Icarus

In short: Icarus is a simulation game released in 2021 by RocketWerkz, available on PC. Our score: 7.0/10 (worth buying, especially on sale).

Icarus

Session-based survival on alien planet

{"title":"Icarus (2021)","description":"Icarus, developed by RocketWerkz, plunges players into a harsh and unforgiving session-based survival experience on the alien planet of Kepler-186f. The premise is simple yet compelling: humanity has found a new home, but this paradise is fraught with extreme environmental hazards and dangerous indigenous life. You are a prospector, tasked with venturing down to the planet's surface from an orbital station for limited-time missions. These excursions are not for the faint of heart, demanding careful planning, resource management, and a keen understanding of the alien ecosystem.\n\nThe core gameplay loop revolves around undertaking increasingly challenging missions. Each mission has a time limit, forcing players to make critical decisions and prioritize objectives. You'll be dropped onto the planet with a set of basic tools and must quickly establish a foothold, gather resources, craft essential equipment, and complete your assigned tasks before the timer runs out and you're extracted. Failure to return to the drop pod in time means permanent death for your character and the loss of all progress made during that session. This high-stakes nature significantly amplifies the tension and immersion.\n\nWhat sets Icarus apart is its deliberate session-based design and the emphasis on preparation. Unlike many open-world survival games, Icarus encourages players to return to orbit between missions. This orbital phase is crucial for upgrading you…

Game details

Our review

Icarus is a new take on the survival genre, focusing on session-based missions on a hostile alien planet. While it boasts impressive visuals and a deep crafting system, the game suffers from a steep learning curve and can feel repetitive. The core loop involves dropping onto the planet, gathering resources, completing objectives, and returning to your ship before a timer runs out. This creates tense moments, especially when playing with friends. However, the lack of a persistent world and the often-grindy nature of resource gathering can be a turn-off for some players. Performance can also be a concern, with occasional frame rate drops. Despite its flaws, Icarus offers a unique and challenging survival experience with a lot of potential, especially for those who enjoy cooperative play and don't mind a bit of a grind.

Pros

Cons

FAQ

What is Icarus?
Icarus is a cooperative PvE survival game where you explore a dangerous alien planet. Crafting tools, building shelters, and gathering resources are crucial for your survival and completing missions.
Can I play Icarus solo?
Yes, Icarus can be played solo, but the game is largely designed for cooperative play. Some difficulties and mission requirements might be more challenging when playing alone.
What are the recommended system requirements for Icarus?
For optimal performance, Icarus recommends an Intel Core i7-9700K or AMD Ryzen 7 3700X processor, at least 32GB of RAM, and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti or AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT graphics card. These requirements may change with game updates.
What makes Icarus unique compared to other survival games?
Icarus focuses on timed mission 'drops' where you land on the planet, complete objectives, and extract, rather than staying there indefinitely. This creates a sense of urgency and purpose in each play session.

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Last updated: 01/04/2026