The extraction shooter genre has seen many games come and go, with titles like ARC Raiders briefly gaining popularity. But the game that really pioneered the genre – Escape from Tarkov – is finally leaving its long beta phase. Developed by Battlestate Games since 2012, Escape from Tarkov is a challenging, player-versus-player-versus-environment shooter set in a ruined fictional city where survival is everything.
On November 15th, we’re releasing Version 1.0, which completes the game and brings it to Steam! This update is the culmination of years of work and support, so let’s take a look at everything new it offers.
The Innovator
You’re probably familiar with how extraction shooters work, and Escape from Tarkov follows the same pattern. You enter a map, gather items, fight enemies (including other players), and then attempt to exit. If you fail to leave, you’ll lose everything you were carrying, except for a few items you can store safely.
What Sets Tarkov Apart
Escape from Tarkov takes this realism a step further. Your character’s body parts can each be damaged individually, leading to specific and limiting injuries. For example, a broken leg will significantly slow you down, preventing you from running or jumping normally. You’ll also need to manage serious conditions like bleeding, muscle pain, and concussions, which all require medical attention. Beyond combat, the game features a player-driven marketplace for trading items, and a separate mode focused solely on playing against AI enemies if you prefer to avoid player-versus-player combat.
Realism and New Weapons
Beyond the scavenging, Escape from Tarkov is known for its incredibly realistic shooting. Players need to consider things like how far bullets drop, whether they’ll penetrate obstacles, and even if they might bounce off surfaces. With over 100 firearms to choose from (plus other weapons), the game is getting even more options in its 1.0 update, including classics like the Colt M16A1, the DS Arms RPD, and the Škorpion Vzor 82.
New Attachments
You can also personalize your weapons with various ammo types and attachments. There are a ton of customization options already, and even more will be available when the game launches, like new handguards and sights.
Maps and Terminal
Tarkov features a wide variety of maps, from the Lighthouse and its surrounding areas to the Labyrinth theme park and Ground Zero. Currently, the game has 11 maps in its beta, with a twelfth, Terminal, planned for release in the full version. Many players are wondering if these maps will eventually connect into one large, seamless world. Battlestate Games has confirmed they’re working towards this goal, but it won’t be available when the game officially launches.
Campaign
Despite its reputation, Escape from Tarkov actually has a storyline. While players in the beta phase have focused on smaller tasks, a complete campaign is planned for the 1.0 release. Currently, the main goal is to escape Tarkov, which involves searching for supplies, fighting enemies, and trying to survive. Whether you succeed is part of the game’s overall experience.
Multiple Endings
While getting out of Tarkov is the main goal, there’s more to the game than just escaping. There are actually four different endings, and the developers have said the ‘best’ one will be extremely challenging – they estimate only around 20% of players will be able to achieve it. This makes you wonder if it takes a lot of time to complete, or if it requires a high level of skill. This also begs the question: what happens if you get a ‘bad’ ending? Perhaps you’re sent back to the beta version? But let’s get back to the main point…
Potential Seasonal and Permanent Characters
In games where you collect items and then lose them when the game resets (like many “extraction shooters”), balancing progression is tricky. The developers of Tarkov are considering a system with two types of characters: seasonal and permanent. Seasonal characters would reset with each new season, starting from scratch, while permanent characters would keep all their progress. This is similar to how Path of Exile works, and could encourage players to participate in new seasons by offering unique items and features.
“A Few New Tricks” for the Cheating Problem
Cheating has been a persistent issue in the game for a long time, leading many players to see the PvE mode as a safe space. The game’s developer recently told PCGamesN they have some new anti-cheat measures planned for release, but admitted it’s a constant battle. If fair play is important to you, even considering the game’s focus on player-versus-player conflict and backstabbing, it’s good to be aware of this ongoing challenge.
Repurchasing (and Reinstalling) to Play on Steam
You’ve been a loyal supporter of the game throughout beta testing, and you’re eager to play on Steam. Unfortunately, you’ll need to purchase it again. While your progress and achievements will transfer by linking your Battlestate account, you’ll also have to reinstall the game to play on Steam.
Pre-order and Beta Rewards
All players who buy the game will get two sets of clothing, a unique dog tag, a shooting target, new mannequin poses, and other cosmetic items. If you purchase the Unheard or EOD Editions, you’ll also receive a special container, a unique style for your hideout, and a different shooting target. Owners of the Unheard Edition will get even more cosmetic rewards.
System Requirements
You may have noticed the game doesn’t always run smoothly. To get it working, at the very least, you’ll need Windows 10 (64-bit), a Ryzen 5 3600 (or similar) processor, 16GB of RAM, and a GTX 1660 (or similar) graphics card. But for the best experience, be prepared: it asks for Windows 11 (64-bit), a Core i7-14700F (or better), a whopping 64GB of RAM, and an RTX 4070 (or better).
First DLC Focuses on the Scav Life
Reaching version 1.0 is a major accomplishment, but it’s not the end of development for Tarkov. The game will continue to grow with downloadable content, though it’s not yet clear if this content will be free or paid. The first planned addition will focus on improving the ‘Scav Life’ experience – possibly with more background story, content related to the Scav faction, and new ways to play Scavenger Raids. We’ll have to wait for more information to know exactly what’s coming.
Years of Post-Launch Support Confirmed
Battlestate Games isn’t stopping with the current release – they have plans for at least five more years of new content. As any long-time follower of Escape from Tarkov knows, their plans are always evolving, with new locations, game modes, and features frequently discussed but not guaranteed. It’s unclear exactly what will make it into the 1.0 version or be added after that, but the team is committed to supporting and updating this game for years to come, rather than starting work on a new one.
Console Releases
Good news for players with less powerful PCs: Escape from Tarkov is also being released on consoles. However, the exact release date is still unknown, as is whether it will support cross-platform play and progress. While the release of version 1.0 marks the end of one stage of development, it also signals the beginning of a new one.
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2025-11-14 21:13