Tarkov Arena Is Now Live and Releasing In Waves

UPDATE - Tarkov Arena Beta is now live, although it seems as though players are only gaining access in waves. Players want to keep an eye on the BSG Launcher and e-mail linked to your account for updates and access.

Original Story Follows - Four months after the most recent Escape From Tarkov wipe and we are already grinding our teeth in frustration counting down the days to the next wipe. Now, this isn’t because players share excitement for new guns, armour, or even new ammunition, it’s because Escape from Tarkov Arena mode is nearly here. Over the last year, the developers over at Battlestate Games have been teasing the release of a “Call of Duty” vibe game mode on Escape from Tarkov known as: Arena.

Within Arena, players are put in what seems to be a team-death-match experience, facing off against each other in a 5v5 game mode. Obviously, this is completely abnormal from the current Tarkov experience, and many people have questions regarding the new and upcoming game mode. Thankfully, we've pulled all the info into one place to get you up to speed. Read on for everything you need to know about Escape From Tarkov Arena.

Latest News & Leaks

Just below you'll find the latest news, rumors, and leaks related to the upcoming Escape From Tarkov Arena mode:

11 May 2023 - More Arena Teasers

We wonder if Battlestate Games are gearing up for a release later this year.

Escape from Tarkov ARENA on Twitter#TarkovArena #EscapefromTarkov pic.twitter.com/7Ze9SRbCmp— Escape from Tarkov ARENA (@tarkovarena) May 11, 2023Escape from Tarkov ARENATwitter

Escape from Tarkov Arena Explained

On the 8^th of April, Battlestate Games gave deeper insight into Arena mode within their second teaser trailer (seen above). Within this trailer, we got a better look at some of the all new upcoming features, such as insight into how the Arena mode will function, the separate menu and all the new maps we will get to experience within the new mode.

In short, Escape from Tarkov Arena will be a close-quarters 5v5 game mode where players will select their pre-designed loadouts, load into the map and destroy the enemy as a team. Quite literally the same approach as typical Call of Duty or Counter Strike gameplay.

As visible in the trailer, players will have a series of different maps to choose from, including: Equator, Air Pit, Bay 5, Sawmill, and Bowl; with each match lasting approximately fifteen minutes. Each map offers separate game modes, such as “Shootout” or “Team fight”  game modes. Going off assumptions, this is the choice between team-death-match or free-for-all.

Taking a deeper look at the weapon classes we can identify four main categories: Assault, Close Quarters, Marksman and Scout, containing several operatives with different loadouts within those categories. Each player must pay (x) number of Roubles per loadout, each being worth a different amount. Don’t worry, Arena is a separate project, and you won’t be using your Roubles from the main Escape from Tarkov game, there will be a different economy and system to earn money.

When Will Escape From Tarkov Arena Release

During Gamescom 2023 in Cologne Battlestate Games finally made Escape from Tarkov Arena available for Pre-Order. The team also revealed more details about how the ranked play, and leveling systems will work, as well as more details about the Arena maps.

That being said, there is still no official release date for Escape From Tarkov Arena. Likewise, the existing Escape From Tarkov Roadmap doesn't provide any clues as to when the mode will launch either.

Note - It now looks like Arena could be launching on December 14, 2023. However, this is still unconfirmed.

We do know that Battlestate Games will host a closed beta for Escape From Tarkov Arena before the end of 2023, and we suspect this could happen in December following the next Tarkov Wipe, but for now, we'll have to wait until we get more official info from BSG.

Will Escape From Tarkov Arena Be Free

Before I properly begin to hype the project up, it's worth noting that Arena mode will be paid DLC content for Tarkov. Those who obtain the “Edge of Darkness” edition will have immediate access to the Arena due to obtaining the season pass. Those who have the standard editions (all but Edge of Darkness) will have to pay for access to the Arena.

Lead developer Nikita Buyanov previously mentioned that the price will be lower than the base game, the reason why the arena may be slightly costly is because the Arena has been said to be an independent project. Something to note – the Edge of Darkness edition will be removed from the store before Arena releases and by the sounds of it €109.99 doesn’t seem so bad after all.

Escape From Tarkov Arena Leveling & Rewards Explained

It’s incredibly exciting knowing that Battlestate are bringing a casual game mode to the title, allowing players to relax more and enjoy what the developers have to offer. Yes, Tarkov is great to play with friends, but when the going gets tough everyone needs to knuckle down, whereas Arena will offer an environment to laugh, and enjoy the game for what it is without gear fear.

Players who enjoy a grind, I’m sure you’re not going to miss out. Escape from Tarkov is one of the most intense grinding experiences of most people's gaming careers, the developers love watching us squabble in the dirt like pigs whilst we kill each other for in-game loot and items. Therefore, we don’t doubt this game mode, whether it be access to new weapons, armour or characters, you will most definitely have an objective to strive towards; perhaps even financially within the Tarkov market.

Battlestate games love their quests, and we can most likely expect them to be within the Arena, as visible on the trailer, the character has an option to check on their “career,” leading to the conclusion that there will be something extra for players to strive towards. One thing is for sure, this is going to be a Chad playground, so for those rats, perhaps it’s time to learn the way of the rifle and up your game!

Finally, we have a separate levelling system within Arena mode, the trailer shows off a character who has the rank of “Fighter,” now perhaps this is the variant of character the player has selected or the rank they have obtained. I guess we shall find out and draw a conclusion soon on the real grind.

For more Escape From Tarkov news, be sure to check out our dedicated section or take a look at some of our Guides & Tutorials just below: