Aphelion (video game)
| Aphelion | |
|---|---|
| Developer | Don't Nod |
| Publisher | Don't Nod |
| Director | Florent Guillaume |
| Writer | Kati Bumbera |
| Composer | Amine Bouhafa |
| Engine | Unreal Engine 5 |
| Platforms | |
| Release | 28 April 2026 |
| Genre | Action-adventure |
| Mode | Single-player |
Aphelion is an upcoming action-adventure video game developed and published by Don't Nod. Set in the 2060s, the game follows two astronauts who crash land on a frozen planet. Together, they must find a way to survive while being hunted by a mysterious entity. The game is scheduled to release for PlayStation 5, Windows and Xbox Series X/S in April 2026.
Premise
Aphelion is a linear, third-person action-adventure video game with elements commonly found in stealth games.[1] Set in the 2060s, Earth is becoming uninhabitable. Space agency discovers a new planet known as Persephone. They enlist two astronauts, Ariane and Thomas, to scout Persephone to determine humanity's new hope. When a mysterious entity lifeform named the Nemesis hunts the pair, they must find a way to survive the uncharted planet. The game will have 11 chapters.[2] The two playable characters have distinctly different gameplay. Ariana is physically capable and her segments of the game are designed to be more action-oriented with a focus on traversal and platforming, while Thomas' segments focus more on survival and investigation.[3][4]
Development
The game was developed by Don't Nod, in particularly the team that created Tell Me Why. It was also developed in collaboration with the European Space Agency. The planet Persephone was inspired by Planet Nine, and the team was influenced by science fiction movies such as Interstellar, The Martian, Ad Astra and Arrival.[5] Unlike Jusant, a climbing game also developed by Don't Nod, traversal in the game was designed to be accessible for players. However, encounters with the Nemesis were designed to be challenging, with the team being inspired by the Alien franchise.[6]
It was formally revealed during the Xbox Game Showcase in July 2025.[7] The game is scheduled to be released on 28 April 2026 for PlayStation 5, Windows and Xbox Series X and Series S digitally, while the physical version is set to be released on July 2.[8]
References
- ^ Bumbera, Kati (10 June 2025). "Aphelion: Learn More About the Exploration and Emotions Behind This Brand-New Sci-Fi Adventure". Xbox Wire. Retrieved 17 March 2026.
- ^ Noctis, Ari (19 February 2026). "I tried and failed (and failed) to escape an invincible alien in Don't Nod's latest sci-fi game". Polygon. Retrieved 17 March 2026.
- ^ Van Duine, Erren (19 February 2026). "Aphelion Interview - Designing DON'T NOD's Sci-fi Epic". TechRaptor. Retrieved 17 March 2026.
- ^ Garrido, Alberto (19 February 2026). "First contact with Aphelion: Something between Interstellar, Uncharted, and Alien: Isolation". Gamereactor. Retrieved 17 March 2026.
- ^ Donlan, Christian (6 August 2015). "All-star lineup: Aphelion, a game made in collaboration with the European Space Agency". The Guardian. Retrieved 17 March 2026.
- ^ Wald, Heather (20 February 2026). "I wasn't expecting Alien vibes from the Life is Strange dev's new sci-fi adventure: "We intend the Nemesis to be difficult"". GamesRadar. Retrieved 17 March 2026.
- ^ Hilliard, Kyle (8 June 2025). "Aphelion Is A Sci-Fi Game About Crashing On An Alien Planet From Don't Nod". Game Informer. Retrieved 17 March 2026.
- ^ Karunakar, Varun (13 March 2026). "Aphelion Releases on April 28 Digitally But Physical Edition Collectors Must Wait Until July". GamingBolt. Retrieved 17 March 2026.