Surviving Mars: Pioneer

Surviving Mars: Pioneer is a survival simulation and adventure game from Bolverk Games, published by Impact Inked. It is the first time the Surviving Mars series has come to VR, and it leaves you on a harsh, empty Red Planet with few supplies, where you must stay alive and grow a base. It launched on the Meta Horizon Store on May 8, 2025.

How it plays

Every choice is meant to matter, since running short of the basics can end your run. The main systems are:

• Survival: watch your oxygen, food, health and power levels.
• Resources and crafting: set up production chains and make the tools and upgrades that keep your operation going.
• Exploration: cross the terrain with a jetpack, hover bike or rover, and investigate anomalies that gradually reveal a story.
• Contracts: complete mining and export jobs that pay out in resources, tech upgrades and blueprints.
• Base building: plan where structures go and manage them as your outpost expands.

It is a solo game, so the pace is set by you and the planet rather than by other players.

Comfort

Meta rates it comfortable for most people. The store lists support for playing sitting or standing. You play with controllers.

Platforms and what to know before buying

• Price: $24.99 on the Meta Horizon Store.
• Headsets: Meta Quest 3, Meta Quest 3S, Meta Quest Pro and Meta Quest 2.
• Internet: not required.
• Ads: no in-app ads.
• Early access: no.
• Languages: English.
• Age rating: 3+.