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Don’t Nod’s Aphelion Debuts Hands-On Previews, Sets Spring Release with Day One Game Pass

The story unfolds through two ESA astronauts separated on Persephone.

Overview

  • Don’t Nod confirmed a spring 2026 launch on PlayStation 5, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X|S with Day One availability on Xbox Game Pass.
  • A new Gameplay Deep Dive trailer showcases traversal, exploration tools, and stealth sequences on the ice planet Persephone.
  • Early hands-on coverage from Polygon and DayOne spans chapters one and four, opening with a crash that leaves Ariane and Thomas isolated.
  • Previews highlight traversal systems including a two-step grab timing, a Pathfinder for marking routes, an EM Scanner for frequencies, and grapple-assisted movement.
  • Reporters describe a single, unkillable foe that tracks noise and enforces audio-driven stealth, noting that strong storytelling may be key to elevating familiar mechanics.