Players take on the role of prospectors; mercenaries tasked with the job of landing on a dangerous planet called Fortuna III.

Three major factions, the Independent Civilian Advisory (ICA), Osiris, and Korolev offer contracts they want the player to complete.

The Cycle: Frontier launched with two maps, and has features including crafting, customising load-out and character appearance, as well as a "battle pass" system.

[citation needed] The initial development plans started shortly after Yager had finished working on Dreadnought.

[9] The Steam release initially set for December 2020 was delayed to some time in early 2021 due to changes in development plans and being hindered by the COVID-19 pandemic.