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The recent Wipe brought the expected new features, but also some technical difficulties. As is often the case, the servers were overwhelmed, causing slowdowns, disconnections, and in some cases, loss of gear for players. Additionally, some users managed to access the Flea Market when it should have been disabled as per the patch notes, creating imbalances that further fueled the debate. Is this the worst Wipe ever? Wipe Issues On the first day of the Wipe, many players reported errors and bugs that resulted in the loss of items acquired during raids. Some even experienced a complete reset of their profiles, forcing them to start over. Furthermore, the ability for some users to temporarily access the Flea Market raised criticisms of perceived unfair advantages, as they were able to keep items purchased before its deactivation. According to the patch notes, the Flea Market was expected to remain closed for two weeks (to slow player progress), which makes its temporary accessibility during this period a significant oversight.  Some community members called for an additional wipe to restore fairness , but the BSG decided against it. These problems were exacerbated by difficulties in accessing the servers and, in some cases, the inability to log in at all. Battlestate Games acknowledged the issues and quickly got to work addressing them. Some of the difficulties were mitigated within the first hours, but this did not prevent the situation from becoming a hot topic among players. The Worst Wipe Ever I get it. I got issues too. Lost progress. Failed to connect... I had the full first day of the wipe experience (along with a lot of adrenaline, fun and some dopamine shots). EFT is a game known for its technical complexity and the massive amount of data it manages. Every wipe represents a kind of "global reset," where hundreds of thousands of players become active at the same time , putting servers and game infrastructure under immense strain. Harsher criticisms often seem to forget that these difficulties are not unique to Escape from Tarkov . Maybe it’s because I’ve seen hundreds of major patches and online game launches over the past 25 years, but it’s clear that problems like overloaded servers, unexpected bugs, and login issues are more than normal—they’re predictable. So while on one side I agree that the Flea Market was available was a serious oversight , that the many bugs at the launch of the wipe were frustrating and should have been tested and eliminated before releasing the patch, I also find it plausible that in some situations it's impossible to predict and fix every potential problem beforehand. This comes at the players’ expense, but if disruptions are limited and solved soon enough, it’s relatively acceptable. Avoid the Drama Trap It's understandable that some call it The Worst Wipe Ever . Undoubtedly, it does seem particularly bad compared to others. However, as with past controversies, some of the drama feels manufactured, designed to attract clicks, views, and cater to the frustrations and irritated reactions of followers, rather than genuinely addressing the severity of the situation. Personally, I find it more frustrating when issues are amplified by drama queens into exaggerated catastrophes for personal gain. This behavior sets a poor example and fosters unnecessary toxicity within the EFT community. Also, remember there are many who are just pissed off for the changes that have been made to the Flea Market (will open only 2 weeks after wipe starts) and FiR requirement for hideout upgrades, which are a completely different story and I will write about them in another article. So avoid the Drama Trap. Don’t let others’ criticisms dampen your enjoyment of the game, the excitement of exploring new content, or the unique experience of the wipe itself. Official Message from BSG In the meantime, today Battlestate Games released an official message thanking players for their feedback and for reporting issues encountered on the first day of Patch 0.16. The studio announced that technical updates will soon be released to address the following issues: Game client freezing when loading loot on Ground Zero Known synchronization issues between EFT and EFT: Arena profiles Raid progress in PVE ZONE not being counted Backend error after leaving a raid in PVE ZONE Game timer resetting to zero when playing as a Scav Known issues interacting with the Hideout Known issues visiting other players' Hideouts Unlocking Jaeger despite meeting all requirements Mechanic's "Getting Acquainted" task automatically failing if accepted before Patch 0.16 release Returning certain item icon visuals to the previous version 28/12/2024 UPDATE BSG has released two patches aimed at addressing the listed bugs and other issues. So far, it seems that most of the problems have been resolved. However, criticisms of the 0.16 patch persist, with opinions sharply divided. Some players believe this is the best wipe ever, while others insist it's the worst. This image, taken from a Reddit thread , perfectly encapsulates the situation. While some issues persist, it seems the major problem is performance. But there are discrepancies on this too. While a lot of players report drastic performance reductions, there are some (apparently also some with less powerful rigs) that report performance improvements! Another point of controversy is the updated sound . Some like it, some love it. I personally like it (so far), although it seems the volume of all effects is lower and when moving it's sometimes difficult to hear others' sounds. In some cases I got surprised how good results does the added reverb gives. Unfortunately, I also noticed the new system has bugs (weird noises) and the added reverb seem to cause weird effects with your own footsteps sound being reflected by walls and obstacles. Especially when using no headset (this while using Scavs, but I guess it's the same with the PMC). 01/01/2025 UPDATE BSG installed a technical update to fix more issues: Fixed an issue where the player has been teleporting in place without being able to move in any direction on various locations; Fixed all known issues where players transitioning between locations could enter a raid with players outside their group; Fixed an issue where kills from Aklys Defence Velociraptor .300 Blackout did not count towards progress of Punisher. Part 2 quest; Reduced the sales limit for 7.62x51mm BCP FMJ rounds to 100 (120 for owners of The Unheard Edition) per restock; Harris "S-BRM 6-9" bipods moved to Skier LL2; BT10 V8 Atlas Bipods moved to Mechanic LL2; NVG-57E night vision device added to Prapor LL1; Adjusted spawn rates for barter items in the pockets on Scavs and player Scavs; Adjusted spawn rates and conditions for armor and armored rigs on Scavs and player Scavs; Adjusted spawn rates for ammunition on player Scavs; Adjusted spawn rates for backpacks on Scavs. The long journey towards a stable and clean wipe continues. 03/01/2025 UPDATE BSG released another technical update : Fixed an issue that caused players to freeze when interacting with BTR; Fixed all known issues that led to incorrect playback or complete absence of environment sounds on various locations. 02/02/2025 UPDATE While some issues have been addressed through the above-mentioned and other technical update patches, many still persist. Even typically calm and neutral streamers—such as Pestily , who avoids outrage-driven content and does not chase views, likes, or subscriptions by fueling negativity—have condemned this wipe, reinforcing its reputation as the "Worst Wipe Ever." The problems have been numerous, starting with the previously mentioned failure to lock the Flea Market at the beginning of the wipe, which was a bad omen for what was to come. The most critical concern is undoubtedly performance. Compared to the previous wipe, performance has worsened for all players. While those with high-end PCs experience fewer issues, the problem affects everyone. My theory is that this drop in performance is primarily due to the update to the Unity 2022 engine . Unfortunately, rather than delivering the expected improvements, it has instead degraded performance. While some players had unrealistic expectations, those more informed knew that a game engine upgrade primarily provides new tools for developers , including those that could enhance performance in the future. However, immediate improvements were never guaranteed. That said, I did not expect such a drastic decline. On most maps, my FPS has been cut in half compared to the previous wipe. It’s worth noting that experienced game developers had already expressed surprise that Escape from Tarkov  was even running after the engine update, predicting far worse issues . Evidently, updating the game engine is far more complex and challenging than many (including me) assumed. Let's hope that the performance optimization patch promised by BSG arrives soon!

Battlestate Games announced on their official Escape from Tarkov Twitter account that the Halloween event will conclude on Monday, November 11. Upon the event's end, all associated achievements and tasks will no longer be available, the hideout will revert to its standard design, and the special pumpkins containing treats will be removed. Players aiming to complete event-specific quests and earn related achievements should do so before the deadline. Many loved it, many hated it, but either way, the Halloween event is about to end . So, if you want to complete the questline and earn the achievement, there’s no time to waste because everything wraps up on Monday, 11/11. Personally, I enjoyed it. The only time it really made me angry was when I had found the quest item, killed a ton of zombies, and completed a couple of other quests on the same map, only to get killed by a zombie that teleported behind me and took me out. Unfortunately, these kinds of bugs are super annoying because it feels a bit like getting killed by a cheater—there’s nothing you can do about it, and it can ruin a raid that was going amazingly up to that point. Is it possible to complete the event in 3 days? In my opinion, yes, even if you don’t have much time to play , you should be able to manage. I don’t have a lot of time to play myself, and at first, the questline seemed too complicated. The zombies would easily kill me, and I thought I wouldn’t make it. But in reality, after an initial moment of discouragement, I learned some tricks to survive the zombie hordes and got used to their movements and combat style. I managed to complete the entire questline in around 15-20 raids, some of which were very quick because I’d just grab the quest item and exit immediately. If you need a hand, check out the article I wrote about the Halloween Event , which includes some tips and tricks to survive and complete the quests. Good luck!

