Wondering when you can get your hands on the first Escape from Tarkov DLC? Look no further because we're here with everything there is to know about the upcoming release of Escape from Tarkov: Arena, including the expansion's release date and what to expect from its gameplay.
Escape from Tarkov: Arena marks the first DLC content released by Battlestate Games for their hit extraction shooter. By adding more 'casual' game modes to what is one of the most complex shooters on the market, no doubt, Battlestate will be hoping to attract the attention of players from other competitive shooters.
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+ 2Escape from Tarkov: Arena release date
At the time of writing, there is no confirmed release date or window for Escape from Tarkov: Arena. However, the expansion is expected to release sometime in 2024. With Escape from Tarkov technically still in beta itself, it may be that EFT: Arena, too, is launched as a 'beta' rather than a finalised full release.
However, if you can't wait until next year, you'll have a chance to play Arena before the end of the year. A closed beta for the DLC is expected to launch before the end of 2023, according to a blog post from Battlestate Games. To access the closed beta, you must pre-order the expansion or have previously bought Escape from Tarkov: Edge of Darkness edition.
Escape from Tarkov: Arena trailer
In the Escape from Tarkov: Arena teaser trailer, we glimpse the gameplay coming in Battlestate Games' expansion. Regarding the gunplay, Arena seems much faster-paced and less methodical than we're used to when playing Escape from Tarkov.
With maps being smaller and the density of players per unit area increasing, it's no surprise that combat will be quicker and less strategic. However, it'll be interesting to see whether the introduction of this game mode will have any ramifications for how players approach the existing game modes.
You can get a look at what to expect from Escape from Tarkov: Arena's teaser trailer down below!
Everything we know about Escape from Tarkov: Arena
Escape from Tarkov: Arena promises to merge Tarkov's unique gunplay and realism into a classic competitive shooter format, similar to Call of Duty's competitive mode.
The Arena DLC for Escape from Tarkov will add a range of PvP and PvE game modes for players, alongside new weapons and gear unlocks. The new game modes added in Arena will include:
- Shootout - A round-robin tournament where teams compete in solo, duo, or trio modes.
- Teamfight - Two teams of five players fight to capture objectives over seven rounds.
- Overrun - A PvE mission where five players will have to clear waves of enemies and evacuate to a safe zone.
- Last hero - Free-for-all deathmatch, with frequent respawns.
- Duel
It's also been confirmed that previous Escape from Tarkov players will be able to play as their own PMC in the arena.
So far, we've seen four of EFT: Arena's maps: Air Pit, Bay 5, Equator, and Sawmill, each based on locations from Escape from Tarkov's existing maps. We also know the names of the other three maps coming in Arena, known as "Resort", "Bowl", and "Box". However, we're yet to see any footage or pictures of these maps.
click to enlarge + 2You can currently pre-order Escape From Tarkov: Arena for £31.99 from the EFT: Arena website.
That's all the information on the release date and details for Escape From Tarkov: Arena. For more upcoming releases, why not check out everything there is to know about Foxhole Naval Warfare and ARK: Survival Ascended?