New Year Special Revealed in Escape from Tarkov's Latest Wipe

The much-anticipated wipe for Escape from Tarkov was initially set to occur before the New Year, driven by the introduction of a special, easier quest for the coveted Kappa container. However, the developers at Battlestate Games have now locked in the exact update time, scheduling it for December 26 at 7:00 AM GMT / 2:00 AM EST. This update will elevate the game to version 0.16.0.0, with Tarkov Arena also seeing an upgrade to version 0.2.5.0.

As is customary, players should brace for an approximately 8-hour downtime, although past updates have occasionally stretched beyond this timeframe. To keep the community engaged during this period, Battlestate Games is set to unveil a New Year Special on Twitch, starting at 4:00 PM GMT / 11:00 AM EST. While the details of what will be showcased remain under wraps, the promise of extra content is sure to pique the interest of fans.

What’s New in Update 0.16.0.0?

The update to version 0.16.0.0 signals that a full release of Escape from Tarkov is not on the immediate horizon, with expectations leaning towards a 2025 launch. Let's delve into what this update might bring to the table.

Firstly, a significant upgrade is anticipated with the transition to the Unity 2022 engine. This move has been on the developers' roadmap for quite some time and aligns with their 2024 plans. While such transitions don't always proceed as planned, the potential for enhanced performance and new features is exciting.

Another focal point of this update is the expected overhaul of the weapon recoil system. This change is pivotal, as it could dramatically affect gameplay dynamics, potentially making the difference between victory and defeat in firefights.

Players can also look forward to the introduction of new weapons, including the RPG-26. The Customs map is slated for a rework, promising intriguing modifications that could refresh the gameplay experience. Alongside these additions, the update is set to address several bugs and implement quality-of-life improvements. However, the shift to a new engine might introduce new challenges. We'll have to wait and see how it all unfolds.