Battlestate Games has released Patch 0.16.1.3 for Escape from Tarkov, introducing significant AI behavior improvements, performance optimizations, and numerous bug fixes. The update brings a complete rework of how AI detects players along with technical improvements aimed at enhancing gameplay performance across all maps.
Spring Has Arrived in Tarkov
The new patch changes the in-game season to Spring, bringing a visual refresh to the war-torn streets of Tarkov. Additionally, players can now change DLSS Model Presets while in raid, allowing for on-the-fly graphics adjustments without having to extract first.
Performance Optimizations
The update tackles several performance-related issues that should result in smoother gameplay:
- Disabled less optimal technology for transparent object rendering to improve client performance across all locations
- Optimized flashlight and lamp illumination rendering technology
- Fixed various issues with transparent geometry rendering and conflicts with visual effects like smoke, water, fire, and fog
Major AI Behavior Overhaul
The most substantial changes in this patch revolve around AI behavior, with numerous adjustments that make Scavs and other AI opponents behave more realistically and less supernaturally aware:
Gradual Detection System
AI now detects and loses sight of targets gradually rather than instantly. Detection speed is influenced by multiple factors:
- Greater distance means longer detection time
- Wider angles between the bot's view and the enemy increase detection time
- Heavier fog and rain extend detection time and reduce maximum detection range
- Indoor positions negate weather visibility impacts
- Detection speed is non-linear, with angle having less impact at close range
- Standing targets are detected fastest, then crouching targets, with prone targets detected slowest
Improved Vegetation Interaction
The patch addresses one of the most frustrating AI behaviors - seeing through vegetation. Bots (except Zryachiy, Birdeye, and the BTR) can no longer see through gaps in trees and bushes at medium and long ranges. However, they can still spot enemies through spaces between separate vegetation patches. Battlestate Games notes this system will be further refined in future updates.
More Realistic AI Combat Behaviors
Several changes make AI combat more believable and less frustrating:
- Common AI of all difficulty levels now switch to single fire at long range
- Information relay distance between bots has been reduced to 50 meters for non-grouped AI
- Common AI can no longer use suppressive fire (still available for Raiders, Rogues, and Bosses with guards)
- AI accuracy loss when being hit increased by 30%
- Common AI will no longer initiate combat at long range, preferring to take cover and wait
- Improved AI positioning system to prevent overcrowding and reduce collision issues
Spawn System Adjustments
The patch introduces changes to how bots spawn, reducing situations where players feel overwhelmed by endless waves:
- Bot spawn points now have a continuously increasing availability timer if used previously
- Individual players will no longer trigger excessive bot spawns, even if they're successful at eliminating enemies
Important Bug Fixes
The update addresses numerous bugs and issues:
- Fixed the Thorax hitbox not receiving damage if a bullet penetrated the arm first
- Fixed bot behavior issues including movement, getting stuck, and passing through closed doors
- Fixed sharp sounds when equipping headsets during strong wind
- Fixed 100% arm fracture chance after failing a QTE in the Gym
- Adjusted volume balance of bullets hitting the player
- Fixed incorrect reverb in some areas on Interchange
- Fixed missing BTR Driver tasks for some players in PvE mode
- Fixed error 228 when dragging items after upgrading game edition
- Fixed missing The Unheard Edition bonuses for some players
- Fixed NFM HJELM helmet not blocking damage to the back of the head
- PvE location transitions now respect the online/offline mode selected before starting the first raid
This substantial update addresses many long-standing concerns from the community regarding AI behavior and performance issues. The more realistic bot detection systems and vegetation interaction should lead to more balanced and enjoyable firefights, while the performance optimizations aim to provide a smoother gameplay experience across all maps.