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Patch 0.16.2.0: More Bugfixing and Optimization!

  • Mar 17
  • 6 min read

Updated: Apr 11

Today, 17/3/2025, BSG released a new patch that, while disappointing some players who were expecting the long-announced February event, still proves to be an important update with changes and bug fixes that improve and optimize Escape from Tarkov. Let's take a look at the most significant ones.



The community has been eagerly awaiting the event that Battlestate Games announced for February. It was rumored to be a major event, which raised expectations. However, many players were also aware that BSG rarely sticks to their estimated timelines. And so it was: no news, and this patch did not bring the event either.


Some would call it “Classic Tarkov.” Or perhaps, for once, BSG actually did what the community always asks for—focusing on optimization, bug fixes, and issues before thinking about anything else.


While we wait for news about the event, we fortunately have plenty of other things to discuss. The recent months have shown a clear trend: BSG has been seriously and consistently dedicated to improving Escape from Tarkov in all aspects.


A crucial factor in this is the use of in-game surveys, which BSG finally seems to be leveraging more effectively. Sometimes we players expect near-miracles, but after all, this tool was only recently implemented. Now, they are asking relevant questions and, most importantly, acting based on the results.


The new Tarkov Community portal also seems to be accelerating EFT's improvements, bug fixes, and refinements in various game mechanics, such as loot distribution, player scavs raid access timing, and other features. This is thanks to its well-organized structure and the fact that it is managed by EFT Emissaries, who have direct contact with BSG.


Overall, the community finally feels heard, and BSG appears to be moving much faster—sometimes almost instantly—to accommodate requests and implement suggested changes.


Optimizations


  • Optimized performance on Customs;

  • Optimized in-raid memory consumption across all locations;

  • Optimized shadow quality settings for better performance on low-end PCs.


We will continue working on fixes and changes to optimize and improve the technical state of the game in upcoming updates.


It is reassuring to see continued efforts to optimize the game's historically poor performance, a long-standing issue for Escape from Tarkov. However, recent improvements seem promising. One significant boost came from Nvidia's latest generation of DLSS, which improved performance for some players. But BSG has also put in considerable effort—not only implementing it quickly but continuing optimization through other means, likely aided by the recent upgrade to the Unity 2022 engine.


Since EFT is a PC game, running on countless hardware configurations and software setups, improvements are more noticeable for some players than others. Some even report worse performance after updates. However, in most cases, BSG's optimizations have yielded positive results.


AI Changes and Improvements


We’re also pleased to see continued AI improvements, some of which specifically target the PvE mode—something many players will be happy to see receiving more attention.


  • Bots now turn their heads towards the presumed target to obtain better visual awareness.


This could be purely for a more natural effect, but it might also help players recognize when an AI has spotted them and is preparing to engage.


  • The detection speed for Hard difficulty bots is now equal to that of Normal difficulty bots;

  • Adjusted detection speed settings for AI PMCs. They now detect enemies 20% faster than regular bots.


Adjusting detection speed is crucial for balancing AI combat, preventing scenarios where they become nearly invincible or possess superhuman reaction times. (Increasing AI PMCs' detection speed is likely to counterbalance the general reduction).


  • AI PMCs now switch to single fire at long ranges and full auto at close range if possible.


This is a great change—AI PMCs using single fire at long distances should prevent them from instantly melting players with pinpoint accuracy from unrealistic ranges.


  • All Sniper Scavs and regular Scavs of any difficulty now have 30 head HP;

  • AI PMCs, Raiders, and Rogues still have 35 head HP.


This is likely a response to frequent complaints from players struggling to one-shot Scavs with precise headshots while keeping higher HP for more challenging AI types like AI PMCs (in PvE), Raiders, and Rogues (in both PvP and PvE).


  • Regular bots no longer take cover in vegetation;

  • Bots can no longer see through vegetation unless an enemy is very close;

  • Bot vision is reduced if they are inside vegetation.


These changes, combined with the detection speed tweaks, should make AI behavior more balanced and less like an aimbot. It also reduces frustrating instances where players win intense PvP battles in an epic raid, only to be instantly headshot by an invisible Scav hiding behind a bush.


