A bleak new survival game has entered the spotlight — and it’s already showing interest in cloud support. Permafrost, developed by SpaceRocket Games and published by Toplitz Productions, premiered a brand-new trailer during the OTK Games Expo, offering a chilling first look at its frozen post-apocalyptic world. The game has also opted into GeForce NOW via Steam — here’s what that means.
A Cold Future and a Brutal Fight to Survive
Set decades after the moon shattered, Permafrost imagines a world completely transformed by climate collapse. Oceans have frozen, cities lie buried under snowdrifts, and the survivors cling to whatever warmth and structure they can find. It’s a setting that feels both apocalyptic and eerily plausible — not a wasteland of fire, but one of silence, snow, and slow decay.
The trailer introduces players to the harsh conditions they’ll face. Wind howls through broken buildings. Frost bites through gear. Food and fuel are scarce, and danger doesn’t just come from hostile factions — the weather itself can kill you. With a mix of handcrafted and procedural elements, the world of Permafrost is designed to feel big, cold, and relentless.
You’ll be navigating that world not just for survival, but for purpose. The game promises a grounded approach to storytelling, hinting at smaller, more personal narratives rather than grand sci-fi arcs. It’s less about saving the world — and more about finding your place in what’s left of it.
Core Gameplay and Features
At its heart, Permafrost is a survival sandbox, but the developers are leaning into several features that help it stand out:
- Open-world exploration where snow covers the ruins of civilization
- Dynamic weather systems and cold-front mechanics that change how you move and survive
- A loyal dog companion that helps track, scavenge, and fight
- A crafting and shelter system that rewards long-term planning and adaptation
- Faction choices, with different ideologies and conflicts playing out as you explore
- Fully playable solo or in 4-player online co-op, with systems built for both modes
There’s an emphasis on realism over spectacle. Weapons look salvaged. Clothing looks layered and functional. Resources are limited, and combat — when it happens — is fast, rough, and unforgiving. It’s the kind of survival game where not freezing to death is often more important than winning a fight.
A Distinct Visual Identity
While a lot of survival games lean on deserts, forests, or post-nuclear ruins, Permafrost stands out with its focus on ice, weather, and atmosphere. The snow doesn’t just blanket the world it shapes it. Urban environments feel buried and lifeless. Lighting is subdued, with flares and campfires creating small pockets of safety in a world full of darkness and frost.
The game’s muted palette and use of environmental storytelling give it a distinct tone closer to The Road than Fallout. And it’s all backed by sound design that leans into wind, footsteps, and isolation.
One to Watch for GFN Users
With its opt-in status on Steam, Permafrost is already on our radar as a potential GeForce NOW title. While not confirmed, the fact that Toplitz Productions has supported GFN with multiple previous releases makes it a realistic candidate down the line.
We’ll be following Permafrost closely as it heads toward its Early Access launch in 2025. If the trailer is anything to go by, this is one survival title that’s going to demand attention and possibly gloves.
Want more on the game’s cloud status and storefronts? Head to our full Permafrost Game Hub.
