The hardcore shooter Escape from Tarkov brings new content with Patch 0.12.9 during the Christmas season. In addition to four new weapons, the map “Woods” has also been overhauled and is now twice as large. For new players, the entry into Escape from Tarkov has never been as interesting as it is now.
What is included in the new update: With Update 0.12.9, the progress of all players will be reset. The wipe comes as a surprise to many players, as the developer studio “Battlestate Games” had previously announced wipes earlier and held “pre-wipe events”. The events featured more gear, allowing players to test high-end equipment without fear of losses.
The new update is special because not only have four new weapons been added to the game, but also footsteps, weapon sounds, and noises have been revised. A new ability, “Immunity”, has been added, and metabolism has also been adjusted in this step. Certain types of ammunition now have a higher chance of causing bleeding. There is a distinction between heavy and light bleeding. Escape from Tarkov feels almost like a new game due to these changes and offers both veterans and newcomers a new challenge.
Overhaul of the Woods map: One of the oldest maps, “Woods”, has been completely overhauled with the update and is now twice as large.
Bonus for new players: New players receive a supply package from suppliers in the first 7 days of play. This makes it a little easier for all players to start in the hardcore shooter.
Why the entry for new players is now so interesting: Due to the wipe, all players start from scratch. Escape from Tarkov is a PvPvE hardcore shooter that relies on high realism. As a newcomer, you may find yourself facing heavily armored and extremely well-equipped veterans. Thanks to their armor and better weapons, these players have a significant advantage in combat. In the first weeks after the wipe, all players have the same chances. The PMC starting equipment has been overhauled and optimized. PMC stands for your main character in Escape from Tarkov. Additionally, there is a bonus in the first 7 days of play, and players receive a supply package with gear and weapons daily.
These are the four new weapons in Escape from Tarkov
The new version also brings four new weapons into the game. We will introduce these to you in detail.
The Vector comes in two variants: The KRISS Vector is now available with 9x19mm ammunition and also with the ammunition type .45 ACP. Both variants can be set to single shot, double shot, and fully automatic. The .45 ACP version has a fire rate of 1100 rounds, while the 9x19mm version has a fire rate of 950 rounds per minute.
UMP45: The UMP45 from Heckler & Koch is a fully automatic submachine gun. Like the Vector, the UMP is loaded with .45 ACP ammunition. You can switch between single shot and full auto. The fire rate is 600 rounds per minute.
Sniper Rifle Lapua: The sniper rifle Mk-18 .338LM is equipped with a .338 Lapua Magnum magazine. This makes the rifle excellent for long distances and extremely precise and deadly. Due to its modular design, the sniper rifle is suitable for any playstyle.
These are other highlights of the update
The patch notes are very extensive and can be read in the official forum. We detail the highlights of the patch.
- Face shields and glasses can reduce the effect of flashbangs. This gives you better chances to survive in combat.
- New equipment: PMC tops and bottoms, body armor, carrying systems, balaclavas, and tops for Scavs
- Numerous changes for weapon mods
- Simplification of Jaeger quests
- Reduced the character’s overweight from 40kg to 35kg.
Perhaps with the new update, a major Twitch streamer will return to Escape from Tarkov who no longer wanted to play it.
2020 was a good year for Escape from Tarkov
Escape from Tarkov was released in early access on July 27, 2017, and is developed by Battlestate Games. Through its own launcher, the hardcore shooter continues to enjoy great popularity in 2020. Player numbers surged significantly in 2020, achieving 1st place in the game charts on Twitch in June 2020.
For new players, the Christmas season and the major content update are ideal for claiming the best loot after the wipe.
