New Escape from Tarkov Update Introduces Prestige PvP System and Enhanced Bots

Escape from Tarkov’s latest update, Patch 0.16.0, has arrived, offering a fresh incentive for high-level PvP enthusiasts to dive back into the action. The introduction of the Prestige system finally gives seasoned players a new peak to aim for, rather than just basking at the summit. Those tired of the game’s bots will be pleased to hear they’ve had an upgrade in intelligence too.

Even though it’s still in beta, Escape from Tarkov has rapidly become a favorite among FPS aficionados. Dominating the Twitch viewership charts, it’s clear that keeping the game engaging is a priority for developers Battlestate Games—and they’ve delivered just that with this latest update, hoping to keep players invested.

A standout feature of this update is the addition of the Prestige system. Until now, reaching the pinnacle of PvP meant either staying put or starting anew, losing all previous achievements in the process. This system, currently exclusive to PvP, offers an appealing middle ground.

Players reaching level 55 who fulfill certain conditions will be rewarded, and unlike before, these rewards stick with them in future character iterations. Those who qualify can expect to carry over some equipment, gain hideout perks, a unique badge, and more.

While many of these rewards are primarily cosmetic, they provide a badge of honor for players seeking recognition without stagnation at the top echelons. At present, there are two available Prestige levels, but Battlestate has plans to expand this to eight, with the hope of extending Prestige across all game modes eventually.

Keeping hardcore players engaged is undoubtedly a clever move, and the game’s AI opponents haven’t been left behind either. The bots in Escape from Tarkov are now formidable opponents. They’ve been upgraded to use under-barrel grenade launchers, employ suppressing fire, flank players, and perform other advanced tactics. If you’ve previously dismissed their capabilities, you might be in for a surprise.

The full Patch 0.16.0 update is now live, featuring numerous other enhancements which are thoroughly outlined in the patch notes.

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