On February 21st, Escape from Tarkov's official account on X announced that approximately 7,000 cheaters had been banned in the past month with the support of BattlEye anti-cheat. Alongside the announcement, a file listing the banned accounts' names was attached. This significant ban wave has sparked a variety of responses within the game's community. It's always satisfying to know that 7,000 cheaters have been banned, and even more amusing to see their in-game names listed in a spreadsheet. However, this obviously does not mean the cheating problem has been solved . While some players have reported a temporary reduction in cheater encounters, the issue remains prevalent, and past trends suggest that banned cheaters usually return with new accounts. Community Responses The reaction from the Escape from Tarkov  community has been mixed. Many players have expressed appreciation for the developers' efforts to maintain a fair gaming environment. However, some community members remain skeptical about the long-term impact of these bans. Discussions on platforms like Reddit highlight concerns that while banning accounts is a step forward, it won't be sufficient to deter cheaters who can create new accounts and continue their disruptive behavior. Some players suggest implementing hardware bans or more stringent account verification processes to prevent repeat offenders. Additionally, there is ongoing debate about the visibility of cheating-related discussions within the community. Some believe that frequent posts about cheaters contribute to a negative atmosphere and may inadvertently promote cheating by increasing its visibility. Additionally, many players, convinced that almost everyone else is using cheats, may also be tempted to use them—either because they perceive it as normal or as a way to defend themselves or seek revenge . On the contrary, others argue that open discussions are necessary to keep pressure on the developers to address the issue effectively. My Take The impact of cheats seems to vary from region to region and from player to player; some report encountering cheaters in almost every raid, while others, myself included, encounter relatively few. Unfortunately, the problem of cheating is complex and unlikely to be completely resolved unless—an improbable scenario—it is criminalized in the legislation of all countries and actively prosecuted by law. An improbable scenario, not just because there are larger global issues, but also due to the very large revenue generated by the cheat market—likely substantial enough to influence political decisions in certain countries. This vast financial incentive drives the continuous development and sale (or rental) of cheating software. Entities consistently find new ways to exploit vulnerabilities in game code, making it an ongoing challenge. Even major gaming companies have struggled to eradicate cheating entirely , so it is unrealistic to expect Battlestate Games—while no longer a small indie studio, but not yet a multinational giant—to fully solve the issue. Additionally, the cheating issue partly stems from the unstable foundations on which Escape from Tarkov  was built when BSG was inexperienced in game design. This means there is a direct responsibility on the developers, though it is difficult to correct without rebuilding the game from scratch —an outcome that is highly unlikely. Adding to the complexity, Nikita Buyanov, the creator of Escape from Tarkov  and head of BSG, has stated that implementing a more powerful anti-cheat system would be too invasive and would significantly impact the game's performance . This presents a difficult balancing act between security and playability, limiting how aggressively the developers can enforce stricter measures. As we know, in Escape from Tarkov , falling victim to cheaters is particularly frustrating due to the nature of the game’s mechanics and progression system. Unfortunately, this is an inherent part of the game's design and cannot be easily changed. So in the end, all we can do is support BSG and hope they continue to invest as much as possible in the fight against cheats and their creators.

On February 19, 2025, LogicalSolutions , the Head Moderator for the streamer LVNDMARK_TV  and creator of the website   Tarkov-Changes , posted on X about changes to the boss spawn chances in Escape from Tarkov . As always, as the wipe progresses, Battlestate Games  adjusts boss spawn rates, increasing them to make it easier for players attempting to complete quests that require killing them in Escape from Tarkov. The image shared by LogicalSolutions on X shows the following spawn rate changes for bosses: The Goons:  Increased from 25% to 30% Killa & Tagilla:  Increased from 20% to 30% Glukhar, Reshala, Sanitar, Shturman, Kaban, and Kollontay:  All increased from 25% to 30% Additionally, the post also includes the spawn rates for: Cultists:   15% Partisan:   30% If you're hunting them too— good luck & good hunting! Below is the original post:

For almost a month now, the Escape from Tarkov community has been talking about and eagerly awaiting the arrival of Nvidia’s latest DLSS4, which promised great improvements. Now it's here! Let's talk about it. 21/02/2025 UPDATE : Today, BSG released a Technical Update that enables the selection of DLSS 4 with the new Transformer-based Model within Escape from Tarkov 's Game Settings. For this reason overriding settings through the Nvidia App as described in this article is no loger needed . Depending on your Nvidia RTX graphics card model, you can choose between Quality, Balanced, Performance, or Ultra Performance settings. (I have a 3080 Ti and can only select Quality or Balanced.) Choose the DLSS preset "K" to take advantage of the latest and best-performing model. While the ability to activate this preset via an override on the Nvidia App became available on January 30, 2025, some had managed to activate it earlier through various tricks , with excellent results. Before January 30, activation was rather cumbersome, but fortunately, this new feature is now available to everyone through a few simple steps that you can find in this Reddit post by u/AccomplishedRip4871. I’ve done it, and it was simple, quick, and painless. And the results are clear! I've read that some users have encountered issues, but reinstalling the Nvidia App seems to resolve most of them . In any case, the Reddit thread (second link) also provides additional suggestions and solutions. Disclaimer:  I admit that I am not an expert on graphic drivers—in particular, on upscaling, DLSS, or DLAA—so I apologize in advance if I make any mistakes or inaccuracies. My main goal was to deliver the information. If you’re looking for technical explanations, it’s better to refer to other more reliable sources (see the update below). UPDATE 03/02/2025: The excellent content creator Klemintine, renowned for his informative videos on EFT's graphic settings to optimize performance and image quality, has come to our aid and has just released a video on this topic . After reading the rest of my article, I recommend watching his video, which is full of technical details and video comparisons that demonstrate the effectiveness and benefits of these new DLSS4 drivers. Effects As is evident from the linked post— as well as from Klemintine video —the new DLSS4 indeed appears to bring significant benefits in Escape from Tarkov. The most noticeable difference is the quality of the video presentation, but I also noticed improvements in terms of FPS. Anti-Aliasing The most obvious change, once you enable the new DLSS4 without altering any other settings, is the image quality . The visuals become sharper, more stable, with fewer artifacts and less flickering, and the lighting is improved. The new DLLS4 does a much better job compared to the anti-aliasing implemented in Escape from Tarkov (TAA). Again, I have no idea how this works, but I can assure you that the difference is very visible —especially at a distance. This not only makes the maps more aesthetically pleasing but also provides a tactical advantage in spotting potential enemies far away. Here are a couple of images with sliders to see the difference between DLSS and TAA posted by u/AccomplishedRip4871 on Reddt. Keep in mind that the difference is more noticeable in-game when moving: Foliage difference (DLSS / TAA) Distant object difference (DLSS / TAA ) Video comparisons are available in the post I've linked above . FPS Even though I have a 30x generation RTX card (a 3080Ti), I noticed an improvement in terms of FPS and, most importantly, in the overall smoothness of the game . This makes me think not only of an increase in FPS peaks but also—above all—of greater stability . In particular, I've noticed a difference when aiming with a scope : there's no visible stutter. It's not a problem I often had, nor was it as severe as others have reported, but I did sometimes experience some decrease in smoothness. With the updated DLSS4 active, I am no longer noticing this issue. Regarding others, I’ve read that many were excited about the FPS boost, while some didn’t see significant changes. Evidently, it depends on the specs of the computer each of us uses, as well as the graphic settings and resolution at which you play. In conclusion, my advice is to give it a try , because activating the latest version of DLSS4 is extremely simple and requires just a few clicks, and the results are definitely excellent from a graphical quality perspective, while FPS improvements may depend on your machine. As I mentioned above, check the Reddit thread explaining how to enable the new DLSS4 Transformative Model  or watch Klemintine informative and clarifying video on YT . WARNING! Potential cause of BAN! Reports from the official Escape from Tarkov Discord suggest that using this override could violate the game’s Terms of Service . Moderators have warned players against injecting the new DLSS model, and there is uncertainty about whether Battlestate Games (BSG) will take action against users enabling it. Despite Nvidia officially listing Tarkov as a supported title for the override, BSG has not yet clarified their stance, and using this feature could carry the risk of possible bans . Until BSG provides an official statement, players should proceed with caution when enabling DLSS 4 features in Escape from Tarkov. As Klemintine  also highlights in his video, the fact that Escape from Tarkov  is officially listed by Nvidia as a supported title for the override makes me feel quite confident in using it. And I am using it. However, since BSG has not yet released a clear statement on the matter, I encourage you to be aware of the risk and make an informed decision before enabling it . This warning is outdated if you use the new game settings as mentioned in the 21/02/2025 update above.

Battlestate Games has just released yet another technical update for Escape from Tarkov — the fourth in just a week! It’s clear that they are putting all their efforts into fixing bugs and improving optimization. Many players remain skeptical about whether this marks a real turning point for BSG, but I choose to be optimistic. (No, I'm not a true believer —I just prefer hope over catastrophism, or worse, conspiracy thinking.) I genuinely believe they are doing everything possible to address as many issues as they can in the shortest time . I’m well aware of EFT’s past— the monumental mistakes made by BSG (e.g., the Unheard Edition), and the many bugs and issues that have remained unfixed despite eight years of development and testing. Even so, so far, the facts support this perspective, and I hope I won’t be proven wrong. The most significant changes in this update—further fueling my optimism—is the revision of DLSS 4 model presets. If you've been following recent developments, you might recall that when BSG first introduced DLSS 4 support, they made the baffling decision to implement preset D—an outdated model based on CNN technology—instead of the more advanced preset K, which utilizes a Transformer-based model for superior performance and image quality. This choice left many players frustrated, especially considering how much of a difference preset K makes in terms of clarity and stability. Now, with this latest patch, players can finally select the correct preset from within the Game Settings without resorting to external tweaks. Given the community’s vocal criticism and the workarounds some had been using to force preset K, it’s great to see that BSG has addressed this oversight. Let’s hope this responsiveness extends to other long-standing issues as well. Here are the patch notes: ● Updated the NVIDIA DLSS 4 Model Presets; If you have previously changed the DLSS Model Preset for Escape from Tarkov via the NVIDIA App and are having trouble switching presets via in-game settings, please follow the steps below: Start Escape from Tarkov and enable DLSS in any mode; Launch the NVIDIA App; In DLSS Model Presets, select and apply any preset; Restart NVIDIA App and set the DLSS Model Preset selection to default; Restart Escape from Tarkov. ● Added an option to disable volumetric lighting in graphics settings. Disabling it will improve game client performance on all locations for players with low-end PCs. Volumetric lighting is enabled by default. ● Fixed the cause of hand freeze after fixing weapon malfunctions in certain cases; ● Fixed the inability to search certain containers in a raid; ● Fixed the sped up AI footstep sounds in certain cases; ● Fixed the money splitting into separate stacks when selling multiple items to traders; ● Fixed the ability to take two BTR Driver tasks at the same time; ● Fixed the ability to move your own PMC dog tag into a container; ● Fixed the cause of bullet damage not registering to ballistic plates in certain cases; ● Fixed the ability to remove the NSV Utyos machine gun from a stationary position; ● Fixed the missing first-person fold/unfold animations for Kedr/Klin SMGs; ● Fixed the missing sound of the BTR door closing on the first entry; ● Fixed the display of items available for display and customization in Hideout; ● Fixed the cause of hand freeze when interacting with underbarrel grenade launchers at the Shooting Range; ● Fixed the missing third-person animation for switching between sights; ● Fixed the ability to change character clothing when viewing the killer's profile on the raid end screen; ● Fixed the freezing Sako TRG M10 8-round magazines in inventory; ● Fixed the ability to kick-breach doors while prone; ● Fixed the display of a dead PMC's dog tag level in a raid.

