Escape From Tarkov Closed Beta Announced – Here’s Everything We Know (VIDEO)
Escape from Tarkov is an upcoming MMO that also possesses RPG and FPS qualities. An MMORPGFPS, if you will. Unlike your typical shooter, however, Battlestate Games‘ new IP “is a realistic combat simulator that takes into account such factors as character’s physical status, injury type and the environment. Each choice you make has a heavy consequence.” After having spent some time in alpha, it’s time to move on up to the next level. Battlestate has recently announced that Escape from Tarkov will be kicking off its closed beta in July, and it will be bringing a plethora of new features with it. And when we say plethora, we mean it. Let’s dive in!
The title aims to be incredibly realistic, contain immersive combat, fuse a “powerful story” with gameplay, have “advanced character development and inventory systems”, and feature social aspects that one might say are “evolved”. Here’s more to expand upon what the game has to offer, but before we get to that, let’s check out some sweet alpha gameplay footage to see what Escape from Tarkov is all about:
Hardcore Realism
- HUD
- Immerse yourself in a war-torn city in crisis with no arcade elements or HUD to distract from the tasks at hand.
- Dynamic Environment
- Explore many of the unique and based-on-real-life locations of Tarkov city and its suburbs: citizen blocks, chemical plant area, AA military base, the heart of Tarkov city, private living zone and others in real-time weather conditions and time of day changes.
Immersive and Realistic Combat
- Behold the system module HECS – Hazardous Environment Combat Simulator.
- Character
- The character’s health and physical characteristics affect the game. Hydration, energy, blood pressure, blood loss, fractures, contusion, toxication, exhaustion, tremors and so on will change the gameplay experience. In combat situations, control your character intuitively with smooth speed, stance changes and transitions.
- Weapons
- Experience the weapon as if it was being held in real life. Get used to the logistical operation of the weapon including jamming, overheating, wearout, reloading, aiming, charging and, of course, shooting. Real-life ballistics and projectile hit physics will also play a key part.
- Environments
- Interact with the environment to gain situational tactical advantage. For example switch off the lights to commence a tactical entry with the door interaction system.
Powerful Story Fused with Gameplay
Escape from Tarkov takes place in the fictional Norvinsk region’s Special Economic Zone that was once a bustling gateway between Russia and Europe. However, preferential treatment for large international companies has not only attracted law-abiding businesses, but corporations of dubious intent as well. In Tarkov, one of the largest cities of the region, a transatlantic corporation became the ground zero of a political scandal. Six months later, the political standoff escalated into an armed conflict involving UN peacekeepers, Internal Troops of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and two private military companies. The region’s borders were sealed off, and those trapped in the middle of this intense conflict were cutt-off from the peaceful world outside.”
Advanced Character Development and Inventory Systems
- Story-driven scenario-based walkthrough as one of the multiplayer game modes. Complete raids on large scale locations with your friends or alone.
- Friend and/or Foe
- Cooperate with strangers or get shot by your friend in the back – there are no rules. Choose to trust ex-enemies, establish your own combat group with specialized abilities, or change the priorities to unfold the mysteries and escape from Tarkov alive.
- Enemies – The Scavengers (Scavs)
- Fight the enemy – In addition to battling other soldiers, you’ll confront AI driven civilian savages (i.e. Scavs) desperate for loot who are ruthless in protecting what they have managed to salvage. The more noise you make, the more attention you’ll receive, so always be on your guard or be prepared to be swarmed.
- Become the enemy – Choose to play as a Scav with pre-set random gear, weapon and health condition. No need to worry about death – you will not lose anything from your main character. Get out alive while playing Scav and transfer his loot to your main character’s stash.
- Loot and Inventory
- Gear Management
- Treat your character, gear and weapons properly in order to get the best use out of them. Apply the large variety of medicines to stay alive and focused. Repair your armor, firearms and cold steel. Purify water and sort out your food rations.
- Death
- If you die, you’ll lose everything. Organize your backup inventory kits, use secured containers and insurance to avoid devastation.
- Inventory and Modding
- Manage inventory in a classic slot-based way. Organize and modify your chest rig like a real professional. Discover the most advanced weapon modding system ever to expand your weapon’s tactical abilities. Utilize special equipment like NVGs, radio headsets, ballistic vests and helmets.
- Loads of Loot
- Loot fallen enemies and containers to get a vast variety of items to use and barter.
- Gear Management
Evolved Social Elements
- Trade and Merchants
- Communicate and trade with NPC merchants. Gain their trust to get special goods and quests. Sell your loot in flea markets and auctions or become a trader with your own store, runners and specials.
- Dynamic Economy
- Adapt to the economy, which changes in real time according to other players’ operations and events.
- Explore and Uncover Secrets
- Discover concealed locations such as reserved facilities and stocks, sealed TerraGroup offices and underground warehouses. Find useful information and items which will help uncover what is going on in the city.
With all of that being said, Escape from Tarkov will also be ushering in some new features that those who have enjoyed the alpha haven’t seen yet. When the closed beta drops in July, here’s what will be new:
- Insurance
- For a small amount of in game currency, players can insure weapons and equipment, increasing the chance of retaining it.
- Loot and Economy
- The closed beta will feature a new Merchant, new barter loot, medicines, and additional useful items for players to buy, sell, and trade. Economic balancing means items will be made available in marketplaces for barter and in loot drops based on their popularity and rarity within the economics system.
- Weapons
- New weapon customization parts and ammunition types, along with the addition of the modern-classic MP5 submachine gun will offer players even more customizations, making thousands of weapon combos and upgrades possible.
- Locations
- There will be a total of four locations available to play: Customs, Woods, Factory, and Shoreline, all with different sizes and terrains. The Shoreline location will be newest and biggest map addition to the beta.
- General Chat
- Chat channels will be available to all players online in the game, allowing players to share useful information and group up for raids.
Escape from Tarkov is a PC-exclusive title with no solid launch date as of yet. However, when the game officially releases, there will be several variants one can purchase. In fact, they can be pre-ordered on the game’s website as we speak. To wet your beak a little, here’s the short rundown of the different editions: Standard($45), Left Behind($75), Prepare For Escape($100), and Edge of Darkness Limited($140). Outside of the standard one, each edition guarantees closed beta access while all of them offer varying degrees of likeliness that one will gain alpha access upon pre-order. Those who purchase the Edge of Darkness Limited Edition pretty much get everything. Keep it tuned to Don’t Feed the Gamers to stay in the loop on when the closed beta launches and when Escape from Tarkov goes live.
What say you, gamers? Does this game look to be something entirely new in the sea of shooters that are currently drowning the market? Will Escape from Tarkov break the mold, or will they just fall in line with everyone else? Sound off in the comments section below, and be sure to follow DFTG on Twitter for live gaming and entertainment news 24/7! If it’s more reading that you’re needing, check out the following:
Eric Garrett2269 Posts
Eric is an editor and writer for Don't Feed the Gamers. When he is not staring at a computer screen filled with text, he is usually staring at a computer screen filled with controllable animations. Today's youth call this gaming. He also likes to shoot things. With a camera, of course.
