DON’T NOD has revealed Aphelion, a third-person science-fiction action adventure coming in 2026 for PlayStation 5, Xbox, and PC via Steam and Microsoft Store. The game will also be available through Game Pass.
Set on an uncharted, frozen planet named Persephone, Aphelion follows astronaut Ariane as she searches for her injured partner Thomas after a crash landing. The project is being developed in collaboration with the European Space Agency, marking a rare partnership between a game studio and a major scientific institution.
Creative director Florent Guillaume stated, “Aphelion is a game we’re very passionate about, something we’re pushing ourselves creatively on… and to be able to do it in collaboration with the European Space Agency is incredibly exciting and special for us.”
Aphelion blends science fiction with grounded survival
The game takes place in the year 2060. Earth has become uninhabitable, and the discovery of a ninth planet, Persephone, offers hope for a new beginning. The European Space Agency launches Hope 01, a scientific mission led by Ariane Montclair and Thomas Cross, to evaluate whether this distant world can support human life.
When their ship crash-lands, the two astronauts are separated. Ariane must traverse deadly terrain and unravel the strange, reality-bending events affecting the planet, all while searching for Thomas.
Grounded tools, quiet tension
Gameplay in Aphelion combines exploration, traversal, and stealth. Players will use equipment like a grappling hook, an oxygen tank, and a pathfinder to navigate the dangerous environment. There are no traditional combat mechanics; survival is based on observation, movement, and patience.
Persephone itself is described as a surreal and shifting world, with hostile weather and hidden threats. Players will explore this icy landscape while dealing with limited resources and a constant sense of vulnerability.
Character-driven narrative
At the centre of Aphelion is the emotional bond between Ariane and Thomas. The game focuses on their fractured relationship and shared past, with survival and connection intertwined throughout the story.
According to ESA brand licensing officer Nadia Luders, Aphelion represents a blend of science and imagination, aiming to inspire future generations through its depiction of space exploration and human resilience.
Key features
- A realistic portrayal of space travel and planetary exploration
- An emotional narrative built around two astronauts
- Cinematic third-person action with a focus on stealth and survival
- Tool-based movement and interaction with the environment
- A mysterious, shifting world full of hidden dangers
Aphelion is expected to launch in 2026.
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