Patch 0.15.2.0: New Features, Events, and Improvements

Patch 0.15.2.0 brings an array of new mechanics, particularly through the dynamic map-to-map travel and the high-stakes Mortar Strike event. Together with the AI improvements, balancing changes, and QoL updates, this patch enhances both the depth and accessibility of Escape from Tarkov. As the game continues to evolve, players can look forward to further challenges and opportunities for mastery, with the current patch marking another step forward in the game’s development.

Escape from Tarkov has just rolled out patch 0.15.2.0, bringing a series of significant updates, new gameplay features, and quality-of-life improvements that are sure to enhance the experience for both new and veteran players. In this article, we’ll dive into the main highlights of the patch, including the introduction of map-to-map travel, the new Mortar Strike event, AI adjustments, balancing changes, and much more.

Map-to-Map Travel: Expanding the Tactical Landscape

One of the standout features of this patch is the addition of map-to-map travel, allowing players to transition between different locations during normal raids (without activating the Marathon mode). This functionality is available in both PvP and PvE modes, and it’s even accessible for Player Scavs, adding a new layer of strategy as players move between various maps.

The patch also introduces several new key transit routes that were not present in the previous Marathon mode introduced with Patch 0.15.0.0.

These routes enable players to adapt on the fly, whether seeking safer extraction points, changing up their loot runs, or pursuing new tactical angles.

Additionally, the activation time for these transitions has been reduced to just one minute after the raid starts, ensuring smooth, dynamic movement across the map. To align with these changes, some Marathon event tasks and the Marathon achievement have been adjusted.

Some Marathon event tasks, as well as the Marathon achievement, have been adjusted but remain available for completion.

New Event: Mortar Strike

The new Mortar Strike event promises to keep players on their toes. Local inhabitants have gained access to mortars, unleashing sporadic bombardments across open areas of Customs, Woods, Shoreline, and Reserve.

This event adds a unique challenge as mortars target these maps in both PvP, PvE, and practice modes. Scavs, bosses, and other AI-controlled enemies are designed to react to mortar attacks, adding an extra layer of realism and danger.

For players brave enough to take on this challenge, a new set of tasks has been introduced, offering exclusive rewards, including:

• Mortar Warning Equipment: A special item that alerts players of incoming mortar fire, helping them steer clear of dangerous zones.

• Mortar Fire Consumable: An item that lets players initiate a mortar strike at their own position, giving them a powerful, if risky, tactical tool.

• Unique Achievement: Completing the task line during the event will earn players a limited-time achievement.

Improved AI: More Realistic Enemy Behavior

Patch 0.15.2.0 also includes notable improvements to AI behavior, especially for Partisan AI.

These adjustments make enemy movements smoother and more varied when taking cover or navigating long distances. The AI now better integrates tripwire use and displays more natural movement patterns when retreating to cover, raising the challenge for players aiming for tactical precision.

Quality of Life (QoL) Improvements and Balancing

This patch also brings several QoL improvements, like removing the "Found in Raid" tag from in-game currencies, making them easier to use in barters or tasks without special designation.

The patch also introduces new barter options, including:

• BNTI Gzhel-K Body Armor (without ballistic plates) — Available through Ragman, LL3

• 6B43 Zabralo-Sh Body Armor (without ballistic plates) — Available through Prapor, LL4

Additionally, notable changes include adjustments to the popular Vulkan-5 LShZ-5 Helmet:

• Armor class reduced from 6 to 5, with armor points lowered from 99 to 75.

• Reduced cost and wearing penalties, along with an increased spawn chance.

Task updates have also been implemented to make progression more flexible. For instance, the “Punisher - Part 5” task now allows players to hand over any variation of the AK-74 and Makarov pistol, while “Spa Tour - Part 3” and “Slaughterhouse” tasks permit alternative item submissions for completion.

Audio and Sound Improvements

To enhance immersion and tactical play, patch 0.15.2.0 introduces a range of audio improvements, including:

• Improved Occlusion: Lamp sounds, door interactions, and container noises now have better occlusion, making them more realistic in both first- and third-person perspectives.

• Volume Adjustments: The USEC Charlie voice volume has been increased, adding clarity to in-game communications.

  
  

These changes address previous sound issues, such as the inconsistent volume of grenade sounds and backpack drops, ensuring better sound cues.

Bug Fixes: Smoother Gameplay

The update resolves a series of bugs, including animation freezes with the MP-43-1C double-barrel shotgun reload and glitches when jumping over barbed wire. Other notable fixes include:

• Improved item list display when selling modded weapons or containers.

• Resolved issues with leveling the Intelligence skill through Hideout crafting.

• Corrected ballistic plate compatibility for specific plate carriers.

These fixes refine the core gameplay experience, addressing visual, collision, and weight-calculation issues that previously disrupted immersion.

 To see a complete and detailed list of the changes, check out the full Patch 0.15.2.0. notes.