Escape from Tarkov's wipe, originally slated for pre-New Year's, is now officially confirmed. The update, driven by a simplified Kappa container quest, will launch December 26th at 7:00 AM GMT / 2:00 AM EST. Following an approximately 8-hour maintenance period (though past updates have sometimes exceeded this), the game will update to version 0.16.0.0, with Tarkov Arena simultaneously updating to 0.2.5.0.
To compensate for downtime, Battlestate Games will host a New Year's Special Twitch stream at 4:00 PM GMT / 11:00 AM EST. While specifics remain undisclosed, players can anticipate additional content reveals.
What's in Update 0.16.0.0?
Version 0.16.0.0 underscores that the full game release remains on the horizon, likely pushing into 2025. However, several key features are anticipated:
- Unity 2022 Engine Transition: A long-awaited upgrade, planned for 2024, though implementation timelines can be fluid.
- Weapon Recoil System Overhaul: A significant change impacting gameplay mechanics and player success.
- New Weapons and Map Rework: The addition of weapons like the RPG-26 and a revamped Customs map are expected.
- Bug Fixes and Quality of Life Improvements: While anticipated, the engine upgrade may introduce unforeseen issues.
The update promises substantial changes, but players should be prepared for potential new challenges alongside the improvements.