The post-apocalyptic Soviet-era MMO FPS has crossed 500,000 wishlists and is finally ready to open its doors to players.
GFA Games has officially announced that its highly anticipated MMO shooter, PIONER, will launch into Early Access on Steam this December 16, 2025. The announcement comes as the studio celebrates a significant milestone: the game has surpassed 500,000 wishlists on Steam, underscoring the massive community anticipation for this gritty, alternate-history FPS.
Set on the isolated, Soviet-era island of Tartarus, PIONER blends the tension of a survival game with the scale of an MMORPG. Players will explore a vast, open world spanning over 50 square kilometers, filled with hidden dungeons, anomalies, and factions vying for control.
Watch the Release Date Trailer
Get a glimpse of the atmospheric, anomaly-ridden world waiting for you: PIONER – Release Date Trailer.
Standard vs. Deluxe Editions
At launch, players can choose between a Standard Edition and a Deluxe Edition. The Deluxe version includes a host of exclusive in-game items for early adopters:
- “Renegade” Skin: A unique armor and gear design.
- Weapon Skin with VFX: Applies to the entire AR platform (AR-12, AR-16, AR-16 Ifrit).
- Exclusive Founder Title: A status symbol for social interaction.
- Premium Currency: 500 Efritanium Crystals.
- “Creepy Charm” Accessory: A cosmetic trinket for your weapon.
- “Katana” Watch Gadget: A retro-futuristic 80s-style watch.
A Focus on Realism and Choice
PIONER distinguishes itself by prioritizing realism over traditional RPG mechanics; you won’t find standard health bars or levels here. Instead, the game features a unique health system in which injuries affect your performance, forcing you to manage hunger, rest, and resources to stay combat-ready.
The game offers a mix of story-driven PvE campaigns and high-stakes PvP zones known as the “Shadowlands.” Players can customize militarized weapons with an extensive array of modules, engage in faction wars, or relax with mini-games like fishing and the tactical card game “Carnage.”
PIONER arrives on Steam Early Access on December 16. A console release is planned for a later date.