Escape From Tarkov, the acclaimed extraction shooter from Battlestate Games, has finally launched its much-anticipated story campaign, marking a significant milestone after eight years of being in open beta. Released on November 15, the game is now available on Steam, bringing with it a 1.0 update that introduces a non-linear narrative where players must successfully escape from the fictional Russian city of Tarkov.
The game has maintained its reputation for extreme difficulty, making it a formidable challenge for players. This became evident when the first player in the world, streamer Tigz, managed to clear the campaign, impressively becoming the first to escape from Tarkov. Gamers worldwide have been thrilled by this significant achievement, which has been recognized even by the game’s director. However, there’s a twist: Tigz has only reached one of the four possible endings, and this particular one is considered the second worst.
Escape From Tarkov has played a pivotal role in popularizing the extraction shooter genre. Players assume the role of a private military contractor and venture into the perilous city to scavenge loot, all while racing against the clock to extract safely. Failure to escape results in losing all collected loot, heightening the tension in each session. The steep learning curve has led many veteran players to caution newcomers about the game’s demanding nature.
The campaign culminates in a cleverly designed map known as Terminal, notorious for its singular extraction zone, swarming enemies, and lack of backup. Tigz’s live-streamed escape showcased the intense pressure involved as he navigated the final mission. Viewers on Twitch were ecstatic, offering overwhelming support and congratulations during and after the stream.
Notably, the game’s director, Nikita Buyanov, indicated that only 20% of players may ever witness the best ending, which remains a tantalizing challenge. He has promised that finding this elusive conclusion will come with a special reward, igniting further enthusiasm among the game’s community. The journey to succeed in Escape From Tarkov continues to captivate its dedicated player base, promising even more challenges ahead.
With the ongoing support and recognition from both players and developers, the future looks bright for so many fans eager to conquer Tarkov’s daunting trials.