While this continues to be the worst wipe ever due to the numerous bugs, issues, and performance problems we are all too familiar with, it seems that BSG is keeping its promise to work on fixing bugs and improving performance, as well as addressing netcode, lag, and desync issues. Plus a big surprise about DLSS 4. No one can say they are satisfied with how this wipe is going, and while I tend to be understanding with developers, I can't deny that this time there have been far too many problems . However, I believe that, in all fairness, we must acknowledge that BSG is releasing many technical updates with interesting fixes that also show their willingness to listen to the community and to actually fix what they can (although, as usual, in their own way and not always in a manner that fully satisfies players or effectively solves issues, often creating new bugs). From this technical update, we can see that they are trying to address the performance problems that started with the new wipe by working on the "less optimal technology of transparent object rendering"; they should also have improved rubber banding and packet loss issues, fixed the invisible (and soundless) BTR that was wreaking havoc on unsuspecting pedestrians in Woods and Streets of Tarkov, and resolved a series of other assorted bugs. DLSS 4 UPDATE! The big surprise In my opinion, it's very interesting (and surprising!) that BSG has already updated DLSS to version 4. Just a couple of weeks ago, EFT players could experience improvements by manually overriding DLSS to force the latest version in the game . The performance gains provided by the new DLSS 4 have likely attracted BSG's attention, and they have quickly moved to update it so that the override procedure is no longer necessary (see linked article). We all wish they were always so quick to react! UPDATE 15.02.25:  It seemed too good to be true, and indeed, regarding the DLSS 4 update, BSG introduced support for this technology but chose the outdated preset D, which utilizes the older CNN model, instead of the more advanced preset K based on the Transformer model. Many are asking themselves how they could make such an apparently silly mistake. Hopefully, they will correct this (significant) oversight soon. List of fixes and changes: ● Temporarily disabled the less optimal technology of transparent object rendering for Factory, Woods, and The Lab. This will significantly increase the game client performance on these locations. Similar adjustments for other locations, as well as the option to enable the technology will be added in future updates; ● Adjusted the server logic in order to reduce packet loss and rubberbanding during character movement; ● Fixed the cause of the BTR becoming invisible; ● Fixed the possibility of receiving double damage if the bullet penetrates the integrated neck armor and body armor; ● Updated Nvidia DLSS to version 4; ● Fixed the operation of vsync together with Nvidia Reflex if they were enabled sequentially during a raid; ● Fixed the incorrect display of a group member after spawning; ● Fixed the incorrect operation of the Cyclone Shakhin thermal scope; ● Fixed the incorrect display of large-sized items in special slots; ● Fixed the display of shooting targets in the Hideout while selecting a target style; ● Fixed the generator notification after visiting a friend's Hideout; ● Fixed the display of Prestige dogtags in the Hall of Fame zone; ● Fixed the display of posters in the Stash level 2 and 3 zone; ● Fixed the Hideout customization items being moved to other slots if there was no room in stash when they were removed; ● Fixed the uneven output of extracts on Woods where players were given the Outskirts exfil more often than others; ● Expanded the objective areas for the tasks Return the Favor, Safe Corridor, and The Huntsman Path - Secured Perimeter; ● Fixed multiple gear and clothing combinations added in Patch 0.16.0.0 that were causing clipping; ● Fixed the display of ammo in the AA-12 8-round magazine; ● Fixed the incorrect camera behavior when quick-reloading IWI UZI with a 25-round magazine; ● Fixed the Lantac BMD A3 adapter compatibility for Mk47 409mm barrel; ● Fixed the incorrect visual recoil for RPD and RPDN when using bipods; ● Fixed the display of ammo in the Magpul PMAG GL9 21-round magazine.

Battlestate Games has released a new technical update for Escape from Tarkov . Here are the patch notes: Fixed the cause of error 1501 "already add max offer count" when interacting with the Flea Market. Fixed the cause of error 228 when moving items in stash after upgrading the game edition in certain cases. Fixed the inability to fully repair ballistic plates when using a repair kit. Fixed the inability to claim items transferred after gaining Prestige if they were pinned/locked in stash before transferring. It's encouraging to see BSG addressing these specific issues that have been affecting players. However, one can't help but notice the conspicuous absence of any updates regarding DLSS 4 and the implementation of the correct preset. In the 14.2.25 update , BSG introduced DLSS 4 support but, in a classic twist, opted for the outdated preset D, which utilizes the older CNN model, instead of the more advanced preset K based on the Transformer model. This choice has left many players scratching their heads, as preset K offers superior performance and visual quality. The community has been vocal about this oversight, yet it seems this latest patch doesn't address the issue. As explained in a previous article, for those eager to experience the benefits of preset K, some resourceful players have found workarounds to force the game to use the latest DLSS DLL and preset K . However, an official fix from BSG would be the ideal solution to ensure all players can easily access the improved performance and visuals .

Gear Fear is one of the most widespread phenomena among Escape from Tarkov players. This sense of anxiety, tied to the possibility of losing valuable gear during a raid, deeply influences gameplay and the enjoyment of many enthusiasts. In this article, we will explore the causes, effects, and ways to overcome Gear Fear to help you fully enjoy the unique experience offered by the game. Don't miss the end of the article, where I added my personal experience and suggestions. Causes of Gear Fear Psychological Gear Fear  has its roots in psychological factors common in hardcore games. The fear of losing items painstakingly accumulated or purchased with in-game money is amplified by the idea that every mistake could lead to a permanent loss . Furthermore, the unpredictability of encounters in Escape from Tarkov  creates a constant sense of anxiety, pushing many players to be overly protective of their gear. Strategic One of the main strategic causes of Gear Fear  is a lack of familiarity with the game's mechanics. Many new players underestimate the importance of preparation and calculated risk, leading to decisions that increase the likelihood of failure. Additionally, players often overvalue their gear compared to its actual impact in the game. This results in difficulty deciding whether and when to risk using it, even in situations where it would be truly beneficial. Economic The economic aspect plays a crucial role. The difficulty of accumulating sufficient funds to replace lost gear can make every raid feel like a stressful gamble. However, this perception is often influenced by the fact that new players do not yet know how to earn money effectively. With experience, it becomes easier to generate profits and manage resources without too much difficulty. Effects of Gear Fear On Gameplay Gear Fear  leads many players to adopt an ultra-conservative playstyl e. This includes triggering psychological defense mechanisms against stress and the fear of failure, resulting in wasted time and reluctance to enter raids. These behaviors limit the opportunity to improve skills and, in the long run, prevent players from enjoying the challenges offered by the game. Psychological On a personal level, Gear Fear  can generate stress and frustration , reducing overall enjoyment. The sense of stagnation that comes from avoiding risky situations can also lead to a loss of motivation . Social Players may adopt counterproductive behaviors , such as stealing loot that they have no right to at the expense of teammates or avoiding aggressive but risky tactical decisions that could lead to victory. These attitudes can undermine team cohesion and reduce the chances of success. Positive Despite the negative effects, Gear Fear  contributes to making Escape from Tarkov  a unique and thrilling game. The fear of losing gear fuels the adrenaline and intensity of raids. Without this tension, there would not be the same level of satisfaction and enjoyment when a raid goes well. The fear of failure makes success even sweeter, creating an emotional cycle that motivates players to continuously improve. How to Overcome Gear Fear Changing Mentality To overcome Gear Fear , it is essential to change your mindset . Accepting that losses are an inevitable part of Escape from Tarkov  is the first step. A useful strategy is to think of gear as merely "on loan" : you have it, but it is not truly yours, and soon you may need to pass it on to another player. Also, every defeat should be seen as a learning opportunity rather than a failure. Practical Strategies Practice in Offline Mode : Use offline mode to familiarize yourself with maps, spawns, and mechanics without the risk of losing gear. Economical Raids : Start with low-value gear to reduce the anxiety associated with losses. Easy and cheap loadouts are Scav kits. They can be obtained playing as a Scav, getting out of the raid as fast as possible and transfering the kit the Scav had on to your PMC . Just repair the weapon, the armor and integrate the kit with the needed consumables (ammo, healing supplies, food, etc.) and go raiding with it. Alternatively, you can loot Scav kits from dead scavs when raiding as a PMC or as a Scav. Play as a Scav : Use the Scav character to gather loot to sell and earn money without risking your main gear. At the same time, you will also learn the maps and gameplay dynamics better, making you more confident and less afraid. As per previous point, you can re-use Scav kits on your PMC. Risk Assessment : Learn to decide when to fight or retreat based on the circumstances of the raid. Economic Management Reserve Stock : Keep an inventory of essential gear for tough situations. Always Insure your gear: it’s worth the cost. You’ll likely recover more items than you’d expect, especially with low-budget gear. Free kits to reuse! Use the Market : Take advantage of the Flea Market and barters with traders to find good deals and maintain a stable budget. Flip items from Flea Market to traders or vice versa to make money. Community Support Joining online communities or playing with friends can help alleviate Gear Fear. Gaining advice and support from experienced players is an effective way to build confidence and improve your gameplay. Overall, being part of a team rather than playing solo provides a sense of security and encourages bolder gameplay. Personal Considerations and Suggestions The psychological dynamics of games have always fascinated me, and Escape from Tarkov  is no exception. Like many other players, I also faced Gear Fear ... and more! In my case, beyond the fear of losing gear , I had to confront what I call " Time Fear ": the fear of wasting time . Gone the days I could spend most of my time playing videogames, the idea of investing 45 minutes in a raid, risking losing everything, including loot and mission progress, generated a lot of anxiety. Even the time needed to re-equip and prepare for another raid seemed like a waste, especially after a defeat . I even caught myself procrastinating—finding endless excuses to avoid jumping into raids and the stress that came with them. I’d step out for a cigarette, grab a drink from the kitchen, check the Flea Market, warm up in Practice Mode, check on the cat, check on my wife, check the news… anything to delay the inevitable. But I eventually realized this was holding me back from playing more raids—raids that would have given me experience, confidence, and a way to overcome my fears . So, I pushed myself to run as many raids as possible . Especially after a death, my goal was to jump right back in without hesitation. I started using budget-friendly kits , often salvaged from Scav runs. And if I had high-tier gear that I was too afraid to lose, I simply sold it. Over time, I realized that my deaths were more often caused by my inexperience and nervousness than by my gear . By doing more raids, even with modest gear, I gained experience and confidence . I learned the maps, the game mechanics, and discovered how often you can return from a raid with extremely better loot than what you started with. With no fear I also started to interact more with other players by VoIP. This generated immense fun and chances to team up and adventure together with total strangers. I began to defeat enemies with far superior gear , realizing how practice and experience can compensate for less advanced equipment. Another key factor was insurance . Many times, I recovered gear I thought was lost, which allowed me to accumulate several ready-to-use kits—sometimes even too many , prompting me to sell some to traders. I started to use these kits without hesitation, viewing them as 'free gear,' much like the free equipment you get when you do Scav runs. Insurance fraud is another effective strategy for accumulating gear and money, which helps alleviate gear fear. Finally, I optimized the management of my stash, making preparation between raids quicker . This reduced stress and made the process smoother, less discouraging and time consuming. As for Time Fear specifically, I began with reminding myself that no time is wasted, even when I die , because each death is still a lesson that improves my skills. Over time, and after many deaths, big improvements followed, which confirmed the theory through results. Today, I can confidently say that I have almost overcome both Gear Fear and Time Fear. I now enter raids with a more relaxed and positive mindset, ready to enjoy the experience regardless of the outcome. I would say I’ve embraced the positive side of fear —the kind that makes raids exciting and challenging without being overly stressful or anxiety-inducing. Let me know in the comments if my experience and tips helped you overcome Gear Fear—or share your own advice and stories! I'd love to read them.

