Absolum is a roguelite beat ’em up developed by Guard Crush Games, Supamonks, and published by Dotemu. Released on October 9, 2025 across Windows, PlayStation 4/5, and Nintendo Switch, it marries classic side-scrolling brawler combat with randomized runs, build choices, branching paths, and quests.
In Absolum, you fight as outcast heroes in the shattered world of Talamh, resisting the tyrannical Sun King Azra and his Crimson Order. Each run starts at a “Sanctuary / hub” and you choose a path through regions, clearing enemies, taking quests, unlocking Rituals, and eventually reaching the final confrontation with Azra (and his Betrayer Kings along the way).
Because of the roguelite structure, no single run is enough — you learn, upgrade, and refine build choices over many attempts. This guide walks you through every area, boss fights, best practices, tips & secrets, and detailed strategies so you can beat Absolum efficiently.
Key Concepts & Mechanics You Must Master Early
Before diving into the walkthrough, here are foundational mechanics and tips that influence success.
1. Understanding Defensive Tools: Dodge, Deflect, and Clash
- Dodge: Press dash (or equivalent) plus movement to evade incoming attacks. Sidestepping up/down just before a hit lands can create an opening for a follow-up attack.
- Deflect: Dashing toward an enemy just as they attack acts like a parry. If timed correctly, the enemy becomes stunned.
- Clash: A heavier defensive counter. Use your skill or Arcana as the enemy swings; a successful Clash staggers the attacker, opening a sizable window to deal heavy damage. This is especially useful in boss fights.
Mastering the timing for Deflect and Clash is key for survival under heavy enemy pressure. Early runs should focus on practicing these.
2. Rituals, Trinkets & Build Strategy
At the start of a run you'll select multiple Rituals (passive bonuses) that shape your build for that run. These reset when you die. Some of them influence damage, resistances, drop rates, etc.
You also progressively unlock trinkets and Inspirations (active upgrades) through runs and quests.
Tip: Early in the game, don’t spend gems on re-rolling Rituals unless absolutely necessary—prioritize upgrading your core progression tree (camp upgrades) first. Rogue Also, when selecting your Arcana before a run, pick the glowing Arcana (highlighted) since it gives an XP bonus. Rogue
3. Stick With One Character Initially
While Absolum allows you to unlock multiple characters (Karl, Galandra, Cider, Brome) early on, picks runs will reward upgrades specific to a character. Focusing on a single hero in your early runs lets you push their upgrade tree further and unlock deeper synergies.
4. Quests & Branching Paths Matter
Each run has side quests. Completing them can unlock new routes, NPCs, or rewards. On the run map, these quests are marked, so always keep an eye out.
Also, at multiple crossroads in each region, paths diverge (you choose one). You’ll need multiple runs to explore all branches.
5. Save Gems & Prioritize Permanent Upgrades
Gems are used both to upgrade the camp tree (permanent progression) and as a re-roll currency. Most of the time, invest gems in camp upgrades first — more health, damage, better drop rates, etc. Only in rare high-stakes moments should you spend gems on re-rolls.
6. Hire Allies / Mercenaries Wisely
In safe zones or taverns, you can spend gold to hire an ally (mercenary). They don’t deal massive damage, but their presence draws enemy aggro, letting you flank or ranged attack with less risk.
7. Watch for One-Eyed Cats & Hidden Doors
Throughout levels, you’ll sometimes spot one-eyed black cats. These often hint at hidden secret rooms or breakable walls in that screen. Seek them out — they often conceal chests or extra loot.
8. It’s Not Over Once You Defeat the “Final” Boss
Beating the final boss unlocks more content: new quest lines, higher difficulty modes, hidden narrative layers. So every run counts, even post-victory.
Walkthrough: Regions, Routes & Boss Fights (Step-by-Step)
Below is a region-by-region walkthrough. Use this as your reference while playing.
Starting & Sanctuary (“Hub”)
- Begin the game — you’ll go through a short tutorial sequence. You’ll rescue Mother Uwachi (a Root Sister) by destroying rocks, defeating Clushrooms, and handling an Exiled drone.
