Escape from Tarkov hasn't lost its charm yet, with the game currently having a healthy number of active players even after being nearly 9 years old. A good number of games have already tried to go against it, but among all, the upcoming title Pioner appears to be the most interesting competitor.
Developed by GFA Games, Pioner is described as an open-world MMO game that's set in an alternative-reality world. Per the videos and pictures shared by the developers, the game environment has a lot of resemblance to Stalker and Metro. It may even remind players of the Fallout series to some extent.
What makes it stand as a competitor to the Escape from Tarkov, however, is the PvP mode that puts players in special areas within the "Shadowlands." This mode encourages players to explore the supersized map, fight players, loot gear, and make a successful extraction from the area.
Of course, the game isn't just about the PvP multiplayer experience. Pioner has a "rich" single-player and online co-op mode that lets you explore the post-apocalyptic world in a less competitive setting. The extensive survival mechanics that the developers noted in the description should also keep players hooked on these two modes.
Overall, the GFA Games is making some bold promises with Pioner, and all that the developers have shown should attract players that are into games like Stalker, Metro, and Escape from Tarkov. The game is currently live on Steam, where you can wishlist it, and as for when it will launch, it's slated for a 2025 release.
Source(s)
Steam via: Insider Gaming