This is not a complete guide to Woods. It’s just a collection of tips to help you start exploring and get familiar with the map. Woods is one of the most difficult maps to navigate because it’s mainly forests, mountains, valleys, and plains, with trees blocking your view . There are very few buildings to serve as landmarks, but there are some recognizable areas that can help. In addition to recommending the excellent Ultimate Woods Beginner Map Guide  by Pestily , here are a couple of tips I think will help you. Even though the map has few landmarks, there are three very useful ones: The large mountain in the center of the map. When you’re south of it, it’s very visible and helps you determine where north is. An image from Pestily's Woods Guide I linked above When you’re north of the mountain, use the two landscapes in the northwest and northeast as references. They’re easily recognizable and marked on some maps. (Note: this image is low resolution; here’s the original high-resolution version  that you can zoom in on to better see the northwest and northeast landmarks). Other important tips: Watch out for mines (USEC CAMP and the west/southwest edges of the map) and restricted areas guarded by snipers (north and east edges of the map). Some spawn points are near minefields , so when you spawn, avoid running around until you figure out where you are. Mines are usually marked with skull signs . The minefield near USEC CAMP isn’t marked with signs or other indicators! As shown in the image, two spawn points are very close to it (the 2 yellow arrows). The image also shows the left edge of the map, which is also a minefield . The border of this minefield marked with skull signs. If you look at the full map, you'll notice that this minefield extends along the entire west edge and continues to the southern edge as well. While watching Pestily’s video, and then when you will be exploring the map yourself, memorize the main areas of the map (like Old Sawmill, Sawmill, Sunken Village, Scav Bunker, etc.) and extraction points. Woods is the hardest map to orient yourself on when spawning. It’s already challenging during the day and even harder at night. There are players with thousands of hours in the game who still take time to figure out where they are when they spawn in. Try to identify spawn points on the map while exploring. Power lines and pylons are great landmarks to help you figure out your location and direction. Woods has many hidden cashes (also known as hidden stashes) . Since the map is large and spread out, you can avoid risky areas where players are likely to be and do a “cache run” (or "stash run") to fill your inventory with loot to sell or use. Give it a try! The compass you get from one of the first quests, Search Mission , is very handy for exploring Woods. However, be aware that the compass is currently bugged (it doesn't open correctly so you can't see the arrow, but you can still see the bearing number in the bottom right corner of your screen, but the north and the south are swapped). WARNING: Avoid attempting to reach the hidden cache north of the Power Line Passage extract. Since the introduction of the new flare extract point, Power Line Passage , newly added snipers who protect the extract point have been reported to fire at players who venture too close to the western map border in that area. Previously, players could safely reach the hidden cache despite its location within the minefield marking the map border, as a known safe path allowed access. However, with the addition of new sniper Scavs, that area is now considered too close to the extract, and they will open fire on anyone attempting to reach it.

With Patch 0.16, Battlestate Games introduced Hidden Extracts in "Escape from Tarkov." While many players celebrated the addition of new extraction points across various maps, it's important to note that not all maps received new extraction points; in some cases, existing ones were modified. Hidden Extracts have been implemented on all maps except Interchange and The Lab. The Hidden Extracts can be activated by finding paper notes or minefield maps during raids. These items can be discovered in random containers, ranging from Scav bodies to filing cabinets and hidden caches. Once you find the code, your list of extraction points will automatically update to include these new hidden extraction points. To extract, the player must enter the correct area and activate the "Transmit Code" or "Transmit Mines" option (depending on whether the item to activate them is a note or a minefield map) that will appear on the screen. Hidden extractions can be used by both PMCs and Scav players . Hidden Extracts map by map: Customs:  The extraction points Smugglers' Boat and Smugglers' Bunker (ZB-1012), which were previously "uncertain" extraction points requiring players to physically check their availability, have now become Hidden Extracts. They can no longer be used unless the Note with code word Voron  is found. Shoreline:  The Mountain Bunker, previously known as Old Bunker and serving as a Scav extract, has become a Hidden Extract. It requires the Note with code word Heartbeat . Lighthouse:  A new extract called Passage by the Lake has been added as a Hidden Extract. It requires the Minefield map (Lighthouse) . Reserve:  A new extract called Exit to Woods has been added. It requires the Minefield map (Reserve) . Factory:  A new extract called Smugglers' Passage has been added. It requires the Note with code word Ark . Woods:  A new extract called Railway Bridge to Tarkov has been added in the new Train Depot area, accessible only by using the BTR taxi service that roams the map. It requires the Minefield map (Woods) . Streets of Tarkov:  A new extract called Smugglers' Basement has been added. It requires the Note with code word Onyx . Hidden Extracts Location To easily find the locations of the Hidden Extracts, check the online maps available on the EFT Wiki, starting from this page . Considerations about Hidden Extracts While not a game-changing feature, the introduction of Hidden Extracts in "Escape from Tarkov" adds a compelling mechanic, offering players alternative extraction routes and enhancing strategic options during raids. These secret extractions provide a "safer" way of extracting, as opponents may not anticipate players utilizing these hidden routes (Catch me if you can, extract campers!). For instance, during a recent Scav run on Customs, I spawned near the Big Red warehouse on the east side of the river and discovered three PMC bodies laden with valuable loot. Among them, I found a Scav carrying the  Note with code word Voron . This fortunate find enabled me to use the Smugglers' Boat Hidden Extract, allowing for a swift exit without traversing the entire map to other extraction points, thereby minimizing risk and securing the valuable items I had acquired. Pretty nice! Let me know what you think about this new feature in the comments!

