Escape from Tarkov fans received exciting news from developer Battlestate Games, revealing that the highly anticipated arena mode is now evolving into a standalone game project named Escape from Tarkov Arena.

This spin-off will retain the core shooting mechanics of Escape from Tarkov but will pivot towards intense gladiatorial combat within various arenas scattered across the city of Tarkov, diverging from the traditional high-stakes looting and extraction gameplay.

Escape from Tarkov Arena is not simply a deathmatch game; Battlestate promises a blend of PvP and PvE modes, featuring a progression system with unlocks for weapons and gear. Additionally, players who own Escape from Tarkov will have the option to play as their main profile characters within Arena.

For those who possess the Edge of Darkness pack, which grants access to all future DLC, Escape from Tarkov Arena will be provided at no extra cost. However, for players with other editions, Arena will be available as paid DLC or as a standalone game.

The distinction between Arena and the base game may seem blurred, particularly considering Escape From Tarkov is technically still in pre-order status. Nevertheless, Battlestate is forging ahead with this new venture, promising to maintain the beloved hardcore mechanics of the original game.

While the pricing details for Escape from Tarkov Arena have yet to be revealed, fans can anticipate closed beta testing to commence in the fall, signaling the game’s imminent arrival.