Permafrost System Requirements: Can Your PC Run It?
Updated:
Quick answer: you need a 64-bit Windows 10 PC with 16 GB RAM and at least a GTX 1060 6GB / RX 590 8GB; the recommended tier targets an RTX 3070 Ti / RX 6750 XT with DirectX 12. The install needs 30 GB.
Official requirements (Steam, October 2026)
| Minimum | Recommended | |
|---|---|---|
| OS | Windows 10 (64-bit) | Windows 10 (64-bit) |
| CPU | Intel Core i5-8600K / AMD Ryzen 5 3500 | Intel Core i5-12400 / AMD Ryzen 5 5600X |
| RAM | 16 GB | 16 GB |
| GPU | Nvidia GTX 1060 6GB / AMD Radeon RX 590 8GB | Nvidia RTX 3070 Ti 8GB / AMD Radeon RX 6750 XT 12GB |
| DirectX | Version 11 | Version 12 |
| Storage | 30 GB | 30 GB |
What that means in practice
- 16 GB RAM is the floor, not a suggestion — 8 GB systems are below spec regardless of GPU.
- The minimum GPU tier (GTX 1060 6GB class, DX11) should be read as "the game runs", not "the game runs at high settings". We do not publish FPS promises we have not measured.
- The recommended tier pairs DX12 with 8–12 GB of VRAM, which is where the game is meant to look its best.
- Early Access builds receive frequent stability patches — two launch-day hotfixes already targeted RTX 20/30 and RTX 40/50 series crashes — so keep both the game and your GPU driver updated. If you crash, see the GPU crash fixes.
Will my laptop run it?
Compare your laptop GPU to the desktop cards above: a mobile RTX 3060/4060 is roughly in the recommended conversation, while older mobile GTX 1650-class chips sit below the stated minimum. Integrated graphics are below spec. Check your exact model against a benchmark comparison before buying.
Mac and consoles
- Windows is the only supported platform. There is no native macOS or Linux version and no console release has been announced.
- Players have reported Permafrost running on Apple Silicon Macs through Crossover (a translation layer), single-player and online co-op included. That is an unofficial workaround, not supported territory — expect no help from official support if it breaks.
Related: Best settings for performance & stability · GPU crash dump fixes · Release date and platforms · Co-op setup
Related guides
- Permafrost 'GPU Crash Dump Triggered': How to Fix ItThe 'GPU crash dump triggered' error is a known Early Access issue. Turn off frame generation, update drivers, clear the DX cache, or force -dx11.
- Permafrost Best Settings: Performance and StabilityStart at Medium, cut shadows first, use DLSS/FSR where your card allows — but turn frame generation off if you crash. Full stability-vs-fps rules inside.
- Permafrost Release Date, Platforms and Early AccessPermafrost launched in Early Access on October 9, 2026, Windows-only on Steam. At least 12 months of EA are planned; no console dates announced.
- Permafrost Co-op: Hosting, Joining and Save RulesCo-op is 1–4 players, player-hosted, PvE only. The host owns the save, guests need to be at the main menu for Steam invites, and there are no dedicated servers yet.