Escape from Tarkov fans are angry at a new $250 edition with PvE and ‘pay-to-win’ content

25.04.2024 - 18:05 / videogameschronicle.com / Chris Scullion

Fans of tactical multiplayer FPS Escape from Tarkov are angry at a new $250 edition offering exclusive modes and “pay-to-win” upgrades.

The new bundle, named The Unheard Edition, contains access to a PvE co-op mode, and numerous upgrades that will give players an advantage during play.

The Unheard Edition is proving particularly annoying for players who previously purchased the now delisted Edge of Darkness edition of the game – which cost $100 and included a season pass which promised access to all future DLC – who have discovered they won’t get the PvE mode.

As reported by Forbes, the game’s lead community manager Daniel Mavlyuberdinov took to the game’s Discord server to claim that the PvE mode doesn’t count as downloadable content, and that even players who were promised all DLC will have to pay $250 for the new mode to get it.

“It ain’t DLC, it’s [a] unique feature of the new edition added,” Mavlyuberdinov wrote, adding: “DLC means additional downloadable content. PvE is a feature and a game mode.

“Just because you all want it to become a DLC it wouldn’t mean it is one. It’s a featured game mode for the new edition of the game.”

Players are also upset that the new $250 edition gives a larger ‘stash’ (meaning players can store more loot), improved skills and “increased fence standing”, which means they won’t be shot at by AI scavengers if they have a certain reputation level.

It’s therefore claimed that the new version is “pay to win”, as those willing to pay $250 for it will have an apparent advantage over those who don’t.

The game’s official Discord server has blocked chat on almost every channel, in an attempt to prevent users from flooding every channel with complaints.

The same can’t be said for the Escape from Tarkov Reddit page, which is run independently. Mods there have pinned a statement called “The gates are open”,  and told users they was abaondoning their usual rule preventing posts about the same topic in multiple threads.

“We (the mod team) are just as livid about this situation as you are,” the post reads. “Rule 8 will not apply to any discussion around the new Unheard edition. Post as many threads as you want.

“We were initially enforcing Rule 8. However, after an internal vote, looking into the new edition and some discussion, we have all come to the conclusion that it sucks. Complain away, it’s [pay to win] and a betrayal of players trust / support of this game over the years.”