Escape from Tarkov's wipe, originally slated for before the New Year to coincide with an easier Kappa container quest, now has a confirmed release time: December 26th at 7:00 AM GMT / 2:00 AM EST. Following an approximately 8-hour maintenance period (though past updates have sometimes taken longer), the game will update to version 0.16.0.0 (Tarkov Arena will update to 0.2.5.0).
To keep players engaged during the downtime, Battlestate Games will host a New Year's Special on Twitch at 4:00 PM GMT / 11:00 AM EST. Details remain undisclosed, but players can anticipate additional content.
Update 0.16.0.0: What to Expect
Version 0.16.0.0 underscores that the full game release remains on the horizon, likely pushing into 2025. However, several significant changes are anticipated:
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Unity 2022 Engine Transition: A long-awaited upgrade, finally expected with this update. While this should improve performance and open doors for future development, it also carries the risk of introducing new issues.
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Weapon Recoil Overhaul: A major gameplay adjustment with the potential to significantly alter combat dynamics.
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New Weaponry: The RPG-26 is a likely addition to the arsenal.
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Customs Map Rework: Expect substantial modifications to this popular map.
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Bug Fixes and Quality-of-Life Improvements: Addressing existing problems and streamlining gameplay are also priorities.
The update promises exciting changes, but players should be prepared for potential unforeseen complications associated with the engine upgrade.