SpaceRocket Games · Updated 1 October 2026
Permafrost Release Date and Playtest
Permafrost enters Early Access on 9 October 2026 on Steam, GOG and the Epic Games Store. No launch time or price has been announced yet. Before that, a Steam playtest runs from 2 October at 14:00 CEST to 6 October at 14:00 CEST, and each player gets one hour. Check your PC against the Permafrost system requirements, and if the game won't launch or connect, see the Permafrost server status for reports from other players.
Tools
When does Permafrost come out?
| Early Access release | 9 October 2026 (no launch time announced) |
|---|---|
| Stores | Steam, GOG and the Epic Games Store |
| Platform | PC, Windows only |
| Price | Not announced yet |
| Players | Solo, or online co-op with up to 4 players |
| Developer | SpaceRocket Games |
| Publisher | Toplitz Productions |
| Full audio | English (text in 9 languages) |
The release was moved from 21 August to 9 October, per the Toplitz Productions announcement. Store, platform, co-op and language details are from the Steam store page.
Permafrost playtest times
| Time zone | Opens | Closes |
|---|---|---|
| Central Europe (CEST) | 2 Oct, 14:00 | 6 Oct, 14:00 |
| UK (BST) | 2 Oct, 13:00 | 6 Oct, 13:00 |
| US Eastern (EDT) | 2 Oct, 08:00 | 6 Oct, 08:00 |
| US Pacific (PDT) | 2 Oct, 05:00 | 6 Oct, 05:00 |
| UTC | 2 Oct, 12:00 | 6 Oct, 12:00 |
Official times are in CEST, from the playtest announcement on Steam. The other zones are converted.
How do I join the Permafrost playtest?
- Open the Permafrost Steam page and request access to the playtest.
- Wait for your wave. Players are let in over two waves: a smaller first wave, then everyone else.
- Once you're in, you have one hour. The clock starts when you launch the game and includes character creation, so have a plan before you start.
- You get three invites. Send them before you start if you want to play in co-op.
The Steam page is the only way in. Sites and repositories offering Permafrost "beta keys" are not run by the developer or publisher.
What kind of game is Permafrost?
A story-driven survival sandbox set on a near-future Earth stuck in endless winter. You play a "Rook", an engineer drawn out by a radio signal from a long-lost friend. The cold is the main threat: frostbite, storms and creeping chill decide when and how far you can travel. You scavenge, hunt, craft and restore shelters across frozen cities and wilderness. Progress comes from exploring rather than from levels.
A dog companion scouts ahead, warns of danger and carries supplies. The developers have also shown Cold Zones, areas too cold to stay in for long that hold valuable items, and a travelling trader called Mule who moves between settlements. Early Access is planned to last at least 12 months, per Notebookcheck.
Questions
›When does Permafrost come out?
Permafrost enters Early Access on PC on 9 October 2026, on Steam, GOG and the Epic Games Store. It was first due on 21 August and was moved to October. The developer has not announced a launch time yet.
›When is the Permafrost playtest?
From 2 October at 14:00 CEST to 6 October at 14:00 CEST (08:00 to 08:00 US Eastern). Request access on the Permafrost Steam store page. Players are let in over two waves, a smaller one first.
›How long can I play in the Permafrost playtest?
One hour. The clock starts when you launch the game and includes character creation. Each tester also gets three invites to bring friends.
›How much does Permafrost cost?
Toplitz Productions has not announced a price, and the Steam store page lists none as of 1 October 2026.
›Is Permafrost multiplayer?
Yes. You can play solo or in online co-op with up to three friends, four players in total.
›Is Permafrost on PS5, Xbox or Mac?
Only PC has been announced, and the Steam page lists Windows only. No console or Mac version has been announced.
›What are the Permafrost system requirements?
At minimum a GTX 1060 6GB or RX 590, an i5-8600K or Ryzen 5 3500, 16 GB of RAM and 30 GB of storage on Windows 10 64-bit with DirectX 12.
›How long will Permafrost be in Early Access?
At least 12 months, according to SpaceRocket Games as reported by Notebookcheck. The studio plans to use that time for new biomes, quests, mechanics and optimisation.