Icarus, the survival game from the creator of DayZ, is set to launch on PS5 and Xbox soon, but cross-play will not be available

Icarus, the survival game from the creator of DayZ, is set to launch on PS5 and Xbox soon, but cross-play will not be available

Icarus, the survival game created by Dean Hall, known for DayZ, is set to make its debut on consoles. The PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S versions are scheduled for release in the first quarter of 2026, with a trailer revealed during today’s Galaxies showcase.

A dedicated team is overseeing the development of these console versions, distinct from Hall’s RocketWerkz team in New Zealand. This effort is being handled by Grip Studios based in the Czech Republic, a studio that has contributed to titles such as Mafia: The Old Country, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, and Conan Exiles.

Initially launched on PC four years ago, Icarus, a player-versus-environment (PvE) survival crafting game for up to eight individuals, experienced a turbulent start. However, after three expansions and numerous updates, the game has significantly improved. The timing of the console release allows Grip Studios to leverage the best features from previous updates, including the New Frontiers expansion that was introduced in 2023.

It’s worth noting that there will be no cross-play between PC and console users, as the two versions of the game are fundamentally different and incompatible. Hall addressed this issue in a recent interview, expressing his concerns as a consumer about the potential limitations cross-play could impose. He emphasized his desire for both versions to offer their best experiences independently, leading to some discrepancies in content and how it is presented on consoles.

However, one major benefit of developing for consoles has been the introduction of comprehensive controller support for all players.