a roguelike mode for a different experience. While One Btn Bosses doesn’t explicitly rely on its soundtrack to guide the player, listening closely to the beat of the repeated tracks can surprisingly help you find the precise timing needed to conquer each boss.

And there you have it, our top picks for the best rhythm games on PC. We’re big fans of curated lists here at PCGN, including our round-ups of the best open-world games and the finest RPG games on PC. Now, if only some brilliant mind could combine role-playing mechanics with a rhythm game, set in a massive open world, we might just be able to merge all our favorite lists into one ultimate guide!