Escape from Tarkov

Mechanics

The game revolves around story-focused raids, during which players must explore a map within a strict timeframe. We complete optional quests given by NPCs, search for valuable gear or hunt other players. The game doesn't come down to just completing given scenarios. One of the most important features of Escape from Tarkov is combining story quests with PvE and PvP, meaning that even while exploring we can be disturbed by hostile players. Losing equipment hurts, as dying during a raid makes us permanently lose everything we've been carrying. Only by insuring the equipment in advance can we retain it, if another player doesn't steal it.

Particularly noteworthy is an original character growth system, as it features several different kinds of experience depending on the activities undertaken by the player. Long-unused abilities will start getting forgotten. By progressing through the game we can master more than a hundred diverse abilities, divided into four main categories: physical, cognitive, combat and practical. There's also a lot of weapon upgrading, modifying,

and survival mechanics. It turns out open space is just as dangerous as hostile mercenaries. We can fall not only to gunfire, but also to landmines, untreated injuries, exhaustion or dehydration. To survive, we must carry a supply of medicine, medkits, food and water.

The player's hideout can be upgraded as our abilities grow by establishing good relations with NPCs and acquiring necessary resources. Inside the hideout we can craft items to use during the raids or missions, we heal more quickly, earn more money and can try out our weapons.

Game modes

The game is online-focused, emphasizing competition and co-operation in teams for up to five players. The basic game mode are story-driven time-limited raids, in which several players try to fight their way out of the area, battling each other, AI-controlled enemies and player-controlled bandits. There are also offline raids on empty maps or against AI opponents, although during them players don't receive XP or any new equipment.

Technical aspects

Escape from Tarkov features very high-quality visuals and runs on the Unity 2019 engine. The game is rather realistic, featuring detailed ballistics for bullets of different calibers, movement physics managed by the Inertia system and extremely advanced weapon customization.