Game-Changing Updates You Need to Know

Despite the skepticism of many, it seems that Battlestate Games (BSG) has genuinely entered a phase of optimization, bug-fixing, and improvements for Escape from Tarkov, in preparation for the final release (1.0). Also contributing to this positive change is the new Tarkov Community platform, which complements the in-game survey system for collecting player suggestions and feedback.

It has been a long wait. For years, Escape from Tarkov players have been hoping for greater responsiveness from BSG towards the Community. However, perhaps the patience and resilience they have shown, as well as their passion for Nikita Buyanov's creation, are finally about to be rewarded.

Below is a list of changes that have been implemented (Completed) or acknowledged by BSG and are currently in progress (Started), allowing you to keep track of the situation and stay informed.

Paracord can now be placed in the Special Slot - Completed

A long-requested feature that was recently highlighted by the Tarkov Community. Simple but highly impactful. Now, we can place the Paracord—necessary for certain extracts in conjunction with the Red Rebel Ice Pick melee weapon—into the Special Slot, preventing the risk of losing it upon death.

Previously, players who wanted to avoid losing it had to store it inside the Secure Container, taking up two valuable slots that could have been used for other items.

Notice: It was done in previous patches, but it's worth remembering that it's now also possible to store the ZiD SP-81 26x75 signal pistol in the Special Slots, along with all reactive flare cartridges, such as the RSP-30 reactive signal cartridge (Green), as well as the red, blue, and yellow ones. The ROP-30 reactive flare cartridge (White) can also be stored in the Special Slot.

Keys Container - Started

One of the most upvoted suggestions on the Tarkov Community was immediately acknowledged by BSG, which has confirmed that it will be implemented. However, the size and capacity of this container have yet to be decided.

Visit the X post by Sergei Domontovich, a Senior Game Designer at BSG, to thank him and answer his question about how many keys you think it should hold.

Loot Buff - Started

By popular demand from the Tarkov Community, the loot buff is now a reality!

It may have already been in their plans, but this change was implemented immediately, increasing loot across all maps by approximately 20% (based on data miners' reports).

Notably, the tag on Tarkov Community is "Started," which suggests that further changes are on the way.

Bots AI Overhaul - Started

As previously announced in another article on patch notes for Patch 0.16.1.3, numerous changes and attempted improvements have been made to the AIs in Escape from Tarkov.

Not everything has gone as planned, as some issues remain unresolved—such as AI interactions with doors and their ability to pass through them when closed, as well as through walls. However, certain aspects do seem to be functioning properly.

I will soon be writing an article on this topic, as it is quite extensive.

PvE - AI PMCs weapon durability increased - Completed

Following a post on Tarkov Community pointing out that AI PMC weapons in PvE were always too damaged to be usable except in emergencies, YOWA, Lead of Game Design at Battlestate Games, responded:

"PVE-PMC weapon durability 80-100% in start. We did this a couple of days ago. We will write more in the next patch. Thx for the feedback."

Boss and guards loot durability increased - Completed

After a post on Tarkov Community complaining that the weapons and armor of Bosses and their guards were too damaged and did not sufficiently reward players who managed to defeat them, YOWA, Lead of Game Design for Battlestate Games, responded:

"All bosses have 80-100 weapon durability in start. The guards too. There were several guns and armors with lower durability, I raised them to standard. Thanks for the feedback."

Stop the spin looting Scavs - Started

A long-standing and very common bug (present for at least a couple of wipes): some Scavs spin in place while looting. This is not only visually unpleasant but also quite annoying in gameplay.

YOWA, Lead of Game Design for Battlestate Games, responded, "In progress", indicating that they are currently investigating a solution to this issue.

Player Scavs timing in joining raids - Completed

Players frequently complained that Player Scavs could enter raids too early, causing issues for PMCs already on the map. As we know, this problem was recently resolved (read the article about Scav Survey Report and Changes to know more).

My Take

As I have mentioned in other articles, I am very pleased with the shift in BSG's attitude towards the Community and the numerous changes and improvements made to Escape from Tarkov (and also to Arena).

It is evident that, as the game approaches release, BSG aims to resolve as many issues as possible. Beyond the most well-known bugs, they seem more committed than ever to gathering player feedback and making adjustments to satisfy the community where possible.

At the same time, it is also clear that BSG must defend their project from excessive changes that could distort their vision of what Escape from Tarkov is meant to be. This may be a source of frustration for some, but it is a necessary measure to prevent the game from transforming into something it was never meant to be—losing its identity and disappointing those who love its original features.

Let me know what you think about this in the comments.

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