wiki

Game mode

osu! has four game modes with different mechanics, originally inspired by other rhythm games:

To switch between modes, click the Mode button at the bottom of the Song Selection screen, or use these key combinations:

  • Ctrl + 1 for osu!
  • Ctrl + 2 for osu!taiko
  • Ctrl + 3 for osu!catch
  • Ctrl + 4 for osu!mania

Mode selection interfaceMode selection interface

osu!

Main page: osu!

osu! is the default mode, where players are expected to tap circles, hold sliders, and spin spinners to the beat of the music. It is based on the original iNiS' rhythm game Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan. osu! has its own mascot called pippi, a pink/black-haired girl.

Gameplay of osu!osu! gameplay

osu!taiko

Main page: osu!taiko

osu!taiko simulates the process of playing a real drum, where players make use of a keyboard or drum kit to hit differently-coloured circles on a single conveyor. It is based on the Taiko no Tatsujin game series produced by Bandai Namco Entertainment. osu!taiko's mascot is Mocha, a green-haired girl in a kimono holding drumsticks.

Gameplay of osu!taikoosu!taiko gameplay

osu!catch

Main page: osu!catch

In osu!catch, fruits of differing varieties fall from the top of the screen, and the player must catch them to the beat. To this end they control a catcher with a plate atop their head for catching said fruits. This mode is loosely based on a minigame inside of a Beatmania simulator, which itself is believed to be based on the EZ2CATCH mode from the EZ2DJ series. osu!catch's mascot is Yuzu, a blue-haired boy.

Gameplay of osu!catchosu!catch gameplay

osu!mania

Main page: osu!mania

osu!mania is a vertical scrolling rhythm game (VSRG) mode designed as a piano simulator. It was chiefly introduced and implemented by woc2006, and is based on a variety of conveyor-type rhythm games (namely Dance Dance Revolution and Beatmania). osu!mania's mascots are the twins Mani and Mari, both with purple and light purple hair.

Gameplay of osu!maniaosu!mania gameplay