Escape from Tarkov (and Tarkov Arena) is being taken offline today so Battlestate Games can roll out update 0.16.8.0, which introduces the first (and last) hardcore wipe to the game. It’s a long-awaited update that will usher in months of challenging gameplay and more challenges than ever before, but how long will it take to deploy, and when is Escape from Tarkov back online?
Let’s find out.
How Long is Tarkov Offline Today?
Escape from Tarkov will be offline for approximately six hours today while update 0.16.8.0 is deployed. The downtime starts at 08:00 BST / 03:00 EDT and should end at around 14:00 BST / 09:00 EDT.
However, if we know anything about Escape from Tarkov, it’s that wipe day never goes as planned, and it’s almost guaranteed that the Escape from Tarkov downtime will be extended, potentially by a few hours.
If it were me, I wouldn’t expect Tarkov to come back online until around 16:00 BST / 11:00 EDT.
What is in Update 0.16.8.0 in Tarkov?
It’s not yet known what the full contents of Escape from Tarkov’s 0.16.8.0 update look like, as at the time of writing, the patch notes weren’t released.
What we do know is that this update ushers in the hardcore wipe for Escape from Tarkov players worldwide. This PvP-focused overhaul introduces a string of tough rules and regulations that’ll push players harder than ever before.
It’s also most likely the last Escape from Tarkov wipe ever, given that the 1.0 release of the game comes next. Fans have stuck through the game during this ten-year beta, but things are about to change forever.
Are you looking forward to the 0.16.8.0 update being released? Let me know what you’re hoping to see on the Insider Gaming forum.
For more Insider Gaming coverage, check out the insane weapon coming to Tarkov’s hardcore wipe
Grant has been gaming for 30+ years and in the industry for 10+. You'll probably find him playing a post-apocalyptic game or an extraction shooter somewhere.
More from Grant Taylor-Hill