Escape from Tarkov offers a deep and immersive experience, but its complexity can be overwhelming, especially with the vast number of actions available. In this guide, we’ll explore how to set up your keybinds effectively, providing tips and recommendations to make every movement and action smoother, faster, and more intuitive. One of the aspects of Escape from Tarkov  that defines it as an impressive mil-sim is the number of operations players can make their characters perform. Starting with movement controls, players can perform actions like Smooth Lean or Sidestep, Vaulting, control movement speed using the mouse wheel, or even adjust the crouch height gradually using the combination of the C key + mouse wheel . Then there are all the actions that can be performed with the weapon you’re holding, such as switching fire mode, inspecting the chamber, emptying the chamber, fixing malfunctions, removing the magazine, etc. With so many operations, there is naturally a significant number of keybinds . In my opinion a lot of them work just fine as they are set by default. You just need to learn them and get used to them. However, there are quite a few that are worth changing to make them more easily reachable with your fingers on the keyboard (or mouse) and functional. Let’s start with some tips on setting up keybinds and potential combinations , followed by my personal keybind settings , which I consider important (some even essential) and why. Tips and Tricks First, it’s important to know that in EFT, you can create key combinations using up to three keys. Thanks to this, you can use SHIFT , CTRL , or ALT  as modifiers. EFT already does this by default in some cases. For instance, if B  is the key to switch fire mode, ALT+B  is the combination to check the currently selected fire mode. Another important thing to know is that in the keybind settings, you can choose how each action is triggered: on press , on release , on double-click , or on hold  (Continuous). This can be configured in the rightmost column of the keybinds settings. It is an extremely useful feature , especially with such a large number of actions to assign, because it allows you to assign multiple actions to the same key. However, if you assign two actions to the same key, for example, one on Release and another on Double click , the action on release will be slightly delayed because the game will wait to determine whether it’s a single or double-click. The delay is minimal but can make a difference in certain situations. The same goes for actions set to hold (Continuous). On the other hand, if you assign two actions to the same key using the Press and Release functions, there’s no delay. Keybinds Here are my settings, starting with the most important ones. Hold your breath Holding your breath is vital to stabilize aim when in ADS. There is a keybind setup that allows you to "automatically" hold your breath when you ADS. To do this you need to bound "Hold breath" to the right mouse button on Release . The right mouse button is also bound to "Aim", but on Press . So when I press the right mouse button my character Aims and when I release the button it holds breath. All is done with just one click of the same button. Remember to also bind "Hold breath" to another key, because if you move while in ADS, you'll need to activate the "Hold breath" again. I bound it to LEFT ALT because it's one of the most easily reachable keys for me. For those who don't use aim toggle but need to set it to "Continuous" so that when they release the mouse button they stop ADSing, this trick can still be done but it's a lot more complicated and the use of macros is needed. Here is a video by NoGenerals that explains how to do it . Lean Right and Lean Left As in most FPS games these two actions are set by default to Q  and E , but given the importance of moving fluidly and quickly, these keys are not the best choice. Why? Because with these default settings, you cannot move using WASD keys  while pressing Q  or E . Try it—it’s practically impossible and definitely not practical. To solve this issue, many solutions have been tried, but the one I find the simplest and most practical is to assign Lean Right  and Lean Left  to two mouse buttons. Not the main ones, of course, but if you use a Logitech G502 like me, for example, the side buttons ( Mouse3  and Mouse4 ) are great choices. It might take some time to get used to, but the benefits are huge. If you don’t own a mouse with enough keys I strongly suggest getting one. A G502 is pretty cheap these days. For a deeper analysis and a more authoritative voice, I recommend this video from a streamer who has made rapid movement and total control of his character an art: NoGenerals . The video should start at the relevant point, but if not, the key section begins at 11:26 - Teaching JesseKazam How I Peek in Tarkov - PVP Tips - Escape From Tarkov Inspect Current Weapon and Check Chamber/Fix Malfunction When a weapon malfunction occurs, you must first inspect the weapon (to identify the issue) and then fix the malfunction. By default, these two actions are bound to separate keys. But there’s a much faster and more efficient way: binding both actions to the same key, one on press  and the other on release . Specifically, I have Fix Malfunction  bound to pressing ALT+Mouse4  and Inspect  to releasing ALT+Mouse4 . When I encounter a malfunction, I press and release ALT+Mouse4 . EFT first reads the press action, but since the inspection hasn’t been performed yet, it does nothing. The system then reads the release action and performs the inspection. At this point, I press the same key again, and the cycle repeats. This time, the game performs the fix since the inspection has already been done and Fix Malfunction is on Press, so it's the first action it reads and tries to do. Emergency Weapon Reload By default, this is set to a double-click of the R  key. This action allows you to reload your weapon faster than a normal reload but at the cost of dropping the current magazine. However, there’s another downside. Since the emergency reload is set to double-click  and the normal reload to release , there will be a short delay while the game waits to determine whether you’re performing a single or double-click. In combat, even a slight delay can mean the difference between life and death. There are two possible solutions: A  - Assign the emergency reload to a different key or combination (it needs to be convenient since it’s an emergency reload). B  - Completely unbind the emergency reload to avoid accidentally using it and dropping your magazine, and to eliminate the double-click delay. I chose this option. Drop Backpack As noted in the EFT Tutorial you can find here on TTC , this is a crucial action for improving movement in combat and performing tasks that may be hindered by your weight and need to be executed quickly during or just before a fight. For this reason, I’ve bound it to ALT+Z , as I find it easier to press than the default setting. Discard Discarding items from your backpack is a frequent operation, especially when looting during a raid in situations where speed is critical. By default, it’s bound to the DELETE key on your keyboard. However, the key’s distance from the WASD keys forces you to move either your left or right hand, which is far from ideal since threats can arise at any moment. Many players prefer to rebind it to a more accessible key, such as the U key , which is what I initially did. However, I still find it somewhat inconvenient and am currently using the SHIFT+X combination for even better accessibility. Quick Slots (Slots 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 0) Quick slots are incredibly useful for having medical items ready for immediate use during raids or activating other items like compasses or flares. The problem is that reaching keys beyond 6 on the keyboard can be awkward. However, using the press  and release  system, you can assign two slots to the same key. For instance, I bind key 4  to Slot 4 on press  and Slot 7 on release . Similarly, key 4 is bound to Slot 4 on press  and Slot 8 on release . This allows me to place my most essential healing items bound to accessible keys. Example: I keep a CALOK-B  in Slot 4 for heavy bleeding and a medkit in Slot 7 for healing. If I have heavy bleeding, pressing 4  the first time activates the CALOK-B. Once the bleeding is stopped, pressing 4  again will activate the medkit. If I need to heal but don’t have any heavy bleeding at that moment, the medkit will be used on the first press of the 4 key. Switch Between Sights and Change Scope Magnification With Q  and E  freed by reassigning the lean actions, I set E  to Switch Between Sights  and Q  to Change Scope Magnification , as these are frequently used actions that require quick access. Prone This is a very personal solution to a problem I encountered, but it might be a useful suggestion for you if you’ve faced the same issue. Several times, when startled by the sudden appearance of an unexpected threat, I flinched and accidentally pressed the default X keybind. This caused me to go prone, leaving me unable to move or maintain aim, often leading to a disadvantage. To address this, I rebound the prone action to require a Double click of the X key . This adjustment eliminated the flinch problem while still allowing me to go prone quickly when necessary. Scope Zoom In and Scope Zoom Out After the introduction of this new feature, which allows for gradual zoom adjustment on certain scopes, I assigned Zoom In and Zoom Out to the combination SHIFT + Mouse Scroll . Specifically: SHIFT + Mouse Scroll Up  for Zoom In SHIFT + Mouse Scroll Down  for Zoom Out If I remember correctly, by default they are set to ALT+Mouse Scroll , but I had to change it because using ALT  prevented me from moving while adjusting the zoom, as ALT + W, A, S, D  are bound to other actions. With my setup, I can at least move laterally while zooming since SHIFT + A  and SHIFT + D  are not bound to anything. Vaulting By default, the "Vaulting over medium obstacles" setting is set to "Auto" in the GAME section of the options. This is known to cause a drop in performance , as the game continuously calculates where your character might need to vault. It’s highly recommended to change this setting to "Hotkey" and bind the Vaulting action to an easily accessible key. I am currently using the default setting SPACEBAR with a Continuous press, while jumping is set to SPACEBAR on Release. This way, if there is an obstacle, by holding down the spacebar I vault it, but if I just tap the spacebar I will jump it. But I’m still considering whether this is the optimal choice because sometimes it happens to jump instead of vaulting. This may generate unwanted noise that can get me detected by enemies. Shoulder Transition: Switching the shoulder you hold your weapon on is crucial during firefights and must be easy to access. I assigned this to T . Toggle Tactical Devices: Toggling tactical devices like lasers or flashlights is vital, so I assigned it to the thumb button on my mouse . Switch Tactical Device Mode Since I assigned Toggle Tactical Devices  to the mouse thumb button, I set this command to the combination ALT + mouse thumb button . Check Time / Check Time and Exits I found the default setting inconvenient and considered the Check Time  command redundant alongside Check Time and Exits . Therefore, I unbound Check Time  and left only the O  key to activate on Press the Check Time and Exits  action. Sidearm + Sidearm Quick Swap Some time ago, BSG added the Sidearm Quick Swap  feature, which allows you to draw your pistol more quickly. This action is crucial and can change the outcome of a fight when you run out of ammo in your primary weapon. However, it consumes arm stamina, and if your stamina is depleted, this action cannot be performed. For this reason, I assigned the 1 key  on Press  to Sidearm Quick Swap  and on Release  to the standard sidearm draw, which doesn’t require arm stamina. This way, if I have no stamina and the Quick Swap cannot be executed, the standard sidearm draw function will activate instead. Melee Weapon Since the introduction of mountable bipods, the V  key has been reassigned to actions related to this new feature. For this reason, I moved Melee Weapon  to the key to the left of 1  at the top-left of the keyboard, just below the ESC  key for clarity. Melee Attack I kept it bound to the Double Click of the V key  because it’s easy to reach and press. That’s it! I know it’s a lot of information, but I believe having the right keybinds is essential for performing EFT’s numerous actions quickly and effectively. I hope this guide helps. If you have suggestions for better keybind setups, share them in the comments!