- After the rescue, you’ll be resurrected at a Sanctuary hub (safe zone). From here, all runs begin.
- In the Sanctuary, you can access your camp upgrades, choose pending inspirations, unlock new Rituals, etc.
- When ready, launch your run into Grandery — the first region.
Region: Grandery
Grandery is the first area you traverse each run. Into Indie Games+1 The goal is to make your way toward the Underking (first Betrayer King) via branching paths.
Arrival & First Choice
- As you enter, you'll see a sapling tree near the gate. If it's your first run, you’ll be handed a map of Calamh from Maugis the Mystic.
- Soon the path splits: Downwards path leads toward the Giggling Forest Upwards / coastal path leads to Wild Coasts and onward to Rudolf, Captain of Stonedale route
Each path eventually leads to Underking, but the enemies, quests, and loot differ.
Path via Wild Coasts → Rudolf route
- Wild Coasts: fight goblins, weaker soldiers, exploit cover (rocks) to block charge attacks.
- In later sections, you may find a hidden area (wrecked ship) that can spawn extra gold or healing items.
- You’ll encounter Exiled drones guarding shrines scarified by Azra—destroy shackles to free those shrines (gaining benefits).
- City of Stonedale: rest point, locked gate. You may need to pay 50 gold (to a bandit) to open the gate.
- Stonedale Stronghold: navigate enemy soldiers, avoid arrow traps, confront Bandit Queen Zafari, open chests.
- Advance to Rudolf’s Boss Arena.
Boss — Rudolf, Captain of Stonedale
- Rudolf carries a shield plus grab & charge attacks.
- Stay close, break his shield, deflect his counterattacks.
- Sidestep or deflect red-charged attacks.
- Avoid doing charge attacks on him (he can knock you out of the air).
- If you defeat him, you unlock safe spots to heal, hire mercenaries, and proceed further.
Path via Giggling Forest → Gazorg route
- Giggling Forest: expect goblin ambushes (from trees, raised platforms).
- Find and shatter shackled shrines to free them.
- Move onward, cross bridges (some paths locked or needing aid).
- Green River: navigate via raft segments with goblin attacks.
- Reach Gazorg’s boss area.
Boss — Gazorg, Son of Zorg
- Easier than Rudolf but still dangerous.
- Watch for flashing red attacks (dodge/deflect).
- Clear minions first so you can focus on the boss.
- Use Clash where possible to break his guard.
- After defeating him, talk to goblin elder (decision point: aid humans build the bridge or not).
If you helped build the bridge, you may unlock the Misty Grove path (skipping some encounters) later.
Reaching the Underking
Multiple paths lead to Underking’s chambers:
- Misty Grove (if bridge built)
- Study route (via hidden study quest, ghost interactions)
- Old Mines
- Deep Mines (accessible after triggering conditions in Old Mines)
Each path has unique enemies, hazards (falling rocks, narrow ledges, zombies), and mini bosses.
Boss — Underking
- Uses sweeping swings and a flamethrower attack.
- Use Clash on swings to stagger him.
- The flamethrower barrage is preceded by boulder drops—use boulders as cover when he fires.
- Stay mobile; avoid wide swings.
- Persist in damaging him while evading his ranged phase.
- Once defeated, you move into the next region: Jaroba.
Region: Jaroba
Jaroba features swamp and jungle environments. Paths branch, quests abound, and tougher enemies await (poison, ambushes). Use your prior upgrades, Resistances, and Arcana synergies.
- In the swamp, look for hidden nodes and side-branches.
- Some quests unlock shortcuts or bonus resources (Gold, Shards).
- Boss: The Lizard King (or equivalent regional Betrayer) — anticipate leaping attacks, ranged spit, and ground slam combos. Use Deflect / Clash carefully.
As you progress, Jaroba paths may lead onward to Yeldrim.
Region: Yeldrim
Yeldrim is a haunted, undead-themed region. Expect ghosts, spectral enemies, cursed traps.
- Some ghost NPCs may give quests when interacted with.
- Hidden studies or spectral puzzles may open side areas.
- Paths split — choose heavier combat or safer routes depending on your build.
