What Does Extraction Actually Mean in Into the Fire? 🔥

Welcome to the first episode of Into the Fire development update – a series of devlogs where we will be diving into the nitty-gritty details of the game’s world, mechanics, and core features that define what Into the Fire actually is.

But, before we begin, we’d like to thank you for your contribution to our game. Whether you’ve been following us for a while here, or joined our closed tests on our discord server, your feedback continues to shape the game in meaningful ways.

Today, we want to talk about extraction – what it means as a genre, and more importantly, how we define it in Into the Fire. Let’s roll!

A World Shaped by Catastrophe

Everything in Into the Fire begins with a volcanic cataclysm which transforms the world into something unstable, unpredictable, and constantly evolving.

In other words – the volcano actively defines how you play. Sometimes the path you’ve entered the region won't be the path you leave. The longer you stay, the higher the risk, and the greater the chance that you will lose everything you’ve gathered.

On top of that, the world is inhabited by forces born from the catastrophe. Volcanic spirits and fire-driven entities make every mission more dangerous.

Fundamentals of Extraction

We build Into the Fire on ideas that players are already familiar with from other extraction-like games. In short it means high-risk runs, limited inventory space, meaningful loot, and the constant tension between pushing forward and getting out safely. This core loop is something we value and intentionally keep at the center of the experience. However, what makes Into the Fire different are the people. Speaking of which…

People Are Not Just Your Loot

Inour game, people are not just another resource you pick up along the way. Essentially saving them is not a side activity. It is the core because they are the foundation of your HUB – your living base that is crucial to your survival. Obviously, apart from people you will have the chance to save animals and plants as well, but we will talk about it in more detail in the future announcements.

Every soul you extract directly affects how your HUB evolves. Some may unlock new crafting options, exchange resources, or even trade with you. Some on the other hand may have new quests. The others may affect the atmosphere of your HUB. Because of that, extraction is no longer only about what you bring back. It is also about who you choose to save. And you can’t save everyone…

Extraction Is a Series of Decisions

Every run is built around trade-offs. You have limited space, time, and the world keeps getting more dangerous with every second. Because of that, you’ll have to constantly ask yourself different questions. Do I save one more, although I’m running out of food in the HUB? Do I go back for more loot, or extract what I already have? Or do I risk my life to save another poor soul, knowing the environment is becoming more unstable?

How Extraction Works in Practice

Several systems support this idea and shape how extraction plays out:

Dynamic Extraction Points

The availability of extraction zones is limited, and their locations can change. You need to plan ahead, but also adapt quickly when things go south.

If you’re wondering why… Well, it’s closely tied to the game’s lore. Will, one of the NPCs, brought us here. However, he doesn’t descend into missions himself due to the danger. Instead, he travels to the region to extract us (or someone else) from the threat.

You can think of it like a helicopter that arrives only at a specific time and place.

Steam post image Devices and Tools

You can influence extraction using specific tools. Flare guns and stationary flares allow you to call in or modify extraction points. Obviously, there are more means of speeding or modifying the extraction zones, but you will discover them eventually as you progress through the game.

Item Tiers and Inventory Choices

Not everything is worth taking. Different item tiers force you to constantly evaluate your priorities. What helps you survive longer? What benefits your HUB? What can you leave behind?

Stay up-to-date

So, there you have it! This is how we approach extraction in Into the Fire. We build on familiar foundations, but expand them through people, consequences, and a world shaped by catastrophe. If you want to have a direct impact on shaping the game, don’t hesitate to leave your ideas for the game in the comments below. And last but not least, If you like what we’re building, make sure to follow & wishlist Into the Fire on Steam. See you in the next devlog!

Into the Fire ~Starward Industries Team