“Escape from Tarkov: Arena” Will Serve as a Bridge Game, Says Director

The director of Battlestate Games, Nikita Buyanov, revealed that “Escape from Tarkov: Arena,” the standalone multiplayer FPS set in the “Escape from Tarkov” universe, will serve as a “mediocre in-between” game. In an interview with GamesRadar+ during Gamescom 2023, Buyanov explained that the primary goal of creating “Arena” is to attract as many players as possible and to familiarize them with the world of “Escape from Tarkov”.

Buyanov expressed his enthusiasm for “Escape from Tarkov” and the desire to expand its player base. He stated, “We decided to make something mediocre in-between, some mid-core game that increases attention, and will lead to more players playing, and being familiarized with Escape from Tarkov.”

The director also shared that “Arena” will offer simpler matches compared to its predecessor but will maintain the complex gameplay features and mechanics that make “Escape from Tarkov” unique. This approach aims to make “Arena” more accessible to players who may not be familiar with the original game.

In a preview article by TechRadar Gaming’s editor-in-chief, Jake Tucker, “Arena” is described as “a recruitment poster rather than a unique mode.” Tucker notes that the intention behind “Arena” is to attract arena shooter fans and potentially convert them into loyal “Tarkov” players.

While the release date for “Escape from Tarkov: Arena” has yet to be announced, pre-orders are currently available. Players who pre-order the game will also receive Ryzhy’s gear preset from the Chronicles of Ryzhy series. Furthermore, those who have already purchased the expensive “Escape from Tarkov: Edge of Darkness Limited Edition” will have access to “Arena” at no additional cost, eliminating the need for pre-order.

If you’re in search of new gaming experiences, be sure to check out our curated lists of the best FPS games and best PC games.