TarkovTV 31.10.24: News + Halloween Event

The recent TarkovTV stream on October 31 gave Escape from Tarkov fans a unique chance to hear directly from Battlestate Games’ head, Nikita Buyanov, and get a glimpse of what’s next for the game. As usual, Nikita broadcasted from his Hideout, joined by Damirka, disguised as a Scav in a balaclava, adding a playful touch of humor to the show.

Arena Patch 0.2.2: A New Map and Game Mode

Nikita started off with updates for Arena, announcing patch 0.2.2, which will feature a new map called Fort. Inspired by a prison set on a hill near the beach, the map has been praised by testers for its balanced layout and engaging gameplay. The patch will also introduce a new mode called Checkpoint, a 5v5 team deathmatch based on capturing control points.

Other additions in Arena include:

• v40 Grenade – smaller and less powerful than the current grenades in Escape from Tarkov.

• M18 Smoke Grenade – with a denser, faster smoke spread.

• A dedicated Achievement System and a new MVP animation to highlight the top players of each match.

  
  

The patch will also improve quest synchronization between Arena and Escape from Tarkov, making it easier to progress across both modes.

Unity 2022 Upgrade, New Year Patch and Prestige System

Due to technical problems, the anticipated Unity 2022 upgrade has been pushed to the end-of-year patch, giving Nikita a chance to reveal more about what’s coming. This patch will introduce a new Prestige System, available for PvP only, allowing players to reset their progress for rewards like prestige levels, dog tags, melee weapons, special containers, main menu backgrounds, new hats, and more. There will be ten prestige levels, each with cosmetic rewards, giving players incentives to reset and aim for higher goals.

Customs Map Overhaul and Updates for Woods

One of the highlights of the patch will be a major overhaul of the Customs map. Nikita confirmed that, just like Factory, Customs will undergo a big redesign with new explorable areas and a stronger focus on immersion.

The Woods map will also receive new content, including quests from the BTR driver and a new depot area. The Woods update will add extra exit points, expanding the tactical options for players.

Other Updates and General Improvements

Nikita teased additional changes aimed at improving the overall experience:

• Hideout Customization – Players will be able to personalize their hideout, although specific details haven’t been shared yet.

• Winter Camouflage – With the winter season approaching, there will be new white camouflage for clothing and backpacks, perfect for blending into the snowy landscapes featured in the winter versions of the maps.

• New Sako TRG M10 sniper rifle and the iconic AA-12 shotgun, adding even more variety to Escape from Tarkov’s arsenal.

• Updated SIG Sauer MPX

• Enhanced Healing System – Players will be able to heal multiple body parts in succession by holding down one key, without needing to press it repeatedly.

• Detailed Post-Raid Stats – This new system will provide detailed info on who hit whom, types of damage dealt, and other useful insights for analyzing combat.

• Traps on Bodies and Containers – Players will be able to set up tripwire-style traps not only on the ground but also inside bodies and containers. This adds a new level of danger for inexperienced or overly eager players who don’t check carefully before looting.

  
  

Future updates will also bring continuous sound optimization and other technical improvements to keep enhancing the gameplay experience.

Introducing Big Boom: The RPG-26 Aglen Arrives

During the stream, Nikita also discussed the addition of the RPG-26 Aglen to Escape from Tarkov. He explained that while they initially considered introducing the RPG-7 with various ammunition types to combat armored vehicles and for anti-personnel use, they decided to implement the single-use RPG-26 instead. This choice aims to provide players with a straightforward and effective weapon against armored targets.

Trick or Threat? Recoil System Changes

One of the standout moments of TarkovTV was when Nikita presented proposed changes to the recoil system. After showing a demo video, the Twitch chat lit up with negative reactions, with many players calling out to leave recoil as it is now. Nikita, pretending to be annoyed and frustrated by the community’s reaction, jokingly responded, “OK, OK, if you don’t like it, we won’t put it in!”

Given Tarkov’s rocky history with its recoil system, Nikita was likely just teasing the fans. EFT has faced strong criticism over weapon recoil in the past, and BSG has since made various improvements to address it. This exchange seems more like a playful jab at the community, with no real intention of implementing the proposed changes.

Halloween Event and the Surprise Ending of TarkovTV

TarkovTV wrapped up with a skit that teased the new Halloween event in Escape from Tarkov. After the joke about the recoil system, The Hideout began filling with smoke, a red alarm started flashing, and several armed PMC actors stormed in, pushing Nikita to wear a gas mask and escorting him out. This scene led into a video announcing the Halloween event, set in the The Labs map.

In the event, The Labs is the backdrop for virus experiments that have turned people into zombies, bringing a creepy, unique experience to Escape from Tarkov. While the exact length of the event hasn’t been confirmed, it’s expected to last beyond Halloween weekend, probably for about a week, with various quests to complete.

If you’re curious to dive into more Halloween details, check out our dedicated article on the event.

For those interested in watching the full 31.10.24 TarkovTV stream you can check it on Escape from Tarkov Twitch channel.