The much-anticipated Escape from Tarkov wipe was initially slated for before the New Year, primarily to introduce a special, less challenging quest for the Kappa container. However, the developers at Battlestate Games have now set a precise update time: December 26 at 7:00 AM GMT / 2:00 AM EST. Following the maintenance period, the game will be updated to version 0.16.0.0, and Tarkov Arena will receive an update to version 0.2.5.0.
Typically, the game will be down for approximately 8 hours during the update, though past updates have sometimes taken longer. To keep the community engaged during this downtime, Battlestate Games has planned a New Year Special event on Twitch, scheduled for 4:00 PM GMT / 11:00 AM EST. While the specifics of what will be showcased remain a mystery, fans can look forward to additional content that promises to enhance their gaming experience.
What’s new in update 0.16.0.0?
With the update to version 0.16.0.0, it's clear that Escape from Tarkov won't be reaching its full release until at least 2025. However, this update brings several exciting changes and improvements to the game. One of the most significant updates is the expected transition to the Unity 2022 engine. This move has been long anticipated, aligning with the developers' roadmap for 2024, though not all plans come to fruition immediately.
Another major change expected in this update is an overhaul of the weapon recoil system. This modification is crucial as it could directly affect the gameplay dynamics, determining success or failure in firefights. Players can also look forward to the introduction of new weapons, such as the RPG-26. Additionally, the Customs map is set for a rework, promising interesting changes that could refresh the gameplay experience.
Alongside these updates, several bugs are slated for fixes, and quality-of-life improvements are on the agenda. However, with the engine upgrade, new issues might arise. It will be interesting to see how these changes ultimately impact the game. Stay tuned for more details as they emerge.
