Escape from Tarkov: 7 Years and 13,000 Hours of Gameplay Later When I bought Escape from Tarkov in late 2017 / early 2018 (I don’t remember exactly), I started with the smallest edition. After testing it briefly, I was instantly hooked. I upgraded to the next edition, and that was the beginning of a passion that has never left me. Why such enthusiasm? As a shooter and professional firearms instructor, I was immediately drawn to the weapons featured in the game and the ability to customize them. Even though the game was still in early development, there was already a wide selection. What struck me most was that every weapon and component exists in real life and is faithfully reproduced. Accessories such as tactical lights, scopes, lasers, etc. behave just like they would in reality: for example, a flashlight can have two intensity levels, an integrated laser, and so on. Real brands are also used. The ballistics of different ammunition types are also simulated, and when you use tracer rounds, you can clearly see them in-game. One element that immediately appealed to me was the interaction with traders. As their name suggests, they buy and sell equipment, food, and all kinds of items you may find during your raids. They also offer missions of various types across the different maps (for example: retrieve an item, eliminate enemies, mark a vehicle, etc.). Completing these missions allows you to progress through the storyline, earn money, unlock new gear, and gain XP to improve your many skills (physical abilities, weapon handling, etc.). The game’s overall atmosphere and sound design are exceptional as well. The soundscape is so realistic that when you move at night, while everything is quiet, and you hear your footsteps, the wind (which varies in intensity), and the sounds of nature, your concentration reaches its peak. You carefully scan for the slightest anomaly, or you risk getting shot without ever seeing it coming. More recently, BSG also introduced seasonal changes that follow the real-world calendar. Progressing solo is very challenging (though not impossible). I mostly play solo for personal reasons. This can be especially difficult when you’re just starting out, but you can always team up with up to five players. However, this too remains quite realistic: the only way to identify your teammates is by wearing matching equipment or an armband chosen beforehand — and even then, an enemy might be equipped the same way. During raids, you face other players who belong to one of the two playable factions (USEC or BEAR), as well as AI-controlled characters like Scavs, Raiders, Rogues, and various bosses who may be accompanied by bodyguards. Depending on your personality, you can choose your preferred playstyle. You can go in aggressively with an assault rifle, or take a more relaxed approach with a sniper rifle, clearing the area before moving forward cautiously. It’s worth noting that the game has been in development for over ten years. During this time, the developers have continuously expanded the content (new maps, missions, weapons, calibers, ballistic protection, etc.). They have also improved the software itself, resulting in a stable and fluid experience. After years of beta testing, the game recently entered its Gold phase and will be released as version 1.0 on 11/15/25, including on Steam. As you’ve probably guessed, I’m a devoted fan. I’ve been a gamer for more than 20 years and, to this day, Escape from Tarkov is the best FPS ever made in my opinion. It’s very difficult and often frustrating, but the satisfaction of surviving an extraction after crossing an entire map and bringing back a quest item after 40 minutes is unmatched. I’m not a professional reviewer — this is simply a summary of what Escape from Tarkov is. In reality, the game is far more complex, but you’ll have to play it yourself to understand just how deep it goes. For instance, I haven’t even mentioned Tarkov Arena, the standalone spinoff of the base game, which is a competitive FPS. See you in the field! @nikgeneburn @ogdmit @appl3z0r @bstategames @tarkov