Battlestate Games has released Patch 0.16.6.0 for Escape from Tarkov, introducing significant performance optimizations for the Lighthouse map alongside numerous quality-of-life improvements. The update addresses long-standing player concerns about AI difficulty by reducing bot headshot frequency and enhances the overall gameplay experience with new features and content.
AI Combat Overhaul Reduces Frustrating Headshots
Perhaps the most welcome change in this update is the comprehensive adjustment to AI combat behavior. Players have long complained about unrealistically accurate headshots from bots, and Battlestate has responded by reducing headshot frequency in multiple scenarios. AI opponents will now be less lethal when firing at distances beyond 100 meters, while moving, after sprinting, or during stance changes.
The update also fixes the frustrating "double damage" bug from bots and improves peaceful bot behavior in task-related areas, allowing players more breathing room when completing objectives. Bots will now patrol these areas longer before roaming, making task completion less of a headache.
Quality-of-Life Improvements Streamline Gameplay
Several player-friendly features have been implemented to reduce tedium and improve the overall experience:
- Bulk purchasing of all required items when selecting crafting recipes in the Hideout
- Highlighting of soon-to-expire items on the insurance screen
- Automatic restart of failed tasks after raids
- Modified location transition UI requiring a held hotkey for several seconds
- Dimmed task completion sounds when earning achievements simultaneously
What's New in the Hideout?
The Hideout has received attention with new decorative posters and practical improvements to the Water Collector zone, which now features additional crafting recipes. These additions provide more options for resource management and item acquisition outside of raids.
New High-Level Content for Veterans
Experienced players will find fresh challenges with a new high-level task line focused on skill leveling. This addition comes with special weekly task rewards, giving dedicated players more reasons to keep grinding beyond the standard progression path.
The new task line includes missions across multiple locations:
| Task Name | Location |
|---|---|
| Safe Corridor | Reserve |
| Pest Control | Reserve |
| Long Road | Lighthouse |
| Provocation | Interchange |
| No Swiping | Shoreline |
| Preemptive Strike | Shoreline, Customs, Woods |
| Overpopulation | Lighthouse |
| Rite of Passage | Customs |
Performance and Map Updates
The update brings performance optimizations specifically targeting the Lighthouse map, which has historically been one of the more demanding locations in Escape from Tarkov. Additionally, some previously removed location details have been restored to the Customs map, enhancing environmental storytelling and tactical options.
Multiple geometry issues across Lighthouse, The Lab, and Shoreline have been fixed, improving map consistency and reducing potential exploit spots.
Bug Fixes Addressing Community Pain Points
The patch includes dozens of bug fixes targeting long-standing issues with sound, UI, and gameplay mechanics. Notable fixes include resolving client freezes after raids when using Mip Streaming, fixing player rubberbanding after looting, addressing sound portal issues across different locations, and correcting the accelerated footstep sounds that occurred outside line of sight.
With Patch 0.16.6.0, Battlestate Games continues to refine and improve Escape from Tarkov's hardcore gameplay experience while addressing community feedback regarding AI behavior and quality-of-life features.