Aphelion: A survival journey on the planet Persephone

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On April 28, 2026, developer DON'T NOD officially released Aphelion, an ambitious third-person action-adventure game. The title is now available on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, promising a cinematic science fiction experience.

Aphelion (Image source: Steam)
Aphelion (Image source: Steam)

The last hope of humanity at the edge of the solar system

Set in 2060, when Earth can no longer sustain life, Aphelion follows the Hope-01 scientific mission led by the European Space Agency. Astronauts Ariane and Thomas are tasked with surveying the ninth planet, Persephone, in search of a new home for humanity. However, the mission begins in chaos when their spacecraft malfunctions and crashes onto the planet’s harsh, frozen surface.

Mission to survey the planet Persephone (Image source: Steam)
Mission to survey the planet Persephone (Image source: Steam)

Survival gameplay from two distinct perspectives

Aphelion stands out with its dual-character system, offering two completely different playstyles:

  • Ariane Montclair: Focuses on fast-paced action and parkour. Equipped with tools like the Pathfinder and a grappling hook, she must traverse deep chasms and melting ice cliffs to search for her partner.
  • Thomas Cross: Injured after the crash, Thomas relies on intelligence and observation. His gameplay centers on investigation, piecing together clues to understand the reality-bending phenomena occurring on the planet.
Crossing mountain gaps and icy cliffs (Image source: Steam)
Crossing mountain gaps and icy cliffs (Image source: Steam)

Facing an unseen threat

On Persephone, players are not alone. A mysterious and aggressive lifeform lurks in the shadows, forcing players into tense stealth sequences. Using the environment to hide and move carefully is key to surviving against this unknown enemy.

Key features of Aphelion

The game blends realistic technology with human emotion:

  • Grounded science fiction exploration: A realistic portrayal of near-future space travel technology.
  • Fluid movement mechanics: Climbing, sliding, and grappling are seamlessly integrated into third-person gameplay.
  • Emotion-driven narrative: Explore the complex relationship between Ariane and Thomas, bound by their past and the weight of their mission.

With its blend of surreal icy landscapes and dark secrets hidden beneath the snow, Aphelion is a compelling choice for fans of story-driven adventure games. You can learn more about the game on Steam and the official PlayStation and Xbox stores.