Escape from Tarkov, a tactical extraction shooter developed by Battlestate Games, is set to exit early access and launch version 1.0 on November 15, 2025, coinciding with its debut on Steam.
The core of the backlash stems from Battlestate Games’ FAQ, which explicitly states that players must buy any edition of Escape from Tarkov on Steam to play it through the platform. While the game will remain playable via the original Battlestate launcher, integrating it into a Steam library necessitates this additional purchase. The FAQ further details an account-linking feature: users can connect their existing Battlestate Games account—complete with an active copy—to their Steam profile. In cases where editions differ, the system automatically defaults to the higher edition when launching from Steam. This means veteran players who own premium editions like the $120 Edge of Darkness could still need to spend at least $30 on the Standard Edition for Steam compatibility, effectively subsidizing the upgrade without gaining new content.
Fans have voiced strong dissatisfaction across social media and forums, labeling the policy as disrespectful to long-time supporters. “This is pretty scummy,” one player commented, capturing the sentiment of many who feel Battlestate is prioritizing revenue over loyalty. Another user remarked, “BSG has absolutely zero respect for their fans,” highlighting the frustration over shared servers between Steam and launcher players, all of whom require a Battlestate account regardless of platform. Critics argue that the developer could easily distribute free Steam keys, citing examples like Path of Exile 2, where such accommodations were made for existing owners.
A particularly contentious point is the account-linking mechanism itself. One highly upvoted comment explained, “The fact that you can link an existing account and it automatically upgrades to the higher version is what doesn’t sit right with me. You drop $30 for the Standard Edition just to link and upgrade to your $120 [Edge of Darkness edition]? You’re just buying in to play your account on Steam at that point.” This setup, detractors say, turns the purchase into a mere access fee, offering no tangible benefits beyond Steam integration. Existing players can continue using the Battlestate launcher without issue, but adding the game as a non-Steam shortcut to their library—while possible—does not unlock Steam-specific features such as achievements, cloud saves, or the ability to leave reviews.
The review system has emerged as another flashpoint. Long-time players, many of whom have endured years of development delays and in-game frustrations, express concern that only new Steam purchasers will be eligible to post reviews. “There’s droves of people who have been waiting for years to have a place to put their grievances where it might actually matter to do so,” one commenter noted. “No doubt, the moment that players have the opportunity to leave a Steam review, they’re going to. However, you can’t leave a Steam review on a game you don’t own.” This, they argue, could skew Steam’s feedback toward newcomers experiencing the polished 1.0 version, potentially masking historical issues like cheaters, balance problems, and slow progression. Some defend the policy, suggesting that free keys might invite a flood of negative reviews from disgruntled former players, further polarizing the toxic community.
Battlestate Games has not issued a public response to the mounting criticism as of now, leaving players to speculate on whether adjustments will be made before the launch. This isn’t the first time the developer has faced community uproar; in July, a “Hardcore Wipe” event introduced sweeping changes that amplified the game’s difficulty. Quests and certain maps were removed, progression slowed considerably, and overall challenges intensified, making it tougher for players to rebuild inventories and status post-wipe. The update, intended to refresh the experience, instead alienated segments of the player base who found it overly punitive.
Escape from Tarkov’s journey to 1.0 represents a pivotal moment for the franchise, promising refined mechanics, new content, and broader accessibility through Steam. Yet, the repurchase requirement underscores ongoing tensions between Battlestate Games and its community, raising questions about player retention and trust in the lead-up to the November release. As the date approaches, all eyes will be on whether the developer addresses these concerns to salvage goodwill among its veteran audience.
