The game’s launch wasn’t without its challenges. Not only did the servers struggle, but the developers’ mental (and perhaps physical) state was affected as well.

Escape from Tarkov was released on Steam on November 15, marking the end of eight years of beta testing for the excellent extraction shooter. Minor problems arose almost immediately. Players were unable to log in, and the high level of interest resulted in serious server issues, as acknowledged by developer Battlestate Games. This was followed by a flood of negative reviews. On Twitter, Nikita Buyanov, the game’s director and Battlestate’s CEO, described what a week it had been, saying it was a real stress test for their servers, minds, and nerves. However, he added that seeing that players enjoy the game helps them.

Almost one week passed from 1.0 release. And what a week! This week was actual stress testing not only of our servers but also our mind and nerves for sure😅
But seeing you enjoying the game makes us feel better!
As I mentioned, we plan to use this couple of months to prioritize…

— Nikita Buyanov (@nikgeneburn) November 22, 2025

Server problems and bugs can, of course, be fixed. However, there are also issues with the full release of Tarkov that will not go away. One of these is that existing owners will have to repurchase the game on Steam. This will not change, but presumably, the unrest will subside over time. However, it would have been nice if existing owners could continue to play through the Battlestate launcher. Buyanov discussed the game’s future in the lead-up to the new year but did not reveal details about the long-awaited Scav Life DLC, which will focus on the game’s third faction, the Scavs.

I’ve got a special promocode for you guys. Exclusively (not for long) for twitter crowd

SCAVYBOI

Activate it in launcher or on site

— Nikita Buyanov (@nikgeneburn) November 22, 2025

promocode:
ITSADRILL

will give you FiR drill for PvE and PvP.

24 hours to activate this promo pic.twitter.com/raGeXNUpBz

— Nikita Buyanov (@nikgeneburn) November 24, 2025

Over the next few months, the developers will prioritize setting goals and improving the game. Winter is also coming to Tarkov, bringing new story-driven missions and events. Eventually, seasonal characters will arrive with a brand new seasonal system. Tarkov traditionally has weather events, and the landscape is usually covered with snow from late November through spring. This makes everything more beautiful, but the snow also crunches underfoot, making it easier for other players to hear us and shoot us in the head.

Buyanov added that the traditional New Year’s TarkovTV will arrive in December, where all further information will be shared. He also published two time-limited codes that can be used to obtain in-game extras: SCAVYBOI for a free drill and ITSADRILL.

Source: PCGamer