The Relic: First Guardian
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About The Relic: First Guardian
The Relic: First Guardian is an action RPG set in a dark fantasy world where players assume the role of a guardian tasked with collecting relic fragments to stop an encroaching void. Developed by Project Cloud Games and published by Perp Games, it launched in May 2026 on PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5. The game blends single-player and co-op multiplayer modes, focusing on combat, exploration, and gear upgrades. Its story centers on closing a cosmic void, with players battling corrupted enemies and scavenging for resources. The gameplay loop revolves around fighting, looting, and incremental upgrades, with an emphasis on team-based progression. It’s a mid-paced ARPG aimed at players who enjoy cooperative play and structured loot systems.
Gameplay
The core gameplay involves real-time combat with melee and ranged weapons, punctuated by relic-gathering quests and void-encroachment management. Players spend most sessions in 30- to 60-minute chunks, fighting waves of enemies, looting gear, and upgrading stats at a central hub. The void expands over time, forcing players to revisit early areas with tougher enemies. Multiplayer allows two players to share progression, but combat mechanics feel repetitive after a few hours, relying heavily on attack-speed upgrades. Controls are responsive, but the camera struggles in tight spaces. Boss fights require memorizing attack patterns, though most battles follow similar sequences. Resource management is minimal, with loot drops driving progression more than skill checks. The game’s structure encourages repeated playthroughs to farm better gear, but later levels scale slowly compared to early-game intensity.
What Players Think
The PlayPile community gives it a 83% average rating, with 72% of players completing the main story in 12 hours. 50% of community moods label it "Addictive" due to its loot system, while 30% cite "Pacing issues," particularly in the second act. The average playtime of 12 hours is low for an RPG, and 40% of players abandon the game after 6 hours. Achievements total 65, with 70% completion required for the final one. Review snippets highlight praise for co-op synergy and loot variety but criticize the combat’s repetitiveness. A $39.99 price tag is seen as reasonable for casual play but underwhelming for long-term engagement. The game’s community remains split between those who enjoy its addictive, team-focused loop and those who find it lacking in depth.
PlayPile's Take
The Relic: First Guardian is a decent pick for casual co-op sessions but falls short as a deep RPG. Its $39.99 price and 65 achievements offer good value for quick playthroughs, but repetitive combat and a slow second act may frustrate. Best for players who prioritize team-based progression over complex systems or lore. Skip if you crave varied mechanics or substantial content. The game’s strengths lie in its accessibility and shared loot drops, making it worth trying for multiplayer fans with limited time.
Game Modes
Single player, Multiplayer
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