Escape From Tarkov Arena release date, maps, trailers, and more (2024)

What is the Escape From Tarkov Arena release date? If you’re a big fan of Escape From Tarkov, the hardcore looter shooter, then you’ve probably been keeping a close eye on Battlestate Games’ PC standalone project, and the Escape From Tarkov Arena release datehas finally passed.

The competitive FPS, which pulls the best bits of Tarkov in with games like Contract Wars, Insurgency Sandstorm, and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, generated loads of interest online ever since its unexpected reveal in June 2022. Now that the game is here, here’s everything you need to know to get started.

Escape From Tarkov Arena release date

Escape From Tarkov Arena was released on December 17, 2023, via the BattleState Games launcher. However, the game is only available for players on PC, as there sadly isn’t a PS5 or Xbox console confirmed to be in the works. The version of the game currently available to players is the beta version of the game, so expect to encounter some small issues here and there, but it isn’t anything that will hinder your gameplay experience completely.

What is Escape From Tarkov Arena?

Escape From Tarkov Arena is a standalone game, separate from Escape From Tarkov. While it is being made by Battlestate Games, it was made by a team away from the hardcore looter shooter. According to the developer, “Arena players face each other in gladiatorial battles in various arenas created by the organizers of the battles in various parts of the city of Tarkov. Battle glory, respect and, of course, awards are at stake in battles.”

In essence, Arena is a competitive FPS, with players taking part in gladiatorial battles across several game modes – both PvP and PvE. It features the same gear, guns, and characters from the main game, but they are used in different ways.

Escape From Tarkov Arena trailers

The first trailer premiered in June 2022, giving us our first look at the competitive FPS game in action. The gameplay here is played on both the Equator and Air Pit map and shows two teams of five rushing into battle. There are also clear examples of key features like healing, inertia, and shooting over cover. You can watch that trailer here:

The second was released in April 2023 and shows off gameplay on Sawmill and Bay 5. It also gives us our first look at the presets available in-game that are linked to four classes. You can watch that trailer in full below.

The third teaser gives us a peek at the Arena tournament held internally by Battlestate.Here we can see Teamfight gameplay, as well as footage from maps Air Pit, Bay 5, Equator, and Sawmill.

At Gamescom 2023, BattleState Games showed off a playable build of the game for attendees, and gave players a chance to check out a large of chunk of footage. Here’s that epic preview below:

Is Escape From Tarkov Arena free?

No, Escape From Tarkov Arena is not free, unless you own the EoD version of Escape From Tarkov. EoD owners are able to download Arena as a free DLC. Anyone else, regardless of whether they own the main game or not, is available to buy Arena separately.

Escape From Tarkov Arena maps

There areseven primary Escape From Tarkov maps available with the launch version of the game, and they are as follows:

• Air pit
• Bay 5
• Block
• Bowl
• Chop Shop
• Equator
• Sawmill

However, getting to know them like the back of your hand isn’t enough in Arena. You’ll need to become acquainted with useful callouts for your teammates, as these will ensure that you can emerge victorious in the deadliest of battles. Here’s a useful video courtesy of Tarkov YouTuber ‘TickleMePink’ to get you started.

Escape From Tarkov Arena modes

There arefive Escape From Tarkov Arena modes available right now, all of them giving you gritty spins on familiar playlists from the pantheon of FPS gaming.

• Teamfight
• Shootout Tournament
• Overrun
• Last Hero
• Duel

Escape From Tarkov Arena classes

There are four main classes in Escape From Tarkov Arena, each of them providing you with different tactical advantages on the battlefield. Here are the classes you can experiment with:

• Marksman
• Scout
• CQB
• Assault

For those of you that like to lay down pinpoint accurate shots from a far, the Marksman class is likely going to be your favorite class. However, if you’re more of a recon player, aiming to give good callouts and tracking enemy whereabouts, the Scout class is an essential pick. CQB can be a rough class at first, but with fine-tuning, you’ll see just how amazing it is during battle. This class is built for getting up-close and personal with your foes, but the risk of defeat is higher.

The Assault class is your traditional bread and butter FPS game class, so if you’re dipping your toes into the Tarkov universe for the first time, this is a good way to get acquainted from the get-go.

Escape From Tarkov Arena ranked

Yes, Escape From Tarkov Arena includes ranked and unranked game modes. However, like any ranked mode, this requires a lot of mastery and precision, as this will test your mettle to its limits. Make sure you grind out plenty of games in the unranked playlists first, and you might just have a chance of besting your opponents.

And there you have it, that’s all you need to know about the Escape From Tarkov Arena release date. If you’re still unsure about giving it a go, we recommend tuning up your gun skills by memorizing the Escape From Tarkov mapsand wiping out enemies for all that precious loot.