Aphelion: A New Sci-Fi Adventure from Don’t Nod

Don’t Nod, the studio behind acclaimed titles like Life is Strange, is venturing into new territory with Aphelion, a cinematic third-person action-adventure game set on a frozen, uncharted planet. Scheduled for release on April 28, 2026, Aphelion promises a blend of exploration, traversal, stealth gameplay, and a compelling narrative.

Humanity’s Last Hope: Persephone

Set in the year 2060, Aphelion depicts a future where Earth is becoming uninhabitable. The European Space Agency (ESA) launches the Hope-01 mission, sending astronauts Ariane and Thomas to Persephone – a newly discovered ninth planet at the edge of our solar system – to assess its potential for human colonization.

A Crash Landing and a Desperate Search

The game’s narrative begins with a dramatic crash landing that scatters Ariane and Thomas across the planet. Players will take on the role of Ariane as she embarks on a perilous quest to locate her partner, Thomas, and complete their mission.

Gameplay Mechanics and Survival

Aphelion emphasizes survival in a hostile environment. Players will navigate the surreal and treacherous landscapes of Persephone, utilizing tools such as a pathfinder, oxygen tank, and grappling hook to overcome obstacles and gather clues. The game features shifting realities and lurking threats, drawing comparisons to both Interstellar and Alien in its atmosphere and tension.

Key Features

• Explore an Uncharted Planet: Discover the beauty and dangers of Persephone, a vast frozen world with deadly weather and ever-changing terrain.
• Cinematic Third-Person Action: Experience a gripping narrative through immersive gameplay.
• Survival and Traversal: Utilize specialized tools to navigate treacherous environments and overcome challenges.
• Intriguing Mystery: Uncover the haunting secrets buried beneath the ice and the reality-bending phenomena threatening your existence.

Platforms and Pricing

Aphelion will be available on April 28, 2026, for PC (via Steam), PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, with a suggested retail price of $34.99.

Development Collaboration

Don’t Nod collaborated with the European Space Agency (ESA) during the development of Aphelion, aiming for a degree of realism in its depiction of space exploration.

Aphelion is structured into 11 chapters, with the initial build of the game showcasing the first and fourth chapters, each approximately one hour in length.