Screenshots & trailers
Review sentiment over time
Weekly positive-review rate (green) and review volume (bars). Dashed lines mark significant patches; the amber line is the start of the current scoring window. Hover the dots to see what drove a dip or a jump.
How this score was computed
The VGC Score is a weighted blend on a press-comparable 0-100 quality scale. Steam approval rates are first calibrated (95% positive on Steam ≈ 89.5 quality, since Steam approval skews high). Press and tracked creator reviews each count ~2x a player review and share one cap against player evidence (creator buy/skip calls pool into an approval rate, calibrated like Steam approval); all-time sentiment is capped and halved (it's context, not verdict); reviews of the current build carry the most weight when a fresh patch anchors the window; and a 'typical game' prior keeps small samples from pegging the scale. Because press reviews and Metacritic user aggregates describe the launch build, their weight decays as the game ages (3-year half-life after a 1-year grace). That's how a game that launched rough can outgrow its old reception once updates win players over. Reviews under 2h playtime (the refund window), non-Steam activations, and free copies are downweighted.
| Component | Positive | Quality (0-100) | Weight (pseudo-reviews) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Press reviews (OpenCritic) | – | 78 | 19 |
| All-time Steam reviews | 89% | 83 | 1000 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | – | 0 |
| Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted) | 91% | 86 | 5 |
| Calibration prior (typical game) | – | 72 | 50 |
Scoring window: last 30 days (no significant patch detected) · 14 reviews sampled · 13 total reviews in window · weighted 10.6 up / 1 down · computed 12h ago · full methodology →
Press & Creators reviews (17)
Individual verdicts from outlets we track: scored reviews first, most trusted outlets first among them. The small badge is each outlet's trust score: how well its scoring history aligns with players.
- 85
“The emotional weight of the choices you make means that every decision here is extremely important. This is a compelling reason to play the game over and over again, you’ll want to explore the other possible outcomes as well. With its extraordinary soundtrack and captivating visuals that complement the gameplay, The Pale Beyond offers players a resonant experience that transcends its game mechanics and takes root deep in their hearts. If you’re looking for a title that combines moral responsibility with compelling storytelling, The Pale Beyond is undoubtedly for you. So don’t be afraid to put your leadership skills to the test in this inhospitable wasteland, and above all, don’t forget to make yourself a cup of hot cocoa while playing.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“A tough game that's sometimes a little too harsh for its own good, but if you're up for the challenge, there's a wonderfully touching gaming experience to be had here.”
read full review ↗ - 84
“While certainly quite text heavy, this sea-faring survival adventure sports strong character development and moral quandaries aplenty”
read full review ↗ - 84
“The Pale Beyond is a game definitely worth checking out. Its writing does justice to the tragic story of the events on which its story is based and features characters that feel unique and are incredibly fleshed out, though your objective isn't always clear. Its story and music will have you enthralled.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“The Pale Beyond from Bellular Studios finds the perfect balance between tension and calm. With a unique take on survival, gorgeous visuals and relaxing music, The Pale Beyond tells a memorable story about exploration.”
read full review ↗ - 85
“The Pale Beyond is a fantastic game. From the intense and methodical gameplay, stunning art style, and fantastic characters. Everything about this game is meticulous and shows in every aspect of the title. The gameplay can become repetitive, especially during longer playing sessions, but the depth of the characters and the marvelous atmosphere that this title manages to conjure seems to grip you as you attempt to survive the horrifying cold of the arctic.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“For a weaker game, dealing with even minor issues might be a deal-breaker, but The Pale Beyond offers more than enough to overcome these quirks. The difficulty is well-honed, forcing players to stay on their toes without verging on frustrating, and the unanswered questions that arise in the story remain engaging until the final revelations. Although the interpersonal component isn't dialed up to draw out tears, solid character writing makes tough choices and failures fall heavy. The Pale Beyond's expedition might encounter a few rough seas, but players willing to brave them can find a journey that is abundantly worthwhile.”
read full review ↗ - 62
“The Pale Beyond has a nice art style and tries to balance an intriguing story and survival gameplay, but the two elements never find common ground, and the technical issues eventually drag the whole experience into the icy waters.”
read full review ↗ - 68
“The Pale Beyond sends you to the infinite ice for a deadly mission. It's an exciting concept and it's really a big task to keep your crew alive. It's even more tricky due to a few technical issues.”
read full review ↗ - 85
“The Pale Beyond is an immersive experience about the effort for a crew to survive on the ice. With an instigating narrative and a gameplay that constantly puts the player's skills to the test, it's an excellent choice for those looking for a serious limited resources management game that at the same time offers a touching experience about people.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“The Pale Beyond is a masterclass in tone and atmosphere informing gameplay. As Captain Robin Shaw, you'll need to make tough decisions constantly, but this stressful journey is well worth seeing through to the end.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“The Pale Beyond is a unique game, driven by a great survival concept that makes good use of both narrative RPG and simulation elements.”
read full review ↗
Gaming Professors
Jump Dash Roll
Nindie Spotlight
GamesCreed
GameLuster
NoobFeed
Screen Rant
New Game Network
Gamer's Palace
Nintendo Blast
GamingTrend
GameBlast…and 5 more tracked reviews.
Patch history
- QR codeDec 12, 2025
- Mac OS PatchOct 23, 2025
- Security and Achievements PatchOct 9, 2025
- Credits and Links UpdatesSep 25, 2025
- 1.5.0.0 - Patch Notes - Epilogues UpdateJul 30, 2023
- Patch notes for 1.4.0.3Jun 6, 2023
- Patch 1.4.0.2May 12, 2023
- 1.4.0.1 Patch notesMay 10, 2023
- Patch 1.4.0.0May 4, 2023significant · resets scoring window
- Patch 1.3.3.0Apr 11, 2023significant · resets scoring window
- Patch 1.3.2.0Mar 27, 2023significant · resets scoring window
- Patch 1.3.1.0Mar 15, 2023significant · resets scoring window
- Patch 1.3.0.0 - Updated Save SystemMar 8, 2023significant · resets scoring window
- Patch 1.2.3.1Mar 6, 2023
- Patch: 1.2.3.0Mar 3, 2023
- 1.2.2.3Feb 28, 2023
- Patch: 1.2.2.2Feb 27, 2023
- Patch 1.2.2.1Feb 26, 2023
- Patch notes for 1.2.2.00Feb 26, 2023
- 1.2.1.00Feb 24, 2023