Absolum, developed by Guard Crush Games and Supamonks and published by Dotemu, is a recent addition to the beat 'em up genre, blending traditional side-scrolling combat with roguelike elements. Released on October 9, 2025, the game has garnered attention for its dynamic combat system, hand-drawn visuals, and engaging character designs. Players can choose from characters like Galandra, Karl, Cider, and Brome, each offering unique playstyles and abilities. The game features a branching level structure, randomized encounters, and a variety of Rituals and Inspirations that enhance replayability. However, despite its strengths, Absolum has faced notable technical issues, particularly concerning framerate stability. This article delves into these performance challenges, exploring their impact on gameplay and potential solutions.

The Rise of Absolum

Absolum emerged as a promising title in the gaming community, drawing comparisons to classics like Golden Axe and Dungeons & Dragons: Shadow Over Mystara. Its fusion of beat 'em up mechanics with roguelike progression offered a fresh take on the genre. The game's hand-drawn art style and dynamic combat system were designed to provide players with an immersive and visually appealing experience. Early previews highlighted its potential, and upon release, it quickly gained traction among fans of both genres.

The Framerate Issue: An Overview

Despite its acclaim, players soon reported significant framerate issues, especially during extended play sessions. Users on platforms like Steam and Reddit noted that the game would stutter or freeze intermittently, with some experiencing a gradual decline in performance as playtime increased. These issues were particularly pronounced on PC, with reports indicating that the game's performance deteriorated over time, leading to a less than optimal gaming experience.

Technical Analysis of the Problem

Potential Causes of Performance Degradation

Several factors could contribute to the framerate issues in Absolum:

• Graphics Rendering: The game's detailed hand-drawn visuals and dynamic combat sequences demand significant graphical processing power. If the game isn't optimized to handle these demands efficiently, it can lead to performance drops.
• Memory Leaks: Extended play sessions can sometimes reveal memory management issues, where the game fails to release unused resources, leading to increased memory usage and potential slowdowns.
• Background Processes: Other applications running concurrently can consume system resources, affecting the game's performance.
• Driver Compatibility: Outdated or incompatible graphics drivers can hinder the game's ability to render smoothly.

Impact on Gameplay

The framerate issues detract from the core gameplay experience. Combat, which is central to Absolum, relies on precise timing and fluid animations. Stuttering or lag can disrupt these elements, making it challenging for players to execute combos or react to enemy movements. Additionally, inconsistent performance can lead to frustration, potentially deterring players from fully engaging with the game.

Community Response and Developer Acknowledgment

The gaming community's response to the performance issues was swift. Players took to forums and social media platforms to share their experiences and seek solutions. In response, the developers acknowledged the problem and assured players that they were working on a patch to address the framerate issues. This transparency helped maintain player trust, though many awaited a concrete resolution.

Troubleshooting and Temporary Solutions

While awaiting an official patch, players have explored various methods to mitigate the performance issues:

• Adjusting Graphics Settings: Lowering settings such as texture quality, shadows, and anti-aliasing can reduce the strain on the system, leading to smoother gameplay.
• Updating Drivers: Ensuring that graphics drivers are up to date can improve compatibility and performance.
• Closing Background Applications: Shutting down unnecessary programs can free up system resources, allowing the game to run more efficiently.
• Verifying Game Files: Using platforms like Steam to verify the integrity of game files can fix corrupted or missing files that may contribute to performance issues.

These steps have provided temporary relief for some players, but a comprehensive solution from the developers remains anticipated.

The Importance of Performance Optimization

For games like Absolum, where combat is intricate and timing is crucial, performance optimization is paramount. Even minor framerate drops can have a significant impact on gameplay, affecting player enjoyment and satisfaction. Ensuring that the game runs smoothly across various systems is essential for maintaining a positive player experience and upholding the game's reputation.

Looking Ahead: Developer's Commitment

The developers have expressed their commitment to resolving the performance issues. They have stated that a patch is in development and will be released as soon as possible. This dedication to improving the game demonstrates their understanding of the importance of performance and their desire to provide players with the best possible experience.

Conclusion

Absolum stands out as a promising fusion of beat 'em up and roguelike elements, offering players a unique and engaging experience. However, the framerate issues have hindered its full potential. As the developers work towards a solution, players remain hopeful that the game will soon deliver the seamless performance it deserves. In the meantime, the community's proactive approach to troubleshooting and the developers' responsiveness highlight the collaborative effort to enhance the gaming experience.