The highly anticipated Escape from Tarkov wipe, initially rumored to occur before the New Year, has now been officially scheduled by the developers. The wipe will take place on December 26 at 7:00 AM GMT / 2:00 AM EST, coinciding with the release of update 0.16.0.0 for Escape from Tarkov and update 0.2.5.0 for Tarkov Arena. This update, as with previous ones, will require approximately 8 hours of maintenance, though past updates have occasionally extended beyond this timeframe.

To keep the community engaged during the downtime, Battlestate Games has planned a special New Year event on Twitch, set to start at 4:00 PM GMT / 11:00 AM EST. While the specifics of the event remain under wraps, fans can look forward to additional content that promises to enhance their gaming experience.

What’s new in update 0.16.0.0?

The release of version 0.16.0.0 signifies that Escape from Tarkov is still in its developmental phase, with a full release potentially slated for 2025. This update brings several key changes and improvements to the game:

Firstly, the transition to the Unity 2022 engine is highly anticipated. This upgrade has been on the developers' roadmap for some time and is expected to enhance the overall gaming experience, despite potential teething issues that may arise from such a significant change.

Secondly, an overhaul of the weapon recoil system is on the horizon. This modification is pivotal as it directly affects gameplay mechanics and could significantly alter the strategies players employ during combat.

In addition to these core changes, the update is expected to introduce new weaponry, such as the RPG-26, and a rework of the Customs map. These alterations aim to refresh the gameplay environment and provide players with new tactical opportunities.

Furthermore, the update promises to address several bugs and implement quality of life (QoL) improvements. However, it's worth noting that the engine upgrade might introduce new challenges, and the community will be keenly observing how these changes pan out in the long run.