Battlestate Games has confirmed that Escape from Tarkov will officially launch version 1.0 on 15 November 2025, ending over 8 years in Early Access.
To deploy the 1.0 update, servers will go offline for about 24 hours starting 14 November at 11:00 GMT / 6:00 EST.
When the patch goes live:
Full PvP wipe: All PvP profiles will be reset.
Optional PvE wipe: Players in PvE mode can choose to wipe their progress to access the new 1.0 story questline.
2. ⚙️ Softcore Mode Arrives: More Loot, Easier Movement, and Less Punishing Economy
The latest patch introduces a Softcore Mode, which significantly lowers the barrier to entry and reduces grind:
Inertia from heavy gear is reduced, so carrying more loot is easier.
The overweight threshold is increased by ~50%, letting players go heavier before being penalised.
Aim punch (weapon sway when hit) is reduced by 60%.
More high-value containers and loot spots are added to maps, making loot runs more rewarding.
Flea Market access is easier: more items can be listed, and access starts from player level 10.
Skills and XP gain faster on extraction, boosting progression.
3. 🔁 Economy Shake-Up: Hardcore Wipe & Backlash
Battlestate Games introduced a “Hardcore Wipe” earlier in 2025, which dramatically changed the game’s economy and mechanics:
The flea market was disabled initially, and crafting costs for ammo increased.
Hideout module upgrades now demand more resources.
FiR (Found-in-Raid) items are no longer required for some hideout zones — a big shift.
After a wave of community criticism:
All maps have been re-enabled for selection, reversing some of the more restrictive changes.
Boss spawn rates were reduced from 100% to 70%, easing solo farming.
Battlestate says they’ll gradually restore traders, map access, and other features to recapture the “classic Tarkov feel.”
4. 🔔 Steam Version Details: New Platform, But Some Limits
For the first time, Tarkov is coming to Steam with the 1.0 release.
Important note: current non-Steam owners will need to buy the game again to play via Steam.
However: same servers are used, so Steam and non-Steam players can still play together.
New Steam version will support: Steam achievements, friends list, overlay — but no Steam Workshop or family sharing at launch.
5. 📺 Launch Event & Twitch Drops
Battlestate Games will host a special Tarkov TV stream on 15 November at 8 a.m. GMT / 3 a.m. EST, revealing more about the 1.0 release and future direction.
A Twitch Drops campaign will also run, giving viewers in-game rewards when they tune in after the launch.
6. ✅ Why This Matters to the Community
The 1.0 launch marks a huge milestone after years in beta — players will finally experience the full, “completed” Tarkov.
The Softcore mode lowers the entry barrier and could bring new players in, or re-engage those who found Tarkov too punishing.
The Hardcore Wipe backlash shows that Battlestate is responsive — they’re listening and adjusting based on player feedback.
The Steam release expands the player base massively and gives more visibility, but the need to repurchase may be controversial.
