Battlestate Games has lifted the lid on the next big update to hit Tarkov Arena. It’s scheduled to bring some sizeable changes to the multiplayer title, which was released in December to an eagerly awaiting audience. As a separate game from Escape from Tarkov, Arena has been designed from the ground up with esports in mind. This was a concept showcased in December when the game’s first major tournament was held. Now, BSG is preparing to reset the game globally as substantial changes are made to the game.

For the most part, Escape from Tarkov Arena was a hit – but not on the scale of Escape from Tarkov. It’s an arena-based multiplayer title with traditional elements in that niche, but the hardcore Tarkov audience has been slow to adopt the game. It was far from perfect when it was first released, but as a live service game, it’s going to be updated over time by Battlestate Games.

What’s Coming in Arena 0.1.5.0?

Escape from Tarkov Arena’s next update is 0.1.5.0, and at the heart of that sits a few big changes and additions. Firstly, Battlestate has spoken about a preset tier system and a major rework to how players rank up through said presets. There’s now a flexible unlock mechanic that makes it easier and more accessible for players who want to unlock their presets in a specific order. In general, the preset system has undergone an overhaul that has tightened up how it all works.

There’s a new addition to the Teamfight game mode in the form of Chop Shop, and custom matches have been improved too. That latter point will help out the esports scene to no end, as that’s where the majority of the action takes place in the competitive arena.

As the 0.1.5.0 update includes a wipe, every player in the game will have their accounts reset when the update drops on February 28. That means that all ARP and unlocked presets thus far will be reset to zero, requiring players to get stuck in and work on their grind to level up again. That’s a stock-standard feature of Escape from Tarkov, and it has been so since the extraction shooter was released in beta eight years ago.

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