While the EFT community is waiting for the promised "early August" wipe, something unexpected happened, leaving everyone speechless. What's really going on is unknown, but the speculations are many. In a surprising and chaotic turn of events, Battlestate Games (BSG) made headlines when they accidentally wiped a significant number of player accounts in Escape From Tarkov . The incident unfolded when a developer, while testing a new feature for a future update, mistakenly deleted data from the game's servers. This led to many players logging out of raids only to discover that their accounts had been wiped clean. The initial reaction from the community was shock and disbelief, with many assuming it was an early surprise wipe, a well-known feature in the game's lifecycle. The wipe was an accident caused by human error, not a bug or a system failure. BSG quickly responded to the situation, clarifying that the wipe was an accident caused by human error, not a bug or a system failure. They assured players that they had backups of the data, but restoring the affected accounts would take some time. In the interim, BSG has promised compensation to those impacted by this error, though details on what form this compensation will take remain unclear. However, some community members are skeptical of BSG's explanation. Claims have surfaced suggesting that BSG may not be fully transparent about the nature of the mistake. According to these sources, this was not just a technical glitch but a significant oversight by a single developer. This has fueled fears that such an error could happen again, casting doubt on BSG's ability to manage their game infrastructure securely. Did someone just press the wrong button? The incident has sparked a wave of criticism and concern across the Tarkov community. Many players are questioning how a single mistake could lead to such widespread data loss and whether the game is at risk of similar issues in the future. The idea that one person could unintentionally wipe out player progress is unsettling, to say the least. Despite the severity of the situation, BSG has attempted to reassure players by stating that they are taking steps to ensure this mistake is not repeated. They have not specified what these steps will be, but the hope is that the company will improve its internal processes to prevent similar incidents. For now, the community waits with bated breath to see how BSG handles the restoration of lost data and whether they can rebuild the trust that has been shaken by this blunder. While the affected players will eventually get their accounts back, the incident has left a lasting impression, raising questions about the stability and reliability of the game's infrastructure. This situation serves as a reminder of the delicate nature of online gaming environments, where even a small error can have catastrophic consequences. As BSG works to rectify the situation, the community will undoubtedly be watching closely, eager to see how the company navigates this unexpected and troubling challenge.

A patch from BSG wouldn’t be the same without a fair share of hidden changes to catch players off guard! While Battlestate Games continues with its strange and inexplicable gaps in communication with players, we’ve checked some streamers videos to uncover BSG secrets. One of the most informative is undoubtedly Gigabeef, who in a recent video highlighted several important changes in the game that were not explicitly mentioned in the 0.15 patch notes (check the link to the full video at the end of the article): Weapon Fire Rate Adjustments: 9x39 Weapons: Notable adjustments were made to weapons using 9x39 ammo, including the VSS , AS VAL , and VSK . Their fire rates were reduced to 700 RPM , making them easier to control in full-auto and preventing ammo depletion too quickly, given that their magazines hold only 20 rounds . However, the recently added SR3M still maintains its higher RPM, giving it an edge in burst damage potential. Recoil Changes: There have been recoil changes on several weapons, but the most important are the 7.62 MDR and the AUG both saw increases in recoil. This tweak makes them align closer to other rifles in their class. Weapon Availability on the Flea Market: Some high-tier weapons, such as the Mutant , RD-704 , and RPD , have been reintroduced to the flea market. The same goes for most of the 7.62x51 marksman rifles such as the G28 , the RSASS , the SR-25 and the M1A . Others, like the VSS and SIG MCX SPEAR , have now been banned. Armor Availability on the Flea Market: The Death Shadow Mask and the CQCM are both been removed from the Flea Market, along with the SLAAP Plate and Bastion Plate , making this kind of end-game gear more rare and reducing the number of players using it. Ammo Availability Changes: The patch notes state that "all ammo with less than 42 penetration is now allowed on the Flea Market, with a few exceptions." One notable exception is the 7.62x51mm M80 ammo, which has a penetration power of 41 but is still banned from the Flea Market. Bipods: Though bipods were mentioned in the patch notes, Gigabeef discovered they provide an even greater recoil reduction than anticipated, with up to 80% recoil reduction when deployed. This makes them particularly powerful for high-recoil, long-range weapons like the M60. But it's important to note that they can be mounted on smaller rifles like the M4A1 or the SVD. Helmet and Headset Compatibility Changes: The SSH-68 helmet (commonly known as the "penis helmet") can no longer be worn with any headsets . This change impacts early-game players significantly, as it removes a cost-effective combination. Another notable change is that the Ushanka ear flap hat , which is required for the Setup quest, is now only compatible with the GSSh-01 active headset. Quest Modifications: Chemical Part 2 has undergone a change. The key needed to open the door to room 220 is now the 306 room key . This small adjustment wasn't listed in the notes, and it caught players off guard, leading to confusion for those pursuing the quest without reading the information given carefully enough. That’s all for now, but there could be more. If so, we’ll keep you updated right away! Don't forget to check Gigabeef's full video which contains even more useful info!

Which is the Best Headset with the New Wipe?  With the introduction of new headsets in Patch 0.15 of Escape From Tarkov , players now have more options than ever to enhance their auditory awareness and gain a tactical edge in raids. The great Gigabeef has once again provided a detailed breakdown of these headsets, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses, proving to be, as always, an invaluable asset to the EFT community. Gigabeef has done it again! The table below is created from the data collected by Gigabeef and presented in his highly informative YouTube video. If you haven’t seen it yet, I highly recommend watching it because, as always, it’s packed with valuable insights and fascinating tests. You can find the link at the end of the article. I’ve added the last column with prices in thousands of Rubles to Gigabeef's data for your reference. All measurements have been done while underweight . Disclaimer: Flea Market prices are highly volatile and can change dramatically over time. The price evaluations in this article are based on flea market prices as of early September 2024. Now, let's analyze this data and make some observations. The Best High-Performance Headset: Comtac 6 The Comtac 6  is currently the best headset in the game, offering the highest noise reduction and sound amplification. This makes it ideal for detecting distant footsteps and subtle audio cues, providing a significant advantage in high-stakes environments. However, this headset comes with a steep price tag of 94k Roubles. Strong Alternatives: RAC and Comtac 5 For those looking for high performance at a lower cost, the RAC (46k) and Comtac 5 (68k) headsets are excellent choices. They offer slightly less sensitivity than the Comtac 6 but still provide the same noise reduction. The RAC , in particular, stands out because it is significantly cheaper than the Comtac 5. However, the RAC can only be used with certain helmets. Additionally, there are special versions of the Comtac 5 and Comtac 6  designed specifically for EXFIL helmets. These versions maintain the great stats of their standard counterparts but are much cheaper (around 30k Rubles), possibly because they are more common in loot pools or because fewer players currently have access to EXFIL helmets early in the wipe. Best Value for Money: Safariland Liberator If you’re looking for the best value for your money, the Safariland Liberator  is the top choice. It offers nearly identical stats to the Comtac 5, including effective noise reduction and sound amplification, but at a much lower price of 44k Roubles. This makes the Safariland Liberator the best option for players who want great performance without overspending. The XCEL headset is also fairly well-balanced in terms of performance, but it is currently priced nearly the same as the Safariland Liberator and offers slightly worse stats. Given this, the Safariland is the better choice. Overpriced Options: Comtac 4 and Sordin The Comtac 4  has decent stats but falls short in terms of ambient noise reduction compared to other top-tier headsets. At 78k Roubles, it is considerably overpriced, likely due to its reputation from the last wipe when it was considered the best headset available. However, the Safariland Liberator now offers much better noise reduction and is over 30k Roubles cheaper, making it a more attractive option. The Sordin headset is a favorite among some players, but it is one of the weakest in detecting slow walking sounds and has much poorer ambient noise reduction than other headsets in its price range. At 40k Roubles, there are better options available for those looking for both performance and affordability. Budget Options: Tac Sport, Razor, and M32 The Tac Sport  was once considered one of the best value options in the game. It is still a good choice for those looking to save some money, costing 33k Roubles. However, with the Safariland Liberator priced just 10k Roubles more and offering significantly better overall performance, players might want to consider investing a bit more for a substantial improvement. The Razor headset could be the new go-to for budget players, priced around 22k Roubles. It provides decent performance for the price, but its detection range for normal walking sounds is one of the lowest, which could be a disadvantage in certain situations. An alternative to the Razor for those looking to save even more is the M32 headset , which costs about 19k Roubles. It has similar performance across all metrics to the Razor but is even more affordable, making it a great choice for those on a tight budget. Avoid Unless Necessary: Comtac 2 and GSSH The Comtac 2  and GSSH  headsets are generally not recommended unless you have specific needs, such as compatibility issues (e.g., the GSSH  is the only headset that can be worn with the Ushanka hat in Patch 0.15) or are extremely low on funds. Their performance is subpar compared to other headsets, and there are much better options available for just a little more money. Don’t forget to check out Gigabeef’s video and give it a thumbs up. I also discovered another interesting video on this topic by SheefGG . While it’s less exhaustive, it showcases different tests in various conditions, and the results are quite interesting as well.

