Report: Major Changes from Patch 0.15.0 Onward in Escape from Tarkov
- Apr 15
- 6 min read
The world of Escape from Tarkov never stands still. With each patch, the game evolves—bringing new mechanics, shifting the meta, and keeping even the most seasoned PMCs on their toes. Whether you’ve been out of the loop for a few months or you’re just curious about how Tarkov looks today, this report pulls together the major changes from patch 0.15.0 up to now.
Escape from Tarkov has undergone significant transformation from patch 0.15.0 (August 20, 2024) to the present. Given the sheer number of updates and adjustments, I thought it would be useful to compile this report summarizing the main changes up to today.
The goal is to provide a comprehensive overview, both to take stock of the current state of the game and to help those who may have stepped away for a while and fallen behind on the latest developments. I've done my best to include everything important, though it's possible that a few minor details might have slipped through the cracks (and if they have, feel free to let me know in the comments).
Gameplay Systems
Karma System: Introduced in patch 0.15.0, this hidden reputation system rewards or punishes players based on their actions. It influences AI interactions (e.g., boss Partisan hunts low-karma players) and includes audio cues when karma changes.
Map-to-Map Travel: A revolutionary mechanic lets players travel between maps within a single raid. Triggered via special zones after a short delay, the system allows limited item transfers to the stash mid-raid, with various transitions available between key maps.
Ground Zero Matchmaking: New and lower-level players (under level 20) are matched in separate beginner-friendly Ground Zero instances, while high-level players access more dangerous versions with stronger AI.
Tripwires: Players can now deploy grenade tripwires as traps. These trigger by movement, gunfire, or explosions and require a multitool for safe disarming. After some time, tripwires disarm automatically if unused.
Weapon Mounting and Bipods: Weapons can now be mounted on surfaces or deployed on bipods to reduce recoil and stamina drain. This introduces a more tactical approach to firefights, especially for long-range engagements.
Continuous Healing: Medical items can now automatically heal all damaged body parts and stop bleeds in sequence with a single command. This streamlines the healing process and reduces micromanagement during combat.
Hidden Extractions: Certain maps now have hidden exfil points that are unlocked with special in-raid items. These are invisible until triggered, and accessible to all nearby players once activated.
Prestige System: High-level players (level 55+) can reset their profile for permanent rewards like hideout cosmetics, daily task slots, and skill bonuses. Prestige levels persist between wipes.
Map and Location Changes
Factory Rework: A complete overhaul of the Factory map modernized its layout and visuals, added new routes and extraction points, and introduced unique quests.
Customs Map Updates: New interiors and points of interest were added, alongside transparency improvements and explosive hazards. A transit link to Shoreline was also introduced.
Seasonal Visuals: Winter effects, snow accumulation, and themed map versions were introduced, adding environmental variety.
Event-Specific Modes: Events like Khorovod and Labyrinth temporarily introduced new objectives and map variants, along with unique visual effects and mechanics.
Economy and Trader Changes
Ammo and Currency Rebalance: High-penetration ammo (pen > 42) is no longer tradable on the Flea Market. All ammo and currency items no longer carry Found-in-Raid (FiR) status, simplifying loot handling.
Class 6 Armor Removal: All Class 6 gear and plates were removed from trader inventories. Mid-tier armors are available via barters.
Flea Market Restrictions: Flea Market listings were locked for two weeks after wipes to slow early-game progression.
Ref Trader and Arena Integration: Ref acts as a high-tier trader using GP coins for exclusive gear and services. Some Arena progression and rewards are tied to this trader.
Hideout Upgrade Requirements: FiR status is now mandatory for hideout construction items (excluding currency), reinforcing the value of looting and crafting.
Skill and Progression Updates
Hitbox Tweaks: The neck hitbox was merged into the thorax, reducing instant-kill headshots from that zone.
Charisma Skill Use: Charisma now reduces fees for Arena transfers and adds minor advantages for prestiging.
Achievements: New achievements were added, often rewarding cosmetics or Hideout themes. Older quests tied to cosmetics were removed and replaced with achievement-based rewards.
