After Eight Years, Escape from Tarkov Is Scheduled for Completion in 2025 and Will Finally Launch on Steam
Following almost ten years of development and an extended beta period, Battlestate Games has officially declared that Escape from Tarkov, the gritty and engaging hardcore extraction shooter, will at last achieve its long-awaited 1.0 release in 2025. Even more thrilling for many enthusiasts: the game will also be available on Steam—though not right at launch.
Escape from Tarkov: Exiting Beta After Eight Years
Since its initial closed alpha in 2016, Escape from Tarkov has fostered a committed community of players attracted to its unforgiving realism, tactical intricacies, and high-pressure gameplay. Despite lingering in beta for several years, the game has received regular updates, new content, and enhancements for quality of life. Now, Battlestate Games has revealed during a recent livestream that the game will officially leave beta and be released as a complete version sometime in 2025.
While a specific launch date remains unconfirmed, the developers hinted that a fall 2025 release is most probable—assuming there are no further delays. Given Battlestate’s history of shifting schedules, fans are cautiously hopeful.
Arriving on Steam—But Not Immediately
Another significant revelation from the livestream is that Escape from Tarkov will finally make its way to Steam. Up to this point, the game has only been accessible through Battlestate’s own launcher, which has limited its visibility to a wider audience.
However, the Steam release will not coincide with the 1.0 launch. Instead, it will arrive sometime after the full release. This staggered rollout might assist the developers in ensuring a smoother transition and addressing any last-minute concerns before opening the doors to a larger player base.
Moreover, Escape from Tarkov: Arena—a standalone spin-off centered on competitive PvP combat—will also be making its way to Steam. Interestingly, Arena is anticipated to hit the platform even before the main game, although an exact release date has not been disclosed.
Path to Version 1.0
Before Escape from Tarkov achieves its 1.0 milestone, several important updates are planned throughout 2024. These updates aim to enhance the gameplay experience and tackle long-standing technical issues. Here’s a glimpse at the upcoming roadmap:
– May: Performance enhancements and technical upgrades
– June: Gameplay adjustments and audio improvements
– July: Overhaul of gunshot audio effects
– August: Major rework of the Interchange map and a large-scale in-game event
These updates are crafted to refine the game’s core systems and prepare it for a broader audience. The developers have also alluded to additional content and features that may be unveiled closer to launch.
PvE Mode and Post-Launch Strategies
One of the more debated aspects of Tarkov’s development has been its PvE mode, initially offered as part of a high-priced edition of the game priced at €250. According to Battlestate, this mode will also be making its way to Steam—but only post-1.0 release. It remains uncertain how the PvE experience will be integrated and whether it will become more widely accessible.
Facing New Rivals
Escape from Tarkov helped pioneer the extraction shooter genre, but it now faces increasing competition. Bungie’s upcoming title, Marathon, is set to be a major player in the market. With Tarkov’s Steam release on the brink, it will be intriguing to see how the game stands against newer, potentially more accessible contenders.
For the time being, Escape from Tarkov remains exclusively available through the Battlestate Games website. However, with a full release and Steam debut on the horizon, the game is poised to capture a whole new audience in 2025.
Conclusion
The conclusion of Escape from Tarkov’s lengthy beta journey is finally in sight. With a detailed roadmap, a confirmed 1.0 release window, and plans to debut on Steam, Battlestate Games is gearing up to introduce Tarkov to the masses. While there are still challenges to overcome and updates to roll out, the future appears bright for one of the most ambitious and distinctive shooters of the last decade.
Stay tuned for more updates as we approach Tarkov’s complete release and its eagerly anticipated arrival on Steam.