Escape from Tarkov Fans Aren't Happy About the New Special…

Summary

The Escape from Tarkov community upset over $250 Unheard Edition with controversial pay-to-win upgrades.
Developers face backlash for the new PvE co-op mode being exclusive to Unheard Edition.
Battlestate Games defended the decision, calling the mode a unique feature for the Unheard Edition.

The Escape from Tarkov community is in an uproar over the newly released Unheard Edition that costs $250 and includes upgrades that many are calling pay-to-win. Although Escape from Tarkov has been regarded as one of the best survival FPS games for years now, its popularity among fans has taken some hits in recent months.

Back in February, Escape from Tarkov implemented microtransactions for the first time by allowing players to run offline raids with friends for $10 and later providing players with more stash space with each extra storage line costing about $1.50. Although many were not happy to see microtransactions finally arrive in Escape from Tarkov, these additions weren't incredibly controversial due to them not offering egregious pay-to-win advantages. However, that seems to have just changed.

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By Andy Chapman

Developer Battlestate Games recently revealed its newest update for Escape from Tarkov that makes various in-game changes. Included in the patch notes were details of the Unheard Edition, which is now available. The $250 premium version increases the starting level of character skills after a wipe, enhances stash size and pocket space, provides an AI scav bonus if the user has six or more reputation levels with Fence, and gives exclusive access to a new PvE co-op mode. This mode is one of the main sources of frustration since the previously released Edge of Darkness premium edition claimed to give owners access to all future DLC. However, Edge of Darkness owners have to upgrade to the Unheard Edition to play the new mode.

Escape from Tarkov Releases $250 Unheard Edition With Controversial Features

Escape from Tarkov's lead community manager has responded to these complaints by saying that the new mode is not DLC but is instead classified as a unique feature of the new edition. It could be argued that most definitions of what is and isn't DLC would categorize the mode as such, but Battlestate is standing by its approach.

It's unclear whether Battlestate is considering adjusting some of the Unheard Edition's most controversial aspects, as many EoD owners are calling for the new PvE mode to be made available to them. But despite the recent drama, Escape from Tarkov could very well remain as one of the best FPS survival games thanks to its addictive format and deep gameplay.

Battlestate recently launched Escape from Tarkov: Arena, a standalone PvP game, after its reveal back in 2022. While Tarkov: Arena hasn't become much of a hit yet, Battlestate recently shared a roadmap for the game that includes a new mode, synchronization with regular Escape from Tarkov accounts, and other improvements.

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Escape from Tarkov

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Released: November 15, 2025

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We have pioneered the genre of extraction shooters

Escape from Tarkov is the benchmark. This is where the mechanics of escaping from a conflict zone came into being. It isn't just PvP or PvE — it's a world where every decision impacts your survival.

Every raid is a unique scenario. You go in taking risks and come out with the spoils, or don’t come out at all.

We've rewritten the standards

Gunplay and sounds, realistic character manipulation, ballistics, advanced armor system, bleedings, fractures — this is not just another shooter game. It's a simulation of combat in extreme conditions.

1000+ models of equipment and weapons, brought as close to reality as possible. Comprehensive weapon customization: infinite combinations of sights, gadgets, and accessories to create unique builds. Character appearance customization, clothing for different seasons — all this affects the gameplay and your chances of survival.

Survival is a strategy

Everything has a price: armor, ammo, time. A mistake in a raid means losing everything. Trading, crafting, hideout, barters, skill leveling, completing tasks - these are not side objectives, they are the basis of progress.

The winner is not the one who shoots better, but the one who lives in the world of Tarkov, understands the intricacies and has a strategic advantage.

Each location means a different tactic, different pace, different risk

Factory plants, forests, city districts. No repetitiveness. You never know what awaits you in a new raid.

Night raids, bad weather, betrayals, airdrops, random extraction points, gunfights with Scavs, unique Bosses — every raid could become your last.

But after dying in a raid, you can’t give up. You learn from your mistakes and re-equip your character to try to grasp and escape from Tarkov once and for all.