Fence Reputation Bonuses: High Fence rep now improves player-Scav gear loadouts, incentivizing friendly behavior.
Weapons and Combat Systems
New Weapons: Many new firearms were introduced, including the UZI family, Desert Eagle pistols, SR-3M, M60 machine guns, TRG M10 sniper, Velociraptor AR, SCAR-H X17, and the Saiga-12K. New melee weapons and throwables were also added.
Recoil Overhaul: A complete visual and functional recoil rework made gunfire more realistic and manageable, especially in automatic fire. Vertical and horizontal kick now better simulate real weapon behavior.
Grenade Mechanics Update: Explosion damage now considers cover and line of sight, making hiding from grenades more effective.
Underbarrel Grenade AI Usage: AI enemies now effectively use grenade launchers. Player weapons retain the same mechanics but now face this added PvE challenge.
Animation and Audio: Improved syncing between first- and third-person animations, enhanced reloads, throw animations, and refined footstep audio.
AI and Enemy Behavior
New Boss – Partisan: A stealth-focused, trap-laying boss who hunts low-karma players. Operates solo and dynamically sets ambushes.
Smarter AI Tactics: AI now flanks, uses suppressive fire, and switches fire modes based on range. They also communicate between units when spotting players.
Visibility and Cover: AI vision is now affected by vegetation and obstacles, making forest raids more realistic.
Spawn Adjustments: Bosses have a unified 30% spawn rate. Cultist appearances were increased. Player-Scavs now spawn later to reduce early chaos.
AI Equipment: Bot weapons now have better durability. High Fence rep increases friendly Scav gear quality.
Bug Fixes: Numerous AI issues, including visibility bugs, spawn logic, and erratic fire mode toggling, were addressed.
Quest System and Story Progression
New Questlines: Major new quest arcs such as the BTR storyline were introduced, offering new locations, events, and achievements.
Event Quests: Time-limited quests tied to seasonal and narrative events were added and then retired post-event.
Quest Simplifications: Several existing quests were simplified or rebalanced, and Gunsmith tasks were corrected.
Media Integration: In-game events now align with external Tarkov media and lore expansions.
Hideout and Crafting
New Zones: Two new zones – Gear Rack and Cultist Circle – were added. The Gear Rack enables preset loadouts; the Cultist Circle allows item sacrifices for loot.
Hideout Customization: Players can decorate the Hideout’s floors, walls, and ceilings with themes unlocked via achievements or prestige. Posters and collectibles can be displayed.
Crafting Expansions: New recipes for ammo, meds, and components were added. FiR status is now required for materials.
Hideout Social Features: Players can now visit friends’ Hideouts to use gyms and shooting ranges.
Technical and Performance Enhancements
Engine Upgrade: The game moved to Unity 2022.3, allowing for improved visuals, stability, and a new audio system.
Audio Overhaul: Realistic occlusion and reverb were introduced. Environmental awareness via sound is significantly improved.
Anti-Cheat Improvements: Backend updates improved cheat detection and player security.
Performance Optimizations: Reduced RAM usage, optimized shadows, and improved FPS stability, especially on Customs and Streets. Additionally, the implementation of Nvidia's latest generation of DLSS brought significant improvements to performance and video quality for Nvidia graphics card owners, offering superior image sharpness and fluidity compared to traditional TAA Anti-aliasing.
User Interface Enhancements: New inventory prioritization, raid filters, hotkey streamlining, dogtag customization, and improved error handling were added.
Final Thoughts
Of course, despite my best efforts, I might have overlooked a detail or two. If there’s something you think deserves a mention, or if you have any thoughts, feedback, or suggestions, don’t hesitate to drop them in the comments. Let’s keep the conversation going!
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There’s always something new to discover in Escape from Tarkov! Stay up to date with the latest News, Tips & Tricks, and In-Depth Guides, by checking out our links or starting from our Homepage. New to the game or just looking for more insights? Don’t miss our EFT: Tutorial section!
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