French developer and publisher Don’t Nod has announced that its upcoming sci-fi action-adventure Aphelion will launch on April 28, 2026, for PC via Steam and on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. The announcement came with a brand-new “Persephone” trailer, which premiered at the Future Games Show.
The game will support Xbox Play Anywhere and will also be available day one on Xbox Game Pass, giving subscribers immediate access at launch.
A New Look at the Planet Persephone
The newly released trailer highlights the striking alien landscapes of Persephone, the mysterious planet where Aphelion’s story unfolds. The footage contrasts the beauty of the environment with a steadily rising sense of dread, underscored by narration from Thomas, voiced by Eric Geynes.
What begins as a hopeful exploration gradually takes on a darker tone as the trailer hints at the dangers awaiting the crew.
Pricing, Editions, and Pre-Order Bonuses
Aphelion will be priced at $29.99 on PC and $34.99 on consoles. Players purchasing the game on Steam and Xbox platforms during the launch window will receive a 10% discount.
Console players can also pre-order the Day One Edition, which includes the base game along with a cosmetics pack featuring:
- Two spacesuit variants
- Six backpack accessories, including three stickers and three keychains
These cosmetic items reference both the game’s collaboration with the European Space Agency and previous Don’t Nod titles such as Jusant and Lost Records: Bloom & Rage.
Pioneer Edition Retail Release
A PlayStation 5 retail version, called the Pioneer Edition, is also planned and will be released on July 2, 2026. This edition includes all Day One Edition bonuses as well as additional extras such as a digital artbook, the original soundtrack, and an exclusive Hope-01 mission patch sticker created in collaboration with the European Space Agency.
Exploring the Edge of the Solar System
In Aphelion, players step into the roles of ESA astronauts Ariane and Thomas as they explore the uncharted world of Persephone after a catastrophic crash. Their mission is to survey the planet, uncover what went wrong, and survive encounters with a mysterious and potentially hostile alien lifeform.
Blending exploration, survival, and narrative-driven gameplay, Aphelion places players at the edge of the solar system in a tense sci-fi adventure where discovery and danger go hand in hand.
