Permafrost Preview: An Early Look at the Frostbitten World of 2035

Permafrost Freezes Survival Into a Bleak Open-World Future

The year is 2035, and something terrible has happened to the world. After a mysterious global disaster, the Earth has turned into a frozen wasteland now known as Permafrost. What’s left of humanity is fighting to survive in the snow-covered ruins of civilization. Food, warmth, and shelter are scarce, and every choice you make could mean life or death.

Note: This is a preview of Permafrost. The game is still in development, so what I experienced may change before the full release.

I spent some hands-on time with an early build of the game, and I can say it’s shaping up to be a challenging, atmospheric survival experience with a lot of potential. Permafrost will support solo play and co-op for up to 4 players. It’s expected to launch in Steam Early Access sometime in 2025 for PC.

Harsh Conditions and Deep Survival Mechanics

The world of Permafrost is cold, empty, and dangerous. You’re constantly on the move, looking for supplies, food, and materials to stay alive. One of the first things I did was build a small shelter to avoid freezing to death. The crafting and survival mechanics already feel solid, even in this early version.

Hands-On Experience

In the preview, I got a taste of the gameplay loop—gathering resources, crafting gear, and staying out of danger. Even just finding wood and building a fire felt like an achievement. There’s a real sense of urgency, which makes each decision feel important.

A Story Wrapped in Ice and Mystery

The story is just starting to unfold in the build I played. You don’t get all the answers right away, but there’s a strong feeling that something big went wrong—and that the answers are buried out there in the snow. I’m definitely curious to learn more as the game develops.

The World Looks and Feels Real

As someone who’s lived through plenty of harsh winters in Norway, I was impressed by the attention to detail. Snow crunches under your feet. The wind sounds like it’s cutting right through you. Visually, it captures the unforgiving atmosphere of a frozen world. It’s immersive, and at times, a little too real.

Combat That Keeps You on Edge

Even nature is against you. I ran into a bear during my play session, and let’s just say—it didn’t go well. Wildlife can be aggressive, and staying alive means being smart, fast, and always prepared. Every fight feels dangerous, and that fits the game’s theme perfectly.

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Permafrost

Release Date: 2025 (Steam Early Access)

Genre: Survival, Post-Apocalyptic, Exploration

Developer: SpaceRocket Games

Publisher: Toplitz Productions

Platforms: PC (Steam)

Early Impressions and Final Thoughts

Permafrost is already showing a lot of promise. It combines survival mechanics with a mysterious story, strong visuals, and a sense of tension that never really lets up. It’s still in development, so there’s room to grow—but what I played left me wanting more.

If you enjoy survival games that challenge your instincts and immerse you in a believable world, keep your eye on this one. I’ll be following its progress closely and sharing updates as it gets closer to launch.

Meet the Team Behind Permafrost

About SpaceRocket Games

SpaceRocket Games started in 2023, but the team had already begun building a prototype of Permafrost in late 2022. What began with three developers has grown into a 15-person team filled with artists, programmers, and designers—some new, some veterans of the industry. Their goal is clear: to create a survival experience that stands out.

About Toplitz Productions

Toplitz Productions is based in Germany and Austria and is known for publishing creative games with strong storytelling and heart. They’ve worked on the popular “Dynasty” and “Giant” series and are continuing to support indie studios like SpaceRocket Games.