The wait is over. Dead in Antares, the newest chapter in the long-running survival/management RPG franchise, is officially out now on Steam.
Published by Nacon and developed by Ishtar Games — the studio behind The Last Spell, Lakeburg Legacies, and Dead in Vinland — this latest installment takes the series’ signature survival formula into deep space.
Set on the hostile world of Antares Prime, the game blends turn-based tactical combat, resource management, and branching narrative choices into one of 2026’s most ambitious indie survival RPGs.
What Is Dead in Antares?
Dead in Antares is a turn-based survival/management RPG where your mission to save Earth spirals into disaster.
Your crew of ten specialists was sent on an interstellar expedition to secure vital resources — humanity’s last hope. But a mysterious wormhole throws everything off course, stranding the team on an unfamiliar alien planet.
You can’t save Earth if your entire crew dies.
From that moment on, survival becomes your only objective.
A Decade of the “Dead In” Franchise
Dead in Antares marks the third entry in the “Dead In” series, which celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2025. According to producer Benjamin Coquelle, the team leveraged over two decades of experience at Ishtar Games to refine and elevate the formula — particularly lessons learned from The Last Spell’s tactical depth and systems design.
The result is a game that deepens the survival mechanics while embracing a full RPG progression system.
Survival, Management, and Tough Choices
Dead in Antares revolves around deeply interconnected systems:
- Survival mechanics and resource scarcity
- Crew management and morale
- Branching storylines with meaningful consequences
- Tactical turn-based combat
- Long-term base development
Players must juggle food, oxygen, research, diplomacy, crafting, and mental stability — all while uncovering the secrets of Antares Prime.
Expect difficult decisions. There are five possible endings, and your choices shape which one you reach.
Tactical Turn-Based Combat on an Alien World
Combat in Dead in Antares emphasizes positioning, character synergy, and unique abilities.
Each crew member has:
- Distinct traits
- Skills and progression paths
- Personality-driven affinities
The game supports up to 10 playable characters, with up to 20 workstations to manage at base and more than 130 upgrades to craft.
For those seeking a challenge, four difficulty levels are available — including a brutal “True Captain” mode designed for hardened strategists.
A Planet Full of Mystery and Factions
Antares Prime isn’t empty.
Players will encounter two major factions, each with intricate backstories and political tensions that influence your survival strategy. Balancing diplomacy, exploration, and internal crew dynamics adds another strategic layer to the experience.
All of this is presented through gorgeous hand-drawn 2D art, reinforcing the studio’s human-crafted aesthetic philosophy.
Launch Discount and Supporter’s Pack
Dead in Antares is available now on Steam with a 15% launch discount for two weeks.
A Supporter’s Pack is also available, including:
- The original soundtrack by Antoine Boucherika
- An exclusive in-game robot companion
- A special character reskin
For fans of turn-based survival RPGs, this launch window offers the best entry point.
Why Dead in Antares Stands Out in 2026
In a genre crowded with survival titles, Dead in Antares distinguishes itself by combining:
- Deep management systems
- Tactical RPG combat
- Branching narrative consequences
- Hand-drawn visual design
- Long-form replayability
It’s not just about surviving another day — it’s about managing personalities, politics, and planetary mysteries while racing against extinction.
Dead in Antares Steam Release Details
Platform: PC (Steam)
Release Date: February 19, 2026
Launch Discount: 15% off for two weeks
Developer: Ishtar Games
Publisher: Nacon
