Winter Is Here: Highly Anticipated Survival Sandbox Permafrost Is Now Available In Early Access On PC

Brave the frozen apocalypse either alone or with friends in co-operative multiplayer for up to four survivors

Oberhaching, Germany, October 9, 2026 – Winter has come early. But instead of tranquil fields of snow, this winter summons chaos and destruction, pushing humanity to the brink of extinction in the aftermath of a cataclysmic event. Development studio SpaceRocket Games and German indie publisher Toplitz Productions proudly announce that their story-driven survival sandbox Permafrost is now available in Early Access for PC via Steam, GOG and Epic Games Store.

Get ready to fight for your life, as you step into the role of the main character Rook and try to survive in an unforgiving environment on a journey to find your friend Icarus, long believed dead. Face this white hell either alone, with only your dog companion by your side or team up with three friends in co-op multiplayer. You have to withstand everything that nature and the rival factions vying for supremacy throw at you.

Explore a frozen wasteland and hunt for food or materials. Gather resources, collect valuable loot and craft a wide variety of items from tools to weapons and protective clothing. However, inventory space is scarce and careful planning of your expeditions will make a difference. Build a network of shelters to increase your chances of survival. Fierce wildlife and enemy factions are only part of the danger, as nature itself is your ultimate adversary. Expect dynamic weather and bitter sub-zero temperatures throughout, plummeting even lower in the dreaded cold zones. Entering those lethal environments poses a high risk, but promises high rewards and extraordinary loot to all those brave enough to try. You have to survive. Every. Day.

With an extensive roadmap already in place, SpaceRocket Games will use the Early Access phase to add exciting new content, while actively gathering invaluable community feedback. The player feedback will serve as a cornerstone for optimizations, quality-of-life improvements and fresh ideas throughout development.

About the game:

You are Rook, an engineer with the skills to rebuild, but little wilderness experience, drawn into this frozen, unforgiving world by a radio signal from a long-lost friend.

Experience a grounded, story-driven open-world survival set in a near-future Earth locked in endless winter after a series of catastrophes that culminated in the shattering of the moon. As a solo player or together with up to 3 friends, explore frozen cities and wilderness, survive brutal weather, navigate faction-controlled territories, hunt, scavenge, craft, and build a network of shelters to endure this post-apocalyptic world.

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 is available now on PC in Early Access via Steam, GOG and Epic Games Store. More information can be found on the respective store pages. Join our official Discord server to get the latest info on Permafrost and all other games from Toplitz Productions.