Russian developer GFA Games has announced an early access release date for PIONER, their new post-apocalyptic Soviet MMO shooter.

PIONER is set to launch in early access on December 16th for Windows PC (via Steam). A full release is planned across PC, Xbox, and PlayStation.

Here’s a rundown on the game, plus a new trailer:

PIONER is a post-apocalyptic MMO shooter set on the mysterious Soviet-era island of Tartarus, offering a vast open world spanning over 50 square kilometers. Blending intense PvE and PvP action with player-driven storytelling, the game features faction missions, hidden dungeons, and dynamic environments. Realism takes center stage, replacing traditional health bars and levels with immersive mechanics. High-risk zones like the “Shadowlands” push PvP to the extreme, allowing for chaotic, high-reward battles where alliances are key — or optional. 

Key Features:

• Immersive, Grim Open World – Explore an alternate reality inspired by the Soviet era, filled with atmospheric landscapes, unique architecture, and captivating lore.
• Rich, Sci-Fi-Influenced Lore – Delve into a narrative deeply influenced by classic science fiction, with complex characters, powerful artifacts, and mysterious anomalies shaping the story.
• Story Campaign – Embark on a story-driven campaign, providing rich lore and engaging quests.
• A Unique Progression System – Grow your influence by completing quests, defeating monsters, and exploring. A more significant influence makes merchants more inclined to sell you better items, allow higher quality materials to drop, and even allow you to improve your non-combat abilities.
• Diverse Game Activities – Engage in a range of activities, including PvE missions, PvP arenas, events, story-driven locations, and engaging mini-games like fishing and casino games.
• Shadowlands Extraction Shooter Mode – Enter the intense “Shadowlands” mode, an extraction shooter experience within PIONER, for high-stakes survival and treasure hunting.
• Factions with Unique Personalities – Align with charismatic factions, each offering distinct characters, viewpoints, and special rewards.
• Extensive Weapon Customization – Customize militarized weapons with a wide array of unique modules and designs never seen before in MMO games.
• Realistic Survival Mechanics – Maintain your character’s strength by managing hunger, rest, and resources, adding a strategic layer to survival.
• In-Depth Crafting System – Utilize artifacts, anomaly energy, and scavenged materials to craft powerful weapons and equipment at workbenches.
• Clan-Based Social Gameplay – Form clans, communicate through emotes and chat, and compete on clan leaderboards, building strong community dynamics.
• Raids and Directed Missions – Experience six distinct raids, blending open-world and structured missions that challenge teamwork and strategy.