Oberhaching, Germany, June 6, 2026 | There is no escape from the cold. In the aftermath of a cataclysmic event known only as “The Shattering”, the whole Earth has been swallowed by ice, snow and constant sub-zero temperatures. What remains of humanity clings to survival. Challenge the overwhelming odds and prove that you have the skills and the resolve not only to survive in these unforgiving conditions, but to bring the splintered factions of society back together again. It is time to show your resilience and overcome the Permafrost. How long will you last?
Your chance to face the white hell in this sub-zero story-based survival sandbox is almost here. Development studio SpaceRocket Games and German publisher Toplitz Productions unveiled a new trailer for Permafrost at this year’s Summer Game Fest Green Games Showcase, which is focusing on games that reconnect us with nature, spark hope for the future and remind us what’s worth protecting.
Not only does the fresh video impress with new gameplay footage, but it also announces August 21, 2026 as the Early Access release date on PC for the highly anticipated survival game, whose demo gathered more than 300,000 downloads during its run at Steam Next Fest.
Players ready to become the protagonist Rook, a tech-savvy engineer able to build and craft tools from scraps, don’t have to wait that long, though. They can start looking for their long-lost friend Icarus and try to overcome the frozen wastelands, predatory wildlife and hostile factions vying for supremacy in the upcoming playtest. The date for the playtest will be announced soon, but interested players can head over to the official Steam product page already to register. With a bit of luck they will not only be able to enter the frozen landscape before the official release date, but also help the development team with their invaluable feedback. And don’t forget to tell your friends, because you can brave the cold not only solo just with your trusted dog at your side, but also in co-operative multiplayer for up to 4 survivors.
About the game
Permafrost is a story-driven survival sandbox set in a frozen, post-apocalyptic world. Discover a vast lore-rich open world, alone or in co-op with up to 4 players. Explore, scavenge, craft, and build a network of shelters to outlast the cold.
- The Cold is your true enemy!
- The cold is alive and ever-present. Frostbite, storms, and creeping chill shape every journey, turning preparation, shelter, and timing into matters of survival.
- A frozen open world to explore!
- Traverse a frozen open world where city ruins fade into wilderness. A tense, grounded survival experience shaped by silence and scarcity - no constant gunfire, no fantasy tropes. Just winter, isolation, and resolve.
- Exploration-Gated progression!
- Progress is earned through exploration and adaptation. Restore abandoned shelters, repair broken machines, and reclaim fragile technology to push deeper into the frozen world.
- Your Dog as your loyal companion!
- Your loyal dog companion stands with you when the cold turns everything else silent. Rescued from the ruins, your dog scouts ahead, warns of danger, carries supplies, and keeps you grounded when the silence gets to be too much.
- Symbiotic 1-4 player Co-Op Survival!
- The cold doesn't care how many of you there are. Play solo or survive alongside up to 3 friends, building shelter networks, dividing responsibilities, and playing to each other's strengths. Co-op doesn't simplify the world; it just means you don't face the cold alone.
Permafrost will be available on PC in Early Access on Steam, GOG.com and EGS on August 21, 2026. More information can be found on the store pages. Join our official Discord server to get the latest news about Permafrost as well as the other exciting titles from Toplitz Productions.
About SpaceRocket Games
SpaceRocket games was founded in 2023. However, the seeds of what would become the flagship project, Permafrost, were sown a bit earlier. Initially, in December 2022, a dedicated trio began to mold the prototype in a somewhat informal setting. Fast forward to the present, and our team has expanded to 15 members. This diverse group consists of talented game designers, programmers, and graphic artists. Our ranks include both individuals just making their debut in the game development world and seasoned veterans who've contributed to numerous projects.
About Toplitz Productions
The German-Austrian publisher, whose name originates from the mysterious Toplitz Lake in the heart of Austria, develops and publishes games with "heart & soul" for all platforms. The company consists of a healthy mix of experienced industry veterans and young talents, all of whom are passionate gamers. They enjoy working with creative developers on many exciting titles, such as those from the "Dynasty" and "Giant" series.
Stay up to date and learn everything worth knowing about Toplitz Productions by following the company on X, Facebook, the official website and Instagram.
Article by: Susan N.
