Escape from Tarkov's wipe, originally slated for pre-New Year's, is now officially confirmed for December 26th at 7:00 AM GMT / 2:00 AM EST. This update, driven by a simplified Kappa container quest, will bring the game to version 0.16.0.0 (Tarkov Arena to 0.2.5.0).
Expect approximately 8 hours of downtime, though past updates have sometimes exceeded this timeframe. To compensate, Battlestate Games will host a New Year's Special Twitch stream at 4:00 PM GMT / 11:00 AM EST, featuring currently undisclosed content.
What's New in Update 0.16.0.0?
Version 0.16.0.0 reinforces that the full game release remains on the horizon, likely pushing into 2025. Key anticipated features include:
- Unity 2022 Engine Transition: A long-awaited upgrade, though implementation may introduce unforeseen challenges.
- Weapon Recoil Overhaul: A significant gameplay alteration impacting weapon handling and combat effectiveness.
- New Weaponry: The RPG-26 is a confirmed addition.
- Customs Map Rework: Expect substantial modifications to this popular map.
- Bug Fixes and Quality of Life Improvements: Addressing existing issues and enhancing player experience.
The update promises exciting changes, but the engine upgrade might also introduce new issues. Only time will tell the full impact of this major update.