After promising free DLC forever to some players, Escape from Tarkov locks a new PvE mode behind $250 edition

While backlash to recent decisions from extraction shooter has caused some players to jump ship, even popular alternatives have pressing issues of their own. Released in 2017,, developed by Battlestate Games, was one of the original pioneers of the popular PvPvE extraction shooter genre – which continues to grow with big names like Bungie reviving its series in the space – and swiftly gained popularity for its unique gameplay and unforgiving mechanics. Despite several controversial decisions and ongoing problems, however, the game has mostly managed to retain its relative popularity.

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Escape From Tarkov rival Gray Zone Warfare has proved a Steam hit after selling 400,000 copies in two days.

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Escape from Tarkov, arguably the game that popularized the extraction shooter genre, recently got itself embroiled in a huge controversy once again.

Escape From Tarkov developer Battlestate Games has been called "shameless" and "tone deaf" over its response to controversy caused by a $250 expansion, with fans and even its esports associate calling out the studio.

Escape from Tarkov has come under fire over the last week for its $250 Unheard Edition which includes an exclusive PvE mode. Anger has been bubbling on the subreddit, and it's gotten so bad that even Helldivers 2 is in on the drama.

The Escape From Tarkov developers' efforts to escape from a DLC paywall quagmire of their own quagmiring continue with an update and apology from Battlestate chief operational officer Nikita Buyanov, who says he "did not foresee" the adverse reaction to selling a new PvE mode as part of a new special edition, after telling purchasers of a previous edition they'd get "all subsequent DLC" for free.

The studio behind Escape from Tarkov has attempted to partially U-turn on its plans to add a PvE mode exclusively to a new $250 edition of the game, but players continue to express anger.

Escape from Tarkov director Nikita Buyanov apologized to fans displeased by the release of the controversial The Unheard edition, an expensive bundle that included exclusive access to a highly anticipated PvE mode. Developer Battlestate Games' popular extraction shooter was hit with widespread player outrage when it was revealed the long-awaited PvE mode was locked behind a $250 paywall. The studio and Buyanov have since attempted to placate its community, though large groups of fans remain distrustful of Escape from Tarkov's monetization system.

Escape From Tarkov developers have announced that the upcoming PvE mode, previously paywalled behind a premium $250 edition of the shooter, will be available to all players when the game exits its nearly eight-year-long beta period.