Fragmentary Order is the sci-fi extraction shooter Nikita Buyanov was teasing

The mystery project that Escape from Tarkov creator Nikita Buyanov had been hinting at has a name: Fragmentary Order. According to The Escapist, it's a sci-fi extraction shooter that's being pitched - and is already being described by the community - as 'Tarkov in space.'

For anyone who has sunk hundreds of hours into Tarkov's punishing raid structure, that description alone is enough to get the blood pumping. Buyanov built his reputation on creating one of the most unforgiving and rewarding extraction experiences in the genre, and taking that DNA into a sci-fi setting opens up serious possibilities for new mechanics, environments, and lore.

What we know so far

Details are still thin on the ground, with The Escapist's report largely confirming the project's existence and its thematic direction rather than diving into specific gameplay systems. The sci-fi setting marks a significant departure from Tarkov's grounded, post-Soviet military aesthetic, which has been a cornerstone of that game's identity and appeal.

The extraction shooter genre has exploded since Tarkov helped define it, with competitors like Arena Breakout, Gray Zone Warfare, and Hunt: Showdown all vying for a slice of the hardcore PvPvE market. Fragmentary Order will be entering a much more crowded field than Tarkov did when it launched into early access back in 2016.

Buyanov's complicated position in the gaming world

It's worth noting the context around Nikita Buyanov's new venture. He departed from Battlestate Games following significant controversy surrounding Escape from Tarkov - including the backlash over the unacceptable Unheard Edition monetization fiasco in 2024, which drew heavy criticism from the Tarkov community over its pricing and the pay-to-win implications of some included features.

Whether Fragmentary Order represents a fresh start or carries baggage from that history remains to be seen. The hardcore extraction audience has a long memory, but they're also notoriously hungry for the next punishing raid experience - and if Buyanov can deliver that in a well-executed sci-fi package, there will be no shortage of players willing to give it a shot.

There's no release window or platform information confirmed at this stage. Expect more details to surface as the project moves forward.