The Core Loop
Each job drops your pack onto a planet. You place structures on build nodes, connect them with pipelines, mine with the Grav Beam and mining laser, and protect the Collector while waves of aliens attack. The longer you stay, the bigger the rewards and the danger.
Every mission ends with launch prep and a final wave. Between jobs you spend Research Points and tune your Mod Deck.
Who Makes It
Octopus Panic is a small, self-funded studio based in Seattle and Stockholm, founded by veterans of 343 Industries and DICE. Development is led by Josh Holmes, former Halo 4 creative director. GRAVHOUNDS is the studio's first game and it self-publishes.
Platforms and Players
These are the confirmed launch details from the official store pages.
- Launch: November 2, 2026 (Early Access / Game Preview).
- Platforms: PC (Steam), Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, cloud.
- Game Pass: day one.
- Players: solo or 1–4 player online co-op.
- Playable dogs in the demo: Selene, Zane, Dozer and Finn.
How to Get Started
Start with the tutorial walkthrough, then compare the characters. Check the release date page for price and crossplay, and the Game Pass page if you play on Xbox.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is GRAVHOUNDS free?
No price is announced yet, but it is included with Game Pass from day one. A free demo ran in October 2026.
Can I play GRAVHOUNDS solo?
Yes. After the tutorial the campaign is fully playable solo.
Is GRAVHOUNDS an extraction shooter?
Partly. It mixes shooting, base building and extraction in co-op jobs.
Official Trailer
Sources and Further Reading
- Gravhounds Revealed – Xbox Wire (Josh Holmes, Octopus Panic)
- GRAVHOUNDS on Steam (official store page)
- GRAVHOUNDS (Game Preview) – Xbox Store
- GRAVHOUNDS FAQ (pinned Steam discussion)