  • Increased the chance for AI PMCs to perceive an AI Scav as hostile to 80%. Other faction relationship chances remain unchanged across all locations.


Another PvE adjustment—AI PMCs and Scavs often seem to form an unnatural truce, only to suddenly gang up on an unfortunate player who happens to pass by.


Player Scav Spawn and Equipment Changes


  • Adjusted Player Scav spawn time: they now appear no earlier than 17 minutes after the start of a raid on most locations, excluding Factory, Reserve, and low-level Ground Zero;

  • Increased the chance of spawning with better Scav equipment for players with high Fence reputation.


Following an in-game survey and feedback collected through the Tarkov Community portal, BSG decided to delay Player Scav entry into raids. This gives PMCs more time to loot and complete quests while also making Scav Karma (Fence Rep) farming more rewarding through better gear (and loot in their pockets) when raiding as a Scav.


AI PMCs Equipment Change


  • Increased the current and maximum durability of all AI PMC weapons.


Many PvE players complained that fighting AI PMCs felt unrewarding because their weapons and armor were always too damaged to be useful. Unlike in PvP, where gear transfers between players are a core part of the gameplay loop.


Spawn Chances


  • All Bosses now have a 30% spawn chance;

  • Increased Cultist spawn rate in both PvE and PvP modes;

  • Reduced Partisan spawn rate in PvE mode.


As usual, spawn rates for all Bosses and Cultists increase as the wipe progresses to help players complete their elimination quests more easily.

Meanwhile, Partisan’s spawn rate in PvE has been reduced. He is the most hated bosses in this mode due to his mechanics—especially his silent footsteps, which feel like a built-in cheat. Ironically, many players choose PvE to avoid cheaters, yet Partisan’s stealth seems almost intentionally designed to frustrate them.


Bot Fixes


  • Fixed an issue where bots with shotguns or pistols would not take cover against distant enemies;

  • Fixed an issue where bots would not react to noise sources;

  • Fixed an issue where bots spawned too close to PMCs at the start of a raid;

  • Fixed an issue where bots would stay inside vegetation after taking damage;

  • Fixed several cases where bots could walk through closed doors.


BSG continues refining AI behavior to make combat more engaging, both in PvE and PvP, where AI interactions can be the difference between an unforgettable raid and one best left forgotten.


Extra Fixes


  • Fixed several issues that caused glass to render incorrectly in certain cases;

  • Fixed an issue where the RSP flares would not glow after being fired;

  • Fixed several issues that caused the main game monitor to be detected incorrectly;

  • Fixed the inability to shoot the MTs-255 shotgun while mounted;

  • Fixed the ability to transfer an equipped dogtag to the sorting table;

  • Fixed the incorrect trading UI when buying items with 7 or more cells in length;

  • Fixed the cause of the inability to open containers in stash in certain cases. Items that did not fit in the stash after opening the container will now end up on the sorting table when you re-enter the Character screen;

  • Fixed several incorrect conditions in the Gunsmith series tasks;

  • Fixed the cause of missing rewards in the Cultist Circle in certain cases;

  • Fixed the missing weapon reload animations in certain cases;

  • After clicking the Cultist Circle notification, you will automatically switch to the Cultist Circle Hideout zone;

  • Various fixes and improvements to the localization of interface, items, and tasks;

  • Fixed the known issues where the player would get teleported from the edges of certain surfaces.


Various bug fixes cover rendering issues, UI problems, incorrect conditions in Gunsmith tasks, missing rewards in the Cultist Circle, missing reload animations, and other gameplay elements.


We’re not at the final polish phase before full release yet, given Tarkov’s sheer number of bugs and issues, but it’s clear BSG is working towards that goal—and so far, we’re on the right track.


Keep it up, chuvaki!


____


There’s always something new to discover in Escape from Tarkov! Stay up to date with the latest News, Tips & Tricks, and In-Depth Guides, by checking out our links or starting from our Homepage. New to the game or just looking for more insights? Don’t miss our EFT: Tutorial section!

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