As civilization prepares for an impending ice age, a twisted new project emerges, half science experiment and half live-entertainment. It's called Darwin Project and it challenges participants to survive the cold and fight to the death in a treacherous, snow-covered arena.

Darwin Project takes the battle royale genre up north to the Canadian Rockies. Set against a post-apocalyptic backdrop, an impending ice age has kick-started a twisted new reality show, in which participants must fight to the death to earn their survival. Other combatants won’t be players’ only worries though, as the harsh climate will put even the most hardened survivalists to the test.

Darwin Project offers a competitive multiplayer third-person experience with an emphasis on survival. Players must withstand extreme environmental conditions, track opponents, craft tools, set traps, and even negotiate temporary alliances to be the last one standing at sunrise.

Hang up that orange jumpsuit, because the height of post-apocalyptic fashion is here! Today on PC (and coming soon to Xbox One), Scavengers Studio has given Darwin Project inmates a chance to wildly expand the contents of their Dressing Room by adding over 200 unlockable cosmetic items, with even more on the way.

As inmates play matches and earn the favour of Fans, they’ll work their way up the ranks in Darwin Project’s new and improved progression system, earning Fan Gifts along the way. These special packages hold all manner of new cosmetic items for inmates to mix and match as they express themselves in the arena. Scavengers Studio plans to add more hairstyles and facial customization as well, alongside fresh Show Director digs.

Darwin Project is now available on Steam Early Access (free) and Xbox Game Preview ($14.99).