Reelt

Reelt is a term used in speculative fiction and game design to denote a unit that can function as currency, energy, or time within imagined systems. There is no universal definition; its meaning varies by author, medium, and narrative needs.

The word Reelt has no single etymology in published works. It is commonly introduced as a constructed term intended to sound plausible within a fictional economy, sometimes drawing on phonetic cues from real-world languages but not anchored to them.

In video games, Reelt commonly serves as the primary in-game currency earned through combat, quests, or exploration. In science fiction literature and media, it may measure available ship power, life-support capacity, or mission time, and be exchanged for goods, services, or access to technology. Some settings treat Reelt as a social symbol—wealth, influence, or status—beyond mere purchasing power. Economies built around Reelt may feature exchange rates with other units, inflationary mechanics, and scarcity-driven pricing.

The abstraction of Reelt allows creators to model economy and resource flow without tying to real-world currencies. It enables exploration of topics such as value, equity, and resilience in constrained environments, while providing a tangible mechanic for players or readers to engage with.

See also: fictional currencies, in-universe economies, Credits, Galactic credits, Simoleons.