The beat marches on! Ratatan, the new rhythm roguelite from Ratata Arts—founded by Patapon creator Hiroyuki Kotani—is launching in Early Access on Steam this July 25. Alongside the announcement, a brand-new Early Access trailer has dropped, and a free demo is now live on Steam.
A spiritual successor to Patapon, Ratatan blends 2D side-scrolling rhythm gameplay with roguelite elements, chaotic multiplayer battles, and vibrant hand-drawn animation. Players command legions of adorable warriors called Cobun, issuing rhythmic commands in beat-based battles while exploring the colorful world of Redo.
Rhythm and Roguelite Collide
In Ratatan, players take on the role of the titular Ratatans, magical musicians on a quest to reach The Everafter—a mythical realm where the Goddess of rhythm resides. With musical instruments called Melodium, players issue rhythmic commands to Cobun armies across dynamically generated stages, using timing, positioning, and strategy to survive wave after wave of silly yet deadly foes.
The game supports up to four players in online co-op, making rhythm-driven raids a delightfully chaotic group effort. The more you stick to the beat, the stronger your army becomes—culminating in the Fever System, which supercharges your units and transforms the music into a frenzy of percussion, lights, and dance-fueled devastation.
What’s in the Demo?
The playable demo includes:
- Stages: World 1 “Pirates of the Parabbean” and World 2 “Yeehawler Mountain”
- Playable Characters: 4 distinct Ratatans
- Multiplayer: Full online co-op support for up to 4 players
- Available Now on Steam
Whether you’re charging into a pirate stronghold or scaling a mountain full of rhythm-powered foes, the demo offers a solid sample of Ratatan‘s fast-paced, musical mayhem.
Adorable Mayhem with Serious Chops
Backed by a soundtrack from Patapon composer Kemmei Adachi, with a guest track by David Wise, Ratatan features more than 100 controllable characters, tight rhythm mechanics, and beautifully animated 2D visuals. From toe-tapping battles to charming animations, every detail is handcrafted to keep your head bobbing and your fingers tapping.
The game first captured fans’ hearts in 2023, when it raised over ¥170 million (~$1.2M) on Kickstarter—becoming the #1 most-funded game campaign of the year and landing in Kickstarter’s all-time Top 25.
March to the Beat This Summer
Ratatan launches in Early Access on Steam starting July 25, 2025, with the full version expected at a later date. Players can jump into the demo today to experience the rhythm-driven mayhem firsthand and wishlist the game now.
