Aphelion: Everything We Know

Is there life beyond Earth? What if humanity’s last hope wasn’t Mars or the Moon, but a mysterious frozen world lurking at the edge of the solar system? Aphelion, the upcoming third-person sci-fi action-adventure from DON’T NOD, asks exactly that. But this isn’t just another space survival game; it’s a deeply emotional story, a cinematic journey wrapped in ice, stealth, and exploration.

Revealed during the Xbox Games Showcase, Aphelion instantly turned heads in the gaming world. It’s launching in 2026 on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC. It’s also being developed in collaboration with the European Space Agency, which adds a rare layer of grounded realism that most sci-fi games only dream of.

So what exactly is Aphelion, what kind of gameplay can we expect, and how is this different from other sci-fi adventures out there? Here’s everything we know so far.

What is Aphelion?

Aphelion is a third-person cinematic action-adventure game built around exploration, survival, and emotional storytelling. It’s set in a near-future reality where space travel has become humanity’s last option for survival. The game is linear and single-player, focused on delivering a tight, story-driven experience rather than open-world wandering or sandbox mechanics. As players, we’ll step into the role of astronauts navigating a hostile alien world with a strong emphasis on traversal, stealth, and solving environmental challenges using a set of realistic tools.

Don’t Nod, the studio behind Aphelion, is best known for narrative hits like Life is Strange. With this game, they are taking their signature storytelling into the realm of science fiction. That means players can expect a strong focus on characters and story, just this time set against the backdrop of a dangerous alien planet. The developers have a reputation for making players care deeply about their characters, so this game aims to combine that emotional punch with gameplay elements of a survival adventure. In short, Aphelion is shaping up to be a cinematic sci-fi adventure that’s equal parts heart and excitement, set on a distant world we’ve never seen before.

Story

In Aphelion, the year is 2060, and Earth is no longer a place we can call home. Humanity’s last chance lies in a newly discovered, frozen planet on the edge of our solar system — Persephone, inspired by the real-world theory of Planet Nine. The European Space Agency sends its first deep space crew, made up of two astronauts: Ariane Montclair and Thomas Cross. Their goal is to explore Persephone and see if it could become humanity’s next home. But things fall apart before the mission even starts.

A violent crash landing on Persephone leaves Ariane and Thomas separated and stranded, turning the mission into a desperate fight for survival. Ariane pushes through the planet’s harsh terrain to reach Thomas, who remains wounded and isolated. Along the way, she uncovers the truth behind the planet’s “strange, reality-bending phenomena.” The story in Aphelion goes beyond survival — it centers on the emotional bond between the two protagonists. They share a “deep connection” and a “relationship left unresolved by the demands of their careers and their mission.” Their journey focuses on more than just reuniting; it reflects their struggle to hold on to hope when everything else falls apart. The developers call it “an emotional drama on an alien world,” built around how we respond when the familiar disappears completely.

Gameplay

The developers designed Aphelion as a “linear action-adventure game set in space” that focuses on survival, exploration, and emotional storytelling. You play as two characters (Ariane and Thomas) and switch between their perspectives as they fight to reunite after crashing on Persephone. The gameplay reflects each character’s physical condition and their unique role in the mission.

Ariane is physically capable and fully equipped for survival. Her sections focus on movement and traversal. The devs mention players will “climb, rappel, and navigate environmental hazards” using tools like a grappling hook, oxygen tank, and pathfinder. They’re essential for getting across Persephone’s dangerous, ever-changing terrain. The planet’s weather and shifting ice make movement risky and often unpredictable, so staying alert and planning ahead will be key.

Thomas, on the other hand, is “injured in the crash” and offers a different kind of gameplay experience. His role is more about investigation and uncovering the planet’s secrets. While he might not be able to move like Ariane, his journey gives players a slower, more thoughtful approach — focused on piecing together the mystery of Persephone and what might have caused their ship’s crash. It’s a clever way to balance action with slower, story-rich moments.

There’s also a stealth aspect to the gameplay. The developers have mentioned, “You’re not alone. Something lurks beneath the ice.” While they haven’t revealed exactly what that threat is, players will need to stay hidden and move carefully in certain parts of the game. Stealth seems to play a role in survival, especially when direct confrontation isn’t an option.

Development

Aphelion is being developed by DON’T NOD, the studio best known for narrative-driven games like Life is Strange, Tell Me Why, and Vampyr. This time, they’re stepping into the sci-fi space genre with their first story set beyond Earth. What makes this one stand out is its collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA). The developers are working closely with ESA to ensure the game’s science and setting feel realistic and grounded. From the astronauts’ gear to the mission details, they’ve designed everything to reflect “real scientific knowledge and humanistic values.” According to the creative team, this is a project they’re “pushing themselves creatively on”, aiming to deliver a grounded space adventure with a strong emotional core.

Trailer

The trailer opens with a dramatic shot of the spaceship entering the atmosphere of the icy planet Persephone, as Ariane and Thomas struggle to maintain control. The intense visuals focus on the crash landing and the sudden separation of the two protagonists. As it continues, we get glimpses of Persephone’s stunning but hostile landscapes, highlighting Ariane’s traversal as she climbs icy cliffs and navigates dangerous terrain. Meanwhile, Thomas appears alone, witnessing something unexpected, and this adds even more mystery to the planet’s strange conditions. The trailer ends with an emotional moment, hinting at the deep connection between the two characters and the personal stakes involved in their journey to reunite.

Release Date, Platforms and Editions

DON’T NOD plans to release Aphelion sometime in 2026 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC through Steam and the Microsoft Store. Xbox Game Pass subscribers can play it on Day One. The developers haven’t shared any details about deluxe or collector’s editions yet. They’re building the game exclusively for current-gen platforms, so expect detailed environments, tight controls, and a full cinematic experience. For the latest updates on Aphelion, follow the developers through their official social media channels here.