Nikita from Battlestate Games recently shared a teaser on Twitter, and though details are scarce, we can still make some educated guesses. I've watched NoiceGuy's video about it, so let’s break down what was discussed. Yesterday, popular Tarkov content creator NoiceGuy  shared his thoughts on a teaser posted by Nikita, the head of Battlestate Games. Although it was just a picture with no accompanying comment or details, NoiceGuy  dove into the details and offered his own insights on what this new content could be. Early Development: Still in the Gray-Box Stage T he image shared by Nikita shows the new location is still in the gray-box stage . This stage of development involves laying out the core structure and major features of a location before adding intricate details (such as textures). NoiceGuy thinks that while some aspects of the teaser, such as lighting and foliage, might appear polished, the presence of large, gray-boxed structures clearly indicates that it’s still an early version. In other words, he thinks we shouldn't expect this location to hit EFT anytime soon. Hints from the Environment: Coastal Naval Fortress? NoiceGuy  speculated that the teaser’s flat horizon could be a clue that this location is coastal. Based on the architectural style seen in the image, which resembles a fortress, he thinks it may be inspired by historical Russian coastal fortresses . He specifically points to the St. Petersburg area, which is the real-world inspiration for Tarkov’s fictional Norvinsk region. The visible structure and distinctive arched windows closely match naval fortresses in that area. What Could This Map Be? Battlestate Games has already confirmed that Terminal will be the next major map addition to Tarkov, but NoiceGuy is doubtful that this teaser is related to Terminal . By now, Terminal should be in the final stages of development, not in the gray-box phase. With that in mind, NoiceGuy suggests the teaser could be tied to Arena mode, which is currently under active development. Arena maps are typically smaller and faster-paced, and the compact, fortress-like structure shown in the teaser would be a fitting environment for such a mode. My Thoughts and what the community thinks: While NoiceGuy’s assumptions may be correct, there’s also the possibility that the gray-box structures were intentionally shown this way to obscure the location and make it harder to identify, rather than reflecting its actual development stage. Also, we don’t know much about Terminal , so it’s possible that this teaser is  connected to that map. In fact, since the location in the pic shared by Nikita seems to be near the sea, this further strengthens the theory that it could be the Terminal  map , as its setting is in a shipping terminal, where a naval fortress could be very well integrated. Personally, I find it unlikely that Nikita would be teasing a new Arena map at this point. It seems more likely that this is related to a future EFT location, or perhaps something tied to the game’s progress toward its final release. [I was wrong LOL, see update below] There’s also a strong sentiment (and hope) in the community that this could be an expansion or rework of the Lighthouse map , which many players have criticized for being poorly designed. Issues with PMC spawn locations being concentrated in the southern part of the map, while key areas like the Water Treatment Plant are located in the north, have made Lighthouse a frustrating experience for many. Whatever this teaser ultimately turns out to be, we’ll have to wait and see. In the meantime, let’s keep the discussion going and speculate on what’s to come. Don't forget to check NoiceGuy's full video ! 20/09 UPDATE: After the release of the new roadmap for late 2024 and additional information, it now seems more likely that the teaser is for a new Arena map. In my original reasoning, I hadn’t considered the approaching TwitchCon and the fact that BSG has been heavily promoting Arena, including an upcoming free wekend this weekend. 23/09 UPDATE: TwitchCon has passed, and we now have confirmation that the teaser was for a new Arena  map called Fort . It looks fantastic and seems to have great potential. I’m can't wait to play on it, but I’m holding off until the bug affecting Escape from Tarkov  traders’ reputations is resolved (see related article below).

When players get the Therapist's quest Supply Plans , they are faced with a tough decision: Skier offers a conflicting quest, Kind of Sabotage , asking you to betray her and deliver the secure folder to him instead. He promises a generous reward—but is it worth crossing Therapist? And what will the consequences be? Definitely "Skier" LOL The decision on which quest to complete— Supply Plans or Kind of Sabotage —primarily comes down to the rewards: Both quests grant +0.04 reputation points with their respective trader. Therapist provides 7,500 EXP , while Skier offers only 4,500 EXP . Skier gives 180,000 Rubles , far more than the 75,000 Rubles from Therapist. Therapist also gives a CMS Surgical Kit Importantly, you won't suffer any reputation loss with the trader you "betray" by choosing the other. So, the choice essentially depends on whether you prefer the extra cash from Skier or the higher EXP from Therapist. If you're aiming for more EXP , then Therapist is the better choice. If you're more focused on Rubles , then Skier offers a more lucrative reward. One extra factor to consider is that the CMS Surgical Kit from Therapist might come in handy for Jaeger's quest Ambulance , which requires you to turn in 2 CMS kits. The other CMS kit can be earned from Jaeger's own quest, The Survivalist Path - Tough Guy . Personally, I chose not to betray Therapist and completed Supply Plans because, early on in the wipe, it was more beneficial for me to gain extra EXP to reach level 15 and unlock the Flea Market as quickly as possible.

Skier's quest Chemical - Part 2 has been creating a bit of confusion in the community as it seems that the quest was (temporarily) changed and it required the key to room 306 instead. Some say it's true. Others say it's not. What's going on? There’s a strange legend (?) circulating in the EFT community. Apparently, the quest Chemical - Part 2  experienced some mysterious changes at the start of the wipe. A portion of players (myself included) completed the quest as usual, like in previous wipes, while others found themselves stuck because their key for Room 220 no longer unlocked the door. Some players noticed that the quest text had changed , stating: "So here's the key that you found there as well, and try to dig up further. My guys said it's from a dorm room. I got a tip that the fucker changed the lock. The lock seems to be some cheap shit, and the same kind of lock was seen on room 306. Chances are the key might fit." What did this mean? That the correct key to unlock Room 220 had become the key for Room 306. This led to everyone scrambling for a 306 key, which immediately became impossible to find on the Flea Market, skyrocketing to insane prices. Additionally, some players misinterpreted the quest text, mistakenly believing that the room required for the quest had changed to Room 306. Later on, it seems BSG made another adjustment , causing Skier to give out both the key for Room 220 and the key for Room 306 as part of the Initial Equipment. However, those who had already accepted the quest before this change only received the 220 key and were still stuck. Finally, BSG appears to have reverted everything back to how it was originally , with only the 220 key being necessary to unlock Room 220. Apparently, they wanted to introduce this change, but instead of doing it right at the start of the wipe, they did it when it was already begun, creating a lot of confusion. Who knows, maybe in the next wipe we’ll see this variation of the quest return, hopefully introduced from day one?

On the 19th of September, in preparation for TwitchCon in San Diego, Battlestate Games has released a new patch for Arena. There are several interesting improvements and a few new things introduced that are quite promising. Let's discuss the patch notes together. Reading the patch notes, the first and most important thing to note is the Technical improvements section, which promises better performance in the network component of EFT: Arena. Since the start of the new wipe, many players (me included) have experienced worse-than-ever performance problems in Arena, including bad hit registration, desync, and general performance issues. This patch seems to address these problems with: increased server tick rate, improved interaction between the game server and client, reduced frame time on servers (which reduces latency before network packets are processed), and fewer situations where hits were not registered . Quality Of Life Improvements Another interesting change is related to region selection . This is now available in-game instead of in the launcher only, and should make it much easier for players to select regions with better ping without having to exit the game. More QoL improvements should also be achieved through the Task Widget , that will allow easier tracking of tasks. It's also important to note that now all operational tasks will be accepted automatically . BSG also introduced the ability to re-select the equipment preset at the start of the match and when switching sides in BlastGang mode. This allows players to double-check their selected preset, make adjustments as needed depending on their teammates' choices, and even adapt to enemy strategies by changing presets when switching sides. Balancing The other changes introduced in Patch 0.2.1.0 are related to balancing the damage done by certain bullets and how armors absorb blunt damage from projectiles, specifically reducing the soft armor blunt throughput damage reduction from 40% to 20% when present under ballistic plates. Let's practice! Lastly, Patch 0.2.1.0 introduces a new and useful feature: the Shooting Range , which allows players to test their presets, practice aiming, and warm up before matches. This is a great addition because while players with both EFT and Arena could previously use the Shooting Range in EFT or the Practice Mode, those who only bought Arena didn’t have any means to test weapons without participating in a match. Moreover, the shooting range is a great mean to improve your aiming and shooting skills , making you more prepared to fight enemies in battle. It may sound trivial, but half an hour of daily target practice can significantly elevate your abilities and reaction time. If you don’t believe me, try it, and you’ll see for yourself. Isn't something missing? Something I was expecting in this patch but was not even mentioned is a fix for the issues some players are experiencing with reputation in EFT after playing Arena. If you don’t know about this, you can read our article "Protect your reputation! Stop playing Arena (for now)". Check the link below. I hope they’ve fixed the problem without mentioning it in the patch notes because I enjoy having some matches of Arena, but I stopped, fearing consequences for my traders' reputation in EFT. Read the full patch notes on the official EFT: Arena website .

The EFT community is on high alert over potential duping exploits that could destroy the game's economy through the Flea Market. Let’s see if there’s any truth to these concerns. Recently, the Escape from Tarkov community has been buzzing with concern, sparked by streamers like Axel and VeryBadSCAV , over the possible existence of an exploit or cheat that allows players to duplicate in-game items. It's false! Initially, this idea was met with skepticism. Many thought it was simply a misunderstanding, with accusations of cheating/exploiting aimed at players buying large amounts of an item at a specific price, only to resell it at a higher price, effectively manipulating the market. However, it now seems there might actually be a method to duplicate items . So, is it true? Without diving too deep into the details (so as not to encourage people to exploit it), the method allegedly involves joining a raid with a friend and then disconnecting from the raid by pressing ESC and choosing to leave. Normally, this action would leave the player's character severely wounded and their inventory empty due to receiving a "Missing In Action" (MIA) status. But apparently, due to a current bug, players performing this action keep all their gear, and nothing is lost. Meanwhile, the friend still in the raid can loot the disconnected player's body, retrieving the same gear, thus completing the duplication . Will the in game economy collapse then? This method is quite laborious and time-consuming, so I doubt it will lead to a full market collapse in EFT, but I’m sure there will be some bored players with too much free time looking to exploit this bug for some illicit gains or extra Roubles. Even though the effects of this exploit appear not to be game-breaking and might not cause a huge amount of damage, we still hope Battlestate Games isn’t too distracted by TwitchCon and manages to fix this bug as soon as possible .

