FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pioneer?

Pioneer is a freeform single player space adventure in the spirit of Frontier: Elite II.

Is this a game or a simulation?

Frontier was a game, but with a newtonian flight model and a slightly more scientific flavour to the universe than usually in space games. Pioneer will follow this same path.

Can I play online?

There will be no multiplayer. This does not rule out the possibility of minor network features, but multiplayer as it is commonly known is not compatible with the core mechanics of Pioneer.

Can I colonize planets, build space stations or conquer the universe?

No, these are out of the game scope. While the game universe might not stay static for the duration of a game, the player can not generally influence major events.

Can I walk around space stations and planets?

No, you cannot exit your ship. The ship is always your avatar.

Is the universe pre-defined or randomly generated?

There are millions of stars in the galaxy. A few hundred on them are based on real-world astronomic catalogues. some of the planets (obvious ones being in the Sol system) are pre-defined, but most things are procedurally generated. This means that a planet does not exist until you actually visit it, but it will be generated the same way for every player.

Can I hire crew for my ship?

Frontier had this, so it should be possible in Pioneer one day.

Are savegames compatible between releases?

While the game is still in alpha, this cannot be guaranteed. The situation will stabilize in a few years.

Where is star system X from Frontier? Can I buy ship Y?

Pioneer is not an exact clone of Frontier. You will have to figure out new trade routes!

How do I take screenshots?

Ctrl+Printscreen saves .png files in the same directory where the game .ini and savegames are.