Octopus Panic has announced GRAVHOUNDS, a 1-4 player co-op action builder launching in Early Access for PC and Xbox Series X|S on 2 November 2026, with day-one Xbox Game Pass access and a Gamescom demo
GRAVHOUNDS, a new co-operative action builder from independent studio Octopus Panic, has been officially announced for Early Access on PC and Xbox Series X|S, with a release date set for 2 November 2026. The game will be available from launch via Xbox Game Pass, offering players on both platforms immediate access. The announcement was made alongside a new trailer during Opening Night Live, providing the first look at the game's blend of physics-driven chaos and strategic base construction.
Early Access Launch and Platform Details
According to Octopus Panic, GRAVHOUNDS will support 1-4 player online co-op, with players taking on the role of bio-engineered canine workers deployed to hostile alien worlds. The Early Access release will be available on both Steam and the Windows Store for PC, as well as Xbox Series X|S consoles. Xbox Game Pass subscribers will have access to the game from day one, though no details have been given regarding cross-play or cross-progression between platforms at this stage.
The announcement trailer, which debuted at Gamescom, highlights the game's focus on improvisational teamwork, gravity manipulation, and high-risk extraction missions. Players are tasked with building defensive structures, deploying turrets and generators, and extending pipeline networks to secure valuable resources before escaping from increasingly aggressive alien swarms. The longer a team remains on a planet, the greater the risk and potential reward, with the alien threat escalating over time.
Gameplay Features and Development Background
GRAVHOUNDS is designed around fast-paced co-op action, with each canine character offering unique strengths to support different playstyles. The core mechanics include the use of a Grav Beam to manipulate objects and enemies, rapid movement options for repositioning under fire, and a dynamic upgrade system that allows players to unlock new abilities mid-mission. The game promises a high degree of replayability, with procedurally generated challenges and shifting mission objectives ensuring that no two sessions play out identically.
Development is being led by a team of seven industry veterans at Octopus Panic, including former 343 Industries and DICE staff, with creative direction from Josh Holmes, previously of Halo 4 and Halo Studios. The studio has emphasised its independent, self-funded approach, aiming to work closely with the player community throughout the Early Access period. GRAVHOUNDS will be playable at Gamescom this week at the Xbox booth in Hall 7, and will also feature in the Xbox @ Gamescom livestream.
Release Timing, Access and Community Involvement
The Early Access launch is scheduled for 2 November 2026, with no indication yet of how long the game will remain in Early Access before a full release. Players can wishlist GRAVHOUNDS on Steam and the Windows Store, and follow development updates via the official website and Discord server. The studio has not yet detailed pricing for non-Game Pass users or outlined the scope of content available at launch, but has stated that community feedback will play a central role in shaping the game's ongoing development.
GRAVHOUNDS joins a growing list of co-op and extraction-focused titles making their debut at Gamescom this year. For readers interested in the broader trend of multiplayer party and action games, Machine Party recently launched on Steam with a focus on competitive minigames and local multiplayer, as covered in our recent report on new party game releases.
Early Access is a release model that allows developers to launch a playable but unfinished version of a game to the public, typically at a reduced price or with ongoing updates. This approach enables studios to gather player feedback, test new features, and refine core systems before committing to a full release. While Early Access can accelerate development and foster community involvement, it also means that features, performance and content may change significantly over time, and players should be aware that the experience may not reflect the final product until the official launch.
