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About Relative Frame
Relative Frame is a physics-driven space adventure game from Pangolin Studios that dropped on PC in 2026. It’s all about exploring a hand-built universe where every ship and asteroid feels tangible. You’ll pilot your vessel through zero-gravity combat, hijack enemy ships, and trade for rare loot. The game leans into realistic movement and environmental hazards, making every maneuver feel weighty. It’s not a fast-paced shooter, it rewards patience and strategy. If you like tinkering with ship upgrades and navigating procedurally generated systems, this one carves its own niche in the indie space genre.
Gameplay
You spend most of your time drifting between planets, battling in real-time with thrusters and turrets. Boarding missions require you to scramble onto enemy ships using magnetic boots and wrestle control. Resource management matters: fuel, oxygen, and ammo are finite, forcing you to plan routes carefully. Upgrades are earned through salvage and trade, with each modification altering your playstyle. Combat feels sluggish compared to arcade shooters but offers depth in physics-based tactics. The controls are precise but require adjustment to the game’s momentum-based movement. Missions vary from cargo runs to pirate skirmishes, but the open world lacks clear direction, making exploration feel rewarding yet occasionally aimless.
What Players Think
PlayPile users rate it 4.2/5, with 78% completing the main story. Average playtime is 22 hours, though 30% of players quit before finishing. Community moods are split: 60% curious, 30% cautious. Metacritic aggregates a 76, praising the physics and atmosphere but critiquing pacing. Reviews highlight the “addictive ship customization” and “realistic zero-g combat,” while others call it “slow and unforgiving.” Achievement completion sits at 65%, with 150 total trophies rewarding exploration and combat skills. Price at $29.99 feels fair for most, though some argue it’s too niche for casual players.
PlayPile's Take
Relative Frame is a solid pick for physics nerds and methodical explorers. Its $30 price tag and 150 achievements make it worth a try if you enjoy slow-burn progression. The combat and boarding mechanics are fresh, but the lack of clear objectives might frustrate those wanting structured action. Skip it if you crave fast-paced sci-fi or don’t care for realism. For its niche, though, it’s a polished experiment with replay value in ship-building and discovery. Not a must-play, but a memorable one.
Game Modes
Single player
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