What is YARG (yarg.in)?

Updated

YARG stands for "Yet Another Rhythm Game." It is a free, open-source, community-driven PlasticBand-style rhythm game designed to be customizable for veteran players while staying beginner-friendly for newcomers. You can download it through the YARC Launcher. It supports most instruments from classic rhythm games, including Guitar, Bass, Drums, Keys, and Vocals, with more planned.

What kind of game is YARG?

YARG is a PlasticBand game, meaning it follows the instrument-peripheral rhythm game tradition rather than being a touchscreen or keyboard-only music game. The official description frames it around two audiences at once:

  • Veteran players get customization options.
  • Beginners get an approachable entry point to the genre.

It is community-driven and open-source, so development happens in public with contributions from players and creators.

What instruments and modes does it support?

Feature Status
Guitar Supported
Bass Supported
Drums Supported
Keys Supported
Vocals Supported
Additional instruments Planned
Local multiplayer Supported, up to 32 players
Online multiplayer Coming in future updates
Competitive leaderboards Coming in future updates

Local multiplayer supports up to 32 players, so a large group can play simultaneously. Online multiplayer and online features like competitive leaderboards are listed as future updates rather than current features.

What content is included?

YARG's official setlist has over 100 licensed songs. Named artists include Nine Inch Nails, Good Kid, Last Dinosaurs, King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, and Glass Beach, alongside independent creators such as Jamie Paige, raphaelgoulart, NyxTheShield, bitbreaker, and JubyPhonic.

Full albums are also available to download through the YARC Launcher, including:

  • "Summertide" by Alohaii
  • "Wanderkid" by JW Francis
  • "Abyss of Time" by James Paddock
  • "FX4" by Jake "virt" Kaufman

Is YARG free?

Yes. According to the official FAQ, there will never be any kind of payment or in-app transaction in YARG. It is also open-source, meaning anyone can help improve it.

Does YARG support piracy?

No. The official FAQ states that YARG stands firmly against all forms of piracy and neither supports nor endorses it. YARG itself does not use ripped or pirated assets or music, and the platform's importable content is intended for creators to share their work and for educational purposes. By using YARG, users agree not to promote or endorse piracy through the platform.

How do you get involved?

If you want to contribute as a developer, artist, or charter, the official guidance points to the YARG Discord server, which has specific channels for programming, art, and charting. Musicians who want their songs included in YARG can also start through that community.

Quick summary

  • What it is: A free, open-source PlasticBand rhythm game.
  • Who it's for: Both veteran rhythm game players and beginners.
  • Instruments: Guitar, Bass, Drums, Keys, Vocals, with more planned.
  • Multiplayer: Local up to 32 players; online features planned.
  • Content: 100+ licensed songs plus downloadable albums via YARC Launcher.
  • Cost: Free, with no payments or in-app transactions.
  • Download: Through the YARC Launcher.