Acclaim is officially back in the spotlight, and it’s coming in hot with rhythm, hackers, and neon-soaked danger. The legendary publisher, alongside developer Ridiculous Games, has released the first playable GRIDbeat! demo on Steam, giving players an early taste of its pulse-pounding, beat-driven dungeon crawling ahead of Steam Next Fest: February 2026 Edition.
A Nintendo Switch demo is also confirmed and will arrive on the Switch eShop later this month, letting console players step into the Grid very soon.
What Is GRIDbeat!?
GRIDbeat! is a rhythm-based dungeon crawler where timing isn’t just stylish—it’s survival.
You play as a hacker who has successfully breached Knoss.OS, the most fortified corporate network on the planet, and escaped with priceless stolen data. The problem? You’re now trapped inside the system’s sprawling digital Mainframe. Every movement, attack, and interaction must sync perfectly with the beat, or the system will wipe you out for good.
Inside the Grid, players must outmaneuver ruthless security programs, battle military-grade simulations, and survive against corrupting viral code, all designed with a single directive: delete you permanently.
GRIDbeat! Demo Details on Steam
The GRIDbeat! demo on Steam offers a generous slice of content that showcases the game’s core mechanics and escalating challenge. Players can:
- Choose from nine unique hackers
- Play through 13 total stages, including:
- 3 Training Sim levels
- 6 main campaign stages
- 4 unlockable challenge levels for advanced players
- Select from three difficulty modes, making the demo accessible for newcomers and demanding for rhythm veterans
The demo is designed to help players master the timing, flow, and momentum that define GRIDbeat!’s gameplay before the full launch later this spring.
A Rhythm-Driven Cyber Dungeon Experience
At its core, GRIDbeat! blends classic dungeon crawling with rhythm action. Movement, combat, puzzle-solving, and exploration all happen on the beat, transforming each level into a tactical dance through hostile data labyrinths.
Miss the rhythm, and the system punishes you. Sync perfectly, and the Grid opens up new paths, secrets, and survival opportunities.
Developer Insight: Three Years in the Making
According to Ridiculous Games, the demo release marks a major milestone after years of development.
“Releasing the GRIDbeat! demo feels like reaching the final checkpoint before the finish line. This moment is a direct result of three years of passion, creativity, and relentless hard work from the incredible Ridiculous Games development team. After building this world around rhythm, movement, and momentum, we’re beyond excited to finally let players experience the Grid for themselves.”
— Jaime Bencia, Senior Producer, Ridiculous Games
Key Features of GRIDbeat!
Beat-Based Dungeon Crawling
Every action—movement, combat, and interaction—must align with the music. Rhythm isn’t optional; it’s the core mechanic.
Pulse-Pounding Maze Exploration
Navigate dangerous data labyrinths filled with traps, hazards, and Server Formats that can wipe entire levels clean.
Evolving Abilities and Power-Ups
Install powerful software upgrades to counter system threats, uncover secrets, and solve increasingly complex challenges.
Cyber.Mind Boss Battles
Face off against powerful AI gatekeepers in intense, beat-based boss encounters standing between you and freedom.
Electrifying Soundtrack
GRIDbeat!’s soundtrack drives the experience, guiding every move and turning gameplay into a synchronized audiovisual assault.
Platforms, Release Window, and What’s Next
GRIDbeat! is primed to surge onto Nintendo Switch and Steam in Q1 2026. For more updates: Wishlist today or follow on Twitter/X or Bluesky!
