Escape from Tarkov has officially deployed on Steam, a long-awaited move that immediately catapulted it into the platform's top 5 best-sellers. However, the initial extraction for many new players is proving difficult before they even set foot in a raid. The game currently sits at a 'Mixed' review status, with significant player feedback pointing to frustrating technical hurdles.
A Rocky Entry into the Norvinsk Region
While the November 15th launch brings the notoriously punishing shooter to a massive new audience, the reception has been divided. Out of over 2,600 English reviews, only 42% are positive. The primary source of frustration isn't the in-game difficulty, but the process of getting there. Players are reporting long login queues and issues with the mandatory third-party launcher required to run the game, even when purchased on Steam.
For a game about navigating a hostile and sealed-off city, these initial barriers feel like an unwelcome meta-layer of the chaos. The launch coincides with the game's major "1.0 update," which promises significant improvements. It seems Battlestate Games is wrestling with the massive influx of new PMCs trying to get into the city all at once.
Is the launch discount worth the wait?
For those willing to brave the initial technical skirmish, Battlestate Games is offering a 15% discount on all editions until November 29. This includes the Standard, Left Behind, and Prepare for Escape editions. The discount provides a cheaper entry point for new mercenaries, but be prepared for potential login waits as the servers stabilize.
The move to Steam is a huge moment for Escape from Tarkov. The core gameplay loop remains as tense and rewarding as ever, but the success of this launch will now depend on how quickly the developers can resolve the launcher and server issues that are currently defining the new player experience.