Developer Dreamwave Labs has revealed Perihelion, a new physics-driven space combat roguelite heading to PC, Mac, and Linux via Steam in 2027. Built around momentum and environmental hazards, the game centers its mechanics entirely on how gravity impacts spacecraft movement.
Gravity-Driven Space Combat
In Perihelion, players launch from a carrier into short missions where navigation is just as important as firepower. Runs send pilots through asteroid fields, gas clouds, and gravity wells. Movement mechanics allow players to use planetary bodies to build speed or curve projectile paths along orbital trajectories.
Lead developer TREXJET notes that gravity is designed to shape every encounter. A successful turn can line up a difficult shot, while a single miscalculation can throw a ship far off course. Runs utilize a branching map system where players choose their routes, balancing increased risk against greater rewards.
Missions, Builds, and Co-Op
The release features more than 13 distinct mission types alongside a variety of weapons, passive perks, and deployable tools. Players can adapt their loadouts between runs before returning to the carrier to upgrade their ships. Perihelion supports solo play and online co-op for up to four players, with enemy forces dynamically scaling to match group size. Each pilot maintains individual campaign progress and earns separate rewards.
Beyond combat, the carrier acts as a hub where players can converse with crew members. These interactions unlock bonuses and influence bonds, affecting the narrative surrounding a missing sister ship.
Platform Support and Release Details
Perihelion is confirmed for a native release on Linux, Mac, and Windows through Steam in 2027. At present, developer Dreamwave Labs has not announced Steam Deck verification status, Vulkan support, or formal hardware testing results.