On September 20th, BSG released a new roadmap for the end of 2024, highlighting several exciting features that could potentially have a significant impact on the game. BSG has chosen to update the EFT community on their plans for the remaining months of 2024, leading up to what is expected to be the next wipe at the end of December. As shown in the image they shared, there are several new developments for both Arena and EFT. Let’s go over the key points: EFT: Arena New Locations:  By the end of the year, two new maps are expected, one of which will be the "Fort" map that Nikita recently teased on social media and was tested by participants at TwitchCon. The details of the second map remain unknown. New Game Mode:  High expectations surround the new game mode, although specifics are still under wraps. Some speculate it might be a "Gun Game" mode, where players progress through rounds using specific weapons. Others hope for modes like "Conquest" or "Capture the Flag." Molotov Cocktail:  This new throwable could be fun, ideal for blocking off passages, defending areas, or flushing out enemies hiding in tight spaces by roasting them as they deserve. Battle Pass System:  Although controversial in other games, the real test will be how it’s implemented and what it brings to EFT. Technical Improvements, Gameplay Adjustments, QoL Enhancements, Ranked Calibration System:  These tweaks, along with bug fixes, aim to make the gameplay experience more enjoyable and less frustrating. San Diego TwitchCon 2024 attenders watch a match played in the new EFT:Arena map "Fort" Escape From Tarkov As the full game release approaches, which Nikita confirmed should happen next year at TwitchCon, BSG seems to be moving swiftly to address major issues and meet player demands. Unity 2022 Update:  Announced multiple times in the past, we’re hoping this time it sticks. As others have mentioned, including Nikita at TwitchCon, it’s important to manage expectations about what the update will bring. Many expect improvements in graphical quality, performance (like higher FPS), and netcode once the update hits. Nikita confirmed these improvements will happen, but gradually . The new engine won’t immediately deliver these upgrades; rather, it will provide new tools and settings for developers to make these improvements over the coming months . Personally, like many others, I expect some initial hiccups with the update, but I’m optimistic it will eventually pay off and lead to overall performance gains. It’s no surprise the roadmap includes also two phases of " Game Client Performance Optimization " and " Technical Improvements ." Sound Engine Improvements:  While Patch 0.15 brought major improvements to sound quality—making it more realistic and immersive—some changes have worsened sound directionality . Vertical sound positioning, in particular, has become more challenging, making it harder to tell if an enemy is above, below, or on the same level. Let’s hope these upcoming "improvements" finally bring the sound engine up to the quality and reliability a game like EFT deserves. Other EFT Features: Stash/Hideout Interaction While Matching:  At last, players will be able to use the waiting time productively, instead of staring at a timer or watching YouTube shorts on a second screen. Item Locking in Stash:  This much-requested feature would allow players to use auto-sorting in their inventory without disturbing manually organized items. This is going to be a huge QoL change! It would also be helpful to be able to choose whether to auto-sort the stash from top to bottom or vice versa. Many (myself included) prefer the free space at the top so that after a raid, we can quickly transfer items from PMC or Scav to the stash using CTRL+click, then organize them later. Finally, other additions on the roadmap include seasonal changes (autumn first, then winter), new weapons , "weapon content" (unclear what that entails), new in-game events , expansions of mechanics introduced with Patch 0.15 , and further QoL improvements as requested by players. And that’s all. Let’s hope everything goes smoothly and that BSG manages to meet all the deadlines in this roadmap!

Having trouble hitting your shots? Why do bullets sometimes unexpectedly land above or below your intended target? In this deep dive into EFT ballistics, we’ll explore what happens when you fire a bullet and just how realistic its behavior is. Recently, I came across an interesting post on Reddit by user newSillssa , which confirmed some ballistics principles I already knew while also teaching me a few new things. While I don’t claim to have become an expert, I’ll try to explain what I’ve learned in a simple way. No, We're Not Shooting Laser Guns The first thing to understand is that in a game simulating realistic ballistics like EFT, bullets don’t travel in a straight line like laser beams. Instead, they’re subject to gravity (or at least a simulation of it), and as soon as they leave the barrel, gravity starts pulling them downward, causing them to follow a curved trajectory . The more “powerful” a bullet is (which depends on the explosion of the gunpowder and the force it generates), the more kinetic energy it carries, and more muzzle velocity. This means its trajectory will be flatter and longer, allowing it to reach farther distances. With less "power" and kinetic energy, gravity pulls the bullet down sooner, resulting in a shorter range. Check out this demonstration of a projectile trajectory in a video by the great EFT sniping expert and streamer SgtPrepperTV . The Barrel and Sights Are Not Parallel Parallel lines never meet, so if your gun’s barrel and sights were parallel, you would never hit your target accurately. When you also consider that bullets don’t travel in straight lines, things get even trickier. In reality, the barrel and sights are angled so that the bullet’s trajectory and your line of sight through the sights intersect. The point where they meet is called the "zero". With precision scopes, this zero is adjustable. You can tweak the scope’s angle relative to the barrel so that the point of intersection gets closer or farther away from you. For example, if you need to hit a target at 50 meters, you’d set the zero to 50 meters. If the target is at 100 meters, you’d adjust the zero to 100, and so on. There Are Two Zeros : the Near Zero and the Far Zero If bullets traveled in a straight line, the point where the bullet and your line of sight intersect would be singular. However, since bullets follow an arc, there are actually two intersection points. As seen in the diagram, the bullet exits the barrel, which is slightly angled upward, and begins its arc. Depending on how the sight is set, the bullet will first cross the line of sight at a certain distance, known as the n ear zero (B). If there are no obstacles, the bullet continues its upward trajectory, pushed by the kinetic energy from the gunpowder explosion. However, this energy gradually dissipates due to gravity and air resistance. As the bullet moves, its kinetic energy decreases, and after reaching its peak, it begins to fall, crossing the line of sight again. This second intersection point is called the far zero (C). Adjusting Aim Since it’s impossible to adjust the zero for every possible distance, and typically there are set adjustments for 50, 100, 150, 200 meters, and beyond (depending on the sight), if your target is at a distance in between these settings or beyond the maximum setting, you’ll need to adjust your aim by aiming higher or lower . Additionally, you may need to make quick adjustments if you don't have time to change the zero , such as when an enemy appears suddenly, and you need to take them out before they shoot or escape your view. In these cases, it's of crucial importance to know whether you're using the near zero or the far zero to aim at your target , as this will determine whether the bullet is on the ascending or descending part of its trajectory when it hits. Why? Looking at the diagram again, you’ll notice that in the case of the near zero , the bullet is below the line of sight before it reaches zero and above after passing it. This means if your target is closer than the near zero , you’ll need to aim higher to hit it. If it’s farther away, you’ll need to aim lower. If you’re using the far zero , the situation is reversed. The bullet is above the line of sight before it reaches zero and below after it passes. So, if your target is closer than the far zero , you’ll need to aim lower, and if it's farther, aim higher. This is precisely what happens in the video newSillssa  posted on Reddit. NewSillssa  was confused because their first shot, aimed above the enemy’s head, missed, while the second shot, aimed lower, hit the head. They had their zero set to 50 meters, but the target was 160 meters away. The confusion arose because newSillssa  expected to hit their shot by aiming higher , given the target was farther than their set zero , but they didn't account for the bullet’s arcing trajectory. In fact, by setting the zero to 50 meters, the far zero was beyond 160 meters and thus well past the target . Being already in the downward part of its trajectory, by aiming above the target (the enemy’s head) the bullet flew over it . Aiming lower, at the torso level, the bullet struck the enemy’s head. Their calculation would have been correct if the target was closer and they were using the near zero , so that the projectile was still in its upward part of its trajectory. But since the target was far away, and already in the downward part of its trajectory they should have used the opposite calculation, for the reasons I explained earlier . Know Your Weapon By now, it should be clear how important it is to know your weapon and the trajectory of its bullets. This trajectory is affected by both the weapon and the type of ammunition used. By understanding these factors, you’ll know at which distance the bullet will reach the peak of its arc and begin descending. This allows you to calculate where to aim depending on whether your target is closer or farther than this peak. For example, when using an M4A1 with M855 ammo, we know that the bullet’s trajectory peaks around 50-60 meters, which helps us adjust our aim for targets either closer or farther away. EFT vs Real Life As for realism, any real-life marksman will tell you that EFT’s ballistics simulation is simplified and lacks some real-world factors, such as wind affecting a bullet’s trajectory. However, it’s fair to say that the elements present are faithful to reality. All Clear? To be honest, when I first saw newSillssa ’s video, read the post, and went through the explanations in the comments, I was confused. But after re-reading and studying the diagram I’ve shared here, everything made sense. I hope I’ve explained these concepts clearly, helping you improve your aim and achieve more success in EFT. If not, feel free to ask questions in the comments . I’ll be happy to clarify. You can also check out the original Reddit post or the web page linked in the post , from which I’ve taken some of the ideas and diagrams used here.

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 .

Today, 04/10/2024, BSG released an update that claimed to solve the bug mentioned in this article. However, the problem hasn't been fully resolved. While the snipers no longer shoot at you, the extraction point itself still doesn't work. UPDATE 05/10/2024: it seems that after an initial problem (read the article below) the flare extractions are all been fixed and now work properly. This morning, players were excited to learn that BSG had released a quick fix for the flare extraction bug that had been killing players trying to extract at Mira Ave in Ground Zero and Klimov Street in Streets of Tarkov. However, after logging in to try the fix, they were disappointed to discover that BSG's solution was not as effective as hoped. Upon reaching Mira Ave in Ground Zero and using the green flare in the signal area, players were initially relieved as they were no longer under sniper fire. However, they quickly realized that the familiar extraction countdown failed to appear . Despite growing anxiety that the snipers might still open fire, some players stayed in the extraction area and moved around, but nothing happened. No countdown, and no extraction. The same thing seems to be happening at Klimov Street in Streets of Tarkov. What can I say... let's hope BSG manages to release another quick fix today, and this time, that it works properly! UPDATE 05/10/2024:  it seems that after the initial problem described in this article the flare extractions are all fixed and now work properly.