The science fiction storyline unfolds decades in the future. As Earth becomes uninhabitable, a ninth planet is discovered at the edge of the solar system. Astronauts Ariane and Thoma are sent in to survey the surface in a desperate effort to secure the survival of humanity.
Controlling both protagonists, players explore the icy terrain, employing tools like a pathfinder, oxygen tank, and grappling hook, to swing over chasms and climb cliffs through momentum-based parkour. The presence of a hostile, unknown lifeform stalks the astronauts, initiating tense stealth gameplay sequences.
Music is composed by Amine Bouhafa, employing the pipe organ and the rare Cristal Bachet to convey the freezing temperatures and mystery of planet Persephone. A behind-the-scenes video narrated by the musician can be viewed on the developer's YouTube channel.
Aphelion will launch for Xbox Series X|S, available day one with Game Pass, along with PlayStation 5 consoles and Windows through Steam.
From the Steam product page:
Your adventure begins in chaos, as the crash landing of their ship scatters them across the planet, launching them on a desperate quest to find one another.Don't Nod - Aphelion
Aphelion is a cinematic third-person action-adventure set on the planet Persephone, an uncharted, frozen world. Stranded and isolated, you must survive the truly unknown, find each other, and complete the mission. Traverse stunning alien landscapes, avoid lurking threats, and discover the haunting secrets buried beneath the ice.
The player has to carefully evaluate his options in order to master the challenging missions: how will the characters behave as a team? Which one is best equipped for each task? How can they best master the given missions? Come up with your own ingenious tactics to vanquish enemies and complete missions.
Xbox Wire - Aphelion: Learn More About the Exploration and Emotions
Little behind the scene inside Amine Bouhafa’s studio where Aphelion’s score was born 👀 Keyboard whispering, organ samples echoing… Magic happens here ✨ pic.twitter.com/fFM7vCMlnx
— DON'T NOD (@DONTNOD_Ent) January 14, 2026