Dead Astronauts, a studio founded by industry veterans from Epic Games and Massive Entertainment, has officially unveiled their debut project: Haex. This cooperative survival first-person shooter transports players to the unforgiving Nordic wilderness, where they must navigate a hostile environment teeming with alien life and unexplained threats. Currently in development for PC, the title promises a unique blend of exploration and high-stakes survival.
First showcased at Summer Game Fest 2026, Haex tasks you and up to three companions with embarking on a harrowing expedition into the sub-arctic north. Your primary mission is to investigate a massive, mysterious monolith and uncover the truth behind the disappearance of your previous exploration team. Combat is visceral and first-person, requiring players to scavenge resources, monitor vital needs like hydration and core temperature, and defend themselves against formidable extraterrestrial beasts.
Watch the reveal trailer for Haex here:
The journey grows increasingly dangerous as you venture further into the encroaching mist. Success depends on utilizing an arsenal of firearms, specialized gadgets, and melee weapons. A core mechanic involves utilizing alien seeds scattered throughout the environment to physically terraform the landscape, granting access to hidden resource caches and strategic advantages.
“Our goal with Haex is to craft the kind of innovative, immersive open-world survival experience that we, as developers and players, have always wanted to dive into,” says Tobias Nyman, co-founder of Dead Astronauts and creative director of the project. “We have dedicated ourselves to building a world where player agency is paramount, allowing teams to reshape their surroundings and carve out their own unique survival story.”
Dead Astronauts has confirmed that progression persists across gaming sessions, allowing players to carry gear and resources between different crews. While inventory carries over, each game world maintains a distinct state and narrative path, ensuring every expedition feels personal.
While an official release date has yet to be announced, Haex is currently slated for release on PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store.
Does the Nordic setting and co-op survival focus of Haex catch your eye? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!

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