Enter the voxel arena with Botsu, a fast-paced, physics-driven multiplayer brawler that fuses sports, chaos, and creativity into one ridiculous cosmic gumbo. Developed by a one-person team at Peculiar Pixels and published by Devolver Digital, Botsu was revealed this week, and it owned the fun at PAX East 2025.
Today, the game targets a Steam Early Access launch in Q3 this year, with console releases expected to follow shortly after.
What is Botsu?
In Botsu, you play as a customizable bot gladiator. The matches are extremely chaotic, offering 4v4 team-based competitions online or via 4-player split screen. Before each match, players vote on one of three game modes in an interactive showdown that sets the stage for every round. Between matches, you can chill in a social hub, upgrade your gear, and prepare for the next bout.
The matches are very short, typically under a few minutes. With the demo that I played, the 4v4 battles were in rounds of the first-to-five. This can extend the set of matches to as many as nine matches, which can reach about 15 minutes. Plus, there is a replay system that lets you relive and share your best plays.
The Combat
The headline to the competitive gameplay is simply ragdolls. Botsu’s bots are agile and over-the-top. Sprint, jump, rocket-boost, breakdance, and slam out a win. Combat is built around gadget-powered physics mayhem, featuring gear like grappling hooks, sticky bombs, and soundwave emitters that can knock players down and the environment off-balance. The core gameplay loop is about timing, positioning, and chaotic skill creativity.
The Visuals and Performance
Styled in a colorful voxel art aesthetic, Botsu manages to be both charming and simple. The visuals complement the slapstick nature of the physics combat, and the modular costume system adds uniqueness to the player. Players can mix and match 40 unlockable costumes at launch. Among the costumes are cowboys, ninjas, kings, and more. The performance is smooth across matches.
Botsu is hitting Steam Early Access in Q3 2025, with console versions to follow. With its blend of party-game energy, competitive hooks, and expressive customization, it’s one to watch for fans of Gang Beasts, Fall Guys, and everything in between. You can play the free demo here. Additionally, you can wishlist Botsu here.