- Boss: The Silver Queen or undead overlord. Use light + heavy combos, avoid red attack windows, capitalize on staggered state from Clash.
Region: Asterios / Final Confrontation
Asterios is the capital / final region. Here you’ll face the last Betrayer King(s) and ultimately Azra, the Sun King.
- Expect multi-phase boss fights, mixing melee, ranged, magical attacks.
- Use all your learned techniques: deflect, clash, dodge, cover, ally support.
- Watch for surprises: adds, environmental hazards, arena shifts.
- Defeating Azra may unlock the “true ending” and post-game challenge modes.
Congratulations — you’ve beaten Absolum (first time) — but many secrets remain!
Advanced Tips, Secrets & Character Builds
Here are deeper strategies and hidden content to push higher mastery.
Character Build & Move Tips
- Cider: Agile dual-dagger wielder. Use her aerial combos, gap closers, and throwing weapon builds. Focus on speed, evasion, and multi-hit combos. Use running attacks, skill invocation mid-run to launch airborne, then air combo. Use down-skill (hold) to pull enemies to you. Recommended build: throwing + combo synergy.
- Galandra: Heavy melee with big sword strikes. Good for tank builds or crowd control.
- Karl: Close-range brawler + gun blasts. Use mixed melee + ranged playstyle.
- Brome: Frog wizard — can hover, use magic zoning spells, traps. Versatile in ranged builds.
Each character’s progression tree unlocks unique Arcanas, passives, and synergies.
Secret Rooms & Hidden Content
- Always watch for one-eyed black cats — they usually mask breakable walls or secret room entrances.
- In screens with odd wall patterns or faint cracks, test attacks or movement into them — some hide extra loot or branching pathways.
- Use multiple runs to explore all paths; some quests or zones unlock only on second or third runs.
- The “true ending” may require fulfilling hidden quest conditions (e.g. saving certain NPCs, exploring all side paths).
Resource Management Tips
- Gems: Use mainly for permanent upgrades; avoid spending on ritual rerolls unless in dire endgame scenarios.
- Gold: Spend on mercenaries strategically; they help distract enemies. Also, pay for unlocking paths or gates when the reward is substantial.
- Ritual selection: Favor upgrades that boost damage, survivability, or resource gain. Avoid redundant or weak bonuses early.
- Arcana choice: Always pick the glowing Arcana for XP bonus. In later runs, combine Arcana synergies with your build (e.g. if you lean throwing weapons, use Arcana that enhance that).
Boss Strategy Recap & Tips
- For bosses, watch their attack patterns carefully. Many attacks have red-flash cues — dodge or deflect.
- Use Clash whenever possible — the stun window is your opening to unleash high damage.
- Use boulders, terrain, or cover (if available) to block ranged attacks or area-of-effect attacks.
- Clear adds/minions first to reduce distractions during the boss fight.
- Time your healing/consumables — use them at safe moments (not during heavy barrage phases).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Which path is “best” in Grandery (Wild Coasts vs Giggling Forest)?
A: Neither is strictly “best” — each offers different quests, loot, risk. Wild Coasts may be safer early, Giggling grants access to Misty Grove later if you aid goblins. Explore both over multiple runs.
Q: When should I switch characters?
A: Try all characters early, but stick with one until you’ve unlocked many upgrades for them. Only switch once you understand synergies or want to challenge yourself.
Q: Should I use gem rerolls on Rituals?
A: Not early. Only in late runs when you're confident you can defeat the final boss and need very specific bonus.
Q: How to make the most of mercenary allies?
A: Use them to soak hits, distract elites, and create windows for flanking or ranged attacks. Don’t expect them to do heavy DPS — they’re utility.
Final Thoughts & Encouragement
Absolum is not just a brawler — it’s a hybrid experience combining action, strategy, build choices, and exploration. Each run teaches you something new. Use this Absolum game guide & walkthrough to orient yourself, but leave room for experimentation and discovery. In many runs, you’ll find surprises, hidden paths, or unexpected synergies. Keep your build evolving, master deflect/clash timing, mine the secrets, and eventually you will beat Absolum fully and unlock the most rewarding content.
